Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in serving as an Ames Community School District volunteer! Our schools depend on volunteers and value their contributions. Your willingness to serve the students and staff of the District is greatly appreciated. This page outlines the guidelines and expectations that volunteers must follow to create safe and successful experiences for students, staff and volunteers. All volunteering relationships established through Ames CSD must take place only with students under the direction of a school system employee and on the school campus during school hours or at other authorized school activities (e.g. field trips, class parties, prom, etc).

Expectations and Guidelines

Volunteers who are committed to helping students be successful are important members of the school team. Students benefit from individuals who can share experiences and bring other perspectives into the classroom. They need adults who can guide them through the learning process.

Goals

  • Enrich students’ learning opportunities
  • Provide help for individual and/or small groups of students
  • Provide opportunities for meaningful service
  • Relieve teachers of some non-instructional tasks
  • Establish a school and community partnership for quality education
  • Enhance all aspects of the educational process

When volunteering with the District in any capacity, you will be tasked with the role most needed by the teacher and/or staff.

Expectations

  • Obtain district approval to volunteer and fulfill any needed training requirements prior to beginning service
  • Sign in and out at the office and always wear an ID badge while on school grounds
  • Wear professional attire
  • Show respect for all staff and students
  • Share concerns regarding students with school staff only
  • Communicate with the school in advance if you cannot honor your scheduled volunteer time
  • Refrain from bringing non-school age children with you during your volunteer hours
  • Silence your cell phone while you are volunteering and refrain from making personal calls or texting while on the school campus
  • Follow all requirements of Ames Community School Board Policy relating to volunteers, including Ames CSD Board Policy 903.2 School Volunteers and 903.3 Visitors to Schools

Ground Rules for Ames CSD Buildings

  • No smoking or tobacco allowed, including on athletic fields and in district vehicles
  • No weapons allowed in violation of the law
  • No drugs or alcohol allowed
  • Use of school equipment for personal purposes is not allowed

Student Confidentiality

Volunteers are expected and required to keep all student information obtained while working as a volunteer for the District confidential. In fact, federal law strictly prohibits school districts and district volunteers from releasing any student information without parent/guardian permission. Student information includes all academic, medical, and personal information. ​During their volunteer activities, ​volunteers cannot take photos of students, other than their own children, and post them publicly without authorization from the school.

Disclosure of student information by a volunteer is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and may subject the volunteer and the district to civil liability. Therefore, volunteers must adhere to the following expectations:

  • Do not discuss students or their progress with others – even their parents. If parents ask about their student’s progress, suggest in a friendly way that they contact the teacher.
  • Do not make references to individual student abilities in front of other students.
  • The only person who should be told about a student’s work is their teacher.

Student Behavior Issues

If you notice a student acting inappropriately or have specific concerns related to a student, it is your responsibility to call such matters to the attention of the teacher or other supervising school personnel. Never take corrective measures into your own hands. Do not confront students (e.g. talk with a student about how they are treating your own child, etc.) or attempt to reprimand. Always ask a staff member for help.

Respect for Diversity

As a volunteer, it is essential that you demonstrate a respect for and appreciation of the diverse cultures, abilities, and backgrounds of our students. We ask that you avoid judgments and promote pride and understanding. Children will learn from your actions and words how to treat others. Please join us in our pursuit of achieving considerate and respectful global citizens.