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Get Involved & Volunteer

Interested in volunteering at BCCS? There are many ways to get involved!

Volunteers deepen our schools’ connections with the community, strengthening our community schools work. BCCS Volunteers also:

  • Contribute to student success. Studies show this!

  • Provide support so teachers and staff can give additional individual attention to students. 

  • Increase the safety of our school community.

photo of kids at field day 2024

 

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TODAY!

The Volunteer Application must be completed annually. After submitting an application, you will be invited to complete a background check and then contacted by a BCCS staff member with further information, including when you can begin volunteering. 

Solicitud de voluntariado y manual del voluntario

 

Solicitud de voluntariado

Haga clic aquí para manual del voluntario.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific volunteer expectations will vary depending on the classroom, field trip, program, or event one is supporting. Each volunteer can expect to learn more as they begin their volunteer work. What follows are general guidelines for all BCCS volunteers.

 

  • Always sign in and out at the main office when you arrive. If the main office is not open, find the Volunteer Check In table. 

  • Wear a visitor/volunteer badge while in the building.

  • Go directly to the designated location and perform the volunteer task you were instructed to help with. Staff will provide volunteer assignment instructions.

  • We require that all volunteers stay within the parameters of the assignment that the teacher or staff has assigned.

  • As a volunteer you may meet many students. However, volunteers cannot contact students without the express permission from parents and/or school principal. Examples of such contact are Facebook, telephone, visit to student’s home, meet students off school grounds. While at school, volunteers must maintain line-of-sight with school staff or supervisor at all times. Volunteers are never allowed to be alone with students. 

  • Volunteers are not permitted to use student restrooms. Please ask your volunteer contact which restrooms are available for volunteers. 

  • When you have questions or concerns, please communicate these to your volunteer contact. BCCS seeks to continuously improve all aspects of what we do, and also want to ensure volunteers have a positive experience. 

  • If you cannot make a volunteer shift you signed up for, please call and let district staff know as soon as possible so other arrangements can be made. 

  • Familiarize yourself with BCCS emergency procedures, described in detail below.

  • Familiarize yourself with our Front and Center agreements and do your best to model them for students and those around you.

  • Use restorative language.

  • Familiarize yourself with the restorative conversations checklist.

  • Learn how to run a restorative circle.

  • Some of your out-of-pocket expenses connected with volunteering, i.e. mileage, auto expenses, parking fees, direct gifts of money, may be deductible when you file your income tax return. Consult with your own tax advisor concerning your personal tax situation.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH STUDENTS 

As you are working with students, here are a few quick tips/ideas to keep in mind to help you make your work with students successful: 

  • Call students by name; be friendly and caring.

  • Be enthusiastic, patient, and kind. 

  • Praise success.

  • Be honest with students. It’s OK to say, “I don’t know.”

  • Be comfortable with silence. Allow the student time to think and form answers.

  • Do not give any student materials without first discussing it with the teacher.

  • Accept students as they are. Be sensitive to differences in background, culture, religion, values, vocabulary, and aspirations.

  • Never make a promise you can’t fulfill.

  • Do not share or give candy, snacks, food or gum to students. Do not eat candy, snacks, or food when working with students unless it is part of programming. 

  • Do not touch students. 

  • You may redirect students you are working with. You may not discipline students. You must call a staff member for any disciplinary concerns.

  • Be dependable and prompt.

  • Keep calm in an emergency.

  • Maintain your sense of humor and smile! 

  • And by all means, enjoy yourself! You have the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life! How wonderful is that?!