• Volunteering

      Prior to Volunteering
      To ensure the safety of students, staff members, and fellow volunteers, please provide the office with a completed “Volunteer Code of Conduct” and a current negative TB Test Result before volunteering.
      Please Note: If you are going to chaperone students on an overnight field trip, you will also need to provide the district with a copy of your fingerprint report.

      When You Come on Campus to Volunteer
      • Sign in at the Front Desk, and
      • Wear the appropriate “Volunteer Badge.”
      It is important that students and staff know that you belong on campus. In the event of an emergency, it is extremely important that the administration can account for everyone on campus. Additionally, volunteers who have signed in are covered by our liability insurance policy.

      Workroom Etiquette

      This room has most of the stationery supplies that you may need. It is also the place to accomplish clerical tasks such as photocopying and cutting paper.

      Please be aware that the workroom is also “home” to our wonderful instructional assistants. They may have their own baskets filled with personal supplies. Please be respectful and use the school supplies located in the cabinets. If you are unable to locate a particular item that you need, please ask an instructional assistant. They will help you find what you need. Also, please ask an instructional assistant to demonstrate how to use a piece of equipment before using it for the first time. Above all, be sure to clean up after yourself.

      Children are not allowed in the workroom at any time for safety and privacy reasons. Please be certain to remain quiet in the halls and classrooms in order to not disrupt the learning process.

       FAQs About Volunteering

      1.  What should I do if I am unable to work at my regular time?
      Ask your child’s teacher to provide a list of volunteer names and phone numbers. Call another volunteer and ask to switch days and or times. If you are unable to volunteer at the last minute, please call the school office (794-3700) and leave a message for your child’s teacher.
      2. Can I bring my pre-school child with me when I’m volunteering?
      Since children are not allowed in the workroom, and Solana Vista students need a minimum of distractions in order to work successfully, pre-schoolers may NOT accompany their parents while they are volunteering.
      3. When can I use the copier?
      Please ask a staff member to show you how to use the copier prior to using it for the first time. Then, you may use the copier whenever it is available. Please remember that teachers and instructional assistants have priority during recess and lunch breaks. If the copier jams, please notify the school office.
      4. Where can I work with students or prepare materials?
      Please ask your child’s teacher where he or she would like for you to work.
      5. Where should I park?
      Please use the south school parking lot or park on Townsgate Drive. The public library asks that we do NOT use their lot.

      Some Tried and True Suggestions for Modifying Student Behavior

      1. Ignore a situation you don’t like (up to a point.)
      2. Give attention to children who are doing what is expected.
      3. If it is appropriate for the lesson, circulate amongst the students as they work.
      4. Move closer to the student who is misbehaving.
      5. Make your reprimands as private as possible.
      6. Tell a misbehaving student exactly what you want him or her to do rather than telling him or her what not to do.
      7. Tell the student what you observed rather than asking, “What did you do?”
      8. Give the student two choices (both of which are okay with
      you) and let the student select one. For example, you can say, “You may either move to another table or go back to your classroom. Which do you prefer?”

      Successful Volunteering Tips

      • Work closely with the child’s teacher.
      • Call each child by name at each opportunity.
      • Listen attentively to each child. Then, encourage each child to listen to each other. Working across from each other helps reinforce communication better than working side-by-side.
      • Start a subject from the point where the child is successful. Then, proceed slowly into what should be learned next. Always end a session with a successful experience.
      • Praise each child for even the smallest success.
      • Approach a subject in a very specific way. Keep expectations few, short, and clear. Present alternatives instead of saying, “No.”
      • Remember that every learning activity is also a language experience and people need to use their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Volunteers are role models and should speak in quiet, controlled voices.
      • Teach appropriate behavior by example. Show by example how to handle books and other school equipment. By being polite to students, volunteers help teach positive social behaviors.
      • Leave the technical job of teaching to the teacher.
      • Be flexible and do not be afraid to admit mistakes. No one is perfect or knows everything, and students will be delighted by your honesty!
      • Be patient – remember that teachers are human. Students and teachers will have good days as well as bad and will not be operating at 100% all of the time. No one does.
      • Remember – fun and laughter helps! Volunteers must be themselves at all times. It will take time and patience for both volunteers and students to feel comfortable and friendly together.

      We'd Like to Make a Point About Confidentiality

      Please understand that it is not your responsibility to evaluate a child’s progress or general behavior at school.  If a child’s parent should ask, respond naturally, and explain that you work with the children on a limited basis. Refer the parent back to the teacher for further information. No one should be given information about any student other than his or her own child.
      Thank you!