Grant Street School

Volunteer Handbook

Welcome to Grant Street Elementary School.  We work with families and students from newborn children through high school.  We have a Birth-to-Three-Year-Old program for children with developmental delays, and four classes of preschool.  Our core program consists of kindergarten through third grade, We also are the home of the Individualized Choice Education (ICE), an alternative school program serving about 60 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Our Mission Statement: 

The Grant Street Elementary School team provides respectful learning activities for our students. Instruction is based on an appreciation of student differences.  Children who feel safe and supported learn new things and accept the challenges of a high opportunity classroom. We focus on providing this environment.

Confidentiality Agreement:  Volunteers must consider their observation and participation experiences to be confidential and privileged information.  Such information has no place in casual conversations in or out of Grant Street School with other people.  Volunteers must not talk about any child when any other children are present.  This confidentiality agreement is a mandatory and permanent condition of your efforts as a volunteer here.

What do volunteers do here?

         • Read one-on-one or in small groups with students

         • Work with teachers to support students in small groups in writing, spelling, math, science, social studies, art, music, or PE

         • Be on the playground or starting games at recess.

         • Work in the office, health room, or staff work room

         • Make copies, preparing materials,

         • Connect work/business/life skills to students in classrooms

         • Be a PTA volunteer for special events, swimming, etc.

         • Help in the preschool (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.) or in Birth-to-Three

(Mon. or Thurs. AM)

Checking In

Any time that you come to volunteer we ask that you do two things: 

         1.  Sign in on the log in the main office and pick up a volunteer pin.

         2.  Wear your volunteer pin at all times while on campus and return it to

the office on your way out.

Suggestions for Working Effectively with Children

1.  Be friendly.  Learn the names of the children and show that you are interested in what they are doing and telling you.

2.  Encourage children to find their own answers.  It may take time to think, so do not hurry them unless they are clearly becoming distracted.  Ask questions back: "What letter do you think it starts with?"

3.  Be consistent with the teacher's rules for the classroom.  Be positive, be tactful, be kind.  Encouragement is something we all need!

4.  Do not judge any child.  Accept each as an individual with his/her own set of strengths.  They are here to learn.

5.  If a child is having difficulty, encourage talking it over.  Having an adult listener is such a special privilege for a child that your attention and your supportive listening may solve the problem.

6.  Respect a child's privacy.  This reflects the intent of confidentiality, and supports the need for some children to have private thoughts and aspirations.  Do not pry.

7.  Keep your promises.  If you schedule yourself to be here, show up! Kids will be counting on you.

8.  Have fun!  Keep your sense of humor - everyone's day will go better!

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Grant Street School has comprehensive plans for emergencies, including fires, earthquakes, emergency evacuations, and lockdowns.  Familiarize yourself with the escape routes posted on red construction paper in each room of the school.  In the event of an emergency or a drill, look to the classroom teacher for direction.  If you want more information about specific procedures, see school counselor Jeanie Glaspell or principal Steven Finch in the school office.