Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at SeDoMoCha. Our school’s success is dependent on the cooperative efforts of staff, families, and community members who all work together to provide a learning place for students that is safe, organized, accountable and respectful.
Our schools and our students’ teachers are busier than ever. It has become increasingly obvious that we need more adults in our classrooms working with children. Research states that children do their best work when their families are involved in the schools. Our mission for our schools is to create a community of learners that include volunteers. A high degree of volunteerism is a key ingredient to maintaining this community and creating a partnership that enhances student learning. We encourage volunteers to help support the schooling of our students.
Frequently asked Questions about Volunteers at SeDoMoCha
What are possible activities I can volunteer to do within the schools?
Read books, assist within a classroom, listen to a student read, play games, chaperone a field trip, share an interest, hobby, or job,
Do I have to volunteer regularly?
We realize that families have time constraints too. Many opportunities exist for you to volunteer one time, monthly or a few times during the school year.
How do I become a volunteer?
All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Application. In the interest of protecting the safety of students and staff, a background check is conducted on all volunteers who will be working directly with or will have access to students, including those chaperoning students on field trips or school-sponsored excursions. Information collected during this screening process will be treated as confidential to the extent allowed by law.
What can I expect as a volunteer?
Introduction to class rules and routines, to students and to staff that work in the classroom
Guidance and clear instruction on assignments
Discipline problems handled by staff
Meaningful tasks which promote student learning and put to use your talents and abilities
What do I need to do on the day that I am volunteering?
Sign in at the office
Get a volunteer badge from a school secretary
Go to your designated area
Sign out and return your badge when your activity is complete
How can I help students to become independent learners?
Let students do as much of the work as they can do on their own. Provide encouraging words, but do not step in too soon.
What if I can’t make it?
Teachers plan special activities for volunteers and count on them in their daily plans. Please make every effort to be reliable. If there is an emergency, email or call the teacher or office.
When should I talk to the teacher?
Teachers can give you their attention the most when children are not around. You may want to ask the teacher the best time to talk because each teacher’s schedule is a little different. You may contact them by phone or email to schedule a time to meet. If you walk into a classroom in the middle of a lesson, please remember that the teacher will not have time to talk with you. Please do not use the scheduled volunteer time to talk about a particular problem you are having with your child. Email may be a great way to learn about the expectations the teacher has for volunteers.
What if a student becomes ill or injured?
You should notify the teacher or staff member as soon as possible.
What if someone asks you how a student is doing?
As people in the community become aware of your volunteering, they may ask you a question about a student. If someone inquires about a student’s progress or behavior, you should say, “I am not able to comment on a student’s progress or behavior.”
What if I want to visit my child’s classroom, but not volunteer?
You should contact your child’s teacher to set up a time to visit. The teacher and you can then find a convenient time for you to visit. When visiting, you will need to sign in at the office before going into a classroom.
What if I’m not enjoying my time volunteering in the classroom?
In order for our program to be successful, everyone involved must feel his or her time is being used effectively. If, for some reason, you are not enjoying your experience, please contact the assistant principal or principal as soon as possible so that the issue may be resolved.