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Volunteers



Volunteers
 

Because we are a nonprofit service organization, EXCEL relies completely on its partnership with parents to help with the myriad of tasks that must be done throughout the year. All EXCEL staff members are also unpaid volunteers. Each family that participates in EXCEL classes must serve in some capacity during the year.  Any family who does not fulfill their volunteer responsibilities will not be allowed to return to EXCEL. An EXCEL staff person will coordinate each family’s volunteer responsibilities for the 2011-2012 school year.

 

Parents are needed to assist with lunch, concession stand, set up/clean up classrooms and to serve as hall monitors and study hall/student lounge monitors. Parents are needed who can serve each week, once each month or as needed. Some jobs can be done while a mother teaches her younger students. Please check your schedule for a time you are able to serve, and sign up for that time. We also need substitutes for weeks when illness or appointments interfere with the regular service schedule.

 

Volunteer Guidelines

Because adults set the example for students, volunteers should control conversation with other adults or students in study hall or hallways during class times. The content of our conversations should be guided by our Statement of Faith and appropriate for a Christian atmosphere with no discrimination based on denominational differences.

  1. Volunteers should familiarize themselves with the EXCEL handbook and understand the discipline guidelines as stated on pp. 10-14. They should take note of student violations of dress code or behavior guidelines and then report to the volunteer coordinator or the administrators for help in taking care of the problem.
  2. If a discipline problem needs to be handled immediately, the volunteer should maintain composure and preserve the dignity of the student by removing him or her from the immediate area if possible. A witness should be obtained to validate the discipline needed, and the administrator should be sent for immediately.
  3. Permission from a teacher or monitor and hall passes are needed if students must be in a hallway during classes. Students arriving for classes should wait in the Commons until classes change.
  4. Chain of command: Report first to the volunteer coordinator; volunteer coordinator reports to the administrators. If the coordinator is not available, go to the administrators.
  5. Encourage all students to help keep the building clean during the day.
  6. Consistency is the key to success as a volunteer. Commit to being present for every time for which you have signed up.
  7. Communication is vital to the overall success of the EXCEL volunteer program. If for any reason you cannot fulfill a responsibility, contact the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible. We encourage you to give at least 24-48 hours notice. We do have a list of people who can substitute.

 

Volunteer Job Descriptions

 

Morning Set-Up

At 8:00 a.m., set up classrooms for the day. Arrange chairs and tables according to each teacher's plan.

 

Lunch Monitor

  1. Know and follow the general volunteer guidelines.
  2. Require students to address adults with titles of respect (i.e., Mrs. Jones).
  3. Walk among the students, interact with them, and encourage good behavior. Encourage students to pick up after themselves, putting all trash in wastebaskets.
  4. Give a five-minute warning before students need to start leaving the lunch area. Monitor students as they proceed to classrooms at 12:25 p.m.
  5. After students have gone to class, help with cleaning up the area by clearing tables, putting away tables and chairs, etc.

 

Lunch Server

  1. Help serve lunch entree.
  2. Take money for lunches.
  3. Clean up serving area. Help with cleaning tables and putting up tables and chairs.

 

Study Hall/Student Lounge Monitor

  1. Know and follow the general volunteer guidelines.
  2. Require students to address adults with titles of respect (i.e., Mrs. Jones).
  3. Maintain order and set an example for behavior.
  4. Follow provided routine of the study hall/student lounge.
  5. Help enforce dress code and behavior guidelines.
  6. Take attendance.
  7. Include students in helping with set-up, clean-up and errands. Last study hall/student lounge of the day is responsible to vacuum, clean off tables, carry all trash to dumpster, and set room back according to the plan.
  8. Require students to stay in the designated area. They must have permission from the monitor and a hall pass to leave the area.
  9. In study hall, students are to remain in their seats and study quietly. No talking or group study is allowed without permission.
  10. In student lounge, keep students reasonably quiet and orderly. Students may converse quietly, work on activities together, or play games. Study groups may use this time for study. Community service projects or service activities for the classes may be performed.

 

Social/Compassionate Services

  1. Coordinate food for teacher/staff luncheons and staff and orientation meetings.
  2. Arrange for setup and cleanup after student parties, meetings, or luncheons.
  3. Arrange for Christmas baskets, notes, or activities as needed.
  4. Coordinate any service activities as needed.
  5. Arrange for flowers or meals to be sent to PET families when circumstances warrant.

 

Staff and Teacher Aides

  1. Help with calling and sending notes for teachers or staff as needed.
  2. Be available to help with last-minute communications and computer work of various kinds for tutors or staff.
  3. Gather supplies, props, food, etc., for a teacher, as needed.
  4. Stuff and label envelopes for mailings.
  5. At different times of the year, there will be opportunities for use of artistic and sewing skills and for organization of activities such as garage sales.

 

Hall Monitor

  1. Require students to address adults with titles of respect (i.e., Mrs. Jones).
  2. Know and follow the general guidelines for volunteers.
  3. Check for hall passes of students in hallways.
  4. Help direct traffic in hallways between classes, and escort students to correct areas if necessary.
  5. Help with emergency drills.
  6. Answer questions.
  7. Help enforce rules in a fair and reasonable manner.
  8. Help with taking attendance, if needed.

 

End-of-Day Cleanup

Follow the afternoon checklist. Set rooms back to the plan given by Heritage Baptist Church. Help with any routine maintenance before leaving the building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCEL: Excellence in Home Education 
Meeting at Heritage Baptist Church
14317 N. Council Road 
Oklahoma City, OK  73142
405-317-0600 (Jené Olsson, Excel Administrator)
 
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 720253
Oklahoma City, OK 73172-0253