Bradley Elementary School

If you are unable to volunteer at your agreed upon time, please call within 24 hours to inform the staff member you are scheduled to work with or the Bradley office at 728-6366.

 

Volunteers should only use the “adults only” bathrooms in the staff room or use the bathroom in the office area.

 

Please put your cell phone on vibrate mode when working on campus.  Cell phone ring tones and conversations are disruptive to the learning environment. Please refrain from using your cell phone while driving students on a field trip except when there is a field trip-related emergency or if you need to contact the teacher.  Please exchange cell phone numbers with the teacher on the day of the field trip just in case there is an emergency. 

 

All volunteers, no matter what job they perform, have an obligation to keep in confidence all information that pertains to the students and staff they assist.  Information regarding students, staff, and other volunteers is not to be discussed with anyone who is not entitled to such information.

 

There are a number of strict guidelines for field trips.  You must have current copies of your insurance and driver’s license on file in the office prior to the field trip.  Exchange cell phone numbers with the teacher for emergency use only.  Please refrain from using your cell phone while driving.  If on the day of the trip, you are unable to fulfill your volunteer responsibilities, notify the teacher ASAP.  Please do not arrange for parent substitutes on your own.  Please do not make any unscheduled stops when chaperoning students on a trip.  This includes extra stops for treats or snacks or unplanned visits to nearby stores or gift shops.  Parents may not bring younger siblings on field trips due to liability issues.  Carefully follow all instructions given to you by your child’s teacher and enjoy the day!

 

All volunteers must be fingerprinted or have a current record of fingerprinting on file with the district office.

 

All volunteers must have a current TB test on file with the district office 

 

We believe that all people, adults, and children, deserve love and respect.  We create a positive atmosphere in our programs by encouraging and supporting our students and one another.  We do not accept verbal abuse of any kind.

 

Serious concerns about student behavior during volunteer time should be referred to the teacher or another staff member immediately.  Please do not reprimand or discipline students, instead please bring any concerns about student behavior to the attention of a nearby staff member.

Anyone entering the building must sign in and out and also wear a volunteer badge at all times.  It is very important to us to know who is on campus at all times.  Volunteer badges help alert us to any strangers who might be on campus.  All visitors on campus should have a designated purpose for their visit, and a designated role or responsibility. 

 

Child abuse shall be defined as any mistreatment or neglect of a child by an adult resulting in serious injury or harm to the child.  Any volunteer who suspects child abuse should notify the child’s teacher.  If the teacher is not available, contact the principal at 728-6366.  It shall be their responsibility to determine whether child abuse is suspected as per the State Code and whether a report will be made.

 

Check with your child’s teacher before bringing a younger sibling to class. We are committed to a quiet learning environment. Sibling participation in class during your volunteer hours will be left to individual teachers’ discretion.  However, your younger sibling must always be within your sight and must be your immediate concern.  Note: Siblings may not accompany parents on field trips.

 

Recall that all discipline is to be conducted by teachers and administration, not volunteers or visitors.  If you feel that a student may need discipline, make a referral to the teacher in charge.  Here are some ideas to assist you in encouraging the best behavior from our students. 

 

           Ask teachers for Praise for PAWS tickets

           Find someone using good behavior and be really interested in what they are doing.

           Praise the child for doing the appropriate thing.

            For example, “I like the way you started working right away.”

 

 

            Sometimes it is enough for a child to hear that you understand and accept and understand their feelings.

 

            Be specific and follow through.

 

            Choice gives the child some control over the situation.

            Offer only choices you intend to honor.

            For example, “Would you like to read to me in the hall or the media center?”

 

            Let the child know exactly what it is that you expect for behavior.

            For example: “I expect you to…”

            Rather than using broad directives such as, "Be good," be more specific. 

            For example, "Please turn around in your chair, and work on your math problems." 

            Tell the child what you want them to do vs. what you want them to stop doing. For example--

            Rather than telling the child to stop screaming, tell the child to please use an inside voice.

 

            Limits are necessary and help kids feel safe if enforced correctly.

            Keep them simple and positive.

 

            Treat all children with respect.  Children do not have to earn this by behaving in a certain way.  This is our right as human beings.

 

            Natural consequences happen without adult intervention.

            “If you don't come to snack now, all the apples will be gone and you won't get any.”

            Logical consequences do require adult intervention.

            “If you waste your reading time, it will run into your recess time, and you'll have less time to play.”

 

A great way to defuse a tense situation, so that it can be dealt with more effectively, is to use humor. Never underestimate the power of a little bit of levity.  Sarcasm is, however, not an appropriate form of humor with students. Sarcasm is usually misunderstood by children and frequently leads to bigger problems for everyone. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Parking:          Spaces in front of the playground

                        If you plan to be on campus for a long period of time, the back lot is usually the best.

                        Please avoid parking by the front portables as this is for buses and staff only.

  

 

Who to contact if you cannot make a planned volunteer session: Email the teacher you are scheduled to work with or call Bradley's office at 728-6366.