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Severn River Middle School 241 Peninsula Farm Road Arnold, MD 21012 (410) 544-0922 Volunteer Handbook
Contacts: Principal Patrick J. Bathras Assistant Principal Amy Hussey—Volunteer Liaison Assistant Principal Sid Molofsky Guidance Counselor Chris Shaughnessy Guidance Counselor Lou Norbeck Guidance Counselor Carrie Grantham PTSO Volunteer Liaison Ann Powell PTSO President Jackie Hines Principal’s Secretary Brenda Russell Receptionist Secretary Nancy Happel Guidance Secretary Donna Ailshie Discipline/Attendance Secretary Sharon Gaia Financial Secretary Cynthia Johnston
Table of Contents: Page Content Item 2 The School Volunteer Program Overview 2 Our Philosophy 3 Code of Ethics for Volunteers 3-4 Roles—Principal, Staff Liaison, Volunteer Coordinator, Teacher, Volunteer 4 Computer Data Security 4 Training Requirements for Volunteers 5 Volunteer Sign-In Instructions at School 6 Volunteer Daily Register—At Home Hours 7-8 Sexual Harassment 9-11 Reporting Child Abuse 12 Volunteer Checklist 12 Volunteer Sign off Thank you for all of your hard work and for giving freely of your time. You are greatly appreciated!
The School Volunteer Program The school volunteer program is the organization of individuals who contribute service to the schools to strengthen and/or enrich the education experience offered to our students. A volunteer is a person who, working under staff supervision, contributes service without financial remuneration from the school system. The volunteer can work at the school or outside the school site to support educational activities. As with other school personnel, the volunteer must meet certain qualifications and accept certain responsibilities. This newsletter will help to explain the basic policies and procedures important to volunteers in our schools. Our Philosophy The Board of Education of Anne Arundel County Public Schools is committed to the concept of parent, student, and community volunteers in our schools. School volunteers are a vital asset to the schools. The Board of Education recognizes the advantages of having individuals who are able to give more attention to student needs. The Board also recognizes that parent, student and community volunteer involvement in the schools increase the support of the schools by the community and adds to the total school program. It is imperative that volunteer programs be thoughtfully and carefully planned and implemented if the full potential and benefits of the skills, talents and expertise available are to be used more effectively and efficiently.
For More Information For questions, concerns, and comments about the Volunteer Program in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, please contact the Office of Volunteer Programs at 410-222-5414. Or, you may write to: Office of Volunteer Programs, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401 Code of Ethics for Volunteers As a volunteer, I am a member of an educational team. As a volunteer member of that team… I will show high regard for each child by being courteous, impartial and fair. I will respect those with whom I work. I will not impose my own religious or political views upon students. I understand that I will work under the supervision of one or more staff members. Principal The principal is responsible for the overall guidance and support of the program in the school. The principal will always make the final decision for school-wide rules, policies and program implementation. The principal makes the final decisions about the acceptance and dismissal of volunteers. Staff Liaison for Volunteers The Staff Liaison for Volunteers is a member of the school staff assigned by the principal to handle program details and to provide support for staff members and volunteers. The Staff Liaison coordinates the school-based program. This involves the planning, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation of the program under the guidance of the principal. The Staff Liaison provides the necessary training and/or orientation for volunteers to work in the school. Volunteer Coordinator The Volunteer Coordinator is a volunteer who helps recruit, schedule and provide support for the volunteer program. The Volunteer Coordinator assists the Staff Liaison for Volunteers with the implementation of the school-based program. Teacher The teacher is the educational expert in each classroom. The teacher makes all the decisions regarding the instruction and evaluation of students in the classroom. The teacher plans and provides meaningful, appropriate tasks for volunteers. He or she provides the necessary training needed to work with projects and students in that class. Volunteer The volunteer agrees to serve as an appointed, non-paid staff member acting under the direct supervision of a staff member. The volunteer works as a team member with the faculty and staff. He or she follows all policies, rules and regulations for working in the public schools. The volunteer is willing to share ideas, talents and skills. Computer Data Security Computer information is a significant school system resource that must be kept secure and used only by authorized persons for approved and legitimate purposes. School system data consist of confidential as well as public documents and other information considered critical. Access to information is on a ‘need to know’ basis only. The intent of the data security procedure is to ensure the confidentiality, availability and integrity of data; to reduce the risk of data loss, and to preserve the school system’s rights and remedies in the event of such a loss. Accessing information without proper identification and authorization is inappropriate and will be considered a violation of the policies related to the disclosure of such information. Training Requirements for Volunteers All volunteers must receive training on sexual harassment and child abuse. However, the level of training varies depending on the services rendered by the volunteer. SEVERN RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER SIGN-IN INSTRUCTIONS Thank you very much for volunteering at Severn River Middle School. As the need for your help arises, you will be called on by the staff member or parent volunteer organizing the activity. When you are called to volunteer, please stop in the Main Office to sign in on the computer just inside the door to the right. The Receptionist Secretary can offer assistance. The computer will print a badge, which should be worn at all times while you are in the school building or on the grounds. The computer will also keep track of your volunteer hours. However, you must remember to sign out when you leave the school, or the computer will credit you with only one-half hour of service. You may also use the computer if it is available to sign in when attending meetings during evening hours. Sign In Procedure: 1. To sign in, click on the "Volunteer Sign In/Out" box in the lower right corner of the screen. 2. On the next screen, enter your volunteer number in the block. In almost all cases, your volunteer number is the last 4 digits of your telephone number, as listed on the Volunteer Information form you submitted. (In very few cases, the sign-in number is the first four digits of your seven digit phone number.) In the right corner, click on "Sign In/Out". 3. The next screen will show your name and a list of volunteer categories. Pick one and click on "Sign In". The badge will be printed showing your name and volunteer activity. When you log out, repeat the same procedure, except click on "Sign-out". If you have any questions, you may ask at the front desk. If you provide volunteer services for SRMS outside of school, you may keep track of those hours and activities separately and submit them to the main office each month. Use the Volunteer Daily Register in your Volunteer Orientation Packet. This includes time spent working on the Silent Auction, PTSO, CAC, and other evening and home activities. It also includes time spent driving to and from school for volunteer activities. Our school and the individual volunteers receive recognition from AACPS for our total volunteer hours reported.
Volunteer Daily Register —At Home HoursName _________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________ Child: _____________________ Teacher _________________ Child: _____________________ Teacher _________________ Child: _____________________ Teacher _________________ I have attended an orientation, and I have seen the videotape on sexual harassment and child abuse. Signature ________________________________________________________________________
Sexual Harassment and Child Abuse— Two Serious Issues for Our Times As you enter into the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, be advised that we are committed to maintaining an environment for students, employees, and volunteers that is free from all forms of harassment. As you work within our schools, you will be responsible for recognizing and reporting any incidents of sexual harassment which may come to your attention. In 1993, the Board of Education of Anne Arundel County Public Schools enacted BOE Policy 902.16 — Sexual Harassment—Students and BOE Policy 800.31—Sexual Harassment—Employees in order to maintain an environment free from sexual harassment. In addition, sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, and is illegal as defined by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, and numerous state criminal and civil statues. Sexual harassment is not just a problem for adults. It occurs in our schools and may affect students as early as elementary school. We are all responsible for recognizing and addressing allegations of sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment: It’s Not a Joke! It’s Not Flirting! It’s Illegal. What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature which interferes with a student’s right to learn, study, work, achieve, or participate in school activities in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Students are legally protected against sexual harassment by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a Federal law prohibiting discrimination in schools on the basis of sex. Sexual assault is also covered un the Criminal Code of Maryland. All students have a right to participate in all school and classroom activities in an atmosphere free from sexual harassment. Also, everyone has a responsibility not to engage in sexual behaviors that are unwelcome or offensive to others. It Could Be Sexual Harassment! How Do You Know When Sexual Harassment is Occurring? Ask yourself these questions: Dealing With Sexual Harassment The Equity Assurance and Compliance Branch Maryland State Department of Education 200 West Baltimore Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410-333-2230, TDD/TYY 410-333-6442) The Maryland Commission on Human Relations 20 East Franklin Street Baltimore, MD 21202 (410-333-1700, TDD/TYY 410-333-1737) Office of Civil Rights Region III U.S. Department of Education 3535 Market Street, Room 6300 Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215-596-6795, TDD/TYY 215-596-6794) The information on sexual harassment was taken from a pamphlet published by the Maryland State Department of Education. Filing a Complaint Volunteers who learn of allegations of sexual harassment should immediately report that information to a school staff member or administrator. Investigations of all complaints will be conducted quickly to prevent additional allegations. All investigations are handled in a confidential manner involving only those people who need to know. Child Abuse – You Must Report It! Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem which requires the involvement of everyone in the community for the purposes of prevention, identification, and treatment. In Maryland, the law requires that anyone who SUSPECTS a child has been or is being mistreated must report the matter to the Department of Social Services. Any person who, in good faith, makes a report of abuse or neglect is IMMUNE from any civil liability or criminal penalty. School administrators, pupil personnel workers, and guidance counselors may be able to offer assistance in making the report. You can also obtain consultative assistance from the Office of Investigations and Records Management (410-222-5286).
Defining Child Abuse And Neglect Physical Abuse The physical injury of a child, under the age of 18, by a parent, a person with permanent or temporary care, or custody, supervision, or a household or family member; circumstances indicate that the child’s health or welfare is significantly harmed or is at risk of significant harm. Warning Signs of Physical Abuse Bruises on any infant, on the face, in an unusual pattern, clustered in one area of the body, in various stages of healing, both eyes blackened with no injury to the nose. Burns from immersion in hot liquid, from cigarettes, usually crater shaped burns on palms of hands, from a hot implement such as an electric curling iron, from ropes, indicating confinement. Welts, cuts, abrasions, fractures, and/or internal injuries when combined with some other warning sign or when the injury doesn’t seem likely to have resulted from normal activity. The child is overly obedient, shy, or aggressive, avoids parents; avoids physical contact; is hyperactive; is easily frustrated; is distrustful; suppresses crying. The parent is immature; is dependent; is aggressive; has inappropriate coping skills; is easily frustrated; has low self-esteem; sees child as ‘bad,’ ‘different,’ or ‘evil’; has unrealistic expectations for child’s physical or emotional development. Mental Injuries The observable, identifiable and substantial impairment of a child’s mental or psychological ability to function.
Sexual Abuse Any act or acts involving sexual molestation or exploitation, including incest, rape, carnal knowledge, sodomy, or unnatural or perverted sexual practices on a minor child by a parent, a person with permanent or temporary care or custody or supervision, or a household or family member: Sexual molestation or exploitation may range from sexual advances, kissing, or fondling to sexual crime in any degree, prostitution, or any involvement in child pornography. Child sexual abuse does not have to include physical injury to the child. Warning signs of sexual abuse: The child has difficulty sitting or walking; has repeated symptoms of medical problems with the genitals or digestive system; has a sexually transmitted disease; is pregnant; displays unusual sexual behavior or knowledge; has nightmares; does not get along well with peers; has few social skills; is extremely isolated; runs away repeatedly. The parent is extremely overprotective; is overly interested in child’s social and sexual life; sees child as highly sexualized; is jealous. Neglect The leaving of a child unattended, or any other failure to give proper care and attention to a child by the child’s parents, guardian, or custodian under circumstances that indicate: Warning signs of Neglect The child is overly obedient, shy, or aggressive, avoids parents, avoids physical contact; is hyperactive; is easily frustrated; is distrustful; suppresses crying. The parent is apathetic; shows little concern or awareness of the child’s needs; shows anger when questioned about the child’s care; makes decisions impulsively; is inconsistent in disciplining the child; has overwhelming personal needs. Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem which requires the involvement of all private citizens and professionals in the community for the purposes of prevention, identification, and treatment. In Maryland, the law requires that anyone who SUSPECTS a child has been or is being mistreated must report the matter to the Department of Social Services. This law is supported by the Anne Arundel County Board of Education Policy 904.05. Any person who, in good faith, makes a report of abuse or neglect is IMMUNE from any civil liability or criminal penalty. Any volunteer who has reason to believe that a child has been subjected to physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or mental injury shall immediately report to the local department of social services and the school principal.
How To Report Child Abuse: a. The child’s name, date of birth, school grade b. Family’s (Mother’s) name, address, telephone number c. Names of other people living in the home d. Information about the alleged abuser Department of Social Services Child Protective Services Screening 7500 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD 21061 State’s Attorney’s Office 7 Church Circle, Suite 200 Annapolis, MD 21401 Office of Investigative Services Anne Arundel County Public Schools 2644 Riva Road Annapolis, MD 21401
After the Report is Made The information contained in reports of suspected child abuse and/or neglect must be treated carefully and be kept confidential. Confidentiality laws exist to protect both the reporter as well as the child in question. Once you make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, Protective Services will send you a letter telling you that they received your report. Because of limitations imposed by the law, no additional information regarding your report can be given to you.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs. For questions regarding nondiscrimination, please call 410.222.5000, TDD 410.222.5500.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By signing, I am certifying that I have read and I do understand the information contained in the SRMS Volunteer Handbook. Return this signed slip to Mrs. Happel, Receptionist Secretary.
Print Name ____________________________________________________
Signature _____________________________________________________
Date_____________________________________ Severn River Middle School 241 Peninsula Farm Road Arnold, MD 21012 (410) 544-0922 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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