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Revised 2011

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Volunteer Tutor Handbook

EAST SIDE LEARNING CENTER

An educational partnership with the School Sisters of Notre Dame

Unlocking each childs potentialthrough the foundation of reading since 2001

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Contact Information

East Side Learning Center

740 York Avenue

St. Paul, MN 55106

Phone: (651) 793-7331

Fax: (651) 793-7310

Coordinator of Volunteers: Rachel Boarden

Email: rachel.boarden@spps.org

Program Director: Sister Sharon White, OSF

Email: sharon.white@spps.org

Executive Director: Sister Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND

Email: audrey.lindenfelser@spps.org

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Table of Contents

Welcome .............................................................................................................................................

Mission Statement/Vision/Core Values ...............................................................................................

Tutor Responsibilities ..........................................................................................................................

Tutor Policies ......................................................................................................................................

Tutor Procedures ................................................................................................................................

Cultural Awareness Tips .....................................................................................................................

Effective Ways to Work with Students ................................................................................................

Tips for a Successful Last Day ............................................................................................................

Contact Information .............................................................................................................................

School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND)

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The School Sisters of Notre Dame are members of a worldwide congregation of about 3,700 womheadquartered in Rome, Italy. They are educators in all they do. For the School Sisters of NoDame, teaching extends beyond the classroom and into the lives of the people servedespeciawomen, children, and persons who are poor. The Sisters work to empower others through educatiand they educate with the conviction that the world can be changed through the transformation persons. The Mankato, MN campus (established in 1865) belongs to the Central Pacific ProvincThe School Sisters of Notre Dame have a history of adapting to changing times to better respond those in need.

This symbol, which many Sisters wear as a pin or pendant, was designed exclusively for the School Sisters o

Notre Dame and allows them to identify themselves to each other and to those with whom they work and com

into contact.

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Community of Peace Academy

471 Magnolia Avenue ESt. Paul, MN 55130

Coordinator: S. Sharon White, OSF(651) 776-5151

Hope Community Academy

720 Payne AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55130

Site Coordinator: S. Donna Walerius, SSNDdonna.walerius@spps.org

Site Assistant: S. Thomasin Sergot, SSND

(651) 796-4520

St. Matthew School

497 Humboldt AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55107

Coordinator: S. Audrey Lindenfelser, SSND(651) 224-6912

St. Paul Music Academy

27 E. Geranium AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55117

Site Coordinator: Jodi Fiegejodi.fiege@spps.org

Site Assistant: Mary Fritz

(651) 744-2193

John A. Johnson Achievement Plus

740 York AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55106

Site Coordinator: Jane Carrolljane.carroll@spps.org

Site Assistant: Sharon Johnson

(651) 793-7331

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WelcomeWelcome to the East Side Learning Center, an educational partnership with the School Sisters of

Notre Dame. As an ESLC volunteer, you will tutor K-4 children one-on-one in reading. You may hav

chosen to participate in our program for a number of reasons, such as meeting people, gaining new

skills, or taking a break in your day to make a difference.

Our volunteers make a huge impact in the lives of the children they tutor. We thank you for saying

yes to this wonderful experience. Whether you are a new or returning volunteer, please take the

time to acquaint yourself with the information included in this Handbook.

The ESLC welcomes all children in St. Paul who are reading below grade level and do not have the

resources to get help elsewhere. The cultural diversity of the students we tutor proudly reflects the SPaul neighborhoods where we serve.

This year we are expanding our tutoring services to Community of Peace Academy and HOPE

Community Academy. We will continue to be a presence at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus, St.

Paul Music Academy and St. Matthew Catholic School.

We appreciate the gift of your time and want your experience to be a rewarding one. Thank you!

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Tips for a Successful Last Day

As you conclude your tutoring relationship consider the following:

1) Remind the Site Coordinator of your final day.2) Give your student advance notice (at least two sessions) of the final day that you will work

together.

3) It is important to keep commitments. Do not promise a child that you will return unless you

are 100% sure that you are able to do so.4) Talk about what you have learned from one another and what you accomplished in terms

reading.5) Thank your student for his/her cooperation, friendship and trust.

6) If you desire to gift your student, consider giving them an unwrapped school supply, such

as markers, pencils and crayons.

Consult your Site Coordinator if you have any questions.

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Effective Ways to Work with Students

At each tutoring session establish rapportencourage student to settle in and focus.

Tutors are in charge of the sessionbe kind, but firm.

Help students feel confident and positive.

Follow the lesson plan.

Remember that it is okay to make mistakes. It is important for children to hear apologies and

know that no one is perfect.

Dont be afraid to say I dont know.

Give undivided attention to students when tutoringturn off cell phones. Listen attentively.

Never allow a student to struggle to the point of frustration or tears.

Encourage a student with praise: I like the way you went back and reread the sentence sothat it made sense. Commend the student for using pictures, letter sounds, self-correcting,

and for reading smoothly and with expression.

Ignore disruptive behavior designed to get attention.

Be considerate of a childs feelings.

Be patient and remember that a student is a child learning many lessons of life.

Maintain a sense of humor. Enjoy yourself!

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Mission StatementUnlocking each childs potential through the foundation of reading.

VisionTo be a major force in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to read at grade level by 4 thgrade.

Core Values

LOVING, affirming and respectful atmosphere

EDUCATION that transforms, encouraging each child to reach his/her full potential

ACCOUNTABILITY and careful stewardship of community resources

RESULTS, driven by high quality, systematic approach and academic rigor

NEEDS of children drive where resources are allocated

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Tutor Responsibilities

Keep Your CommitmentStudents expect and look forward to one-on-one time with tutors. Please notify the ESLC if you are

unable to keep your commitment.

Arrive On Time

Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early so that you can acquaint yourself with the lesson and see

clarification, if necessary.

Document Volunteer Time

Record hours tutored in the ESLC Tutor Log each time you tutor since we are accountable to donorsfor contributed services. Some colleges and businesses require a record of volunteer hours. Credit fhours served cannot be verified if volunteers do not sign-in.

Wear IDThe ESLC provides each volunteer with a name badge. Please be sure to wear it throughout thetutoring session.

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Cultural Awareness Tips

1) Take time to learn about the culture and lifestyle of students.

2) Treat students fairly and respectfully.

3) Recognize that differences can, but need not, be a source of conflict.4) Understand that all cultural groups have values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that make

sense in their own context, and therefore, are valid.

5) Suspend judgment when confronted with differences.

6) Honor each and every student.

7) Set high expectations for student behavior. Cultural differences are not an excuse for

inappropriate behavior.

8) Take advantage of opportunities to expand your understanding of one another. Celebratecultural differences!

9) Keep in mind that young people tend to express themselves through actions, adults through

wordsdont expect reciprocity.

10) Be sensitive when asking questions. Refrain from asking questions you wouldnt feel

comfortable answering.

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Child Cooperation

If you are unable to get a child to cooperate, give the student a short break. After a couple of minute

invite the child to re-engage. Remind the student that his/her responsibility is to learn and listen and

your responsibility is to teach. If a child continues to be unfocused or uncooperative, ask for

assistance from a staff member.

Always Remember To

Wear ID throughout tutoring sessions and be sure to return the name badge when you finish

tutoring.

Record hours in the Tutor Log each time you tutor.

Arrive early enough to review lesson plan and prepare for the child assigned to you.

Indicate what was accomplished on the lesson plan.

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Tutor BoardBe sure to read notices on the tutor board. This is one way that the staff is able to communicate withyou.

Communicate With Staff

Share in writing any insights, problems, or progress observed on the lesson plan at the end of eachtutoring session.

Respect Student PrivacyAll personal information revealed by a student or a staff member must be confidential unless it issomething dangerous to the student or someone else. If a student reveals that s/he is being harmedhurting someone else, or hurting her/himself, inform a staff member immediately.

Attend Trainings and Workshops

Research indicates that tutors need ongoing training and feedback to be effective tutors. Therefore,

the ESLC provides several trainings throughout the year. It is highly recommended that you attend

these events.

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Tutor Policies

Background Check

All volunteers are required to submit to a criminal history background check prior to acceptance as a

volunteer. A signed consent for release of information must be obtained from the prospectivevolunteer.

Coats, Purses and Valuables

It is best to keep purses and keys with you during tutoring sessions. The East Side Learning Center

not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Child Abuse and Neglect

All individuals who work with children in Minnesota are required by law to report suspected abuse.

The ESLC is concerned about the welfare of the children it serves. If a tutor has reason to believe

that a child has been neglected, or physically or sexually abused, this must be reported immediately

to the Site Coordinator. If there is a concern and you are unsure of what to do, call the consulting lin

for child protection at (651) 266-4500. Never try to deal with abuse and neglect issues on your own.

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Take Home BooksAt the beginning of each tutoring session students have an opportunity to re-read books from theprevious lesson or one they are returning. Research indicates that reading lots of easy books and rereading builds fluency as well as student confidence.

Encourage students to take books home with them. Be sure to record book titles on the lesson planbefore the student takes them home.

ObservationsPlease write your observations and recommendations on the lesson plan. These help in planning thnext lesson for the student.

Dismissal

At the conclusion of each tutoring session you will hear two bells. The first bell is for wrapping-up thsession and the second bell is for dismissal. Please dismiss the student onlyat the second bell.At the end of the session, erase the white board and leave the area in order for the next tutor.

Students are allowed to help put board games away. Staff will return all other instructional materials

after the tutoring sessionplease leave them in the student folder.

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Tutor Procedures

Absence and LatenessCall (651) 793-7331 at any time of day or night and leave a message if you are unable to tutor. If yowill arrive late, notify the site where you tutor. (Contact information is at the back of this Handbook.)

RestroomIf your student needs to use the restroom or drinking fountain, accompany the student and wait forhim/her in the hallway.

Meeting StudentGreet your student near the entrance of the Learning Center and accompany him/her to the assigne

tutoring space.

Lesson PlanPlease use a red pen to document lesson plan progress when tutoring.. Be sure to check off allactivities completed during the session. If an activity is not checked, it is assumed it was not coveredand it will need to be included in the next lesson. It is important for you to sign your name on thelesson plan so that if we have any questions about the lesson, we are able to contact you and discuit.

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Dress CodeTutors are expected to present a clean, neat and tasteful appearance. Please observe the following

Shoes must provide safe footing and protection against hazards.

No overly revealing clothing or apparel with inappropriate logos or phrases.

Caps and sag pants are not allowed.

Harassing, Offensive and Violent BehaviorThe ESLC is committed to providing a safe and secure environment that is free from all forms of

discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, offensive, coercive, or disruptive,

including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment may be overt or subtle. Some behaviors that are

appropriate in a social setting may not be appropriate at the ESLC. Whatever form it takesverbal,

non-verbal or physicalsexual harassment is insulting and demeaning to the recipient and will not btolerated at the ESLC or at ESLC sponsored events. The following grievance procedure is followed

a tutor believes that his/her rights have been violated:

1) Bring the grievance to the attention of the Site Coordinator or Coordinator of Volunteers.

2) If the matter cannot be resolved at the first level bring the matter to the Executive Director. Th

Executive Director may bring the matter before the ESLC Board of Directors for resolution.

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Parking

There is curbside and lot parking at John A. Johnson Achievement Plus and St. Paul Music Academ

Only curbside parking is available at Community of Peace Academy and St. Matthews. Only lot

parking is available at HOPE Community of Peace Academy. Valuables should not be left in cars.

School ClosingsWhen St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) are closed or after-school activities are cancelled, the ESLC

closed. Check the SPPS website (spps.org), radio or TV announcements for school closings due to

inclement weather. Refer to calendar for early release days or non-program days.

Safety Drills

Follow the directives of the Site Coordinator for tornado drills and lockdowns.For fire drillseveryone must exit the building and stand a safe distance from it. Remain outside until administrati

indicates the drill is over.

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Substance AbuseAlcohol and drugs impair the ability to think clearly and function effectively and often lead to

dangerous situations. Accordingly, the ESLC is a substance-free zone. Any tutors found possessing

or under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be terminated.

Tutor and Student Relationships

All contact between tutors and students must take place at the site during arranged hours. Tutors ar

not to meet with students outside of the program. Although students benefit from extra adult attenti

and individualized instruction, tutors should not discipline students, diagnose student needs, evalua

achievement or counsel students.

Tutors are expected to work with and compliment the efforts of the staff person assigned to thestudent. If the actions or decisions of a tutor contradict the teaching lesson or positive learning

environment, the tutor relationship may need to be terminated.