CLEVELAND

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Volunteer Handbook

2019-2020

“No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.”

-Author Unknown

Stephen W. McCanless, Coordinator of Student AffairsEmail: smccanless@clevelandisd.org

281-592-8717 x1128

August 2019

Dear Cleveland ISD Volunteer:

Welcome to the Cleveland Independent School District! We are thankful for your decision to serve our wonderful students and collaborate with our staff as a school volunteer. We know your time is valuable but the experience of volunteering is priceless. Our mission is to make your experience in our schools fulfilling and enjoyable.

Your elite example of service and commitment will inspire our students to one day follow in your footsteps and continue the tradition you have paved. Cleveland volunteers are the backbones of helping our students in gaining a meaningful and fully developed experience.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and the entire Cleveland ISD family, thank you once again for dedicating your time and skills volunteering in our schools. We wish you a wonderful journey in positively influencing our youth this school year.

Sincerely,

The Cleveland ISD Family!!!!!

“The philosophy of the Cleveland Independent School District is to build a community of empowered, life-long learners, in a way that staff and community support and take pride in Cleveland ISD, so that we can

develop successful, productive, responsible, and healthy citizens of the world.”

The Cleveland Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.

For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 316 E. Dallas Cleveland, Texas 77327 (282-592-8717).

District InformationDistrict Leadership

Superintendent: Chris Trotter

Assistant Superintendent Human Resources: Nathan Boughton

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction: Maria Silva

Coordinator of Student Affairs: Stephen W. McCanless

Coordinator of Federal Programs: Mychl Buckley

Coordinator of Health & Safety: Tim Hoey

Coordinator of Assessment & Accountability: Leanna Stringer

ELL Coordinator: Ana Silva

PEIMS Coordinator: Sonya Urton

Director of Communications: Susan Ard

Attendance Liaison: Angela Allen

Board of Trustees

President: Chris Wood

Vice-President: Christina Purkerson

Secretary: Kelly Jenkel-Axton

Board Member: Ronnie Lewis

Board Member: Amanda Brooks

Board Member: Aaron Montesnieto

Board Member: Willie Carter

Southside Primary303 Fort Worth, Cleveland TX 77327 Phone: (281) 592-0594

Principal: Janie SnyderAssistant Principal: Dennis JamisonAssistant Principal: Alyson WilkinsAssistant Principal: Kelli Jimenez

Assistant Principal: Chris Price

Northside Elementary1522 N.Blair Ave, Cleveland TX 77327 Phone: (281)-592-4628

Interim Principal: Pete ArmstrongAssistant Principal: Jennifer Anderson

Assistant Principal: Joseph Green

Eastside Elementary1602 Shell Street Cleveland, TX 77327 Phone: (281) 592-0125

Principal: Lanie SmithAssistant Principal: Javian Johnson

Assistant Principal: Mary GilesAssistant Principal: Sabrina Cordova

Cleveland Middle School2000 East Houston Street, Cleveland TX 77327 Phone: (281) 593-1148

Principal: Nick HoffmanAssistant Principal: Charles WrightAssistant Principal: Collin NicholasAssistant Principal: Tim Johnson

Assistant Principal: Anastasia MackeyAssistant Principal: Kendle Templeton

Cleveland High School1600 East Houston Street, Cleveland TX 77327

Principal: Glenn BarnesAssistant Principal: Karis Watson

Assistant Principal: Mark RodriguezAssistant Principal: Gena McClatchy

Assistant Principal: Erica Lewis

Douglas Learning Academy900 Samuel Wiley Drive, Cleveland, TX 77327 Phone: (281) 592-7595

Principal: John Fritts

WHY VOLUNTEER?Your willingness to become involved benefits many!

For Students… • Enriches learning • Opportunities for exploration • Additional individualized and personalized attention • Increased motivation and improved self-concept • Positive adult role models For Schools… • Improved student achievement, attitude and behavior • Community support • Parental understanding and cooperation • Positive community attitudes For the Community… • Better quality education • A more responsive school system • Added pride and confidence in the educational system • Well-educated students For Volunteers… • Sharing knowledge and talents • Providing active support for quality education • Becoming more involved in the school and community

WHO ARE VOLUNTEERS?

Everyone who cares about children and education is a potential volunteer. School volunteers are all ages with unique personal and professional experiences.

Our volunteers include:

Parents

Business Partners

Retirees

Students

Other caring, concerned adults who want to make a difference in our community

Each volunteer has a different set of talents and skills to share. Some volunteers work directly with students, while others perform necessary support services. Many volunteers make a regular commitment to share an hour or more per week. Some volunteers may be on call, while others perform one-time tasks during a semester

or school year.

Volunteer opportunities are varied and endless!

2019-2020 Volunteer Program

Program Description: Volunteers can perform any job that doesn’t require working with

students alone.

Please note: If volunteers plan to work with student groups, they must

agree to a complete criminal background check to be conducted by the

Texas Department of Public Safety.

Volunteers will be required to report with a valid ID each visit.

Volunteers will be required to sign a Confidentiality Pledge at each school in

which they intend to help at.

Volunteer Guidelinesand

ResponsibilitiesDependability…Make a professional commitment. Be a positive role model by acting professionally and dressing appropriately. Teachers and students are counting on you, so be dependable. Please notify the school office if you are unable to attend on the committed time.

Communication….If you have any questions involving your volunteer work, please don’t hesitate to ask the teacher, principal or the community coordinator. Suggestions on improvements are always valued and welcomed.

Confidentiality…A feeling of mutual understanding and trust between school staff and volunteers is an essential part. Volunteers could possibly have access to information about students and their various abilities, successes and struggles. As a volunteer, your responsibility is to maintain confidentiality at all times. A confidentiality form will be required for you to sign before you begin.

Accountability & Tracking Volunteer Service Hours…Each volunteer shall bring a valid ID and sign in at the designated area in the school office. Volunteers must wear an identification badge at all times and return them upon departure. An accurate report will be recorded for the volunteer and the school. Volunteer hours provide meaningful data regarding community fundraising goals, and could be used to qualify for grants for our students, and provide necessary data when applying for District/Campus recognition and awards.

VOLUNTEER WORK DESCRIPTION

Position: School Volunteer Overseer: Principal/Teacher/District Administrator

General Job Description: Various volunteer duties at school sites on an as needed basis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist teachers as classroom helpers with preparation of classroom materials, tutoring groups of students, cleaning classrooms, facilitating celebrations, reading to and with groups of students, creating and putting up bulletin boards, facilitation of classroom projects, applying appropriate conflict management skills with students. 2. Work in the library/media center checking books, re-shelving, taking inventory, assisting students in book location, organizing and rearranging books and other items. 3. Assist with campus beautification projects including yard work, planting, weeding, and designing. 4. Provide front office assistance by answering phones, filing (non-confidential), classroom deliveries, and answering questions. 5. Assist in ensuring student safety on field trips in the role of chaperones for both school day and overnight trips. 6. Assist with school and family events as fundraisers, preparation, decoration, and clean-up. 7. Coaching. 8. Work with the P.I.E. in a number of roles including but not limited to fundraising, secretary / bookkeeping, leadership, committee work and achieving school goals. 9. Assist with special projects including but not limited to picture days, book fairs, yearbook sales and plant sales. 10. Assist with athletic, fine arts, and other school events as concession personnel, announcers, score keepers, timers and ticket sales. 11. Assist during class transitions as hall monitors. 12. Assist in lunchroom and/or kitchen. 13. Serve as a guest speaker in classroom and/or for the entire school. 14. Assist administration in specialized areas of expertise. 15. Serve as a member of a booster organization in a variety of capacities including but not limited to fundraising, chaperoning, event planning and facilitation, student awards, collection of monies, concessions, etc. 16. Maintain positive attitude and assist in ensuring classroom environment is conducive to student learning. 17. Performs other voluntary jobs as identified by the school.

The Cleveland Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of

the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.

For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 316 E. Dallas Cleveland, Texas 77327 (282-592-8717).

Qualifications:

A school volunteer is an unpaid, voluntary position which does not include rights of employment or rights to any benefits afforded to District employees. Volunteers are called on an as needed basis for assistance to the District.

Physical Requirements: Volunteers may be required to perform (if you are physically able to) sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 20 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, and kneeling. Listen to and observe students. Moving of texts, furniture, desks and equipment. Safety and Health: Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.

Equipment/Material Handled: Educational supplies and materials, including; pen, markers, paper, books, whiteboard, desks, chairs, computers and audio-visual equipment. Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology such as: fax machine, laminator, book binders, paper cutters, etc.

Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Job responsibilities can require both inside and outside assignments. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

Terms of Employment: Work hours are established by the school staff in consultation with the volunteers availability. Duties performed are voluntary with no expectations of compensation.

CLEVELAND ISD VOLUNTEER TIPSYou truly change lives and model for our students the importance of school.

Volunteers make the difference between having a pretty good school and a great school! In order for the experience to be the most successful for all, we’ve provided

the following tips.  

Remember to be…

• FRIENDLY because with a smile and a thank you, you can accomplish miracles. • HONEST in your approach and attitude. It will help you build the child’s trust.

• FLEXIBLE in responding to the needs of students. • PATIENT when working with students because when they are having difficulty with a subject,

additional pressure can make it even harder. • RESPECTFUL by treating individuals in the same manner you wish to be treated.

•CONFIDENTIAL because it’s critical that what is observed in the classroom remains confidential. Student performance or behavior can’t be discussed with other parents.

Extra Tips…Keep your commitment.

Maintain a sense of humor. Wear professional comfortable clothes and don’t hesitate to get down to a child’s level.

Offer each child a chance to participate. Quiet children are sometimes ignored. Be sure a student understands what you’re saying.

Encourage students to do their own thinking. Use a quieter voice. The children will get louder as your voice gets louder.

Never discuss any child’s classroom performance – behavior. Be as positive as you can. Encourage children and catch them being good.

Respect a child’s privacy. If there is a behavior problem, report it to the teacher.

Be consistent with the teacher’s rules for classroom schedules and behavior

HAVE FUN, this isn’t a burden this is experience that benefits everyone!

What are you waiting for? Become a part of our family today!

Volunteer ChecklistBefore I can begin: (Initial in blanks)

Signed Confidentiality Form

Signed Consent to Perform Investigative consumer Report

(Only to be used for criminal history check)

Signed DPS Computerized Criminal History Verification Form

After everything has been verified remember to:

(On the volunteer day)

Make outside arrangements for child care of non-school age children instead of bringing them to school during volunteer time.

Every volunteer must register with a valid ID in the main office upon arrival and departure. Volunteers shall exercise mature judgment in supervising children and shall in all instances

respect each student’s rights and privacy. Respect that a teacher’s desk and closet are private. Volunteers should be willing to perform a wide range of assigned tasks. Volunteers are responsible for understanding and using the specific approach demonstrated by

the teacher/staff so that the children are dealt with consistently and fundamental concepts are followed.

Each faculty and administration will determine how to most effectively use volunteers along with volunteer feedback.

Teachers, not volunteers, are responsible for communication with parents regarding student issues. If you have an issue, please discuss it with the teacher.

Teachers will provide written and/or oral directions for activities they want volunteers to execute.

If a volunteer doesn’t understand the activity assigned, he/she should ask for a demonstration and/or clarification at an appropriate break.

We appreciate it if distractions are kept at a minimum and cell phones are turned off or placed on vibrate.

Disciplinary action is the legal responsibility of administrators and school staff.

Volunteers should not be put in a position of having to enforce discipline. If you are having a problem, immediately inform the teacher or appropriate staff member.

HAVE FUN!!!

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMConfidentiality and Commitment Guidelines

Please return this form to your campus Volunteer Coordinator each school year.

Thank you for working with our students and staff. You are providing a very valuable service to our school district.

It is important to understand the following guidelines when working with students and school information:

Confidentiality: A feeling of mutual understanding and trust between school staff and volunteers is essential. Volunteers sometimes have access to information about students and their abilities, successes and struggles as well as information from teachers. As a volunteer, your responsibility is to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Commitment: Please make a professional commitment. Be consistent and dependable. Please notify the school office if you are unable to come at your committed time.

Sign In and Out: Remember to bring your ID and sign in at the front of the office. You must wear your identification badge at all times, and return it to the office upon departure. Your hours of service will be recorded for monthly reporting requirements.

If you have questions involving your volunteer work, please ask the teacher, the principal, campus coordinators or the Student Services Coordinator.

Confidentiality PledgeI have read the guidelines above and understand their importance. All

information regarding students and district staff is considered confidential, and I will maintain confidentiality.

Volunteer’s Name:_________________________________________________Printed

______________________________________________ ___________________________Volunteer’s Signature Date

Phone Number _____________________________ Email_________________________

DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) Verification(AGENCY COPY)

I, , acknowledge that a Computerized Criminal APPLICANT or EMPLOYEE NAME (Please print)

Verification check will be performed by accessing the Texas Department of Public Safety Website and will be

based on name and DOB information I supply.

Because the name based is not an exact search and only fingerprint record searches represent true identification

to criminal history, the organization (as listed below) conducting the criminal history check is not allowed to

discuss any information obtained using this method therefore the agency may offer the opportunity to have a

fingerprint search performed to clear any misidentification based on the name search, if the search provides a

criminal report I know could not be mine.

For fingerprinting process I will be required to submit a full and complete set of my fingerprints for analysis

through the Texas Department of Public Safety AFIS (automated fingerprint identification system). I have been

made aware that in order to complete this process I must have the correct fingerprinting (FAST) from this

agency, make an online appointment, submit a full and complete set of my fingerprints, and pay a fee to the

fingerprinting services company, LI enrollment Services.

Once this process is completed and the agency receives the data from DPS, the information on my fingerprint

criminal history record may be discussed with me.

(This copy must remain on file by your agency. Required for future DPS Audits) ___________________________________

Signature of Applicant or Employee

Date

Agency Name (Please print)

Agency Representative Name (Please print)

___________________________________ Signature of Agency Representative

Date Rev. 10/19/2015

Retain in your files

Initial Destroyed Date:

Initial Date Printed:

Initial Volunteer: m

Purpose of CCH:

Initial NO YES

CCH Report Printed:

Check and Initial each Applicable Space

Please:

Phone Number____________________________ Email_______________________________

Approved Campus . Denied Teacher . National Student . DPS SS CARD /TDL/ID Card DATE: . CONSENT TO PERFORM INVESTIGATIVE CONSUMER REPORTBY: . IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FCRA (FAIR CREDIT REPORTING ACT). . lLast Name First Name Middle Name or Initial. . Maiden Name or other name(s) used in any and all other records of birth or records of residence.. . *Address Apartment or # Phone #. . CCity County State Zip. . **Date of Birth Email Address **Gender **Race*AS SHOWN ON THE ORIGINAL APPLICATION** TO BE USED FOR CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK ONLY AND NOT A PART OF THE PERSONNEL FILE.In connection with my application for employment, my continued employment, or in connection with my desire to engage in volunteer activities. I have been advised and I hereby consent and authorize the Employer and its agent, at any time during or subsequent to my application process. To conduct an investigative consumer report that may include, but are not limited to, a criminal record, check, employment and education verification, personal references: personal interviews: my personal credit history; and driving record. I do herby consent to Employer’s use of any information provide on this form or during the application processing performing the investigative consumer report. Employer has informed me that I have the right to review and challenge any negative information that would adversely impact a decision to offer employment. I agree to release, indemnify and hold harmless Employer and any reporting agency Employer uses with regard to any information reported by the reporting agency. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I am entitled to know if employment is denied because of information obtained from a consumer reporting agency. If so, I will be notified and given the name, address, and phone number of the agency which provided the information. In addition, I have been informed that I will have a reasonable opportunity to clear up any mistaken information reported within a reasonable time frame established within the sole discretion of Employer. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I have been advised that upon request I will be provided he name, address and telephone number of the reporting agency as well as the nature, substance and source of all information. I acknowledge that facsimile, copy or email shall be valid as original.

The following are my responses to questions about my criminal history (if any)1. YES NO Have you ever been convicted or plead guilty before a court for any federal, state or municipal criminal offense? (Exclude minor traffic misdemeanors).State: County: Date of Offense / / . Details of conviction: . . . . . 2. YES NO Have you ever received deffered adjudication or similar disposition for any federal, state or municipal offense? If yes, please provide details below.State: County: Date of Offense / / . Details of offense: . . .

. .

3. YES NO Have you ever received probation or community supervision for any federal, state or municipal offense? If yes, please provide details below.State: County: Date of Offense / / . Details of supervision: . . .. . 4. YES NO Have you ever been convicted of any criminal offense in a country outside the jurisdiction of the United States? If yes, please provide details below.State: County: Date of Offense / / . Details of conviction: . . . . ..5. YES NO As of the date of this consent form, do you have any pending charges against you? If yes, please provide details below.State: County: Date of Arrest / / . Details of pending charges: . . . THIS SECTION IS TO BE USED TO LIST ALL COUNTIES AND STATES OF RESIDENCE SINCE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION OR AGE 18.CITY/TOWN COUNTY STATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS CONSENT FORM IS TRUE, CORRECT AND COMPLETE. IF ANY INFORMATION PROVES TO BE INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE, I UNDERSTAND THAT GROUNDS FOR CANCELING ANY OFFERS OF EMPLOYMENT OR TERMINATING EMPLOYMENT WILL EXIST AND MAY BE USED AT THE DESCRETION OF THE EMPLOYER.

Signed this day of , .

APPLICANT (PRINT NAME) .

APPLICANT SIGNATURE .