Volunteers

Benefits of Volunteering in School 

You are part of a team. Volunteering in a school offers numerous benefits for both the volunteers and the school community. Here are some key advantages:

For Volunteers:

1. Personal Fulfillment: Helping students and supporting educational activities can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and purpose.
2. Community Engagement: Volunteering fosters a deeper connection with the local community and creates a sense of belonging.
3. Experience: For those interested in careers in education or child development, volunteering provides valuable hands-on experience.
4. Health Benefits: Engaging in volunteer work has been linked to better mental and physical health, including reduced stress and a greater sense of well-being.

For Students:

1. Additional Support: Volunteers can provide individualized attention and support that students may not receive in a regular classroom setting.
2. Role Models: Volunteers can serve as positive role models, demonstrating the importance of education and community service.
3. Enrichment Activities: Volunteers can bring diverse skills and knowledge, enhancing students' learning experiences through enrichment activities and programs.
4. Increased Resources: Volunteers can assist with various tasks, allowing teachers to focus more on instruction and less on administrative duties.

For Schools:

1. Enhanced Learning Environment: Volunteers contribute to a more supportive and enriched learning environment.
2. Community Collaboration: Volunteering fosters stronger relationships between the school and the community, leading to collaborative partnerships.
3. Resource Allocation: With volunteer support, schools can allocate resources more efficiently, often directing more funds and efforts towards student-focused activities.
4. Positive School Culture: Volunteers can help create a positive, inclusive, and welcoming school culture.
5. Program Support: Volunteers can assist with a wide range of programs and activities, from after-school programs to special events, ensuring these programs run smoothly.

Overall, volunteering in a school benefits everyone involved and contributes to a stronger, more connected, and vibrant educational community.

Volunteers are expected to familiarize themselves with school district policies and procedures.  

Please see the Important Policies section of this handbook.  

Inappropriate behaviors include, but are not limited to:  

• Willful neglect and/or physical, verbal or written abuse of a student  
• Unauthorized use of school equipment and/or supplies  
• Neglect, willful abuse or destruction of school property  
• Misuse of confidential information or breach of confidentiality  
• Disregard of school policies and/or procedures  
• Fighting on school property  
• Dishonesty  
• Chronic absence and/or tardiness  
• Working while under the influence of, or suffering from the effects of, alcohol, non-prescribed drugs or other intoxicants  
• Falsification of official records, including student grades  
• Insubordination  
• Practice, or toleration of, discrimination or harassment. Ground Rules for School District Facilities  
• No smoking or tobacco allowed, including on athletic fields and in district vehicles.  
• No weapons allowed.  
• No drugs or alcohol allowed.
• Do not use school equipment for personal purposes.  
• Use building restrooms in school buildings that are designated for adults. 

Federal law prohibits school districts from releasing non-directory student information without parent/guardian permission. Disclosing this information is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). It is very important that you keep information about students confidential. It is important that you do not discuss students or their progress with others – even their parents.  

Do not make references to student’s abilities in front of other students. The only person who should be told about a student’s work is their teacher. If parents ask about their student’s progress, suggest in a friendly way that they contact the teacher.  

All information concerning students and teachers is strictly confidential and should not be shared with others. Keep ALL student information confidential, including scholastic and health records, test scores and grades, discipline and classroom behavior, and children’s character traits and other personal information. If asked for information an appropriate response is “School policy does not permit me to give out this information.”  

If you are made aware of information that you believe impacts the personal safety of a child, you are obligated to share that information with a school staff member; teacher, counselor or principal. PLEASE NOTE: While school volunteers are not legally mandated reporters of suspected child abuse, the District's expectation is that volunteers speak to an administrator promptly regarding any inappropriate incident, conduct, or behavior.  

Student Photos: Volunteers cannot take photos of students during their volunteer activities. Student work, like artwork or papers, is also protected by law and cannot be shared publicly without written permission. If a volunteer is taking images for school-related use, appropriate district and school procedures must be followed.

The Lakewood School Board is responsible for setting policies for school staff and volunteers. The Board is comprised by elected board members and employs the Superintendent, to whom it delegates responsibility for day-to-day school administration. The Superintendent oversees the principals who manage the teachers, staff and volunteers in their respective schools, using policies approved by the board.  

Any questions or difficulties should be presented initially to the staff member or teacher involved. Should further resolution be required, the appropriate chain of command is to talk with the principal, superintendent, and school board in that order.  

Community members are welcome to attend the Board meetings which are open to the public. Meetings are scheduled for the first and third Wednesday of each month and are convened in the library Board Room at the District Office. Meeting agendas are posted at https://go.boarddocs.com/wa/lakewood/Board.nsf. 

In accordance with Board Policy 1400, the Lakewood School District Board of Directors holds its regular meetings at 6:00 PM. Board Study Sessions/Retreats begin at 5:00 PM unless otherwise noted. 

Lakewood School District Board meetings are held in-person at the Lakewood High School Library, 17023 11th Ave NE, Arlington, WA 98223 (unless otherwise noted) with the option to attend remotely via Zoom.  Zoom is an alternate way to engage, but to ensure participation, we encourage you to attend in-person. 

Volunteering in our schools can take many forms, each making a significant impact on the educational environment and community. Here are some ways you can contribute: 

• Classroom Helper: Assist teachers with daily tasks such as organizing materials, working with small groups of students, or helping with classroom management. 
• Library Assistant: Help in the school library by shelving books, assisting students in finding resources, or organizing reading programs. 
• Tutoring and Mentoring: Provide small group tutoring in subjects like math, reading, or science. Mentoring students by offering guidance and support can also make a big impact. 
• Field Trip Chaperone: Accompany classes on field trips to ensure student safety and enhance the educational experience by providing extra supervision. 
• Event Volunteer: Assist in organizing and running school events such as science fairs, sports days, fundraisers, and school dances. 
• Lunchroom or Recess Supervisor: Supervise students during lunch or recess to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment. This can include organizing games or activities. 
• Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO/PTA) Involvement: Join the school's PTO or PTA to help plan and execute programs that support students and teachers. This often involves fundraising, organizing events, and advocating for the school community. 
• Art and Music Program Support: Assist with art and music classes, help organize performances, or manage supplies for these programs. 
• Classroom Speaker or Career Day Presenter: Share your expertise or experiences with students by giving talks in classrooms or during career days. This can inspire students and provide real-world connections to their studies. 

Volunteering in schools not only supports teachers and students but also fosters a strong sense of community and engagement among parents and other community members. 

Volunteers may assist with a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Preparing classroom displays
• Preparing materials for art, science, math, etc.
• Performing light clerical duties
• Assisting with clean-up activities
• Supporting library-related duties
• Engaging in instructional activities appropriate to the volunteer’s training and classroom needs, such as monitoring assignments or listening to oral readings
• Assisting with vision and hearing screenings
• Supervising school activities
• Assisting in athletics under the supervision of the head coach

Developing a positive relationship with students will make your volunteer experience more enjoyable as well as more beneficial to the kids. Here are some tips for working with students:  

• Be accepting of children of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and personalities and encourage the best from each student.  
• Provide help and assistance without doing the work for students.  
• Show a genuine interest in each student by being friendly and positive.  
• Be patient and kind when working with students.  
• A student’s name is very important. Learn the students’ names the right away, how to pronounce and spell them correctly, and use them often.  
• Be sure that all students know your name. Introduce yourself to them.  
• Let students take their time warming up to you. Trying too hard to establish a relationship with them may intimidate or alienate kids who don’t know how to deal with that kind of “enthusiasm.” Instead, make yourself accessible to them and be kind – students gravitate toward these qualities!  
• Get to know each other by talking about things students like. Listen carefully to what the student has to say.  
• Be fair, consistent, trustworthy and honest in your approach, attitude, and interactions with students.  
• Avoid making comparisons between students, between teachers and between schools. 

• While participating in a District-sponsored event, chaperones are expected to follow the directions given by the district’s supervising staff member, comply with District policies, and work cooperatively with other staff and volunteers, and model appropriate behaviors for students.  
• School rules are in effect during the entire field trip. Please monitor the behavior of all students assigned to you. If you have difficulty with a student, inform the teacher of staff member in charge immediately  
• Students are to be supervised at all times. Remember, “if you can’t see them, you are not supervising them.”  
• Drug, tobacco, vaping, or alcohol use is not permitted.  
• Chaperones may not use, sell, provide, possess, or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during a District sponsored event.  
• Chaperones are not permitted to possess any weapon during a District sponsored event.  
• Chaperones are not permitted to administer prescription or non-prescription   medications to students.  
• For the protection of both the student and the chaperone, chaperones should not place themselves in situations in which they are alone with a student.  
• Chaperones understand that many of the activities on field trips are outside the control of the Lakewood School District and are fully aware of any risk inherent in participating in such activities. Chaperones are attesting that that they have read and understand the school rules and know that these rules and the chaperone requirements are in force the entire trip. 

All visitors to a school, program, or classroom shall obtain prior permission of the principal, program manager, or supervisor in charge, and shall be required to sign into our visitor management system at the main school office prior to each visit. 

All visitors to a school, program, or classroom shall obtain prior permission of the principal, program manager, or supervisor in charge, and shall be required to sign into our visitor management system at the main school office prior to each visit.  

School employees and volunteers help ensure student safety. District policies and procedures are in line with state and federal laws that protect both students and adults.  

Volunteers are expected to familiarize themselves with school district policies and procedures, including the following: 

• Religious-Related Activities and Practices – Policy 2340 
• Electronic Resources and Internet Safety – Policy 2022 and Procedure 2022P 
• Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited – Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P  
• Notification and Dissemination of Information about Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm – Policy 3143 and Procedure 3143P 
• Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying of Students – Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P  
• Nondiscrimination – Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P  
• Child Abuse and Neglect – Policy 3421 and Procedure 3421P 
• Public Information Program – Policy 4000 
• Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited – Policy 5011 and Procedure 5011P 
• Employment and Volunteers: Disclosures, Certification Requirements, Assurances and Approvals – Policy 5005 
• Maintaining Professional Staff/Student Boundaries – Policy 5253 and Procedure 5253P 

Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)

Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.

What is HIB?

HIB is any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act of a student that:

• Physically harms another student or damages their property;
• Has the effect of greatly interfering with another student’s education; or,
• Is so severe, persistent, or significant that it creates an intimidating or threatening education environment for other students.

HIB generally involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.

How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?

Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.

If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Tim Haines, Executive Director of HR & Student Services, at 360-652-4500) that supports prevention and response to HIB.

What happens after I make a report about HIB?

If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.

Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.

What is the investigation process?

When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Clear information about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:

If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.

For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:

A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.

For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy #3207 and Procedure #3207P.

Our School Stands Against Discrimination

Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, creed, disability, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.

What is discriminatory harassment?

Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.

To review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy #3210 and Procedure #3210P, view our Board Policies.

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.

Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.

Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.

To review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy #3205 and Procedure #3205P, view our Board Policies.

What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?

When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.

What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?

Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.

Concerns about discrimination:

• Civil Rights Coordinator: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
• Title IX Coordinator:  Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

Concerns about disability discrimination:

• Section 504 Coordinator: Lissan Wipfli, 360-652-4500, lwipfli@lwsd.wednet.edu
• Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
• Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu

To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.

What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?

The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.

When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:

• A summary of the results of the investigation
• A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
• Any corrective measures or remedies needed
• Notice about how you can appeal the decision

What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?

If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the school district’s board of directors and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included on the district’s website.

I already submitted a HIB complaint – what will my school do?

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it's related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure #3210P and the HIB Procedure #3207P to fully resolve your complaint.

Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.

OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/health-safety/school-safety-center
• Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6068

OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)

• Website: ospi.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/equity-and-civil-rights
• Email: equity@k12.wa.us
• Phone: 360-725-6162

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)

The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.

• Website: www.oeo.wa.gov
• Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
• Phone: 1-866-297-2597

U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.

• Website: Office for Civil Rights
• Email: ocr@ed.gov
• Phone: 800-421-3481

Our Schools are Gender-Inclusive

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:

• Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
• Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
• Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
• Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
• Keep health and education information confidential and private
• Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
• Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity

To review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy #3211 and Procedure #3211P, view our Board Policies. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Timothy Haines, 360-652-4500, thaines@lwsd.wednet.edu.

For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.

I shall respect the privacy concerns of students and staff, and I shall hold in confidence all information learned in the course of my volunteer service, whether that information is obtained through written records or daily interaction. I will not disclose an individual’s confidences to anyone, except: 1) as mandated by law; 2) to prevent a clear and immediate danger to a person or persons.  

I shall store or dispose of records in ways that maintain confidentiality.  

I shall possess a professional attitude, which upholds confidentiality, and hold confidential any information about sensitive situations within this school.  

I understand that violation of this confidentiality statement may be grounds for immediate dismissal.  

I have received a copy of the volunteer handbook for this school and have either read it or had it read to me carefully. I understand that the manual is intended to cover the procedures, rules and policies most often applied to day-to-day volunteer activities, and that some of the information will change from time to time as procedures evolve. I understand that I am a volunteer and respect the privilege afforded me to serve in that capacity is at the direction and decision of the staff and administrators.  

I have reviewed the following Lakewood School District policies and procedures:  

• Religious-Related Activities and Practices – Policy 2340 
• Electronic Resources and Internet Safety – Policy 2022 and Procedure 2022P 
• Sexual Harassment of Students Prohibited – Policy 3205 and Procedure 3205P  
• Notification and Dissemination of Information about Student Offenses and Notification of Threats of Violence or Harm – Policy 3143 and Procedure 3143P 
• Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying of Students – Policy 3207 and Procedure 3207P  
• Nondiscrimination – Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210P  
• Child Abuse and Neglect – Policy 3421 and Procedure 3421P 
• Public Information Program – Policy 4000 
• Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited – Policy 5011 and Procedure 5011P 
• Employment and Volunteers: Disclosures, Certification Requirements, Assurances and Approvals – Policy 5005 
• Maintaining Professional Staff/Student Boundaries – Policy 5253 and Procedure 5253P 

I understand that I am responsible for following District procedures regarding maintaining professional staff/student boundaries, incident reporting, and consequences of engaging in boundary invasions. I understand that while school volunteers are not legally mandated reporters of suspected child abuse, the District's expectation is that volunteers speak to an administrator promptly regarding any inappropriate incident, conduct, or behavior. I will adhere to these guidelines and acknowledge my role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults.