Volunteers

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.

A good volunteer in a school setting embodies several key qualities:

1. Reliability: Consistently showing up on time and fulfilling commitments.
2. Flexibility: Adapting to changing situations and being willing to take on a variety of tasks.
3. Patience: Remaining calm and understanding, especially when working with children who may require extra attention or support.
4. Positive Attitude: Maintaining a cheerful and encouraging demeanor to create a supportive environment for students.
5. Good Communication Skills: Effectively interacting with students, teachers, and other volunteers, and being able to follow instructions clearly.
6. Empathy and Compassion: Showing care and concern for students' well-being and understanding their diverse needs and backgrounds.
7. Confidentiality: Respecting the privacy of students and maintaining confidentiality about sensitive information.
8. Team Player: Working well with school staff and other volunteers to support the school's mission and goals.
9. Creativity and Resourcefulness: Finding innovative ways to engage students and enhance their learning experience.
10. Commitment to Education: Demonstrating a genuine interest in helping students learn and succeed academically and personally.

Volunteers who work one-on-one with students must have permission from the school principal. 

Volunteers need to be at least 21 years old and complete the clearance process, which includes a criminal history background check. The superintendent, or designee, has the authority to approve volunteers who are at least 18 years old. These requirements do not pertain to active Lakewood School District students. 

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. 

These qualities help create a positive impact on the school community and contribute to a productive and nurturing environment for students.

The Lakewood School District greatly values the significant contributions made by parents and other community members through their volunteer efforts. To ensure clarity and understanding of your responsibilities, please review the following guidelines:

• Exemplary Citizenship: Set a positive example through affirming behaviors and good citizenship. Treat all students and staff with respect and dignity. Students or staff should not be treated differently, spoken to disrespectfully, or denied services on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation—including gender expression—religion, disability, age, national origin, or marital status. Lastly, respect student and staff personal boundaries by always maintaining a professional relationship.
• Communication: Avoid sharing faith-based beliefs, including comments, prayers, and invitations to places of worship. Always maintain religious, political, and cultural neutrality.
• Role as Helpers: Serve as supportive aides rather than in roles requiring specific professional training. Volunteers assist school personnel and do not replace the regular educational duties of staff members.
• Confidentiality: Refrain from discussing the performance or actions of any student except with appropriate school personnel, such as the student’s teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator. Respect and maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information encountered within the classroom or school building.
• Problem Referral: Refer any student problems—whether instructional, medical, or operational—to a regular staff member for final resolution. Immediately report to any staff member any indication a student may be in an unsafe situation, including physical or sexual abuse, neglect, endangerment, suicide, abuse of drugs and/or alcohol and bullying.
• Information and Training: Receive pertinent information regarding:
  • General job responsibilities and limitations
  • Building facilities, routines, and procedures
  • Work schedule and location
  • Expected relationships with regular staff
• Appropriate Training: Participate in suitable volunteer training at the building level, consistent with your tasks and district standards.

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

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: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html
• Email: orc@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.

Volunteer services may be denied or terminated for the following reasons:

• Failure to pass required Washington State Patrol and/or other safety clearance procedures
• Completion of the program and/or duties
• Replacement by a paid staff member
• Circumstances that, in the judgment of the administration, necessitate the termination of volunteer services