December 6, 2002
Bulletin #P-10939-CAO/GRBP
Volunteer sign-up form (OmniForm PBSD #1930) and time log.
Contact Person: Shelley Parpard
Phone Number: 434-8789 (PX-48789)
To: All Principals and Department Heads
From: Arthur C. Johnson, Ph.D., Superintendent
Subject: District Employee Volunteers
Each year schools are challenged to provide higher quality education with
limited funding and resources. Volunteers can play a major role in bridging
the gap between needs and resources, by sharing their time, energy, and diverse
talents. School volunteers improve the quality of education by enhancing the
work of classroom teachers and school staff. This is accomplished though such
activities as mentoring, tutoring, assisting in classrooms, offices, clinics,
media centers, and by sharing areas of expertise, travels and hobbies.
Many business partners now have policies providing release-time for employees
to volunteer in local schools. All Florida State employees are encouraged
to volunteer in schools one hour per week through the Governor's Mentoring
Initiative. Several school districts, Alachua, Polk and
Duval, have already adopted volunteer programs for their district staff.
Thus, in accordance with Administrative Directive D-2.53 Volunteers in Public
Schools, district and area office employees may serve as school volunteers.
District supervisors and employee volunteers shall observe the following goal,
objectives and requirements:
Goal
to enable district-level employees to share their time and experience with
schools and students.
Objectives
* To provide knowledgeable resources and positive role models to schools.
* To provide district employees an opportunity to gain an understanding of
school-based management needs.
* To provide district employees an opportunity to obtain first-hand information
on student needs.
* To promote increased family and community involvement in schools.
Strategies
* District volunteers will serve schools in a variety of ways such as mentors,
tutors, resource speakers, classroom assistants, resource assistants and office/clinic
assistants.
* District volunteers may provide career development and cultural arts experience.
* District volunteers may provide technology experience.
Requirements
* Written approval from the employee's immediate supervisor must be obtained.
* Participation in the program must not interfere with the completion of the
employee's assigned duties and responsibilities.
* Release time is authorized for volunteers during the hours the employee
would normally be on duty.
* Employees may volunteer a maximum of one hour per week.
* Employees must keep a record of their hours on a sign-in sheet at the school
and at their office.
* The office copy of the sign-in sheet will be sent to the VIPS office by
the last day of May.
* Participation is voluntary on the part of the employee and must comply with
all the policies of the volunteer program.
* Employees are encouraged to spend at least 50% of their volunteer time interacting
with students.
* Employees may select his/her child's school or be assigned a school.
* The volunteering district employee must contact the VIPS District Office
or Area Coordinator to complete a volunteer application and register for the
appropriate volunteer training.
Questions should be directed to Shelley Parpard at 434-8789 or PX-48789.