HOW TO BECOME A CROSBY ISD VOLUNTEER/MENTOR

1. Register online and complete the volunteer application. Click HERE
2. Agree to the background check and become APPROVED to volunteer.
3. Watch the volunteer orientation video here: https://youtu.be/ztEKW9RBQ8s
4. Take a volunteer quiz after watching the orientation video. (The link to the quiz is provided in the video).
5. Sign up for volunteer opportunities and volunteer shifts with your child's campus.
6. Sign in and out using the RAPTOR volunteer management system.
7. Driver's license is scanned into RAPTOR volunteer management system when you arrive for your volunteer shift.

BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE DONE NO LESS THAN ONCE A YEAR, AND ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS.

You will be required to register online each school year in VIPS/RAPTOR Volunteer Management System. All volunteers must pass a criminal background check before volunteering at any Crosby ISD school. Crosby ISD reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to refuse and/or restrict an individual's access as a Crosby ISD volunteer based on an individual's criminal history, in accordance with applicable law and Crosby ISD policies, specifically Crosby ISD policy GKG.

In compliance with such policy, a volunteer may not perform any volunteer duties until: 

1. The volunteer has provided to a district a driver’s license or another form of identification containing the person’s photograph issued by an entity of the United States government; and
2. The district has obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) all criminal history record information that relates to the volunteer. A district may obtain a volunteer’s criminal history record information from any other law enforcement agency, criminal justice agency, or private consumer reporting agency.

The criminal history record review requirements apply to a volunteer or person who has indicated, in writing, an intention to serve as a volunteer with a district or shared services arrangement.

VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

• Complete the required application, volunteer orientation and other required training sessions.
• Be prompt and dependable.
• Sign in and out upon arrival and departure, provide driver's license to front office for scanning, and follow all other school procedures.
• Support and assist campus administration and school staff.
• Be a positive role model for children and youth in attitude, behavior, dress, and language. Let your conversations demonstrate respect for others.
• Wear your designated lanyard and badge at all times.
• Be respectful of children's diversity of culture, language, religion, and background.
• Maintain confidentiality. Respect the nature of the knowledge and personal information of the students with whom you interact. Discuss concerns with the teacher, volunteer coordinator, or campus administration - not with other volunteers, parents/family members or acquaintances.
• Protect privacy. Do not ask for students' addresses or phone numbers, and do not share yours with students.
• Maintain appropriate contact at all times in school setting. Do not initiate contact with the students with whom you interact or their families outside of the school or program setting.
• Follow "safe touch" suggestions. Volunteers do not initiate touching a student (pats on arm or back, or for younger children, hand-holding, hugs, or sitting on a lap), but may respond to student's initiation of appropriate touch.
• Refrain from gift-giving. Don't bring gifts or food treats for individual students.
• Notify the teacher, principal, administrator, or counselor if a student tells you something or you notice something that may indicate his/her safety is at risk or he/she is in emotional distress.
• Know and adhere to school district regulations regarding internet use and social media. Silence cell phones during volunteer assignments.
• Never arrive to your volunteer assignment while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do not use alcohol, drugs, or tobacco during your assignment.
• Never carry a weapon on school premises or other program sites.
• Fundraising, solicitation of donations, and using volunteer placement for personal gain are prohibited. Promotion and/or soliciation on behalf of your own personal interestes or those of your organization or business is not allowed.
• Follow non-harassment and safe workplace rules and regulations.
• Follow all Crosby ISD policies and procedures.
• Enjoy your investment of time and energy. Your interest is making a difference for our students. 

KEEPING STUDENT INFORMATION SAFE

All student information should be treated confidentially. Both state and federal law protect the privacy of student information, including the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act ("FERPA"). FERPA is a federal law which governs the disclosure of school and personal records of students. We must keep all student data and information confidential pursuant to FERPA. Sharing student information with others may be a violation of the law.

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Confidential information includes any personally identifiable information regarding a student, including, but not limited to:

• Student's name
• Parent name(s)
• Name of another family member
• Parent address
• A personal identifier (such as Social Security number)
• A list of characteristics that would make it possible to identify the student with reasonable certainty
• Academic and health records
• Test scores and grades
• Family information
• Discipline or behavioral incident information
• Status or accomodations given an academic or developmental special need

Volunteers must respect the confidential nature of the knowledge you gain concerning the academic performance, behavior, and personal information of the students with whom you interact. Discuss concerns with the teacher, volunteer coordinator, or campus administrators - not with other volunteers, parents/family members, or acquaintances.

If you have any questions about whether certain information is confidential or the disclosure of student information, ask campus administration for clarification.

For additional information about FERPA and to familiarize yourself with the law, please visit the following:

• Take two minutes to read this brochure on FERPA.
• Read this overview of school volunteers and requirements under FERPA.
• Watch this three minute video explaining FERPA.

STUDENT DISCLOSURES

As a consistent volunteer, you will potentially build trusting relationships with students. These relationships may lead to students sharing thoughts, experiences, and feelings with you. Resist the urge to promise a student that you will not reveal confidential information to a parent or school officials. It may be necessary to reveal information to protect the welfare of the student and to protect you from violating the law. Although the student is free to share confidential information with you, there are certain things that you are required by law to tell the campus administration. Any personal information learned from a student or student's files should be held in the strictest confidence except:

1. If a student confides that he or she is the victim of sexual, emotional, chemical, or physical abuse;
2. If a student confides that he or she is involved in any illegal activity;
3. If a student confides that he or she is considering homicide or suicide.

Should one of these exceptions arise, you are required to immediately notify the student's principal or appropriate school personnel AND appropriate agencies (within 24 to 48 hours in the case of suspected child abuse or neglect), in accordance with applicable law.

Note when this information was reported and to whom it was given. Remember, this information is extremely personal, and this information is capable of damaging lives. Therefore, do not share it with anyone except the appropriate authorities. If you have questions, please ask a campus administrator.

APPROPRIATE INTERACTIONS WITH STUDENTS

As a volunteer, you will be interacting with Crosby ISD students in a variety of settings over varied periods of time. Appropriate interactions are outlined below:

Physical contact

• Volunteers should practice appropriate touch: side hugs and high fives are appropriate if students initiate them.
• Restrict other physical contact.
• Use common sense.
• Remember that what you see as simple, friendly affection between you and the student may be viewed as something entirely different by someone else.

Pictures and Recordings

• Volunteers should not photograph or record any students who are not their own; without prior permission from the teacher and/or campus principal.
• Volunteers should never post photos of students on social media. Both state and federal law protect the privacy of student informaation, including pictures and recordings of students.
• Volunteers should not photograph or record any students' work without prior permission from the teacher and/or campus principal.
• Volunteers should never post, distribute, or publish any photograph or recording of any student not their own, even if the teacher or campus principal consents, on any social media site.

Transportation

• Transporting a student in your personal car as part of your volunteer activities is prohibited. Do not put yourself in the position of being alone with any student in any vehicle.
• Students must be transported in a school district vehicle for field trips or in the vehicle of a parent or legal guardian.
• Sometimes a parent may provide written consent for you to transport the parent's child. That may not protect you from liability, because you would not be acting within the scope of your duties as a volunteer.

Positive and Respectful Role Modeling

• Do not criticize parents, teachers, school personnel, or guidelines publicly or with your student. If a problem arises, consult with your volunteer coordinator or the campus principal.
• Do not discuss your students and their problems publicly or with other volunteers. If you need help with a student, discuss the matter professionally and confidentially with the teacher, counselor, volunteer coordinator, assistant principal, or principal.
• Address the student directly and with sensitivity, be honoest and model an appropriate manner.

Respecting boundaries

• Volunteers should never give the student personal contact information (email, phone numbers, etc.) or take student information.
• Volunteers must acknowledge that this school-based volunteer program involves contact with students during school day only.
• Volunteers should never give students gifts, candy, or any other item. Opportunities may exist for student recognition but must be approved by the campus principal and designated staff.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

The volunteer coordinate on your campus has been designated by the campus principal to lead volunteer efforts. They are actively coordinating with campus leadership, teachers, and district leadership to provide volunteers with the sipport they need to impact student achievement. As a volunteer you can expect that the volunteer coordinator will:

1. Be able to assist volunteers with online registration and check to ensure that volunteers are cleared through the background check process.
2. Provide training to share campus norms, policies, and procedures. This should include emergency plans, drills, and procedures.
3. Answer any questions or concerns a volunteer has about their assignment and provide guidance on next steps where necessary.
4. Provide an opportunity for regular feedback, assess the volunteer assignment, and make any required adjustments.
5. Support volunteer service, including transitions and exits.
6. Be knowledgeable about how to get additional help.

VOLUNTEER CODE OF ETHICS

As a volunteer, you realize you are subject to the same high code of ethics as that of the paid professional. You promise to serve with an attitude of open-mindedness, a willingness to be trained, and a respect for confidential matters. Your goal is dedicated service to the students of Crosby ISD, and your time and energy are greatly appreciated.

• Be sure to sign in and out of the school.
• Leave your driver's license at the front office. Retrieve your license when you leave the building.
• Wear the required badge and lanyard at all times.
• Be a positive role model by acting professionally and dressing appropriately.
• Be familiar with all school policides, such as use of office machines, parking regulations, and emergency procedures.
• Remember that all school, staff, and student information is confidential per FERPA.
• Remember that it is the principal's decision when to allow volunteers into the building and what tasks the volunteers are allowed to do. This is determined based on the needs of the school and may differ campus to campus.
• Never verbally or physically discipline a student.
• Discussions with students should remain on-topic, school and age appropriate, and within the context of the nature of the assignment.
• Treat fellow volunteers, teachers, students, parents, and administrators with respect and kindness.
• Please remember the parent role is separate from the volunteer role. Please refrain from visiting your child's classroom or teacher during instruction hours.
• Notify, as soon as possible, the campus volunteer coordinator if you must be absent.
• Discuss any concerns with the campus volunteer coordinator, principal, or Student Services office. 

VOLUNTEER CODE OF CIVILITY

Civility is the affirmation of what is best about each of us individually and collectively, not just an absence of harm. Therefore, as we uphold safety and civility, Crosby ISD requires that when we (students, faculty, staff, parents, guardians, and community members) communicate, we will:

1. Treat each other with courtsey, honesty, and respect at all times
   • Listen to each other, even when opinions differ.
   • Share opinions and concerns with professional discourse; calm body language; and mindful tone of voice.
2. Take responsibility for our actions
   • Share accurate information.
   • Manage negative responses (for example, anger) appropriately.
   • Observe operational schedule.
3. Cooperate with one another
   • Notify each other when we have information that affects student safety and/or success.
   • Respect each other's time.
   • Respond when asked for assistance.
   • Resolve disagreements respectfully with relevant people present.
   • Honor the school and district policies to promote consistency and safety.

Failure to follow the Code of Ethics and Code of Civility will result in the termination of volunteer services.