VOLUNTEERS ARE IMPORTANT

Thank you in advance for supporting our school and we all hope that you derive much satisfaction and pleasure from assisting us in our mission.  We realize it is impossible to complete daily tasks without the dedicated and timeless work of our parent volunteers.  Your presence and assistance are deeply appreciated and important to the success of the students and the school.

GENERAL GUIDELINES – *** Please read carefully ***

1.   Sign in procedure and security - For the safety and security of our students and staff, all visitors and volunteers MUST enter through the front door after being buzzed in, stop at the foyer to sign in and obtain a Visitor or Volunteer badge. Badges must be visibly worn.  No person may enter beyond the double doors without prior appointment.  This includes dismissal time.  Please return the badge and sign out before you leave the school building.

2.      Commitment.  If you volunteer to assist, please be prompt and regular in your attendance.  The teacher and students will be counting on you for your help, and school programs are run on fairly concise schedules.   Please call the teacher or the program coordinator if you’re going to be late or absent. Whether you are volunteering on a regular basis or for a one-time project or event, arrive a little early so there is time for communication and direction. Also, be sure to let the teacher, librarian, or whoever is supervising your work, as a volunteer know when your schedule changes or if you can't make it when you are expected.

3.      CONFIDENTIALITY IS ESSENTIAL - As a volunteer, you will come to know the strengths and needs of the children you assist. Moreover, since children are sharing information with trusted adults, you may learn about their families and other aspects of their lives.  In order to maintain the privacy of children and families, volunteers must abide by confidentiality.  All information concerning students MUST not be discussed with anyone outside the school.  If it is necessary to discuss a particular situation, the volunteer should discuss it only with the teacher or the school’s principal.

4. ***CRIMINAL OFFENDER RECORD INFORMATION (CORI) *** - Massachusetts State Law, Chapter 385 requires that all volunteers in any capacity (i.e. field trips, book fairs, field day) must have a satisfactory Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check through the Criminal History Systems Board.  The School Department must check each family member who volunteers—a check on one parent does not carry over to the other parent. The process is centralized at the Human Resources Office at the John Woodcock Administration Building, 6 Morse Street - 508-643-2100.   First time applicants must present themselves in person with a government issued form of identification (e.g. Driver's License). THIS PROCESS MUST BE RENEWED EVERY 3 YEARS. No exceptions are made. You will receive written notification when your CORI has expired. If you have any questions about your CORI status, please contact Regina Bamford, Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-399-9978. CORI Forms are available in the school office or at the Human Resources Office.

5.  FOOD ALLERGIES - Please note that there are children in the school building that have severe allergic reactions to foods, insect bites, medications or latex.  These allergies can be life threatening for some, so we must be aware of students with allergies in order to provide a safe environment and to address the needs of each individual student.

Food allergies are a particular concern in school and require a plan for managing the allergy during the school day.  Some allergies are so severe that an accidental exposure to the allergen from the surface of a desk, book, or another adult/student’s hand could cause anaphylaxis (life threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing).  When students at Allen Avenue School have such allergies to foods, particular protocols will be designed by the school nurse for any necessary special precautions or procedures, and will be shared in writing with grade K-4 parents as needed.

Common areas that are no-food areas include: the library, computer lab and hallways.  These rooms are not available for after school use if food is being served.

We discourage children from sharing snacks and foods because there may be allergens that could trigger an allergic reaction.   Please refer to the list of peanut-free snacks on the blue sheet distributed the first day of school. Although we appreciate your enthusiasm for celebrations, please do not send food for the classrooms.  This includes cupcakes, cake, doughnuts, candy or other snacks for your child’s classmates.  Pencils and other non-food items might be acceptable if you wish to extend them to the entire class.

Please assist us in providing a safe environment for students with peanut and tree nut allergies.  If you have eaten peanut butter before entering the school, take special care to wash hands, face and remove any residue from clothing. 

Another area of concern is latex allergies.  Please do not send in balloons or any other items that may contain latex.

We have an excellent video in the district you may borrow if you desire more information.  Please contact your school nurse if you are interested in borrowing it or if you have any questions.

6.   Early Dismissal - If an event ends before the official end of the school day (2:44 pm) and you want to take your child with you, please sign the Dismissal Log located in the foyer.

7.   Be a professional. As a school volunteer, you are a role model for students.  Please behave toward students and school staff in a respectful manner that sets an example of professionalism and good citizenship.

8.   What to wear - Wearing appropriate, practical, and comfortable clothing when you volunteer is one more way you can be a role model. If you have a question, feel free to talk with the principal, a teacher, or another school volunteer.

9.   Discipline or behavioral problems.  As a school volunteer you may notice students disobeying school or classroom rules. Your responsibility is to call such matters to the attention of the teacher or other supervising school personnel. Never take corrective measures into your own hands. Volunteers should be informed about the school's general disciplinary procedures to avoid any misunderstanding.

10.       Emergency Procedures  - Should an emergency or disaster situation ever arise in our area while school is in session, all North Attleborough Public Schools have made preparations to respond effectively to such situations. With the assistance of the North Attleboro Police and Fire Departments, plans have been formulated to respond to various emergency situations. While the schools have had fire and bomb threat procedures in place for many years, school and system responses to other situations such as severe weather, hazardous materials accidents, gas leaks, intruders, etc. have been devised.

Each faculty member in every school has an Emergency Procedures Guide and it has been reviewed carefully. All volunteers should acquaint themselves with Allen Avenue Emergency Procedures.

11. Childcare - Parents/guardians are discouraged from bringing children with them to school while they volunteer. Everyone's focus needs to be on the students who are enrolled in the school and involved in learning activities. There are ways to volunteer at home if childcare is unavailable. If you have specific concerns regarding this practice, consult with the school principal.

12. Child neglect and abuse reporting - School volunteers are considered mandatory reporters of suspected child neglect and abuse. If a student discloses that they are in a dangerous situation or if you have reason to suspect neglect/abuse, please report this immediately and privately to the school principal.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION

A handbook like this is useful in covering information in a general manner. Volunteers, whether in a specific area such as the Computer Lab or in a certain classroom, need specific information about their volunteer duties. This can be accomplished by attending an orientation meeting and, if necessary, a training session with a volunteer coordinator, school staff member or other parent volunteers.  Recruitment Forms and CORI forms will be available during the orientation.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Computer Lab

1.      All Computer Lab Volunteers are requested to attend a training session to become familiar with the Computer Lab procedures. 

2.      The Computer Lab is run on a strict schedule.  You must be able to report 10 minutes before the class arrives.  This will enable you to check the following:

l        Each station is turned on

l     The computer drives should be empty

l        Open specific software at each station if instructed by the classroom teacher.

3.   It is also critical that you stay for the entire time.  Generally a few extra minutes are needed to complete the assignments and ready the Computer Lab for the next class.

4.   Volunteers must report promptly for a scheduled shift.  If you have a scheduling conflict or delay, please notify the Computer Lab Coordinator as soon as possible so that a substitute can be found.

5.   During class time, please be attentive. Respond quickly to the student’s request for help (that is, raising of hands, not vocal requests).

6.   Students should remain seated at their assigned stations.  Please keep circulating around the room checking for students who need help.

7.   Try to become familiar with a specific program or class lesson. This way, you are really helpful to the teacher during the course of the lesson.

8.   Assist student with computer operation and printing projects.

9.      Notify Computer Lab Coordinator of equipment problems/malfunctions by completing the Repair Log.

10.  Make sure the stations are in order when the students leave.  Disks should be unloaded, materials taken with the students and clipboards returned to the box.

11. There are strict student usage guidelines for the Computer Lab.  Please refer all student infraction to the teacher immediately.

Computer Lab Volunteer Coordinator

Duties include:

l    Contacting volunteers about specific hours they will work in the computer lab and creating a volunteer schedule. Assist others to find substitutes if a scheduling conflict exists.

l Addressing any questions or concerns the computer volunteers might have about their duties.

l Reviewing the Computer Lab Problem Log weekly.  Preparing Work Order Forms to notify the North Attleboro School’s Technology Dept (tech.naschools.net) of any equipment problems and/or malfunctions. 

Library/Media Center

All Library/Media Center Volunteers are required to attend a training session scheduled by the Library Media Specialist and will familiarize themselves with The Library/Media Center Volunteer Manual.  Volunteer duties include:

l Check books in and out

l Reshelf books

l Assist students in locating information and materials

l Assist students with audio-visual equipment and computers

l   Generate computerized overdue lists and notices

l    Type and file

l    Repair books

l    Straighten books, periodicals, furniture and library materials

l    Process new materials

l    Maintain student confidentiality regarding student use of library resources

l    Assist with Sponsor-A-Book activity during the school year.

Volunteers must report promptly for a scheduled shift.  Should you be unable to be present on your assigned day and time, a substitute must be found.  Please call the Library Media Specialist for assistance.

Library Media Specialist

Duties include:

l    Contacting volunteers about specific hours they will work in the library and creating a volunteer schedule.

l Find substitutes to cover for volunteers who will be absent or delayed.  

l Addressing any questions or concerns the library volunteers might have about their duties.

Literacy Closet

The Literacy Closet contains the school’s collection of leveled books.  Teachers use them for their daily Guided Reading Lessons and return them after about a week.  There may be five to seven sets of six books per class out of the closet at the same time.  When teachers return sets to the Literacy Closet, volunteers are responsible for re-shelving books and maintain an inventory of the collection.

Room Parent

Room Parent volunteers assist classroom teachers with a variety of tasks.  This may include organizing special holiday snacks for the children and providing classroom coverage during the Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon.  Room Parents are also asked to collect “wish lists” from teachers and coordinate purchasing of those items. 

Reading Pack Inventory Specialist

With the support of a Target Grant, we have developed 24 Take Home Family Reading Packs of various themes for Grades K-3.  Each is enriching and exposes children to new and different experiences.  The Packs include non-fiction and fiction books, poetry and various activities relating to a specific theme.  Some Packs include music CDs as well.

The Reading Packs are signed out on Friday and must be returned to school the following Friday.  We are looking for parent volunteers to go into the classrooms each Friday before 11:00 a.m. and ready the Reading Packs for the next group of children to take home. The parent volunteer must check to see that all the contents are included in the Pack and that certain supplies are replenished (drawing paper, activity sheets, etc.).  This task will take no more than an hour of your time.

Field Day Volunteers

End-of-year festivities include a day of fun activities for the children.  The theme of the event and all the games/activities are generally planned in advance.  As a volunteer you will be assigned to oversee and participate in a specific activity or game.  Students should have fun and show excitement, but should remain in control at all times.  

Field Trip Chaperone

During the course of the school year students participate in many out-of-school activities such as field trips, enrichment programs, or tours to other schools.  Chaperones provide essential assistance to students and teachers attending such events.  A good chaperone praises and encourages students, helps build a caring and supportive rapport with students, and acts as an exemplary role model for students.

To ensure the safety of all our students and to enhance the learning opportunities chaperones must follow these guidelines:

·         Chaperones MUST HAVE AN UP-TO-DATE AND SATISFACTORY CORI CHECK.

·         Chaperones must follow a standard of ethics regarding the confidentiality of information that might be learned while supervising children;

·         Chaperones may not bring other children on a field trip;

·         Chaperones must comply with all requests and directions of the teachers and professional staff;

·         Chaperones must not smoke at any time during a field trip;

·         Chaperones may use cell phones and pagers in emergencies only;

·         Chaperones, as a representative of our school, must dress appropriately for the activity and clothing must conform to reasonable standards of modesty.

School Council Member

The mission of the Allen Avenue School Council is to provide a forum for all members of our learning community to express their concerns and suggestions for improving School Policies and Procedures for our school.  We believe our commitment to education is best met through shared goals and participatory decision making through collaboration and consensus.

One of the most important roles of the Council is to develop a School Improvement Plan each year. 

The Allen Avenue School Council meets at least once per month during each school year at 4:00 PM in the school library.  It is an open meeting, which is duly posted at Town Hall. 

Volunteer Coordinator for Allen Avenue

The primary responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator include:

l    Maintaining the Allen Avenue Volunteer Handbook and Recruitment Form

l    Ensuring that all volunteers complete Recruitment Forms

l    Conducting an annual orientation meeting for all school volunteers

l       Coordinating training of new volunteers with the Library Media Specialist, Computer Lab Coordinator, and other school staff members and experienced volunteers

l    Working with school principal to ensure that all volunteers have a satisfactory and up-to-date CORI check.

l        Acting on teacher requests for volunteer help

l    Planning yearly appreciation event for school volunteers .

ALLEN AVENUE PARENT/TEACHER ASSOCIATION (AAPT)

The AAPT provides many programs, materials and supplies, and volunteer support for all our kids!  Their fundraising efforts provide funding for all the enrichment activities and field trips for our students.  Please support their fund-raisers.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE AAPT 

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF)

RIF is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's literacy organization. All RIF programs combine three essential elements to foster children's literacy: reading motivation, family and community involvement, and the excitement of choosing free books to keep.

As a local RIF site, Allen Avenue School’s RIF program has two main components: free book distributions and a reading motivation program.  Three book distributions are run each school year during which students may select one free book of their choice.  In addition, we conduct a monthly motivational program challenging students to read, record their reading time on a calendar and then become eligible for prizes.  Themes and challenges vary each month and are announced on the monthly RIF newsletter/calendar.

As a RIF Coordinator you are responsible for coordinating all the RIF activities and volunteers.  The RIF Coordinator position is best shared by two or three volunteers.  Duties include:

l    Setting up and conducting three distributions each year; including selecting books and organizing volunteers.

l       Communicating with the national RIF organization including completing a performance report and contract proposal each year as well as various ongoing reports.

l    Developing monthly program themes including RIF bulletin board and newsletter/calendar to be sent home each month.  Preparing and executing various incentives, challenges and rewards.

l        Working closely with the AAPT and school principal to coordinate all activities with the school calendar.

Golf Tournament

The AAPT hosts a Golf Tournament each year to benefit the school’s enrichment programs, RIF and other various events throughout the school year.  Even if you do not golf there are many ways to participate in this fundraising event including sponsorship, working at the tournament or donating consumable items for the golfers

Box Top for Education

Students clip Box Tops from hundreds of General Mills’s products to earn money for the school. Each Box Top is worth 10¢.  The Box Top Volunteer(s) are responsible for tallying all clipped Box Tops and sending them in for reimbursement.

Book Fair

One of the ways the AAPT funds enrichment programs is by sponsoring Book Fairs for our children and their families.  Volunteers are needed to setup the book displays; assist children with book selections; and closing up book display.  Book Fairs are held periodically throughout the school year.

Holiday Shoppe

A store is setup in the cafeteria where hundreds of small items are available for students to purchase as Christmas gifts for their family members.  Students shop by class and item prices range from 25 cents to $10. Volunteers are needed to setup the items provided by a vendor; wrap/bag and label items; and assist in collecting money.

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Volunteers help with prepare an end-of-year Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon.  Ways to assist include donating luncheon items and assisting with the setup and/or cleanup for the event.

Lenore’s Pantry

Lenore’s Kitchen is North Attleboro’s charity food pantry.  Each year our school collects canned and non-perishable good to donate to the needy.  Volunteers setup collection boxes and deliver the items that are donated.

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Mr. David Manoogian, Chair

Mr. William Kummer, Secretary

Mr. Anthony Calcia

Mr. Christopher Frost

Mr. James D. McKenna

Mrs. Joan Meilan

Mr. Kenneth Pickering

Ms. Sarah Casey, Student Representative, Class of 2008

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH PUBLIC SCHOOLS CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION

Woodcock Administration Building

6 Morse Street

North Attleboro, MA 02760

(508) 643-2100

Mr. Richard A. Smith, Superintendent

Dr. James M. Rice, Assistant Superintendent

Mr. David M. Flynn, Business Manager

Mr. Kyle P. Kummer, Director of Buildings and Grounds

Mrs. Julieann Hoell, Director of Special Education

ALLEN AVENUE SCHOOL STAFF

Mrs. Diane E. Santos ~ Principal (dsantos@naschools.net)

Mrs. Mary Chagnon ~ Secretary (mchagnon@naschools.net)

Mrs. Sara Caruso ~ Nurse (scaruso@naschools.net)

Mrs. Ellen Hodge ~ Clerical (ehodge@naschools.net)

Mr. Richard Duphily ~ Custodian (rduphily@naschools.net)

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Kindergarten

Mrs. Keryn Pariseau (kpariseau@naschools.net)

Mrs. Paula Parker (pparker@naschools.net)

1^st Grade

Mrs. Laurie Gelati-Armell (lgelati-armell@naschools.net)

Mrs. Laura Meegan (lmeegan@naschools.net)

2^nd Grade

Mrs. Deborah Dailey (ddailey@naschools.net)

Mrs. Jane Sherman (jsherman@naschools.net)

3^rd Grade

Mrs. Karyn Picard (kpicard@naschools.net)

Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith (mesmith@naschools.net)

4^th Grade

Mrs. Kathleen Curtis (kcurtis@naschools.net)

Mrs. Renee Roberts (rroberts@naschools.net)

SPECIALISTS

Mrs. Melanie Bresson ~ Health (mbresson@naschools.net)

Mrs. Kim Goldman ~ Art (kgoldman@naschools.net)

Mrs. Diane Guyot ~ Reading Specialist (dguyot@naschools.net)

Mrs. Shelley Hardro ~ Psychologist (shardro@naschools.net)

Mrs. Merryl Havens ~ Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (mhavens@naschools.net)

Mrs. Ann Holmes ~ Art (aholmes@naschools.net)

Mr. David Kayata ~ Physical Education (dkayata@naschools.net)

Ms. Catherine Kearney ~ Speech/Language Pathologist (ckearney@naschools.net)

Mr. Kurt Kummer ~ Physical Education (kkummer@naschools.net)

Mrs. Karen Lenahan ~ Class Size Reduction (klenahan@naschools.net)

Miss Susan Slavinskas ~ Music (sslavinskas@naschools.net)

Ms. Valerie Smith ~Music (vsmith@naschools.net)

Mrs. Kerry Varr ~ Special Educator (kvarr@naschools.net)

Mrs. Maureen Reynolds ~ Occupational Therapist (mreynolds@naschools.net)

Mrs. Tricia Svendsen ~ Library Teacher (tsvendsen@naschools.net)

SUPPORT PERSONNEL

Mrs. Debra Barrett~ Paraprofessional (dbarrett@naschools.net)

Mrs. Sharon Chretien ~ Paraprofessional (schretien@naschools.net)

Mrs. Genie Pierce ~ Paraprofessional (gpierce@naschools.net)

Mrs. Cathy Tonnies ~ Paraprofessional (ctonnies@naschools.net)

Mrs. Joan McDonald ~ Paraprofessional/Library (jmcdonald@naschools.net)

CAFETERIA STAFF

Mrs. Lori Barrett ~ Cafeteria Manager (lbarrett@naschools.net)

Mrs. Christine Choiniere ~ Cafeteria Cashier (cchoiniere@naschools.net))

Mrs. Sue Moreau ~ Cafeteria Helper (smoreau@naschools.net)

Allen Avenue School Web site

 (www.naschools.net)