Welcome in, from Everest Family Academy

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We're Excited to Launch with You

Everest Family Academy's New Training:

Classroom Volunteering 101

To Complete the training:

  • Watch each video made by our staff
  • Read the short paragraphs for key takeaways
  • Pause and reflect with the reflection questions

    Then
  • Tell us you're all set on a feedback form!
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Jump into the Training by clicking
on the sections below

Why Family Volunteers Matter

Maintaining Confidentiality and Professionalism

Classroom Expectations and Teacher Support

Positive Student Interactions and Behavior Support

Campus Safety and Procedures

Section 1: 

Why Family Volunteers Matter

When you volunteer, something magical happens. This video reviews why we value our volunteers so much at Westlake Charter School.

Classroom Volunteers Matter
  • Your kids see that you value their education.
  • You multiply support for all students.
  • You help us build trust, connection, and a sense of belonging.
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Reflection Question

Why is volunteering important to you?  Why is it important for your school?

Section 2:

Maintaining Confidentiality and Professionalism

Safety and care for all students is our first priority. Here are a few important agreements for volunteers to keep all students protected at our school.

Protect Student Privacy
  • Students and staff have the right to privacy in school.
  • Do not discuss student behavior, grades, or personal information with others. If needed, ask the teacher for helpful information privately.
  • Avoid posting about students on social media.

Professionalism
  • Assume positive intentions and the abilities of others.
  • Avoid making judgments about situations outside your control.
  • Celebrate the positive aspects of the learning environment.
  • Treat every student and adult with respect and kindness.

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Reflection Question

How can you help protect student privacy and be a positive influence when volunteering?


Section 3:

Classroom Expectations and Teacher Support

Teachers are the experts in the classroom—they build systems and routines designed to promote student success. Consider how to support our classrooms so students get the clarity they need to thrive.

Schedule in Advance & Communicate if Plans Change
  • Schedule volunteer shifts 24-48 hours in advance.
  • Give 24 hours notice if you need to cancel volunteering

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Be a Supportive Presence of the Teacher
  • It’s always ok to wait or ask a question. A good response to a student is, “Let’s check with the teacher on that!”
Stay Engaged in the Classroom
  • Keep your phone silenced; step out of the classroom if you need to take an urgent call.

Reflection Question

How can you help the teacher maintain classroom expectations when you volunteer?

Section 4:

Positive Student Interactions and Behavior Support

Parent volunteering may include supporting students in the way they interact with their peers or learning material. 

Support All Students through Positive Language
  • Use encouraging language that focuses on effort: "I noticed you really tried your best!"
  • Avoid disciplining students; alert the teacher if needed.
  • Remember that our students have different learning styles, communication forms, and unique needs. When in doubt, model what the teacher has asked students to do near students who need reminders.


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Reflection Question

How can you support students in positive behaviors? 

Section 5: 

Campus Safety and Procedures

Keeping a safe campus is important to us. Please follow these procedures when volunteering in our classrooms.

Sign in and out at the Front Office
  • Always visit the front office to sign in and out.
  • Pick up and wear your visitor badge at all times on campus. This helps us identify adults on our campus.

Professional Procedures
  • Dress comfortably and appropriately for working with kids.
  • Do not bring younger siblings to volunteer sessions.
  • During drills, follow the staff and remain calm.

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Reflection Question

What are your takeaways around safety and procedures?

Volunteer Agreements

When you volunteer at Westlake, you agree to...

Be focused on the health and safety of the students and staff

Be free of the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs when with students on or off school grounds.

Not use tobacco products throughout the buildings, grounds, or vehicles.

Promptly notify the school staff if you observe, have knowledge of, or reasonably suspect that a child has been the victim of child abuse.

Have no outside contact with students unless authorized by the school staff.

Support the school and classroom policies and programs.

Promptly inform the teacher or school office when unable to attend or when discontinuing to serve as volunteer.

Follow dress codes and act professionally.

Not access staff WIFI network, email or student records.

Don't Stop Now; You're Almost Done!

Click the button on the right to let us know you've completed the training!

Everest Family Academy is thoughtfully designed by Westlake teachers and educational leaders in partnership with WAVE

Dr. John Eick

Dr. Meredith Galloway

Jen Callau

Danielle Rojo

Jessica Block

Felix Flores

Amy Rice

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