We would love to have you join the volunteer program here at Sunnyslope Elementary. Volunteers play an important role in our school. They give time and encouragement to our students when needed and give teachers an extra set of eyes, ears and hands in a variety of different ways. Every Volunteer needs to have a background check done prior to volunteering in any way. Included with the paperwork, we also need to make a copy of your current photo ID. I know this can seem time consuming but having the paperwork on file is strictly enforced, for our staff and students safety. You have an opportunity to fill out the clearance packet any time during office hours, (7:45-4:15) just stop by the front desk and our office staff will be happy to help. Once you are cleared, you will receive an email stating that you are able to volunteer for the next two years. You can use this clearance at any school within the South Kitsap School District. If you have filled out a clearance packet at another school, please feel free to let me know and I will request a copy to keep on file at Sunnyslope as well. If you have any questions on the volunteer process or on future volunteer opportunities, you may contact me at any time via email or call my office from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. I will do my best to respond to you within 24hrs. Our Volunteers are very important to us and we ‘Thank You’ for every moment you spend with the children at our school!! Your time really does make a difference!!
Parents and community members play an important role at Sunnyslope School by volunteering for a variety of projects during the school year. Volunteers work in and out of the classrooms, give students extra practice in reading fluency and with math facts, provide enrichment opportunities, during classroom Field Trips, with Picture Day, Field Day, and other PTA/district sponsored events & committees. There are opportunities for daily volunteering at specific times and events that need volunteers only once a year.
There is something for almost any interest. While most of our volunteering occurs during school hours, there are occasional needs for volunteers before and after school and some evenings. The Sunnyslope Volunteer Program can accommodate nearly any work schedule! Let us know if you have any special skills or talents you would like to share. We will try to find a way to use them! Whether a volunteer wants to help just now and then, or on a regularly scheduled basis, we encourage you to become involved.
Every year our school benefits from thousands of hours of volunteer service from both parents and members of the community. Please consider volunteering; it benefits our students and teachers, and you will be surprised at how good it makes you feel as well! Your time really does make a difference!!
UPDATING INFORMATION
If you find that an activity is not to your liking or that you prefer to volunteer in another capacity, be sure to let the Volunteer Coordinator know. It is important to us that you enjoy your volunteer time! You should also let us know if your e-mail or phone number changes, a change in the times you are available or other information that would affect your volunteer activities. Volunteers may fill out a new volunteer information sheet (located in the front office) to update their information at any time. Background checks will be done every two years.
To provide a safe environment for our students and staff, District policy requires all volunteers to complete a Washington State Patrol background check. Any of our office staff are available to help you with the application and our Volunteer Coordinator will notify you when the process has been
completed. It is quick, confidential, and done at no cost to you. If a background check has been done at another South Kitsap school, it is not necessary to repeat the process. Let us know at which school your back-ground check was done, and we will contact that school for a copy. You will not be able to start volunteering in this building, until the results of the background check have been received here. It is, therefore, helpful if you begin the process as soon as possible.
All volunteers should complete a Volunteer Information sheet as well. This will provide us with your areas of interest and information about you in case of an emergency.
GETTING STARTED
Once your clearance is on file, you may begin volunteering. If you would like to work in your child’s classroom, please contact that teacher directly. Teachers will also need parents for special occasions, such as parties and field trips. The teacher will let you know when these opportunities occur.
If needs arise outside the classroom, our Volunteer Coordinator will send an email stating the specific need and request help from any volunteer interested. Generally, volunteers are contacted a week or two in advance but occasionally there will be more (or less) notice. You will receive information about the project, when it occurs, what type of help is needed and how much time is involved. You may accept or decline the request.
Unfortunately, due to our limited capacity, we are not able to accommodate volunteers with younger children on site. This is for the safety of your younger children and our learning environment. However, there are some volunteer jobs that can be worked on at home. You may inquire with your student’s teacher or the volunteer coordinator to find the best fit for you.
ARRIVING AT SCHOOL
Volunteers should park in the main lots. Please do not park in the bus lanes during the school day. All volunteers and visitors are required to check in, by signing-in on the clipboard, located at the small table in the front office. Please indicate the date and time of your arrival, your destination or project, and the time of your departure. This allows the staff to locate you if necessary and for the Volunteer Coordinator to keep an accurate record of your volunteer hours. Name badges are provided for all volunteers and visitors to use when in the building. A map of the school is available if needed, and our office staff will be happy to direct you to your destination!
SCHEDULE CONFLICTS
If you are unable to help as scheduled, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. Some projects require a precise number of volunteers and a replacement may have to be found for you. If you assist a staff member or teacher on a regular basis and can’t come at your normal time, again please con-tact them so they can plan for your absence.
Occasionally, a project may need to be rescheduled or cancelled. If that happens, you will be contacted and given as much notice as possible.
Ask the teacher questions: What days and times does the teacher need help? Are you expected to make a commitment for the entire school year or just occasionally? Do you have a special skill? Are you a computer whiz or perhaps a teacher yourself? Can you play a
musical instrument or speak another language fluently? Let the teacher know so he/she can plan a
special time for you. You are counted on! If you can’t make your volunteer time, please let the teacher know as soon as
possible, to allow time to rearrange the schedule if necessary. Arrive a little early: This allows you time to sign in at the office and get your name badge. Remember to sign out when you leave the building!
IN THE CLASSROOM
Keep information confidential: If you overhear anything personal about a student, keep it to yourself. If you have a concern, contact Mrs. Del Palacio. Know the classroom rules: What are the teacher’s rules for student’s getting a drink, using the restroom, roaming the classroom? When you know the rules, you can direct students if asked. Observe: Does the teacher run a quiet or active classroom? Keep these traditions, even if they are contrary to your own style. Discipline: If you are working with a student that becomes uncooperative, let the teacher know. A volunteer does not need to work with students that are not following directions.
VOLUNTEERING SUCCESS
Listen: Encourage interaction when appropriate. If possible, work across from the student so you can talk to each other. Use eye contact. Praise: Even students who are slow to learn can shine when encouraged. Find things they do well and give positive feedback. Be Observant: Watch how the students work. Get to know when they need help and when you should hold back. Doing student’s work for them is not helpful in the long run; being there to assist and guide is. HAVE FUN! Volunteering is a win-win situation for you, the student, and the teacher.
Change lives by volunteering; yours and a child’s!
SUNNYSLOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
4183 SUNNYSLOPE RD SW
PORT ORCHARD, WA 98367
360-443-3470
Principal: Jamie Del Palacio
delpalac@skschools.org
Volunteer Coordinator: Carol Ewalt
ewalt@skschools
