Words of Wisdom One hundred years from now it will not matter: What kind of car I drove What kind of house I lived in, How much money I had in my bank account Nor what my clothes looked like But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.

Volunteering at Oakdale Elementary “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

Advantages of a Volunteer Program Parents in school send a message that people in our community care about and are interested in what happens in school. Enhances a child’s self-esteem. Improves children’s academic achievement. Provides support to the many teachers and staff who work with your child each day.

Advantages of a Volunteer Program Improves parent-child relationships. Helps parents promote positive attitudes towards school and a better understanding of the schooling process.

What is volunteer time? Helping the teacher in the classroom Thursday Folders Field trips Recess help and lunch duty Volunteering during a class party Helping with any PTA activity or event Copying necessary papers and work for student use Babysitting for someone else who is volunteering Assisting a specials teacher with special programs and projects Reading to students Running Club “Home” work – cutting out shapes, stapling, etc.

Volunteer Guidelines and Procedures Please sign in at the office in the visitor log. Wear “Visitor” sticker or name badge lanyard at all times while at school. (these are available in the workroom) You may leave your personal belongings in the Parent Volunteer/Work Room. Please keep information confidential. See an administrator about issues that come to your attention. Please do not discuss teachers or students in the public workroom.

Volunteer Guidelines and Procedures Openly communicate with your child’s teacher or any staff member about questions and concerns as they arise When finished volunteering, please remember to sign out in the office visitor log. (This is how we keep track of who is in the building during an emergency.) Please keep track of your hours when completing volunteer tasks either at home or school. (Log sheets are available in a wall bin that is hung on the right side of the workroom as you walk in.) At the end of the year, submit total hours volunteered to the Volunteer Coordinator ( s will be sent out requesting your hours.)

Policies and Safety Precautions when volunteering

Policies and Safety Precautions Duty of a volunteer: Exercise good common sense All school rules must be followed at all times. Confidentiality is essential – All knowledge about students or the school MUST be treated as confidential. Maintain good behavior management whenever working with students. Volunteer report directly to a staff or faculty member, not another volunteer.

Emergency Preparedness Procedures at OES Please follow directions given by the classroom teacher or other staff members where you are volunteering. When the fire alarm sounds, please turn off lights and close the door if you’re in the volunteer room. Exit the building and wait for an announcement to reenter. Review exit plan and card in the volunteer room hanging by the door.

Potential Emergency Situations Partial lockdown - Exterior doors are locked with only authorized access to the building, no students allowed outside unsupervised, activities conducted as usual inside. Lockdown - All doors are locked, no one enters or leaves, students and staff stay inside until crisis situation clears. Shelter in place - Exterior doors are locked, air handling units are turned off to protect students and staff from a hazardous substance in the air outside. Evacuation - Students and staff move to an area outside on campus or to an off-campus location. Reverse Evacuation - Students and staff are brought back into the building to protect them from a dangerous situation outside.

For More Information on Security… Please visit the FCPS Security web site at:

For More Information on Volunteering… Please visit the Oakdale Elementary PTA web site at: OakdaleElementary.my-pta.org  “Volunteer” tab

Do you have any questions about volunteer programs at Oakdale Elementary?