Sign The Forest School Volunteer Code of Conduct

Thank you for your cooperation in respecting the following important guidelines:

1. As a Forest School Volunteer, Your Role and Responsibilities in the School Are Unique 

   1. UNDERSTAND that your role is a supportive one. The teacher (a.k.a. Guide) and principal are completely in charge. If the teacher (a.k.a. Guide) leaves the room, the teacher (a.k.a. Guide) in the next room assumes responsibility. You must not be left in charge of a classroom.

   2. REMEMBER volunteers are only permitted to work with students on school grounds and under the supervision of the public school staff. 

   3. MAINTAIN student confidentiality at all times. Do not discuss any student with anyone except teachers (a.k.a. Guides), counselors, and volunteer coordinators. 

   4. DON’T make promises you can’t keep. 

   5. USE good judgment and avoid any compromising situations. Work in a room with other people at all times. Never be left alone with one student out of view of other people. Always keep the door open. 

   6. STRICTLY follow volunteer guidelines and discipline practices. Physical discipline is absolutely prohibited. Ask the teacher (a.k.a. Guide) and volunteer coordinating staff for assistance with problematic student behavior. 

   7. REPORT immediately to staff persons any physically abusive or sexually exploitive behavior towards a student. 

2. Volunteers Take Pride in Being Professional 

   1. MAINTAIN a constructive attitude. Don’t make negative comments about the school, its personnel, or the students to other volunteers or individuals outside the school. 

   2. BE PROMPT and consistent in your attendance. Teachers (a.k.a. Guides) depend on volunteers and plan their work accordingly. Students depend on volunteers even more. 

   3. NOTIFY your school as soon as possible if you must be late or absent. 

   4. KEEP an accurate record of your attendance by signing in each day you volunteer. Also maintain notes and records of daily activity with students. 

   5. ESTABLISH and maintain good and frequent communication with your classroom teacher (a.k.a. Guide). 

   6. NEVER be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not smoke on school grounds. 

   7. DO NOT lend money, contribute or solicit money for organizations while you are on school grounds. 

   8. DO NOT use the internet inappropriately by going to websites that are not conducive to a professional or educational environment. 

3. Health and Safety Are Always Important 

   1. ALERT school staff immediately if any student has an accident while working with you. 

   2. REFER any student in need of first aid or any type of medication to a teacher (a.k.a. Guide) or administrator. 

   3. LEARN and follow fire drill procedures and all school rules. 

   4. NOTIFY the principal of any accident you have on school grounds. A written form must be submitted to the principal within 24 hours. 

   5. ALERT the principal before volunteering in school if you have, or have been exposed to, a communicable disease. Please remember that you must complete all screening and training requirements before you can become a volunteer. The program/school reserves the right to discontinue your volunteer service for any reason.