Johnstonville Elementary School District

Home Volunteers

Welcome to Johnstonville Elementary School District! We appreciate your time and effort in helping to make Johnstonville a welcoming educational environment for all students. In this handbook, you will find important information that will make your volunteer service successful and rewarding.

Why Volunteer?
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By volunteering, you...

enrich and enhance students’ learning by sharing your time, skills, and presence, which supports a more engaging and dynamic educational experience.
support teachers in offering more individual attention by assisting with tasks that free them to focus on student needs, allowing for more differentiated instruction and small group support.
provide individuals an opportunity to participate in a variety of activities within the school, from classroom support and special events to enrichment programs and extracurricular clubs, contributing to a well-rounded school environment.
promote and strengthen the partnership among families, the community, and Johnstonville School, helping to build trust, increase transparency, and foster a shared investment in student success.
model positive behavior and attitudes that reinforce school values such as respect, responsibility, and perseverance.
increase the school’s capacity to meet student needs, extending the reach of educators and staff to create a more supportive, inclusive environment.

Volunteering is an opportunity for you to show children . . .
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your interest in their school life, reinforcing that what they do in the classroom matters and that their efforts are seen and valued.
your commitment to the community, modeling responsible citizenship and the importance of giving back to others.
your belief that education is a partnership between family and school, emphasizing that learning thrives when families, educators, and the community work together.
your belief that learning is a lifelong process, inspiring students to approach every experience with curiosity and a willingness to grow beyond the classroom.
that school is a safe and welcoming place, where adults care about their well-being and success.

Volunteer Onboarding & Orientation Checklist
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Welcome to Johnstonville ESD! This quick-reference checklist summarizes volunteer classifications, clearance requirements, school safety rules, and legal mandated reporter requirements pursuant to California Education Code § 35021 and district policies.

Volunteer Role Pathways & Clearance Requirements

Role Pathway	Supervision Level	Permitted Scope & Duties	Clearance & Requirements
Lunch Visitor	Direct Staff Supervision	Eating lunch on campus exclusively with your own child in designated areas.	• Front office sign-in/out • Valid photo ID check • Visitor badge required • No TB or Live Scan needed
Parent Guest	Direct Staff Supervision	Attending scheduled class events, holiday parties, or assembly presentations.	• Staff sponsor & Principal approval • Front office sign-in/out • Orientation review • No TB or Live Scan needed
Chaperone / Volunteer	Unsupervised / Group Oversight	Field trip chaperoning, student mentoring, athletic support, or instructional aid.	• Signed Volunteer Application • Principal (Dr. Smith) approval • TB risk assessment/test • LCOE Live Scan (DOJ/FBI) • Basic Skills proficiency (if instructional) • Keenan Mandated Reporter Training

Campus Safety, Arrival Logistics & Code of Conduct

Front Office Check-In & Badges: Always sign in at the main office, present photo ID, and wear your assigned volunteer badge visibly. Sign out before departing to ensure accurate emergency rosters.
Timeliness & Cancellations: Staff rely on your assistance. Notify the classroom teacher or office as early as possible if you are delayed or unable to attend your scheduled shift.
Non-Enrolled Siblings / Children: Due to liability and safety regulations, non-enrolled siblings or other children are strictly prohibited from accompanying you during volunteer assignments.
Appropriate Physical Boundaries: High-fives, knuckles, and handshakes are preferred. Respond to hugs only if student-initiated; never initiate physical contact or allow students to sit on your lap.
Discipline & Behavior Management: Classroom management and discipline are strictly the responsibility of certificated staff. Report all student behavior concerns directly to the teacher or Principal.
Dress Code & Substance Policy: Dress neatly and professionally. Apparel depicting alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or firearms is prohibited. Johnstonville ESD is a 100% drug, tobacco, and vape-free campus.
Personal Technology & Social Media: Keep cell phones on silent/vibrate and conduct personal calls off-campus. Never photograph or record students, and never connect with or message students on personal social media.

Confidentiality (FERPA) & Mandated Reporter Training

Student Confidentiality (FERPA): Under federal FERPA laws and district policy, all student information—including academic progress, behavior, records, and personal circumstances—must remain strictly confidential. Information observed or learned while volunteering must never be discussed outside the classroom.

Mandated Reporter Legal Duties: Volunteers over age 18 who assist outside the direct, immediate supervision of certificated employees (such as Chaperones) are legally designated mandated reporters under California law. You are obligated to report any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect immediately.

REQUIRED MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING PORTAL:
All chaperones must complete mandated reporter training online via Keenan SafeSchools prior to service:
https://mandatedreporter-keenan.safeschools.com/register/56cb6275

Thank you for your dedication to Johnstonville Elementary School District! By following these guidelines, you help us cultivate a safe, supportive, and empowering learning environment for all Grizzlies.