RRE Volunteer Guidelines
We are incredibly grateful for our amazing volunteers! Your dedication, time, and effort help create a positive and supportive environment for our students and staff. Whether you're assisting in the classroom, organizing events, or supporting behind the scenes, your contributions make a meaningful impact. Thank you for being such an important part of our school community—we truly appreciate all that you do!
To help us ensure that the volunteer experience is positive and beneficial for everyone, we ask that our volunteers adhere to the following guidelines and reminders on how we can best serve our school together. Please note that these guidelines are not exhaustive and are subject to change (board policy 5630).
Point of Contact: Chris is your primary contact to answer all questions regarding your volunteer application status and expiration date. She can be reached at 253-800-5000 or cgustafson@bethelsd.org. Please remember that all volunteers are responsible for maintaining their approved status and must remain in an approved status to volunteer. This is without exception.
Scheduling: In partnership with the teacher and administration, all volunteers must have a predetermined and scheduled purpose that enhances our school environment for all students and staff. Due to the unique needs of each student and classroom, not every class can accommodate or accept volunteers. For confidentiality purposes, specifics cannot be shared.
Visiting RRE & Building Movement: Volunteers must present a valid ID before and after entering the building. All movement and volunteering throughout the building must be intentional and prearranged with the teacher and principal. Volunteers must perform only their predetermined purpose unless other agreements have been made with the principal. All visitors and volunteers must sign in and sign out at the office and wear a “visitor badge” that can easily be seen at all times.
Childcare: To serve to the best of your ability and to protect the integrity of our learning environment, volunteers may not bring siblings, other children, or non-approved people during scheduled volunteer times.
Role Model: We ask that all volunteers be positive role models. This includes, but is not limited to, being a good listener, encouraging students with positive words, accepting each child as they are, and being flexible to keep tasks running smoothly.
The Rocky Ridge Way: At Rocky Ridge, we value safety and ask that volunteers always participate in drills and model safe, expected behavior. Volunteers should know and model classroom and school rules.
Behavior Enforcement: If, for some reason, a child is not following directions, please refer that child to the appropriate staff member. It is acceptable to stop unsafe or unkind behavior; however, do not create a consequence or engage in further correction. The teacher and/or administration must be informed immediately of any potential disciplinary issue. Volunteers should treat their child as they treat any other child in the class.
Communication: If a volunteer needs to talk to their child’s teacher or another staff member, we ask that you contact them via email, voicemail, or scheduled appointment. Class time and other times during the school day must be focused on the students.
Confidentiality: Just as staff members of a school are required to maintain confidentiality, volunteers must also remember to keep student information confidential. Confidentiality regarding all students & staff is of the utmost importance and is imperative. Conversations regarding a child in the classroom, at recess, the quality of a child’s work, or student behavior(s) must not be discussed with other volunteers, families, community members, or other students. Should a concern regarding a student arise, it is important that you only speak with the student’s teacher, school administration, social worker, or school secretary.
Cameras: We ask you not to take pictures or videos of any staff members or students other than your student (unless asked to do so by supervising staff members) while volunteering. Many of our students are “no photo” students for various reasons.
Thank you for serving our community and enriching the learning experience of our Raccoons. We are better because of YOU!
Raccoons are amazing—
Renae Beatty (Principal), Melissa Kaasa (Asst. Principal), Christina Gustafson (Secretary)