Volunteer
Current Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer you must be screened and approved by the school district. It’s quick and easy! Here is a link to become a volunteer: https://www.hoodriver.k12.or.us/Page/11163
Teddy Webber Event Volunteers Needed!!: Sign up HERE
Volunteer In The Classroom
This is the 15th year of the May Street Elementary Parent Organization, and teachers are welcoming volunteers in all classrooms. In addition to welcoming parents, extended family and community members are also valued volunteers who enrich the learning environment at May Street.
If you are interested in volunteering, please see attachments below and complete the background check form and submit a copy to the office.
Tips for Volunteers
Working with Staff
Be prompt and dependable.
Let the staff know what your interests and skills are so they can utilize your talents.
If this is your first volunteer experience in a school, you’ll find there are many exciting things to learn. Please be aware that some staff members have never worked with volunteers before. This will be a new experience for them, too.
Communicate your questions and comments. If you don’t understand something, always ask. Volunteering should be enjoyable and rewarding. If you have questions or concerns, please discuss the situation with the classroom teacher.
Remember that routine tasks are important. It is because of your assistance that teachers are free to spend more time working with students or planning instruction.
When you have been assigned a task, make certain that you know exactly how the teacher wants the job done. Ask for clear directions and, if necessary, ask that the teacher give you samples or demonstrate how tasks are to be performed.
The opportunity to learn new skills is one of the benefits of being a school volunteer. Be willing to try new tasks assigned by staff, but accept only as much responsibility as your comfort level allows.
Qualities Needed in a Good Volunteer
Volunteers are asked to consider confidential whatever they may see or hear while on assignment in the school. This would include discussing a student’s behavior or progress, even with his/her own parents. The staff and students need to know they can trust you.
Please be prompt and consistent. There will be times when you may be ill or unable to volunteer. However, please let staff know as far in advance as possible. Remember, the teacher will be expecting you on the days you are scheduled to volunteer and so will the students.
Take your lead from the staff and dress appropriately for the task you are doing. We ask that your attire be neat and conservative.
Your speech and behavior should serve as good models for the students.
Keep in mind that you are in a position to set a positive example for students.
Tips for Volunteers
Get to know student’s name, his/her nickname, or both; and how to pronounce and spell them correctly.
Be sure that the students know your name.
Accept the children as they are. Be ready to accept their differences in background, values, vocabulary, and goals. When children are disagreeable, it is not generally meant personally. They are more often frustrated by the world as they see it. Be accepting.
Closely observe the techniques used by the teacher and try to model those methods.
Encourage and affirm the students. Use positive comments that will allow the children to feel good about themselves. Praise even the smallest efforts or successes.
Admit to the children that you don’t know an answer or aren’t sure what to do. Feel free to ask the teacher for assistance if necessary. You must recognize that all questions do not have definite "yes" or "no" - "right" or "wrong" answers. Consequently, you will respect each child’s thinking.
Be caring but firm. Patiently allow the students to think and to form their answers, but keep them on task.
Be a good listener, but be careful not to give advice or to make promises that you may not be able to keep
Do not give students any materials, including foods, without first discussing it with the teacher.
Be friendly and enthusiastic. It is contagious! Keep a professional relationship by not becoming too personal.
Keep your sense of humor and......SMILE!
Please understand that every volunteer must fill out a background check before they are allowed to volunteer at May Street Elementary. Thank you for your patience.