Volunteer

Black Butte School is currently recruiting Site Council and School Board Members. Click the links for more details about each of these very important volunteer positions. 

Black Butte School is proud of its history of volunteers helping to make the school a vibrant educational experience that is connected to our community. We welcome and seek out volunteers from our community. Volunteering in a school is a unique and exciting experience. It is a privilege for both the school and the volunteer. Volunteering promotes and maintains a supportive relationship with the students and staff. We can't thank our volunteers enough for being willing to be a supportive part of the Back Butte School education program! In 2018 we were proud to award Sue Carleson (pictured at right) the Volunteer of the Year award.

Volunteer Program Goals

  • Strengthen the relationship between school, families, and community members through meaningful service opportunities. 
  • Support school personnel in addressing an identified need, easily met with skilled volunteers.
  • Utilize the knowledge and skills of volunteers to promote student achievement.
  • Maintain the building and grounds using community skills.

 

Why Volunteer?

  • Play a role in improving a community asset, our school
    • Put your skills towards a positive change
  • Make a difference in the lives of our students
    • Giving individual attention
    • Support a student’s learning
  • Learn new skills
  • Work together with others to build relationships with students, staff, and other community members.
  • It makes you feel better!
    • Studies have found a correlation between volunteering and positive physical and mental health.

 

Types of Volunteer Activities

  • Involvement with the Parent Teacher Organization, Site Council, School Board, or Facilities Committee, or Budget Committee
  • Facilities and grounds improvement and maintenance projects
  • Academic Tutoriing
  • Clerical/Office/Library Support
  • Classroom Assisstant
  • Field-Trip Chaperone
  • Student mentoring

 

Volunteer Responsibilities

To be a volunteer it is important to:
  • Be prompt and dependable in attendance.
  • Be flexible. Change is the only constant in a school setting. 
  • Practice professional ethics and confidentiality. Confidentiality means to avoid discussing personal issues or student information with anyone other than school staff. 
  • Know and observe all regulations of the school.
  • Remember that you are acting as a role model for the children.
  • Support and supplement the work of the staff.  The volunteer’s role is assistance, not replacement.
  • Communicate regularly with staff.
  • Honest in your approach and attitude, building trust and respect with students, staff, and other community members.
  • Patient in your work with others.  Give the program time to get established and for you to find your niche.
  • Consistent in treating others with respect and courtesy and expect the same in return.
  • Supportive of school staff as they do their jobs. Remember that the volunteer is here to help and support the work of our school, not evaluate and criticize the staff.
If working directly with students, 
  • Accept each student in terms of their background, values, personality, and abilities.
  • Be willing to help, ask for directions, follow instructions, complete training, participate in meetings, and try a variety of approaches and techniques with the students.
  • Let them know that making mistakes is an important part of learning (growth mindset).  
  • Praise them honestly, as this will build the student’s self-confidence.  Remember, attentiveness and effort can be as important as performance.  Be encouraging. Accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.
  • Notify staff of any student concerns in a timely manner.
 

Requirements to Volunteer

  • For education or administrative volunteer positions contact Delaney Sharp (dsharp@blackbutte.k12.or.us) 
  • For Facilities/landscaping volunteer positions contact Morgan Griffin (mgriffin@blackbutte.k12.or.us) 
  • Read the Volunteer Packet linked here
  • Complete pages 6-8 of the Volunteer Packet and return to Business Manager, Simon Levear (slevear@blackbutte.k12.or.us) Note: Page 6 also available online linked here
  • Complete online volunteer training module assigned from Safe Schools (you will receive a link to the training from BBS staff)
  • Submit proof of Covid-19 vaccination or medical/religious exemption document
  • Receive confirmation of background check completion (A criminal conviction doesn't necessarily bar someone from volunteering. A barrier crime is disqualifying.)