In Mooresville Graded School District, we believe that volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for our students and supporting the overall success of our school community. Each school offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities to accommodate various interests, skills, and schedules. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week or can contribute occasionally, there are meaningful ways for you to get involved and help us fulfill our four strategic priority areas. Below is a general overview of the volunteer opportunities available:

1. Maximize Opportunity and Achievement
   1. Assist teachers with classroom activities, such as reading sessions, group projects, or special projects.
   2. Help organize and prepare classroom materials.
   3. Support students during independent work or small group activities.
   4. Provide one-on-one or small group tutoring in subjects like math, reading, or language arts.
   5. Assist students with homework and reinforce key concepts.
   6. Participate in after-school study sessions
   7. Assist teachers with classroom holiday celebrations.
   8. Assist the school librarian in maintaining the library, shelving books, and organizing resources.
   9. Assist students with research and/or checking out books.
   10. Contribute to the execution of special events, such as school fairs, fundraisers, and field trips.
   11. Assist with art projects, science fairs, capstone projects, and other hands-on activities.
   12. Coordinate or support extracurricular clubs and activities.
2. Safe, Happy, and Healthy Environments
   1. Contribute to health and wellness programs, such as coordinating fitness activities for staff or promoting healthy eating habits.
   2. Take part in your School Health Advisory Committee.
   3. Assist with school health screenings or wellness campaigns.
   4. Assist with hall and cafeteria monitoring.
3. Recruit, Grow, Retain
   1. Assist with classroom coverage when needed to allow teachers time for group planning, duty free lunch, etc.  
   2. Collaborate with the Parent-Teacher Organization and/or administration to provide special appreciation lunches for staff.
   3. Provide assistance in the school office with tasks such as filing and making copies (non-student specific).
   4. Support the administrative staff with organizational and clerical tasks (non-student specific).
4. Culture of Relationships
   1. Collaborate with the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) or other parent organizations on ways to enhance the school community.
   2. Assist with outreach and communication to engage the broader community.
   3. Attend and support school events.

This overview is not exhaustive or specific to every school.  We encourage volunteers to discuss their interests and skills with their school administration to find the best match for their talents and availability. We appreciate your dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of our students at MGSD.

As a valued member of the MGSD volunteer community, we appreciate and acknowledge the significance of your commitment to enriching the educational experience for our students. To ensure a positive and productive partnership, we have outlined the following expectations and responsibilities for all school volunteers:

1. Commitment:
   • Volunteers are expected to fulfill their commitments and adhere to the agreed-upon schedule. If unforeseen circumstances arise, please communicate any changes to the designated school contact as soon as possible.
2. Professionalism:
   • Volunteers are representatives of our school and are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times.
   • Uphold the school's mission, values, and policies, maintaining a positive and inclusive environment for students, staff, and fellow volunteers.
3. Confidentiality:
   • Respect the privacy and confidentiality of students, staff, and school-related information. Refrain from discussing sensitive matters outside of designated school channels.
4. Communication:
   • Maintain open and clear communication with teachers, administrators, and other volunteers. Promptly respond to emails or messages regarding scheduling, updates, or important information.
5. Preparation:
   • Come prepared for your volunteer role. When applicable, familiarize yourself with any relevant materials or guidelines provided by the school or teacher in advance.
6. Flexibility:
   • Be adaptable and flexible in your approach to tasks. Understand that as a public school, needs may change at any given moment.  Your flexibility is appreciated in adjusting to new situations or priorities.
7. Safety:
   • Prioritize the safety and well-being of students. Follow all safety protocols, and report any concerns or incidents promptly to the appropriate school staff.
8. Respect for Diversity:
   • Recognize and value that we are a diverse community and MGSD believes strongly in cultivating a culture where diversity is respected and encouraged. Embrace and celebrate the diversity of our school community. Treat all individuals with respect and consideration, valuing differences in backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives.
9. Positive Role Model:
   • Serve as a positive role model for students by demonstrating qualities such as responsibility, integrity, empathy, and a commitment to learning.
10. Reporting Concerns:
    • Report any concerns related to student well-being, safety, or any potential issues within the school environment to the appropriate school personnel.
11. Training and Professional Development:
    • Participate in any required orientation, training sessions, or professional development opportunities offered by the school to enhance your effectiveness as a volunteer.
12. Feedback:
    • Provide constructive feedback to the school on your volunteer experience, suggesting improvements or positive aspects that can be highlighted.

By adhering to these expectations and responsibilities, you will contribute significantly to the success of our school and the well-being of our students. We extend our gratitude for your dedication and look forward to a collaborative and rewarding partnership.

We appreciate the willingness of our supporters to volunteer their time for our schools.  As a public school district, we have an obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, visitors, and volunteers, as well as the integrity of our programs. To this end, MGSD categorizes volunteer opportunities into two distinct tiers. Please identify which level aligns with your intended service:

• Tier 1 Volunteers: These roles are designed for general assistance. Tier 1 volunteers do not have direct student supervision responsibilities, are never left alone with children, and are not authorized to handle school funds or money.
• Tier 2 Volunteers: These roles involve a higher level of trust and responsibility. Tier 2 volunteers may potentially be alone with children, may be responsible for the direct supervision of students (such as during field trips or tutoring), or may be tasked with handling money.  In addition, any volunteer chaperone for an overnight field trip falls under Tier 2.

With that in mind, there is a process all volunteers must complete before helping in our schools. To ensure a smooth and organized process, please follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Contact the School(s)
Work with the school(s) that you plan to volunteer with to find out what type of opportunities are available for volunteering. Let the school know of any specific interests, skills, as well as your availability.  By doing this, the school can work to match your preferences with the available volunteer opportunities and ensure a positive and fulfilling experience.

Step 2: Utilize the Ident-A-Kids Visitory Management System (Tier 1) or Submit to a Background Check (Tier 2)

• Tier 1 Volunteers:  All Tier 1 volunteers must check in with your school, as well as scan your license utilizing the Ident-A-Kid Visitor Management system upon entering the school.  A name tag should be worn at all times while in the schools.
• Tier 2 Volunteers:  All Tier 2 volunteers are required to complete a full background check utilizing our online volunteer background check service. Please contact the school you are interested in volunteering at or Tanae McLean at tmclean@mgsd.k12.nc.us to get started.  MGSD will cover the cost of this background check. Background checks will need to be completed each calendar year.

Staff Member Volunteers:  Due to clearing a full background check as a requirement of employment, current MGSD staff do not need to submit a background check to SecureVolunteer background check service when volunteering outside of your staff role (e.g. chaperoning your child’s fieldtrip, etc).

Step 3: Show your Secure Volunteer Credentials to your School (Tier 2 only)
Once you have been cleared by Secure Volunteer, you should receive an email.  Please take the email to the school you are volunteering at and verify your SecureVolunteer clearance.  Your name and SecureVolunteer number will be added to a District spreadsheet that each school has access to allowing you to volunteer at other schools, if you so choose.

Step 4: Sign a Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement
As a volunteer within the Mooresville Graded School District, you may have access to confidential information regarding students, staff, and school operations. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student records; therefore, maintaining privacy is a legal requirement, as well as a matter of professional ethics.  With this in mind, all volunteers will be required to sign an MGSD Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement.

Step 5: Schedule a Meeting with your School (if needed)
If volunteering in a role that needs training or specific instruction, schedule a time to meet with the applicable person at the school to receive details about your assigned role, schedule, and any additional information necessary for a successful volunteer experience.

Step 6: Regular Check-Ins
We value ongoing communication and encourage regular check-ins with your school’s administration. This allows us to address any questions or concerns you may have, provide support, and ensure a positive experience for both you and our students.

Volunteers play a vital role in our school community, and effective communication is essential for a successful partnership. These guidelines are designed to ensure that all communication between volunteers, students, staff, and parents is respectful, professional, and in line with our MGSD policies and safety protocols. By adhering to these guidelines, you help us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone!

Communication with Staff

• Chain of Command: For questions or concerns related to your volunteer duties, please first contact your assigned teacher or administration.
• Reporting Concerns: If you observe any behavior that concerns you — whether it's a safety issue, a student in distress, or a violation of school rules — report it immediately and discreetly to a staff member (teacher, administrator, or counselor).
• Professional Language: Maintain professional and respectful language in all your interactions with school staff.

Communication with Students

• During School Hours: All communication with students should take place in public areas and be related to the volunteer task at hand. Avoid one-on-one, unsupervised conversations in private spaces.
• After School Hours: Do not contact students directly outside of school hours (e.g., via personal phone, text, email, or social media). All communication must go through the student's teacher or a designated school administrator.
• Personal Information: Do not give students your personal contact information. Do not ask students for their personal contact information.
• Social Media: Do not "friend," "follow," or otherwise connect with students on social media platforms. Do not engage with students' posts or profiles.

Communication with Parents/Guardians

• Reporting: If a parent approaches you with a question or concern about their child, kindly direct them to the child's teacher or the school office. You should not provide feedback on a student's progress, behavior, or academic performance.
• Personal Information: Do not share any information about other students with a parent. This is a strict matter of confidentiality.
• Contact: Do not initiate contact about a child with parents directly outside of school hours. All communication should be managed by school staff.
• Emergencies: In the event of an emergency or if a student is in distress, immediately notify a teacher or a school administrator. Do not attempt to contact the parents yourself.