Volunteer Code of Conduct

We partner with our Redwood City School District community in setting high expectations for academic achievement rooted in equity and unity to create supportive learning experiences in which all students, families and staff can excel and thrive.

All volunteers shall abide by these professional standards:

• Volunteers shall sign in at the main office immediately upon arrival.
   
• Level 1 volunteers are not permitted to be alone with students out of the direct supervision of the teacher.
   
• Level 2 volunteers are those who may supervise small groups of students in class or on school bus activities away from campus, or who, at any time, are alone with students outside the supervision of a certificated school employee. 
• Volunteers shall act honestly and ethically.
   
• Volunteers shall treat all fellow volunteers, students, family members, campus guests, employees and community members with respect, courtesy and dignity.
   
• Volunteers shall not discriminate, shall be respectful of each individual’s personal identity and shall honor the district’s nondiscrimination policy.
   
• Volunteers shall only use adult bathroom facilities.
   
• Volunteers shall not contact students outside of school hours without permission from the student’s parents.
   
• Volunteers are required by federal law to keep all student information that they obtain while working as a volunteer for the district confidential. Student information includes, but not limited to, academic, medical and personal information. In addition, volunteers cannot take photos or share student work without parent/guardian written permission. Disclosure of student information by a volunteer is a violation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and may subject the volunteer and the district to civil liability.
   
• Volunteers shall not exchange telephone numbers, home addresses, email addresses, social media contacts or any other home directory information with students for any purpose unless it is required as part of the role as a volunteer with administrative approval. 
   
• Volunteers shall refrain from wearing clothing that displays any drug, alcohol, sex, violence or gang message or logo, or obscene language or materials.
   
• Volunteers shall follow all applicable local, state and federal laws as well as board policies and administrative regulations, while acting on behalf of the district, a school or a program, including all laws and regulations that govern appropriate conduct in the workplace.
   
• Volunteers shall assist and cooperate with all district investigations.
   
• Volunteers shall report violations or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. Violations should be reported to the assigned staff partner or volunteers@rcsdk8.net
   
• Volunteers shall seek assistance if they have questions about any volunteer guidelines, including the Code of Conduct. If a staff member or volunteer has any questions or concerns about the Code of Conduct or wishes to file a formal complaint, they may contact volunteers@rcsdk8.net or the Human Resources Department (650) 482.2249.

Both volunteers and staff are expected to comply with district policies including but not limited to those described in this document, board policies and administrative regulations. Failure to follow policy requirements may be grounds for disqualification from volunteer service. For insurance reasons, volunteers are expected to make alternate plans for the care of younger siblings or other children. They are not to accompany in any volunteer capacity. Policy 1240: Volunteer Assistance.

School-related activities must be conducted free from the influence of alcohol, marijuana and illegal drugs. In addition, these substances may not be possessed, used or distributed on district premises. 

Use of tobacco or e-cigarettes in district or school offices, district or school premises, in vehicles, at school-related events and functions and while representing the district, a school or program at any time or function is prohibited. 

A volunteer cannot report to school-related activities impaired, nor should a volunteer smell of marijuana per the expectation for scents and hygiene in the workplace and at school-related events.

If a volunteer’s personal vehicle is parked on district grounds, the rules governing a drug-free school apply. If a volunteer parks in a private lot not under the control of the district, the volunteer is subject to any applicable restrictions of the property owner and the laws applicable to substances in vehicles.

Redwood City School District is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for both students, families, staff, community members and volunteers. Volunteers who do not comply with the Code of Conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, including and up to disqualification from volunteer service.