Volunteering in the district is a privilege. The Board of Education, superintendent, assistant superintendents, and/or building principals may terminate or decline the services of a volunteer for any reason. Pursuant to Policy GBEBC, all designated volunteers will be required to complete full background checks (including child abuse/neglect, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and FBI screenings).
Volunteers will provide support services but are not substitutes for the professional staff and will work under the direction and supervision of district and building staff. Screened volunteers who may be left alone with a student will have an employee contact person or supervisor to monitor activities with the students.
Step 1
All designated volunteers will be required to submit a registration form (Form A) to the building they wish to provide volunteer services. The building administration will initially review the registration form and forward it to the Human Resources Department.
Step 2
After receiving the registration form, the Human Resources Department will contact the potential volunteer. All volunteers will be coordinated and screened through the Human Resources Department at the Administrative Center at 9703 Conway Road, Saint Louis, Missouri, 63124.
Further information will be provided to the potential volunteers and will include directions on completing the required background screenings. Once the information is sent, the volunteer will be responsible for completing and submitting all necessary paperwork. All background information is confidential and will be maintained in accordance with district policy by the Human Resources Department.
These background checks ensure the safety and security of our students, which is our top priority. Please note, that volunteers may not work in any school until ALL background checks have been received and reviewed by the district. This usually takes less than a week after completing and submitting the final background check.
Step 3
Volunteer background information will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Cleared volunteers will be required to present photo identification upon entrance into the building. Volunteer badges will only be provided for off-campus events. Any volunteer that is denied based on the background results will be sent a written notice. Building administrators will only receive cleared/denied information for each screened volunteer. Background checks must be renewed every five (5) years or as otherwise outlined in district policy.
Additional Guidelines for Volunteers
- Photo identification must be presented upon arrival
- Keep all information obtained from a student’s education record confidential
- Use the main entrance/exit
- Wear your Raptor identification badge at all times to identify yourself to staff and students
- Follow the same dress code applicable to the students (may be found in the student handbook)
- Commit to a regular schedule and call in advance to let the school know if you will be absent
- Be consistent with, and support the building and/or classroom rules for behavior and schedules
- Encourage students to do their own thinking and give them plenty of time to respond
- Never be completely alone with a student or put a student in an uncomfortable situation
- Do not search students or student property
- Contact staff if you feel a student’s behavior is inappropriate
- Report all suspected cases of bullying/harassment, neglect or abuse to the building principal
- Use adult designated restrooms only
- Do not bring other children to volunteer locations (this creates a safety concern)
- Follow all policies, procedures and other rules established in the district and all applicable laws (the policies and procedures are available via the district website or in every office)
Emergency Procedures
Providing a safe and clean environment for everyone is a high priority in the Ladue School District. Each room in each school has a Building Emergency Procedures poster. Instructions for handling various situations, such as fire, tornado, and earthquake are described. Evacuation routes are also included. Familiarize yourself with the information contained on this poster. Every moment counts when a situation arises. Be prepared.