Volunteer & Mentor Handbook

VOLUNTEER & MENTOR HANDBOOK

Clear Creek ISD Volunteer & Mentor Program

2425 East Main Street League City, TX 77573 281-284-0000

www.ccisd.net/volunteer [email protected] CONTENTS Welcome Message ...... 3 CCISD Campus Information ...... 4 Academic Calendar ...... 5 About Clear Creek ISD ...... 6 CCISD Volunteer Program ...... 7 Who is a Volunteer? ...... 7 What Do Volunteers Do? ...... 7 Volunteer and Background Check Process ...... 8 CCISD Mentor Program ...... 11 Who is a Mentor? ...... 11 Goals of the CCISD Mentor Program ...... 11 Mentor Opportunities ...... 12 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 12 CCISD Volunteer & Mentor Requirements ...... 14 Volunteer & Mentor Guidelines ...... 14 School Safety ...... 15 Contact Information ...... 17 Appendix A ...... 18 Appendix B ...... 19 Appendix C ...... 20

WELCOME MESSAGE

Thank you for your interest in volunteering in the Clear Creek Independent School District. Volunteers and mentors are important members of our team and help our professional staff sustain effective learning environments, enrich the education and experiences of students, and build critical partnerships to increase achievement for all students. Our volunteers and mentors are essential to the educational process as you bring your knowledge and skills into our schools. You help our young learners understand that there is someone who cares about them and their future. Please know that we appreciate your time and generosity. I respectfully ask that you read through this manual carefully as it provides essential information to make your experience a gratifying one. On behalf of Clear Creek ISD, thank you for choosing to serve our students and schools. We look forward to working with you and wish you, a successful and exciting year.

Welcome to Clear Creek ISD!

Greg Smith, Ph.D. Superintendent of Schools

3 CCISD CAMPUS INFORMATION

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS I.W. & Eleanor Hyde Elem. G. H. Whitcomb Elem. Westbrook Intermediate 281.284.5800 281.284.4900 281.284.3800 Armand Bayou Elem. 3700 FM 518 East 900 Reseda 302 W. El Dorado Blvd. 281.284.5100 League City, TX 77573 Houston, TX 77062 Friendswood, TX 77546 16000 Hickory Knoll Houston, TX 77059 C.D. Landolt Elem. Ed H. White Elem. HIGH SCHOOLS 281.284.5200 281.284.4300 Henry Bauerschlag Elem. 2104 Pilgrims Point 1708 Les Talley Dr. Clear Brook High School 281.284.6100 Friendswood, TX 77546 El Lago, TX 77586 281.284.2100 2051 League City Pkwy. 4607 FM 2351 League City, TX 77573 League City Elem. Wedgewood Elem. Friendswood, TX 77546 281.284.4400 281.284.5700 James F. Bay Elem. 709 East Wilkins 4000 Friendswood Link Rd. Clear Creek High School 281.284.4600 League City, TX 77573 Friendswood, TX 77546 281.284.1700 1502 Bayport Blvd 2305 E. Main Street Seabrook, TX 77586 McWhirter Elem./PDLS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS League City, TX 77573 281.284.4800 Brookwood Elem. 300 Pennsylvania Bayside Intermediate Clear Falls High School 281.284.5600 Webster, TX 77598 281.284.3000 281.284.1100 16850 Middlebrook Dr. 4430 Village Way 4380 Village Way Houston, TX 77059 Sandra Mossman Elem. League City, TX 77573 League City, TX 77573 281.284.4000 Clear Lake City Elem. 4050 Village Way Brookside Intermediate Clear Lake High School 281.284.4200 League City, TX 77573 281.284.3600 281.284.1900 1707 Fairwind Road 3535 E. FM 528 2929 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77062 North Pointe Elem. Friendswood, TX 77546 Houston, TX 77058 281.284.5900 Falcon Pass Elem. 3200 Almond Creek Drive Clear Creek Intermediate Clear Lake High School 281.284.6200 Houston, TX 77059 281.284.2300 9th Grade Center 2465 Falcon Pass Dr. 2451 East Main Street 281.284.2400 Houston, TX 77062 Ralph Parr Elem. League City, TX 77573 2903 Falcon Pass 281.284.4100 Houston, TX 77062 Lloyd R. Ferguson Elem. 1315 Hwy 3 South Clear Lake Intermediate 281.284.5500 League City, TX 77573 281.284.3200 Clear Springs High School 1910 Compass Rose Blvd. 15545 El Camino Real 281.284.1300 League City, TX 77573 G.W. Robinson Elem. Houston, TX 77062 501 Palomino Lane 281.284.6500 League City, TX 77546 Darwin L. Gilmore Elem. 451 Kirby Drive Creekside Intermediate 281.284.6400 Seabrook, TX 77586 281.284.3500 Clear Path Alternative School 3552 League City Pkwy. 4310 W. Main Street 281.284.1600 League City, TX 77573 James H. Ross Elem. League City, TX 77573 400 South Kansas 281.284.4500 League City, TX 77573 Art & Pat Goforth Elem. 2401 West Main Street League City Intermediate 281.284.6000 League City, TX 77059 281.284.3400 Clear View High School 2610 Webster Rd. 2588 Webster Street 281.284.1500 League City, TX 77573 LaVace Stewart Elem. League City, TX 77573 400 South Walnut 281.284.4700 Webster, TX 77598 P.H. Greene Elem. 330 FM 2094 Seabrook Intermediate 281.284.5000 Kemah, TX 77565 281.284.3100 Clear Horizons Early College 2903 Friendswood Link Rd. 2401 East Meyer Road High School Webster, TX 77598 John F. Ward Elem. Seabrook, TX 77586 281.929.4657 281.284.5400 13735 Beamer Road Walter Hall Elem. 1440 Bouldercrest Space Center Intermediate Box 613 281.284.5300 Houston, TX 77062 281.284.3300 Houston, TX 77089 5931 Meadowside 17400 Saturn Lane League City, TX 77573 Weber Elem. Houston TX 77058 281.284.6300 11955 Blackhawk Blvd. Victory Lakes Intermediate Houston, TX 77089 281.284.3700 2880 West Walker League City, TX 77573

ABOUT CLEAR CREEK ISD

Mission The mission of the Clear Creek Independent School District, the leader in visionary education, is to ensure that each student discovers and develops his or her unique talents and interests while realizing personal success and positively impacting their world through a new system distinguished by integrity, meaningful relationships, personalized learning, achievement, and a continuing commitment to Courage, Collaboration, Innovation, and Self-Direction.

Statement of Beliefs We believe that:

• People flourish only in a culture based on integrity • Today’s experiences are as valuable as tomorrow’s opportunities • One’s heartfelt passion creates limitless possibilities • Trust is built on what we do, not just what we say • Shared responsibility is essential to community success • Each person bears the responsibility to create his or her future • Each person possesses unique talents and creative ability • Everyone deserves to be physically and emotionally safe • Relationships are critical to meaningful teaching and learning • Respect for diversity strengthens community • The measure of any community is the success of its children • Each person deserves compassion and respect

Core Values • Trustworthiness Act with honesty in all that you do

• Respect Value yourself and others

• Responsibility Own your choices

• Fairness Play by the rules and consider the needs of others

• Caring Be kind to others

• Citizenship Work to improve your school, community, and country

Clear Creek ISD brings together caring and committed adults from across the community to support our schools and the success of our students through volunteering and mentorship. Please read below for more on both volunteer and mentor programs.

CCISD VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Who is a Volunteer? A volunteer is a person who shares his/her knowledge, skills, and talents with students and personnel in our schools. Volunteers are active members of our community who become part of the educational team to provide support to students, teachers, or other school personnel. Volunteers provide services for or on behalf of CCISD on District premises or at school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property. Volunteers do not receive compensation for their services.

What Do Volunteers Do? Volunteer assignments are determined by the specific needs within each school. Principals will consider the skills, interests and preferences of each volunteer candidate in determining the best placement within the building. Volunteers are encouraged to share their preferences with the school volunteer coordinator.

Occasionally, a volunteer placement may not be the right fit for the volunteer. If you are not satisfied with your volunteer placement for any reason, please speak with the school volunteer coordinator to discuss other available options. Example of volunteer opportunities include:

1. Join PTA – carnival, monthly birthdays, movie night, etc. 2. Library – shelving books, scanning and straightening books 3. Teachers (remember to contact your child’s teacher to schedule a time to help) a. Cutting/laminating b. Organizing materials c. Helping in the computer lab d. Making copies 4. Leaders Make Readers – Read once a week with a student during his/her lunch time 5. Field trip chaperone 6. Room parent or assist with special projects and parties 7. Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) 8. Relieve staff of routine and clerical activities Volunteer Recognition Each year at the district level, the CCISD Volunteer and Partnership Breakfast honors the many stakeholders who work tirelessly to help the District Lead the Way. Every year, each campus selects a volunteer who has been instrumental in the success and achievements of their school and students. This elite group of volunteers is asked to stand to be recognized by the attendees of the Volunteer and Partnership Breakfast. Also during the breakfast, the District announces the elementary and secondary volunteers of the year. Individual campuses also show their appreciation to its dedicated volunteers by thanking them in various ways, from appreciation breakfasts to special thanks from the principal and staff.

Volunteer and Background Check Process

1. Who is required to have a background check? In addition to all employees, background checks are required of all volunteers, adult and community education instructors and student teachers. Generally, anyone who will spend time on a campus interacting with students is required to have a background check.

2. What exactly is being checked? The background check is a criminal history check prospective volunteers authorize the District to conduct when they complete the volunteer application. CCISD uses Hall Pass, a visitor management system, to process the information submitted and runs it against government nationwide databases to check for misdemeanor and/or felony violations.

3. How long does the process take? Background checks can take 3 to 5 business days, so please submit your form well in advance of the event or activity for which you plan to volunteer.

4. How frequently must I have a background check? Volunteer background checks are conducted every year. Volunteers will be notified when and if they need to apply again.

5. Do I have to provide my social security number? No. You do not need to provide your social security number.

6. What happens if I do not pass the background check? You will be notified by email if you fail to clear the background check. If you fail to clear the background check, you will not be able to volunteer for duties you applied for. At that point, if you believe there has been a mistake, please contact Safe and Secure Schools for more information. If you are still not satisfied with the answer, an appeal form can be requested from Safe and Secure Schools at 281-284-0063.

7. What kinds of offenses will disqualify me from being a volunteer? An applicant will be denied to be a volunteer if: a) The applicant is a sexual offender or if it has been listed in a sex offender registry or database. b) The applicant has been charged with, convicted of, or received probation or deferred adjudication for a felony or misdemeanor for: child abuse, indecency with a child, injury to a child, neglect of a child/elderly person/or disabled individual, molestation, deliberate violence, child pornography, prostitution of a child, or sexual or human trafficking. An applicant may also be denied to be a volunteer if: a) The applicant has been charged with, convicted of, or currently on probation for a felony criminal offense for: theft, burglary, fraud, alcohol/drug abuse or distribution, criminal trespassing, vandalism or any other acts as determined by CCISD as dangerous to staff, student or District property. 8. I'm having trouble filling out the online form, what can I do? If you are having trouble completing the form, you may want to try a few things:

• If you are using a mobile device (phone or tablet) try using a desktop or laptop computer. • Close the form, then re-open and try again. • Check your browser version. Updating an outdated browser can help solve problems. • Check the directions carefully, and make sure you are using the correct formats when you type in your information such as name, date of birth, etc. Also be sure you complete all of the fields with an asterisk (*) as those fields are required. • Finally, if you still need help, please contact [email protected] or call 281.284.0020.

9. I don't have Internet access, can I use a paper application? Applications are online only. Computers are available at campuses to sign up as a volunteer. Please check with your campus for more information.

CCISD MENTOR PROGRAM

Who is a Mentor? A mentor is a positive role model who acts as a sounding board, guide, and a friend to a student. Mentors provide quality and meaningful experiences to our students to enhance their educational and life experience. Mentors can support students as they deal with day to day challenges. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.

Goals of the CCISD Mentor Program • Expand parental and community involvement to meet the unique needs of all. • Acknowledge parents and community members as important partners in the education of all students. • Strengthen the relationship between school, parents and community stakeholders through meaningful service opportunities. • Utilize the knowledge and skills of the volunteers. • Assist school staff and students with before, during and after school activities. • Help students realize their full potential as they become caring and responsible citizens.

MENTOR OPPORTUNITIES Clear Creek ISD has two programs that create mentoring opportunities: Kids Hope USA and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Kids Hope USA develops one-on-one relationships through the creation of church-school partnerships that pair church members with at-risk students at the elementary level in supportive, mentoring relationships. Kids Hope USA mentors spend just one hour per week, reading, talking, playing and listening to a child at school. By helping the child feel loved and valued, they help that child to learn, grow and succeed. Through CCISD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters School Based Program, the Bigs and Littles meet for one-to- one mentoring at the school once a week, or at least three times a month, to read together, play sports or computer games, or simply talk about life and personal issues – just as friends do. Not all adults are suitable mentors. If a school-based mentoring relationship is weak, students may show a decline in school performance and self-confidence. Mentors must have available time, be dependable and have a developmental attitude towards youth.

Mentors should understand that: • Seeing their mentee consistently is one of the most important things they can do as a mentor. • All contact with the mentee is restricted to school grounds. • They must not communicate with the mentee over social media. • The relationship is a one-on-one relationship. • They might be privy to personal information about a mentee and family members and will need to keep this information confidential unless the mentee is in physical danger. • Staying in contact with the Mentor Coordinator by responding to calls and letters is key to a successful match. • They must participate in all program evaluations.

Mentors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters you are expected to sign a Mentor and Mentee Agreement and fill out a Daily Mentor Progress Report provided by the mentoring organization. Please see Appendix A & B. Kids Hope USA Mentors need to fill out a Parent/Guardian consent form. Please see Appendix C.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mentor Program

1. What is the time commitment required to be a mentor? A: Mentors meet with their mentees one hour a week, on the same day at the same time each week for the entire school year. 2. Does a mentor get to work with the same student each time? A: Yes, the mentors work with one mentee for at least one year, with the hope that the mentor will continue with the same mentee as he/she moves up in grades.

3. What activities do mentors and mentees participate in? A: The programs are in place primarily to provide a positive influence for the student’s social and emotional well-being. What a mentor does with a student is mentee-driven. A mentor and mentee could play board games, draw, do a puzzle, talk, read, etc., together. This program is typically not for the mentor to help the mentee with their homework, however, this may be done if both wish to spend the time doing school work. 4. Can I take my mentee off of school grounds? A: No. The mentor and mentee meet in a place designated by the campus administrator. They usually meet in open spaces such as the library, cafeteria, etc. 5. Can I choose the school I want to mentor at? No, not all campuses have a mentor program. Mentorship programs are designated for specific campuses. 6. How do I apply to be a mentor? A: First, prospective mentors must fill out the CCISD Volunteer Application. The application can be found at www.ccisd.net/volunteer. Second, to begin the application process with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, please visit (https://aim.bbbs.org/einquiry/einquiryzip.aspx?t=2). Third, to become a mentor for Kids Hope USA, mentors must be members of a participating church to partner with a student on a campus. The Mentor Coordinator matches the church with the campus according to campuses’ needs. If your church is interested in participating, please contact the CCISD Mentor Coordinator. Fourth, prospective mentors will then be contacted by someone from the organization for following steps.

CCISD VOLUNTEER & MENTOR REQUIREMENTS

In order to begin volunteering in CCISD schools, you will need to: 1. Visit www.ccisd.net/volunteer 2. Complete the online application (click here to begin the process) 3. Once approved, you will receive an email notification with further information

In addition to our district training, some schools may provide their own volunteer orientation to welcome you and share information on volunteer opportunities at their campus. Background Check For the safety and security of our students and staff, Hall Pass conducts criminal background checks on all volunteers and mentors.

Appeal Process If denied clearance, volunteer applicants are allowed to appeal. The applicant will be notified by email if he or she failed to clear the background check. 1. Applicant may contact Safe and Secure Schools for an alleged mistaken identity or incorrect background screen report, and 2. If applicant is not satisfied with the answer, the applicant may request an appeal form from Safe and Secure Schools by calling 281-284-0063

Volunteer & Mentor Guidelines As part of our team, our volunteers and mentors are expected to follow CCISD policies, rules and procedures at all times. Volunteer and mentors are expected to follow these procedures each time that they volunteer and mentor to best support school staff and students. 1. Sign in at the beginning of each school visit and sign out prior to leaving school grounds. 2. Wear specific school/site identification while on school property or at school-related activities and return the identification prior to leaving the school and/or activity. 3. Dress appropriately for the educational and work setting. The principal has the discretion to determine whether attire is disruptive to the educational process. 4. Notify the school when unable to complete scheduled volunteer time. 5. Use staff/adult designated restrooms. 6. Maintain open communication with school staff, volunteer coordinators and other volunteers. 7. When working with students, stay in an area open to the public in full view of others. Never be alone with a student in an area that is closed off. 8. Do not discipline any student at any time. Behavior concerns should be reported to a teacher or school administrator. 9. Refrain from giving medications or medical treatment to a student. Let the teacher know immediately in case of a medical situation.

10. Due to potential student allergies, volunteers must be pre-approved by Volunteer Coordinator before bringing any food or drinks to the student. 11. Adhere to the District’s guidelines on the use of electronic media with students. 12. Refrain from talking on cell phones while visiting the volunteer site. Use of cell phones should not cause a disruption to the academic environment. 13. Refrain from posting pictures of Clear Creek ISD students on social media outlets. Permission for photos must be requested and approved in advance. 14. Refrain from promoting any religious doctrines or beliefs. 15. Refrain from promoting any political candidates, parties or issues. 16. Refrain from promoting specific businesses, commercial products, or brand names. 17. Refrain from referring students to specific private or public treatment programs, individuals, or agencies. 18. Refrain from giving money to students. Gifts to students must be pre-approved by Volunteer Coordinator. 19. Refrain from bringing visitors, children, siblings or others in your care to the volunteer site. 20. Use caution when showing praise to students in a physical way. 21. Alert appropriate school staff if a student discloses any information which makes you believe he or she is experiencing neglect or abuse. 22. Maintain the confidentiality of all student information and abide by the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 23. Promote the worth and dignity of all individuals by displaying an attitude of cooperation and demonstrate the CCISD core values- respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. 24. Demonstrate a commitment to the education for all students.

SCHOOL SAFETY

The Clear Creek Independent School District is committed to ensuring safe and nurturing learning environments for our students and staff. Safe and Secure Schools works diligently to be prepared for an emergency. Staff is well trained in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Incident Management system. CCISD also partners with the Texas School Safety Center. Each campus has a crisis response plan in place and training and mock exercises are conducted regularly. Clear Creek ISD does not anticipate a safety issue but should one arise while you are in a school premises, please follow the District’s safety procedures accordingly for the security of our students, personnel and your own protection. Below is a description of CCISD safety terminology and procedures.

Safety Procedures Protect Mode: When there is an external event (i.e.: bank robbery, police chase) which makes it unsafe for students to be outside. More than 90% of our emergency response situations involve non-school related events which require students to remain indoors for a period of time. In these situations, all exterior doors will be locked and students will move throughout the building as usual.

Lockdown: When there is a suspected intruder inside the school building. In these situations, students and staff are to lock their classroom or office doors and remain quiet and calm until there is an all-clear from responding officers.

Shelter in place: When there is a chemical event near a campus. To protect students and staff, all doors will be locked to prevent the accidental opening and closing of doors and heating and air conditioning units will be turned off.

Evacuation: Students are escorted outside of the building because of fire or some other type of hazard inside the building.

CONTACT INFORMATION

CCISD Mentor Program Jeanne deVezin, Ed.D. At Risk Services Coordinator [email protected] 281-284-0083

District Volunteer Support Monica Barba [email protected] 281-284-0032

CCISD Safe & Secure Schools Erich Kreiter Director, Safe and Secure Schools [email protected] 281-284-0063

Volunteer Support: [email protected] www.ccisd.net/volunteer

Appendix A

Mentor and Mentee Agreement

Mentor Name: Student Name:

We agree to meet once a week during the hours of (time) at/in . (location name)

We agree that if either of us is late or cannot attend a weekly meeting we will:

□ Contact my mentor/mentee by phone, email or text

□ Contact the Program Coordinator to let my mentor/mentee know

Mentor phone number

Mentor email

Student phone number

Student email

Program Coordinator phone number

Program Coordinator email

Student signature Date

Mentor signature Date

Appendix B

Daily Mentor Progress Report

Mentor’s Name: Mentee’s Name:

Date:

How did you spend your time with your mentee?

1. Relationship Building Activities 2. Academic Activities Reading Math

Spelling: Other:

3. Creative Play (Educationally based play time) Games Art:

Other:

4. Free Play (What did you do just for fun?)

How did your mentee respond? Scale of 1 (needs improvement) to 5 (outstanding)

Attitude: 1 2 3 4 5 Motivation: 1 2 3 4 5

Cooperation: 1 2 3 4 5 On-task: 1 2 3 4 5

Completion: 1 2 3 4 5 Attention : 1 2 3 4 5

Any concerns:

What is your response to today’s meeting?

Scale of 1 (discouraged) to 5 (encouraged) 1 2 3 4 5

Anything memorable happen today?

I would like further assistance and/or communication about the following needs related to my Mentee:

Academic progress Social needs Physical needs Emotional issues

If this is an issue that needs immediate attention, please call your Campus Volunteer Specialist Your

number: email:

Appendix C

KIDS HOPE USA Parent/Guardian Consent Form (Reproduce on school letterhead)

Dear Parents/Guardian:

______(school) has developed a partnership with ______(church) through KIDS HOPE USA—a program that trains caring older teens and adults how to befriend children and help them learn. Your child’s teacher has suggested that ______could benefit from having a KIDS HOPE USA mentor. A KIDS HOPE USA mentor is someone who is trained to:

• Meet with your child for one hour each week at the school for at least one year. • Work with your child in practicing certain academic skills, including reading. • Be a positive role model and friend who could give your child a positive experience.

Please note that the KIDS HOPE USA program complies with the separation of church and state. No religious activity of any kind will take place on school property during school hours.

We would like permission for your child to participate in the KIDS HOPE USA program and be assigned a mentor. Please complete, sign, and return the attached student information and permission sheet tomorrow as we would like to start the program as soon as possible. All information is kept strictly confidential. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the school. Thank you for helping us to provide the best education possible for your child.

Sincerely,

(principal or teacher)

KIDS HOPE USA - Parent/Guardian Consent Form

I give permission for my child, ______, to participate in the KIDS HOPE USA program and work with a KIDS HOPE USA mentor while attending ______(school). This includes consent for the school to provide my child’s mentor with certain academic objectives and/or skills that the mentor should work on with my child and for the school to participate in evaluation of the KIDS HOPE USA program.

Parent/Guardian Name ______Date:______(print) (signature)

Address ______

Email: ______Phone: ______

A:10