Volunteer Handbook

Welcome to the White River School District! We want to extend heartfelt thanks for the time and expertise you provide for our students through your volunteering. Your work makes it possible for students to enjoy the same amazing experiences that you likely have memories of when you were in school.

Volunteering in a school is an exciting experience and a privilege for both the school and volunteer. We are sure your contributions to our children, schools, and communities will be an outstanding addition to the fine work.

Our very best wishes and sincere thank you for all you do to help our students and staff have a productive and successful year.

Sincerely,

Human Resources

White River School District

• What do we want each student to learn?
• How will we know if each student is learning it?
• How will we respond when students experience difficulty?
• How will we respond if the student already knows it?

Educating the Whole Child

Collaborative Culture

Equity and Excellence

Community support and partnership are crucial – we can fulfill this promise together!

To begin volunteering with the school district, you must:

• Complete an Online Volunteer Application. Go to the White River website @ www.whiteriver.wednet.edu, click on Employment Opportunities, and create an “External” account if you have not already done so. Under Position Desired, choose Volunteer. Complete all required information when you have completed “submit” the application.
• All volunteers must participate in a Washington State Patrol and national database background check process. This process is conducted for student safety and gives us a background statement on all volunteers. By signing the volunteer application form, you have permitted us to perform these background checks.
• Read the volunteer Handbook and digitally sign that you have read, understand, and agree to all guidelines.
• Sign in and out in the school office each time you volunteer.
• Wear your Volunteer Badge whenever you are volunteering. One will be provided for you at the school. Staff and students are very aware of strangers in the building and may stop you if you aren’t wearing your badge.

You are an important educational team member as a White River School District volunteer. Volunteering in a school is a unique and exciting privilege, benefitting the students, their schools, and the community.

• Understand and accept the students in terms of their own culture and values. Be patient, trustworthy, and honest in your approach and attitude.
• Names are important. Make sure you pronounce the student’s name correctly. Make sure your student knows your name and can pronounce it correctly. When talking to children or in front of children, refer to adults by Mr., Mrs., Ms., or Miss.
• Encourage and support student successes. Students make mistakes. Let them know that making mistakes is part of learning. Praise the student honestly and frequently. Remember, attentiveness and effort can be as important as performance. Accentuate the positive and minimize the negative.
• Support and supplement the instructional program of the classroom teacher. The volunteer’s role is assistance, not replacement.
• Be prompt, dependable, and regular in attendance. Please contact the school office staff if you are scheduled to volunteer and need help to fulfill that commitment.
• Know and observe all regulations and procedures in the assigned school (i.e., fire drills, accident reporting, lunch and coffee privileges, pupil restrooms and drink privileges, inclement weather procedures).
• Discuss problems that arise with the teacher.
• Notify the principal, counselor, or teacher if a student confides in you about abuse or neglect. Staff will assist and support you with the reporting and follow-up protocols.
• Leave personal concerns and pressures at home. Leave school problems at school.
• Remember that you are acting as a role model for children, not only in how you interact with others at school but who you are.
• Know that parents are their children's first and most important teachers and assist them in working with their children.
• Have a good professional attitude, interest, and enthusiasm for working with young people, and be someone who can work cooperatively with school staff.
• Refer all problems with student behavior to the teacher or the office. Do not confront students yourself.
• Follow the school staff's professional example of action and appearance. Acceptable attire for volunteers is the same as for regular employees. Have students address you by your proper name. Be businesslike but friendly and relaxed.

Volunteers are expected and required to keep all ‘student information’ they obtain while working as a volunteer for the district confidential. Federal law strictly prohibits school districts and district volunteers from releasing any student information without parent/guardian permission. Student information includes all academic, medical, and personal information. Volunteers cannot take photos of students during their volunteer activities and post them publicly without authorization from the school. Student work, like artwork or papers, is protected by law and cannot be shared publicly without written permission.

White River School District’s Belief: We can help prevent sexual misconduct against students by employees and other adults in our schools by monitoring boundary invasions against students. This guide will help you identify boundary invasion dangers and familiarize yourself with policies and procedures that protect staff and students. Staff members and volunteers need to be familiar with the responsibilities regarding child abuse – which includes sexual misconduct – as described in district policies 3421 – Child Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention, and 5272 and 5272R – Maintaining Employee/Student Boundaries. These policies are included in this handbook. If you have knowledge or reasonable cause to believe that a student has been a victim of physical abuse or sexual misconduct by another person, including another school employee, you are required to report such abuse or misconduct to the appropriate school administrator immediately and always within 48 hours (including holidays and weekend). Experts divide adults who prey on children into two categories: ‘Grabbers’ and ‘Groomers.’ Grabbers assault a child with little or no warning. If you witness an assault on a child, you should contact authorities immediately. However, most sexual misconduct follows a period of careful sexual grooming – a process during which an adult predator gradually wins the trust of a targeted child through a series of escalating behaviors and boundary invasions.

The key to protecting students from sexual grooming is stopping inappropriate boundary invasions before they escalate. Which kind of behavior may be considered a boundary invasion against a student? Inappropriate boundary invasions include, but are not limited to:

• Counseling students in non-school matters.
• Meeting students away from school grounds unless as part of a school-sponsored event.
• Making comments about a student’s body or physical appearance.
• Having any discussions with students regarding romantic or sexual activities (with them or others).
• Invasions by the adult into the child’s personal space and personal life, such as taking an undue interest in a student (i.e., having a ‘special’ friend or a ‘special relationship’ with a particular student)
• Giving gifts or money to the student for no legitimate educational reason.
• Engaging in peer-like behavior with students (i.e., being cool by being like one of the kids).
• Being overly touchy with students.
• Telling the student ‘secrets’ and having ‘secrets’ with the student.
• Being alone with the student behind closed doors at school.
• Giving students rides in your vehicle without administrative approval.
• Engaging in talk containing sexual innuendo or banter with students.
• Communicating via e-mail, text messaging, chat room, websites, or social media to discuss personal topics or other non-educational related matters with students.
• Invading the child’s privacy (e.g., walking in on the child in the bathroom or locker room). Hugging, kissing, or other physical contact with a student. Students should not be on your lap, and there should be no frontal hugging, etc. A hand on the shoulder may be appropriate when giving praise. Brief tactile (touch) contact with early elementary students may occasionally be necessary to manage students with short attention spans effectively. Likewise, touching may occasionally be necessary during coaching – such as wrestling or football – so some exceptions exist.
• Volunteer Coaches should avoid driving individual students to or from games, practices, or events unless there is a medical or weather emergency. When traveling with a team, a coach or other adult school representative should never be alone in a room with a student.

Where should I work with a student? Locations will vary, depending upon availability and the preference of the student’s teacher. Some schools may be crowded, so you may work with the students in the hallway. Try to find a quiet space with as few distractions as possible. Sometimes, a teacher will direct you to an empty classroom. Always work in an area the teacher assigns and keep the door open. If you are working with a student in an after-school program, offering the student a ride home may be tempting. Never go off-site with a student, and never give them a ride in your car. Your volunteer experience is limited to the public school setting.

What are my confidentiality rights? As the relationship with a student progresses, they will begin to trust you and may start to confide in you. Take time to listen and show that you care. However, do not make a promise you cannot keep. If a student reveals information relating to possible abuse or neglect, let the student know that you care and are there to listen, but you must report it to your administrator immediately (and no later than 48 hours after learning of the concern, including holidays and weekends). Someone may already have insight into the situation, which could help you to understand and work better with that student. Personal information about yourself should be shared only as it is relevant to the work you are doing with the student. Do not give out personal contact information such as your address, phone, email, and website addresses.

Can I hug a student? Some students, especially at the elementary level, will naturally become very attached and affectionate toward you. Many students crave affection and attention, so you must handle the situation sensitively. Unfortunately, front hugs should be avoided. Instead, carefully put your arm around a child’s shoulder and turn it into a side hug. Use other signs of affection, such as “high fives.” In addition, regardless of age, students should never sit on your lap.

What are some safer touch areas? Areas that are safest to touch are: Shoulders, Upper Back, Arms, Hands. Remember to keep in mind the cultural perspective and personal context of touch from the student’s perspective. Cultural influences, beliefs, and personal history affect a student’s comfort level regarding personal boundaries. Some children are not comfortable with touch and may want more personal space. Respect their wishes. Recognize the signals they do not want to be touched, such as avoiding or drawing back or away from you when you touch. Please use every professional precaution to ensure your actions are not misinterpreted as inappropriate by others. **Special circumstances will arise where touch that exceeds these guidelines will be necessary. Special physical education needs, nursing, and coaching may require additional student contact for the health and hygiene needs of the student. Be transparent (to yourself and the student) about when, where, why, and how you touch the student.

What are some signs of possible child abuse and neglect? The following factors may be present when abuse has occurred but do not guarantee an abusive situation. If any of the following signs are present in your child, you are required to alert the teacher, principal, or counselor immediately and always within 48 hours (including holidays and weekends) so that they can further investigate and report the situation as required by law. The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

Signs of Abuse:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems.
• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
• Lacks adult supervision.
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.
• Signs of injury, such as welts, bruising, cuts, burns, fractures, or swellings.
• A history of repeated, untreated, or unexplained physical injury.
• There is a contradiction between the story “I fell off my bed” and physical evidence that has included repeated bruising.
• The child appears to be uncomfortable or fearful when talking about the injury.
• The child alludes to or seems preoccupied with sexual matters.

• Is frequently absent from school.
• Begs or steals food or money.
• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
• States that there is no one at home to provide care

Our School is Committed to Safety at School Activities and Events

Washington State wants school activities and events, like athletic competitions, performances, and other extracurricular activities, to be safe for everyone who takes part in them or watches them.

What does state law say?

Washington State law has long banned intimidation, force, and threats of violence at school events. ESB 5272 (which takes effect in 2026) made those protections stronger. It now also covers officials and volunteers at extracurricular athletic activities, and it has created new consequences for breaking the law. For non-students, if they are convicted of a crime, they may be banned from school activities for up to 18 months, receive a fine, or go to jail for no more than 6 months. For students, other school consequences, including removal from school, may also apply under RCW 28A.600.015.

The purpose of school board policies is to establish a framework and guidelines for the operation and management of a school district. These policies serve as a blueprint for how the school district functions, ensuring legal compliance, consistency, fairness, and accountability in various aspects of education. While we have not included all School Board Policies in the handbook, we want to emphasize some board policies.

Policy 5010 - Discrimination Free Workplace and

Procedure 5010P - Discrimination Free Workplace

The White River School District complies with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations and does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, immigration or citizenship status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

The district is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer encouraging application of qualified minorities, women, and disabled persons for employment and other opportunities. White River School District is committed to providing access to all District programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society.

Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited (Policy 5011) and

Sexual Harassment of District Staff Prohibited (Procedure 5011)

Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity, including on the school campus, on the school bus, or off-campus during a school-sponsored activity. Sexual harassment consists of any unwelcomed sexual advances, request for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical contact, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual when:

• A student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications to gain something in return, such as a grade, a promotion, a place on a sports team, or any educational or employment decision, or
• The conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile educational or employment environment. 10.2024

✶ Clearly and promptly communicate your objection to sexual communication and conduct that you find offensive.

✶ As an employee, promptly report all concerns or complaints of sexual harassment. Informal complaints may be made to any staff member or the immediate supervisor. For a formal complaint, the complainant should report to one of the following: his or her immediate supervisor, the human resources administrator, or the superintendent.

Examples of Sexual Harassment:

• Pressuring a person for sexual favors
• Unwelcome touching of a sexual nature
• Writing graffiti of a sexual nature
• Distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures
• Making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks
• Physical violence, including rape and sexual assault

Gender Inclusive Schools (Procedure 3211)

In Washington, all students have the right to be treated in a manner consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change, and will change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records. Our school will allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. Students may participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips by their gender identity and will allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender. Our school will keep health and education information confidential and private. We will protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on gender or gender identity.

Parents have the right to view all student records by FERPA and the Washington State Parent Bill of Rights per Initiative 2081.

White River School District believes in fostering an educational environment that is safe and free of discrimination for all students, regardless of sex, gender identity or gender expression. Direct inquiries regarding Gender Inclusive Schools may be made to the Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator.

COMPLAINT OPTIONS: DISCRIMINATION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT

If you believe you or a student have experienced unlawful discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment at school, you have the right to file a complaint.

Contact Information:

District Title IX & Civil Rights Coordinator:

Dr. Sunday Ferris

PO Box 2050

Buckley, WA 98321

(360) 829-3821

Email Dr. Sunday Ferris

Section 504/ADA Coordinator:

Molly Lutz

PO Box 2050

Buckley, WA 98321

(360) 829-3957

Email Molly Lutz

HIB Coordinator & Gender Inclusive Schools Coordinator:

Cody Mothershead

PO Box 2050

Buckley, WA 98321

(360) 829-3820

Email Cody Mothershead

COMPLAINT TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Step 1. Write Your Complaint

In most cases, complaints must be filed within one year from the date of the incident or conduct that is the subject of the complaint. A complaint must be in writing. Be sure to describe the conduct or incident, explain why you believe discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or sexual harassment has occurred, and describe what actions you believe the district should take to resolve the problem. Send your written complaint to the district superintendent or civil rights compliance coordinator by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery.

Step 2: The School District Investigates Your Complaint

Once the district receives your written complaint, the coordinator will give you a copy of the complaint procedure and make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. Unless you agree on a different time, the superintendent or designee will respond to you in writing within 30 calendar days. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that demand a lengthier investigation, the district will notify you in writing to explain why staff needs a time extension and the new date for their written response.

Step 3: School District Responds to Your Complaint

In its written response, the district will include a summary of the results of the investigation, a determination of whether or not the district failed to comply with civil rights laws, notification that you can appeal this determination, and any measures necessary to bring the district into compliance with civil rights laws. Corrective measures will be implemented within 30 calendar days after this written response— unless you agree to a different time.

Appeal to the School District

If you disagree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal to the school district’s board of directors. You must file a notice of appeal in writing to the secretary of the school board within ten calendar days after you receive the school district’s response to your complaint. The school board will schedule a hearing within 20 calendar days after they receive your appeal unless you agree on a different timeline. The school board will send you a written decision within 30 calendar days after the district receives your notice of appeal. The school board’s decision will include information about how to file a complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Complaint to OSPI

If you disagree with the school district’s appeal decision, state law provides the option to file a formal complaint with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). This is a separate complaint process that can take place if one of these two conditions has occurred: (1) you have completed the district’s complaint and appeal process, or (2) the district has not followed the complaint and appeal process correctly. You have 20 calendar days to file a complaint to OSPI from the day you receive the decision on your appeal. You can send your written complaint to the Equity and Civil Rights Office at OSPI:

Email: Equity@k12.wa.us ǀ Fax: 360-664-2967

Mail or hand deliver: PO Box 47200, 600 Washington St. S.E., Olympia, WA 98504- 7200

For more information, visit www.k12.wa.us/Equity/Complaints.aspx, or contact OSPI’s Equity and Civil Rights Office at 360-725-6162/TTY: 360-664-3631 or by e-mail at equity@k12.wa.us.

Other Discrimination Complaint Options

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education

206-607-1600 ǀ TDD: 1-800-877-8339 ǀ OCR.Seattle@ed.gov ǀ www.ed.gov/ocr

Washington State Human Rights Commission

1-800-233-3247 ǀ TTY: 1-800-300-7525 ǀ www.hum.wa.gov

Maintaining Professional Staff Student Boundaries (Policy 5253) and

Maintaining Professional Staff Student Boundaries (Procedure 5253)

The purpose of this policy is to provide all staff, students, volunteers, and community members with information to increase their awareness of their role in protecting children from inappropriate conduct by adults.

The WRSD Board of Directors expects all staff members to maintain the highest professional, moral, and ethical standards in their interactions with students. Staff members must maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning through consistently and fairly applied discipline and established and maintained professional boundaries. Professional staff/student boundaries are consistent with the legal and ethical duty of care that district employees have for students.

The interactions and relationships between staff members and students should be based upon mutual respect and trust, an understanding of the appropriate boundaries between adults and students in and outside of the educational setting, and consistency with the educational mission of the schools.

District staff will not intrude on a student’s physical and emotional boundaries unless the intrusion is necessary to serve an educational purpose. An educational purpose relates to the staff member’s duties in the district. Inappropriate boundary invasions can take various forms. Any type of sexual misconduct with a student is an inappropriate boundary invasion.

Additionally, staff members are expected to be sensitive to the appearance of impropriety in their conduct and the conduct of other staff when interacting with students. Staff members will notify and discuss issues with their building administrator or supervisor whenever they suspect or are unsure whether their own or another staff member’s conduct is inappropriate or violates this policy.

The board recognizes that staff may have familial and pre-existing social relationships with parents, guardians, and students. Staff members should use appropriate professional judgment when they have a dual relationship with students to avoid violating this policy, the appearance of impropriety, and the appearance of favoritism. Staff members shall proactively discuss these circumstances with their building administrator or supervisor.

The White River School District board of directors supports using technology to communicate for educational purposes. However, when the communication is unrelated to school work or other legitimate school business, district staff are prohibited from communicating with students by phone, e-mail, text, instant messenger, or other electronic or written communication. District staff are prohibited from engaging in any conduct on social networking websites that violates the law, district policies, procedures, or other generally recognized professional standards. This prohibition prohibits staff from “friending” and “following” students on social media.