• LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUR GASTON-SWANSEA

    CONDUCT STANDARDS FOR VOLUNTEERS, MENTORS, AND CHAPERONES

     

    When participating in a school sponsored activity volunteers, mentors, and chaperones serve as role models to the students and as representatives of the school district.  Staff and volunteers should set a good example.  Remember, dress, conduct and interpersonal relationships are continuously observed by students.  The following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations when working with students.

     

    DRESS

    Dress that violates school dress codes or is inconsistent with normal business attire cannot be worn. T- shirts containing slogans, phrases, or advertisement may not be worn by chaperones, mentors, or volunteers unless approved for the activity by the school administration.  School T-Shirts may be worn at school sponsored activities.

     

    BEHAVIOR

    Smoking or the use of tobacco while supervising or working with students or on a school trip is not allowed. Refrain from engaging in cell phone use or other electronic communications, including texting, during time in a classroom or while engaging in student assistance (except in emergency circumstances).

    Consumption of alcoholic beverages while supervising or working with students or on a school trip is not allowed.

    Use of profanity, derogatory statements, or inappropriate language (verbal or written) is not allowed. Physical contact which is inappropriate to a teacher-pupil professional relationship considering the age and sex of the student is not allowed.

    Use of physical force (hitting, shaking, angrily grabbing, etc.) to discipline a student is not allowed. Bringing other children (siblings, relatives, friends, etc.) to participate in the activities is not allowed.

     

    CONDUCT

    Volunteers, mentors, and chaperones are to meet with students only at school.  Contacts away from the school are not appropriate.  Volunteers, mentors, and chaperones should not have any inappropriate contact inside or outside the classroom or school-sponsored activities with any student met through the school; or be in contact with any student inside or outside the classroom unless that student’s teacher, another school-sanctioned adult, or the student’s parent or guardian is present or aware of the situation.

    A person’s use of private (non-District-issued) electronic equipment, outside of volunteer hours, such as through improper or inappropriate student contact through social networking sites and/or inappropriate personal portrayal[s] on the internet), will result in immediate cessation of duties and possible referral to law enforcement if violation of law is suspected.

    Personal information about students with whom volunteers work is confidential and can only be shared with the supervising staff member with whom the volunteer works, and/or the parent or legal guardian of the student. Volunteers should never record in any form (photo/video) students with which they come in contact through volunteerism.   Volunteers should not post on social media about the nature of their volunteer experience.

     

    CONTRABAND

    Possession of a firearm on school grounds or on a school sponsored trip or activity is illegal.  If you

    have a permit to carry a concealed weapon and routinely carry a firearm – DO NOT BRING the firearm onto school grounds or activities.

    Possession of controlled substances without a prescription, or the possession of illegal drugs on school grounds or activities will be considered as a criminal act.

    Under state law, when you enter a school campus or school activity you, your personal belongings, and vehicle may be searched by school officials.  The school district will prosecute individuals involved in criminal activities on the school grounds or related to school sponsored activities.