Parent Association

Guidelines for Volunteering

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
The main objective of the School is to provide a nurturing environment which will encourage children to develop within themselves the foundational habits, attitudes, skills and ideas which are essential for a lifetime of successful, creative thinking and learning. Therefore, it is our belief that the Volunteer Program should operate consistent with these Goals & Objectives to provide such an environment. In an effort to do so, we have established the following Code of Conduct for our Volunteer Program.

Code of Conduct:
Living up to the mission of Acorn Montessori entails that we work in relationships of collegiality. It is reasonable to insist on a high degree of mutual professional and personal respect and for a high level of mutual support. In a community of mutual respect and support, we are able to converse freely among ourselves; the result being that our individual practice is honored and all aspects of our school improved.

We are dedicated to conducting ourselves in a manner which manifests respect, confidence and trust among the entire Acorn community. Our conduct, as volunteers, is a direct reflection of the school. We are role models of ap-propriate behavior for the children, and follow the rules that are set down for them.
Because we represent Acorn Montessori, our impression will often be the im-pression of our entire organization. In our relations with others, whether they are parents, staff or children, we are asked to be courteous, tactful and fair, and to carry out volunteer assignments completely and work cooperatively with fellow parents, making everyone's job easier. We ask that each of us value:

1. each person actively participating in discussions of decisions affecting them;
2. diversity in perspectives leading to a deeper understanding of each other and an enriched knowledge base for decision making;
3. volunteers resolving conflict in a healthy way that leads to stronger solutions for complex issues;
4. volunteers reflecting on their own and others' thinking in order to achieve better decisions;
5. volunteers acknowledging mistakes and learning from them.

Genuine community requires respect for individuals and for privacy. This means, among other things, a high degree of attention to confidentiality. We should not gossip or share information about one another. If there is a problem to be resolved or communication to be had, it is expected that it will be done directly with those involved. If that is not possible or effective, it is expected that the matter will then be handled with the Volunteer Coordinator directly or the Head or Associate Head of School.

In the event that these Standards are not met, the Volunteer Coordinator, Associate Head of School or Head of School may request a meeting with the appropriate volunteers to work out a viable solution. It is ALWAYS our desire to work out each and every situation with a win-win solution. We appreciate your mutual commitment to this goal.

PROMISES:
We promise:

1. To accept that each person operates at his/her own rate in mind, body, and spirit.
2. To provide open communication.
3. To relate in a caring professional manner with respect and dignity.
4. To maintain a strong support system, committed to excellence and peace in all areas of the school.
5. To provide an extraordinary volunteer experience.
6. To set an example in leadership.