What if you work outside the home?
Not to worry! Many volunteer activities can be completed off campus or after school hours. There are even things you can do at home! Whether it’s helping with the school carnival, lending your green thumb to campus beautification projects, chaperoning bus trips or providing treats for teachers, your talents are needed and appreciated. We’ll always find something for you to do!
How is VIPS organized?
The VIPS General Board meets once a month during the school year and is comprised of the:
- Campus VIPS Coordinators
- Campus Parent Organization Presidents
- Campus VIPS Liaisons (usually an assistant principal)
- VIPS Executive Board
- Partners in Education staff (the PIE girls!)
The VIPS Executive Board is appointed for terms not to exceed three years. Factors such as geographic equity, demographics of the district and history of volunteerism are considered. These volunteers attend all General Board meetings, as well as monthly Executive Board meetings. Standing positions include:
- Chairman
- Secretary
- Awards and Recognition
- Ex-Officio
- Elementary Representative
- Secondary Representative
- Communications
- Hospitality
- New Campus Assistance
- VIPS University co-Chairs
- Special Programs
- Data Management
- Training
- Multicultural Advisor
How do your campus VIPS leaders work with us?
Parent Organization President:
- Works with campus VIPS Coordinator as a liaison between parents and campus administration.
- Attends monthly VIPS General Board meetings.
Campus VIPS Coordinator:
- Coordinates campus volunteer activities with the principal, staff, VIPS Campus Liaison and the Parent Organization President.
- Coordinates recruitment and placement of campus volunteers.
- Provides campus training and orientation and coordinates recognition of campus volunteers.
- Evaluates and monitors the campus volunteer program.
- Collects and reports volunteer hours and numbers to the VIPS Executive Board Data Management Chairman and Katy ISD administration.
- Attends monthly VIPS General Board meetings.
Campus VIPS Liaison:
- Serves as a point of contact between the campus staff and the VIPS Coordinator. This person is usually an Assistant Principal or other appointed staff member.
- Assists with appropriate placement of volunteers.
- Attends monthly VIPS General Board meetings.
Signing in and recording hours: what’s the big deal?
Who should register and record volunteer hours:
- Parent volunteers
- Community volunteers
- Business volunteers
- KEYS mentors
- Junior Achievement volunteers
- Guest speakers
- Science fair judges
- Campus Action Team members
- Parent support groups
- Teachers who volunteer their time (without pay) for Katy ISD outside the scope of regular duties…or not for their own classroom…may record their volunteer hours.
Why should I sign in?
- To maintain the safety of our students and your personal safety.
- So administrators know who is on their campus at all times.
- To measure community involvement.
- To help us track the growth of volunteerism in Katy ISD.
- So your campus can qualify for corporate volunteer grants.
- To help calculate a total hours and dollar value of time donated to the students of Katy ISD.
- To verify your volunteer hours.
When do I record my hours?
- Every time you enter a school to volunteer.
- Every time you do volunteer work at home or off-campus on behalf of your school.
What is included in reportable hours?
- any hours that benefit the students, campus or district should be recorded.
- reportable hours might include time spent:
- at the campus during school hours.
- working on volunteer projects off campus and at home (including activities such as baking and cooking).
- with booster clubs.
- volunteering at athletic events.
- chaperoning.
- on Parent Support Group activities.
- at volunteer-related conferences and meetings.
- baby-sitting for children whose Mom or Dad is volunteering.
- coordinating campus volunteer hours.
Katy ISD Volunteer Guidelines
Your school’s principal determines specific guidelines for your school regarding dress, whether you may bring small children on campus when you volunteer, etc.
- Complete and return a volunteer application to your campus VIPS Coordinator.
- Sign in and record your hours and wear your name badge when on campus.
- While on campus, you may overhear conversations regarding staff or students. Please adhere to strict rules of confidentiality and do not repeat what you’ve heard.
- Follow district and campus-specific rules and regulations regarding dress, dependability, security, safety and discipline.
- As a representative of Katy ISD, avoid expressing differences of opinion or dissatisfaction with teachers, staff or other volunteers while on campus.
- Respect teachers’ time. All personal concerns should be addressed at a scheduled parent conference
- Be flexible to changing needs and schedules at each campus.
- Remain in your assigned volunteer position unless reassigned.
- Never transport a child in your vehicle while on duty as a campus volunteer.
- Make sure your cell phone is silent while on campus.
- Call in advance or find a substitute if you are unable to volunteer at your assigned time.
In the classroom:
- Be on time; call in advance if you are unable to fulfill your commitment.
- Serve under the direction and supervision of the teacher.
- Do not discipline students.
- Only work with students in open, observable areas.
In the workroom:
- Due to safety concerns, consult individual campus guidelines before bringing small children into the work area.
- Follow campus-specific rules for training and use of equipment and materials.
- Have fun!!
Any concerns or questions regarding your volunteer experience should be directed to your VIPS Coordinator, Campus Liaison, Principal or the Partners in Education staff at 281.396.2468
Volunteers In Public Schools is a program offered by Partners In Education. That’s the Katy ISD department that serves to bring the community into the classroom!
If you have further questions about volunteering in Katy ISD, please read our FAQ page. If you still have a question contact Martha Brown in the Partners in Education office at 281.396.2468.
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