Volunteer Policies
Getting involved at St. Rita School for the Deaf can be very rewarding.
Whether you choose to empower and encourage the students directly or volunteer your time in other
areas, you are making a positive difference. St. Rita School for the Deaf depends on people within
the community to share their time and talents with us in many ways. There are several ways to
volunteer at St. Rita School for the Deaf both directly and indirectly.
St. Rita School for the Deaf volunteers’ have the right to:
*A staff person who will train, mentor, and encourage you in your efforts
*Documentation of hours and service details as requested
*A meeting to review your service
*An appreciation event celebrating your contributions
*Be treated the same as a fellow staff member who contributes to the goals of the school
*A position description for your assignment
As a St. Rita School for the Deaf volunteer you are expected to:
*Complete an application and background
check (fingerprints) if you are over the age of 18
*Attend volunteer orientation including taking a tour of the school
*Meet with the volunteer coordinator for a personal interview
*Sign a waiver releasing St. Rita School for the Deaf from any liability
*Perform assigned volunteer opportunities in a timely manner
*Cooperate with staff and fellow volunteers
*Voice your opinion and contribute suggestions to improve the quality of the school
*Sign-in and out each time you arrive
*Inform the volunteer coordinator of any planned absence or lateness
*Complete at least 2 courses in sign language to work directly with children
*Wear a nametag at all times
*Sign a contract and commit to a set schedule
Dress Code: Please wear comfortable, appropriate clothing for your position assignments.
Inappropriate clothing includes midriffs, short shorts, mini skirts, shirts with explicit graphics/writing
and sheer clothing.
Smoking: Volunteers may not smoke on the grounds of St. Rita School for the Deaf.
Drugs and Alcohol: St. Rita School for the Deaf will not tolerate the use of, exchanging of or
distributing of drugs by any participant, volunteer, or staff member. Anyone suspected of being under the
influence of drugs or alcohol will be dismissed immediately by the Executive Director, or in his absence,
by a designated appointee.
Lunch: St. Rita School for the Deaf provides a free lunch to volunteers during the hours of 11:00 a.m.
and 12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Snacks: Vending machines are available in the gym annex, next to the gymnasium on the first floor.
All drinks need to have lids or covers on them to prevent spilling.
Visitors: St. Rita School for the Deaf is fortunate to receive the support of many businesses, agencies,
and individuals in the community. Often the school has visitors who may tour the building.
All of our visitors must call for an appointment and upon arrival must check in at the front desk.
Please maintain a friendly demeanor with our guests and direct their questions to the staff.
Parking: Parking is available around the main circle of the school. Please avoid
parking in the fire lane.
Photography: In order to preserve the privacy of our students and their families,
permission is required before any photos or video may be taken. Photo releases are on file in the
development office if you have any questions.
Confidentiality: Information about St. Rita School for the Deaf students is strictly
confidential. Please do not discuss students outside St. Rita School for the Deaf.
Warnings and Dismissal: A verbal and/or written warning will be given for violation of
policies within this manual and for inappropriate behavior at St. Rita School for the Deaf. A volunteer
may be dismissed at the discretion of the volunteer coordinator.
You are invited!
As a volunteer at St. Rita School for the Deaf, you are now a part
of the St. Rita School for the Deaf family. Throughout the year, we have various events and you are
invited to attend!
*October (Haunted House)
*November (Scholarship Benefit)
*November (Balloontown USA)
*April (Open House)
*May (Golf Marathon)
*July (St. Rita Fest)
Safety First
*Always wear a nametag when you are volunteering. It is a protective measure for the students
and staff.
*Put materials back when you are finished. Push chairs up to the tables when not in use and maintain
a clear path for travel.
*Know the fire, tornado, lock down, and injury plans for the building. Your supervisor can instruct
you on proper evacuation procedures.
*Cleaning supplies should be kept out of the reach of children.
*Sign in and out each time you are here.
For Your Information
A copy of the school calendar can be found online,
or you can ask for a copy from the volunteer coordinator. Calendars list the daily activities as well as
the monthly activities that includes days that the school or LOFT is closed.
The school library offers a variety of resources on deaf culture and American Sign Language including
books and videos. Feel free to visit the library during school hours to set up an account and use some
of the resources.
You may end your volunteer work at any time. Please stop by to see the volunteer coordinator at the
end of your service for a brief exit interview. If you must take a “leave of absence” please let the
volunteer coordinator know.
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