Volunteer Registration Information and Application

Confidential Information and Mandated Reporter Training Acknowledgement

I understand and acknowledge that during my time as a volunteer within Dalton Public Schools, I may become aware of confidential information regarding students and staff. This information may include, but is not limited to, students’ enrollment status, daily schedule, academic performance, attendance records, disciplinary records, disabilities, and other educational matters. I agree to maintain confidentiality and recognize that I may not share this information with anyone who does not have specific school authority to access it.

I understand and acknowledge that, under current Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5), school-affiliated volunteers are considered mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. If I obtain information that leads to a suspicion of child abuse through verbal/written communication, direct observation, or any other manner, I understand that I must report this information to the school’s administrator immediately. Upon reporting such concerns, I understand it is the administrator's (or designee's) responsibility to notify the appropriate state or local investigative agency. This information should also remain confidential. I further understand that failure to report a suspicion of abuse or neglect may result in a misdemeanor charge or revocation of my volunteer or employment status.

I acknowledge that I have received Mandatory Reporter training by watching the training video provided by Dalton Public Schools. Click here to watch the Mandated Reporter Training. I agree to follow the laws and policies outlined in the training. Additionally, if I encounter any problems or have questions regarding the information in the training, I will contact a teacher or principal.

Expectations of Volunteers

Dalton Public School volunteers serve as representatives of the school community and role models for students. Therefore, volunteers are expected to adhere to the system’s policies and procedures and take personal responsibility for understanding and applying the system’s ethical standards in their volunteer activities.

All volunteers are expected to:

• Inform the teacher of any inappropriate behavior or language.
• Maintain honest, equitable, and professional relationships with students, parents, staff members, community members, and other volunteers.
• Observe local, state, and federal laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Treat all information regarding students, parents, and staff with complete confidentiality.
• Respect the teacher's guidance at all times.
• Refrain from promoting partisan politics, sectarian religious views, or propaganda of any kind.
• Safeguard school property, equipment, and materials.
• Implement Dalton Public Schools Board policies in good faith.
• Comply with appropriate standards of professional conduct, including but not limited to appropriate behavior, language, and attire at all times.
• Be a positive representative of Dalton Public Schools and the specific school where you volunteer.
• Complete Mandatory Reporter training and agree to follow the laws, regulations, and guidelines included in the training.

As a volunteer, I understand I should never:

• Take photographs of children using any camera other than the school’s camera, and only under the supervision of DPS staff.
• Speak negatively about a child based on something I observed while volunteering.
• Discuss with parents or anyone outside the school anything I learned as a result of my position.
• Mention anything regarding the school, students, or staff, or upload any photographs to social media websites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).

Note: Registered sex offenders may not volunteer

Volunteer Levels

• Level 1 Volunteers - Are non-district personnel who will have no unsupervised or direct interaction with students. 
  Examples include: classroom readers, high school student mentors or career day speakers with school/district personnel present at all times, outside student agency with parent release.
• Level 2 Volunteers - Are non-district personnel who interact with students, with or without other adults present at all times.
  Examples include: band chaperones, one-day field trips, book fair volunteers, classroom helpers, in-class tutors, field experience students, retired educators that supervise students, and local bus route chaperones.
• Level 3 Volunteers - Are non-district personnel who will have direct, unsupervised interaction with students and non-district personnel who handle or verify funds.
  Examples include: community athletic coaches, chaperones on overnight field trips, mentors, individuals who handle and verify funds, individuals who assist with programs that require Cogent Fingerprinting and individuals who have unsupervised interaction with students.

In this application, I have provided true and accurate information to the best of my knowledge. I have read and understand the Dalton Public Schools Volunteer Procedures.

I agree to comply with the expectations for volunteers as outlined in the Volunteer Expectation Form. I also understand that Dalton Public Schools reserves the right to decline the service of any volunteer.

By signing below, I authorize Dalton Public Schools to investigate my previous employment, personal references, and criminal record (as provided by O.C.G.A. § 20-2-211) to determine my suitability for the position I am applying for. This authorization includes allowing representatives of Dalton Public Schools to contact my references, former employers, educational institutions, court officials, law enforcement authorities, and other relevant individuals. I understand that Dalton Public Schools may seek information from additional sources or references beyond those I have provided in this application. I agree to sign any necessary forms to consent to a criminal record check through the Georgia Crime Information Center.

I understand that nothing in this volunteer application, in any statements or policies of Dalton Public Schools or the Dalton Board of Education, or in my communications with District or Board officials is intended to create an employment contract. No promises of employment have been made to me. I understand that volunteers and the school district have an at-will relationship, meaning the relationship can be terminated at any time, with or without cause, by either the volunteer or Dalton Public Schools.

I further understand that I may not begin volunteer work until I am approved and contacted by the school’s principal or designee.