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Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
PO Box 2513
Winston-Salem, NC 27102-2513
Our Mission The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools will provide an educational
experience to ensure that all children become academically proficient students, responsible
citizens, productive workers and continuous learners.
Our Values We believe that
Every individual has worth and value.
High expectations provide opportunities for each student to achieve maximum
potential.
Human diversity is a valuable and vital asset to our system.
A safe school environment enhances learning.
Continuous improvement leads to quality education.
All students and staff must have access to emerging technology.
Advocacy for all students is the responsibility of parents, school personnel and the
community.
A high standard of professional excellence is displayed by school personnel.
Our Goals
High student performance
Safe, orderly and caring schools
Quality personnel
Effective and efficient operations
Aligned internal and external partnerships
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General School Procedures
Volunteers are asked to give special attention to the following procedures:
The principal is responsible for the overall supervision of volunteers.
Please make every effort to attend your school’s volunteer orientation. At that time you may be
asked to complete the online Volunteer Services Application form and be shown around the
school office and workroom, as well as receive tips on helping out in the classroom, media
center, or other assigned areas. Once you have been screened and approved by the
school/human resources, you may begin volunteering.
Your personal belongings (coat, purse, umbrella, etc.) may be placed in the room where you
are volunteering. The teacher will direct you to where these items may be stored.
Volunteers work in cooperation with an assigned teacher or other staff member. Questions,
suggestions, and feedback should be directed to the teacher, PTA volunteer coordinator or to
the principal.
Volunteers must sign in and out in the attendance log provided by the school. The school staff
needs to know who is in the building, and it is helpful in identifying the number of volunteer
hours given to our school. Please also wear your nametag whenever you volunteer at school.
Eating and drinking in classrooms, hallways or work areas is not permitted. There are areas
available for this purpose; feel free to use them. Smoking is not permitted in any of WS/FC
Schools’ facilities or campuses.
Any volunteer who is injured at school should report to the nurse and administrators
immediately.
Personal calls while on duty are discouraged.
Be prompt. If you are unable to come at your appointed time or will be late, please call the
office. Your teacher and students will appreciate this courtesy!
Know and observe the school and classroom rules and regulations. Your teacher will have this
information for you.
Please do not bring your preschool-age children to school with you if at all possible.
As representatives of the school, volunteers are expected to exhibit a neat, well-groomed
appearance. WS/FCS Policy and Administrative Regulation 4116.8 set reasonable standards
for dress and appearance that apply to volunteers as well as school employees.
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TIPS FOR WORKING WITH STUDENTS
Developing a positive relationship with students will make your volunteer experience more
enjoyable as well as more beneficial to them. Here are some tips for –
GETTING TO KNOW STUDENTS
Learn the students’ names right away and use them often.
Be sure that all students know your name.
Get to know each other by first talking about things students like. Then share something
you like with them.
Let students take their time warming up to you. Trying too hard to establish a relationship
with them may intimidate or alienate kids who don’t know how to deal with that kind of
“enthusiasm.” Instead, make yourself accessible to them and be kind – students gravitate
toward these qualities.
Respect students’ privacy and don’t goad them into telling you something they’re
uncomfortable with. Most of all, listen to them.
WORKING WITH STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM
Earn respect by avoiding the “Do as I say, not as I do” syndrome. Arrive at school on time.
Follow directions and be a good role model.
Emphasize what the student does well before talking about his or her weaknesses.
Don’t criticize students in front of their peers.
Encourage students who struggle academically – and give them hints – but don’t give them
the answers. Help them learn on their own.
Don’t compare one student to another.
Give attention to all students. Don’t favor one or two students more than others.
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Volunteer Opportunities - The following list represents a sample of school volunteer needs.
Note that training is provided where indicated**
Elementary Schools:
Classroom Assistant - Assist assigned teacher by helping individuals or small
groups of children practice basic skills; helping with general classroom tasks
Tutor - One-to-one tutoring in reading, math or WINGS curriculum**
Media Center (Library) Assistant - Work with materials and children in the Media Center**
Computer Assistant - Assist assigned teacher by helping individuals or small groups of children with
keyboarding skills**
Arts and Crafts Assistant - Help children develop their creativity by assisting with arts and crafts**
Room Representatives (Grade Parents) - Help plan class parties
Health Assistants - Be on call to assist with screening and work in Health Room as needed**
Fund Raising Activity e.g. Spring Carnival
Hospitality - Help provide/serve food and refreshments on needed occasions.
Special Enrichment - Share your travels, hobbies, skills, collections, and knowledge
Middle Schools:
Mentor - Help an underachiever overcome emotional and/or learning obstacles to academic success; serve
as a role model and guide**
Office and Clerical Assistant - Provide needed support to school clerical and teaching staff
Media Center (Library) Assistant - Work with materials and students in the Media Center**
Guidance Office Assistant - Serve as general assistant to Guidance Clerk.
Computer or Science Lab Assistant - Under teacher direction, assist students in labs.
Health Assistants - Be on call to assist with screening and work in Health Room as needed**
Grade Level/Class Representatives - Help provide supplies for grade level
various times during the year.
Fund Raising Activity e.g. Magazine Sale
Proctors - Monitor testing in the classroom at various times in the year.
Hospitality - Help provide/serve food and refreshments for needed occasions.
Buildings and Grounds - Help maintain common areas and landscaping.
Special Enrichment - Share your travels, hobbies, skills, collections, and knowledge
___________________________________________________________________________
High Schools:
Tutor - Provide individual help to secondary students in specific subject area.
Media Assistant - Assist and support the media coordinator; help students with research**
Lab Assistant - Teacher directed assistance in computer or science labs.
ESL Tutor - Help foreign students adjust in a variety of ways.
Office/Clerical Assistant - Support for school office and teaching staff.
Guidance Office Assistant - Assist in guidance office helping students find answers to questions about
careers, training opportunities and college selection**
Fund Raising Activity e.g. Phonathon
Hospitality - Help provide/serve food and refreshments at needed occasions.
Buildings and Grounds - Help maintain common areas and landscaping.
Special Enrichment - Share your travels, hobbies, skills, collections, and knowledge
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EDUCATION JARGON GLOSSARY
What in the world are school staff members talking about? Here is a list of acronyms and educational jargon
that may help you understand some of the things happening in education today.
ADHD
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-
impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of
development. Some symptoms must have been present before age 7 and in at least two settings. There must
be clear evidence of interference with developmentally appropriate social, academic or occupational
functioning. There are three subtypes: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type occurs if
six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have persisted
for at least six months. Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type occurs if
six or more symptoms of inattention but fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have persisted
for at least 6 months. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
occurs if six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity but fewer than six symptoms of inattention have
persisted for at least 6 months (DSM-IV Criteria).
SED
Severely emotionally disabled students are school-age students who, after receiving specially designed
educational support services and intervention strategies in the regular educational setting, still exhibit
patterns of situationally inappropriate interpersonal or intrapersonal behavior. The inappropriate behaviors
must be long-standing patterns of behavior which occurs regularly and often enough as to interfere
consistently with the student’s own learning process. A severe emotional disability cannot be attributed
primarily to physical, sensory or intellectual deficits.
DD
Developmentally delayed students are those students between ages 3 and 7 in (in N.C.) who have a 25%
deficit in two areas of development or a 30% deficit in one area of development. This area of eligibility will
go into effect in N.C. in the 2000-2001 school year.
EC
Exceptional Children refers to services and programs provided to children identified as disabled by federal
and state guidelines.
EOG
End of Grade Test, which measures students’ performance levels in reading and mathematics.
GATEWAYS
Standards which outline student performance expectations for grades 3, 5, and 8 and high school.
Glossary - continued
IEP
Individualized education program means a written statement for a student with a disability that is developed
and implemented for each child based on current evaluation information and the child’s specific needs.
LEA
Local educational agency which refers to the local school district, Department of Health and Human
Services, Department of Correction, Office of Juvenile Justice and all approved charter schools.
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ID (ID-Mild, ID-Moderate, ID Severe)
Intellectually disabled is used for school-aged students only and refers to significantly subaverage general
cognitive functioning and a reduced rate of learning. This condition exists concurrently with deficits in
adaptive behavior, is manifested during the developmental period, and adversely affects the student’s
educational performance.
ID-Mild refers to mildly intellectually disabled students whose scores fall into the mildly mentally deficient
range of intellectual functioning.
ID-Moderate refers to intellectually disabled students whose scores fall into the moderately mentally
deficient range of intellectual functioning.
ID-Severe refers to severe and profoundly intellectually disabled students whose scores fall into the severe
to profound intellectually deficient range of intellectual functioning.
NCLB
No Child Left Behind. Federal legislation enacted to place continued emphasis on the basics and
accelerating the performance of all children while closing the achievement gaps between students of
different racial groups, income groups, students with special needs, and limited English proficient students.
OT
Occupational therapy is a service provided to address the functional needs of an individual as they relate to
sensory, motor, postural, and emotional development, adaptive behavior and play, and the performance of
self-help skills. These services are designed to develop, improve, restore, or maintain the individual’s
functional ability to perform tasks in educational settings.
PT
Physical therapy is concerned with the prevention of physical disabilities and with providing rehabilitation
services to individuals with disabilities. These services are designed to develop or restore neuromuscular
and/or sensorimotor functions, control postural deviations to minimize disabilities, and to develop and to
maintain maximal performance levels within the individuals’ physical capabilities.
Common Core Standards
Statewide standards in K-12 Mathematics and K-12 English Language Arts released by the National
Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers. With the
adoption of these state-led education standards, NC is in the first group of states to embrace clear and
consistent goals for learning to prepare children for success in college and work.
READY
The name of the initiative for the statewide accountability model, formerly known as the ABC’s.* The
READY program sets growth and performance standards for each elementary, middle, and high school in the
state. READY is a component of Career and College Ready, Set, Go.
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Student Accountability Standard Policy – a policy approved by the State Board of Education in 1999 which
set student promotion requirements at grades 3, 5, and 8 and for high school graduation.
A special thanks to Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Administrative Staff for their contributions to this list. Updated 8/16/12
6
Volunteer Services
Screening Policies and
Procedures
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education’s volunteer screening procedures are contained in
this section, along with complete policy information.
7
VOLUNTEER SCREENING Policy 4114.5
June 2009
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education encourages parents and other members of the
community who wish to contribute to the intellectual, physical and/or emotional development of students and
to the well being of the schools to serve as school volunteers. A school volunteer is an individual who
contributes services to an educational program without compensation. Volunteers serve at the will and
pleasure, and under the supervision of, school administrators and staff members.
A. Screening & Training of Volunteers. The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce coordinates the
WS/FCS Volunteer Program. School based Volunteer Coordinators/Faculty Advisors and the WS/FCS
Human Resources staff share the responsibility for screening and training volunteers. The school based
Volunteer Coordinators/Faculty Advisors will review the tasks assigned a volunteer to determine the
appropriate level of screening. Volunteers who are referred through other agencies are subject to
screening requirements consistent with those listed herein.
B. Task Assignment. Task assignment will be reviewed with a volunteer before he/she begins service in
order to assign tasks for which he or she is qualified.
C. Applicability of Policies and Regulations. Volunteers are expected to comply with any and all Policies
and Regulations of the WS/FCS applicable to the tasks they are assigned or volunteer to perform.
D. Non-discrimination. The WS/FCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion,
national/ethnic origin, marital status or disability in its recruitment, screening and placement of
volunteers
E. Implementation. The Superintendent shall develop regulations to implement this policy.
F. Termination of Services. A volunteer may be asked to leave a class or school at any time by a teacher, a
principal or his designee, or the Superintendent or his designee.
Legal Reference: Volunteers for Children Act, 42 U.S.C. §5119a (1998); Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, 42 U.S.C. §1450-05
(1997)
Adopted: May 2002
Revised: August 2007; August 2008; June 2009
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VOLUNTEER SCREENING PROCEDURES AR 4114.5
June 2011
I. Introduction. The WS/FCS appreciates the services provided to students and staff by its numerous
volunteers. The purpose of this regulation is to set forth the procedures for the screening, training and
supervision of volunteers (other than WS/FCS employees) within WS/FCS.
II. Responsibility for Screening. The Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce coordinates the WS/FCS
Volunteer Program. School based Volunteer Coordinators/Faculty Advisors and the WS/FCS Human
Resources staff share the responsibility for screening and training volunteers. The Volunteer
Coordinator/Faculty Advisor will review the tasks assigned a volunteer to determine the appropriate
level of screening. Volunteers who are referred through other agencies are subject to screening
requirements consistent with those listed herein.
III. Screening Procedures.
A. Level 0 Volunteers. No formal screening or training is required for volunteers who do not have
direct contact with or supervision of students.1 These persons include, but are not limited to office
clerical assistants, PTA/PTSA fund raising activities, proctors, outdoor projects such as
landscaping, athletics concession sales, or school fairs. It is understood that Level 0 Volunteers
will complete the online or paper Volunteer Services Application (VSA).
B. Level I Volunteers. Level I screening is required for volunteers who have direct contact with and
controlled access to students under the supervision of the professional staff, such as, reading or
lunch buddies, in-class volunteers, field trip chaperones for all field trips except overnight field
trips, corporate tutors or health room assistants. Level 1 screening consists of:
1. The volunteer must complete the online VSA, if possible.
2. The volunteer must receive appropriate training.
3. The school Volunteer Coordinator must also annually review the National sex offender
registry-using the U.S. Department of Justice’s website of listed sex offenders at
http://www.nsopw.gov.
C. Level II Volunteers. Level II screening is required for volunteers who are given direct contact
with and supervision of students for extended periods of time without direct supervision of the
professional staff. Level II volunteers include, but are not limited to, volunteer athletics coaches,
after hours remediation/tutors, overnight field trip chaperones regardless of the location of the
field trip, and after school one-on-one mentors. Level II screening consists of all of the steps for
Level 1 screening and:
1. Personal contact with the proposed volunteer;
2. A reference check;
1
Proctors are an exception to this general rule. Although they are still considered Level 0 volunteers, these individuals must
attend a proctor training.
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3. A criminal history check (valid during the term of the volunteer’s service with the WS/FCS,
subject to the provisions of Section VII, below);
4. If the volunteer agrees to drive students on a field trip or for some other school sponsored
activity, the volunteer must complete the WS/FCS Volunteer Driver Approval Form and
certify he/she has a good driving record, and parents must agree in writing for their student to
be driven by a volunteer driver.
5. Driving history check, which will need to be updated each school year in which students are
to be transported by the volunteer (if driving a vehicle that transports students); and
6. Written parent consent for participation in the activity.
IV. WS/FCS Employees as Volunteers. Current and retired employees are eligible to volunteer in the
WS/FCS and are exempt from the screening procedures. Each employee must register online and
reference “WS/FCS” or “WS/FCS Retiree” in the “Employer” field of the VSA.
V. Ineligible Volunteers. All former employees of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of
Education who are either coded as ineligible for rehire, were dismissed from employment, or who
resigned in lieu of dismissal are ineligible to volunteer in WS/FCS. Any person who is a registered
sex offender may not serve as a volunteer. The registered sex offender list may be found at:
http://www.nsopw.gov
VI. Registration and Name Tag. Volunteers must register in the school office at the beginning of each
school visit. Volunteer shall wear a name tag while in the building.
VII. Systemwide Support. The staff in the Volunteers and Partnerships Department of the Chamber will
provide referral assistance in developing task descriptions. It also will provide orientation and
training to the school level VC/FAs to implement the screening system. The Human Resources
Department will assist schools with reference and criminal history checks when such checks are
required. Volunteer driver history checks are valid for one (1) calendar year and are to be completed
and reviewed each school year. The WS/FCS reserves the right to review volunteer criminal history
and/or driving records at any time pertinent information is received that may require an additional
review.
VIII. Confidentiality. Volunteers are to be held to professional standards for maintaining the
confidentiality of student records. The Principal or his/her designee will advise volunteers on the
issues and importance of confidentiality of student information. Volunteers shall not be granted
access to a student’s education record other than directory information.
Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. §5119a (1998); 42 U.S.C. §14501-05 (1997)
Adopted: May 2002
Revised: May 2005; July 2007; August 2008, October 2008; June 2009; June 2010; June 2011
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EMPLOYEE AND VOLUNTEER DRIVERS AR 4114.4
October 2009
I. Introduction. The WS/FCS has a duty to establish safety standards for the operation of school vehicles
and vehicles that transport students. All people driving a school vehicle or transporting students must
have the appropriate license for the category or type of vehicle they are driving, a current, not
suspended or expired, drivers license and a good driving record. In addition, school buses, activity
buses and/or insured and approved commercial motor coach carriers are the preferred choices for
transporting students on field trips or for any other school sponsored or related purpose or activity. Use
of private vehicles or rental passenger vehicles driven by employees or volunteers to transport students
for field trips, extra-class activities, special programs or any other purpose is permitted but is subject to
the regulations set forth below.
II. Driving License and Driving History Standards.
A. A current, not suspended or expired, commercial driver’s license with the appropriate endorsement
is required to drive a school bus, an activity bus or any other commercial vehicle owned or operated
by a school employee or volunteer. The state and local requirements are as follows:
1. Commercial Class A - Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GVWR or the vehicle or vehicles being
towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
2. Commercial Class B - Any single vehicle with a GVWR or 26,001 pounds or more, and any
such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
3. Commercial Class C - Any vehicle not described in Class A or B above but is:
a. Designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver; or
b. Used in the transportation of hazardous materials that requires the vehicle to be placarded
under C.F.R., Part 172, Subpart F.
B. A current, not suspended or expired regular driver’s license is required to drive any other type of
non-commercial school vehicle or to drive any non-commercial vehicle that is transporting
students.
C. To drive a school owned vehicle or any vehicle that transports students, the driver must have a good
driving record, including but not limited to:
1. Not more than one conviction or Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) for a moving violation
within the past twelve months.
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2. Not more than three convictions and/or PJC’s for moving violations within the past five years
and not more than five convictions and/or PJCs for moving violations ever.
3. No conviction of Driving While Impaired (DWI) within the past five years and not more than
one DWI conviction or PJC ever.
4. No driver’s license suspension or revocation for moving violations within the past five years.
5. No conviction of reckless driving conviction or PJC within the past five years.
6. No conviction or PJC of speeding in excess of 15 mph over the posted speed limit within the
past five years.
7. No conviction of or PJC for speeding to elude arrest.
8. No conviction or PJC for passing a stopped school bus within the past five years.
9. Not more than three convictions and/or PJC’s for chargeable accidents ever.
D. The Operations Manager for Transportation may adopt additional requirements and standards for
the operation of school and activities buses.
III. Use of Vans. Vans with a seating capacity of 11 or more, including the driver, may not be used for the
transportation of students unless the vehicle meets the federal school bus safety standards (49 U.S.C.
sec. 30101), the same standards that apply to school buses.
IV. Use of Passenger Cars and Minivans. In the event students are to be transported in a passenger
vehicle or minivan driven by a school employee or volunteer, the following rules apply:
A. Documents Required. The driver and/or owner of the vehicle must produce the documents listed
below for the review and approval of the principal or assistant principal before transporting
students.
1. A copy of current vehicle registration,
2. A copy of the driver’s or vehicle owner’s “Insurance Identification card”, a certificate of auto
liability insurance or a current copy of the declarations page of the owner’s motor vehicle
insurance policy,
3. A current copy of driver's license from the driver(s), and
4. In the case of a volunteer, a completed and approved online Volunteer Services Application
form and online Volunteer Driver Application form.
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B. Parent Permission
1. Field Trips. WS/FCS field trip permission forms include information about the method of
transportation and should be used to obtain parent permission for the use of cars or vans for a
field trip.
2. Extra-class Activities. The coach or activity sponsor shall obtain written permission for the
transportation of students in private vehicles. One permission form may be used for the school
year or the sports season.
3. Other Transportation needs. One permission form may be used for the school year or the
length that the transportation services are to be provided.
4. Emergencies. In an emergency, parent permission may be obtained by email, fax or (as a last
resort) orally by telephone.
C. Vehicle Inspection. A principal, assistant principal, other school administrator or a designee shall
verify, at least annually, that any vehicle used to transport students:
1. has a current, not expired, registration sticker on the license tag;
2. has operational seat belts, and
3. has child safety seat(s)/booster seat(s), if required due to the age (8 or younger) and weight
(80 lbs or less) of the student(s) being transported2.
D. Other Safety Standards.
1. Passengers shall wear seat belts at all times while the vehicle is moving.
2. In general, at least two students should ride with each adult. One-to-one transportation is
discouraged. However, if one student is transported, he/she shall ride in the back seat.
3. Drivers shall not eat food while operating a vehicle transporting students.
4. Drivers shall not operate a WS/FCS vehicle or a personal vehicle conducting WS/FCS
business or work-related responsibilities and/or duties while entering an electronic mail, text
message or other similar message or while reading an electronic mail, text message or other
similar message.
5. Drivers shall not use a cellular telephone for any purpose while operating a vehicle
transporting students. This prohibition includes the use of any speaker phone or hands free
device or equipment.
2
G.S. 20-137.1(a1)
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6. The driver must agree to the following terms and conditions:
a. To abide by the rules of the road and all other laws applicable to the safe operation of motor
vehicles while engaged in volunteer driving of students.
b. To certify that his/her N.C. Driver's license is not currently suspended or revoked and that
his/her license has not been suspended or revoked within the last five years.
c. To certify that he/she meets the driver’s history standards set forth in section II above.
d. To agree that the WS/FCS reserves the right to conduct and may conduct periodic and/or
random driving record checks with the N. C. Department of Motor Vehicles regarding those
persons who have been authorized to drive school vehicles and to transport students.
e. To grant permission for WS/FCS to obtain information from the NCDMV about his/her
driving record.
f. To agree that the WS/FCS reserves the right to conduct and may conduct random alcohol and
drug testing of those volunteers who drive vehicles that transport students and to agree to
participate in such random alcohol and/or drug testing if requested.
g. To report to the school principal or the employee’s supervisor all convictions and/or PJC’s
for moving violations.
h. To report to the school principal all accidents (whether or not occurring while volunteer
driving) and any suspensions of a driver’s license or change in auto insurance which may
occur after the date of this application.
i. To maintain auto liability insurance in an amount required by North Carolina law 3, $30,000
for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more persons and
$25,000 in property damage coverage.
E. Auto Insurance.
1. WS/FCS agrees to provide secondary auto liability insurance for volunteer drivers, including
school employees, volunteers and students.
2. Drivers must agree to provide WS/FCS, upon request, either an “Insurance Identification
Certificate, a “Certificate of Insurance” or a copy of the “Declarations page” of the driver’s
auto insurance policy.
3. In case of an insurance claim, the vehicle owner's automobile liability insurance applies
before the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School’s insurance.
4. Excess automobile liability insurance protection is provided under the WS/FCS
comprehensive general liability insurance policy for authorized volunteer drivers transporting
students in privately-owned vehicles on an approved school activity or function. This
insurance is only for an amount in excess of the limit of liability provided by the vehicle
owner's automobile liability insurance policy.
3
N.C.G.S. § 20-279.21
14
5. Damage to the owner's vehicle is not insured by WS/FCS.
V. Student Drivers.
A. This policy DOES NOT APPLY to students who drive their own, a parent’s or a friend’s vehicle to
commute to and from school and to and from a school activity.
B. This Policy DOES NOT APPLY to students who on their own arrange or agree to car pool with
other students for commuting to and from school or school activities.
C. Students who drive their own, a parent’s, a friend’s or a rental vehicle to and from school and
school activities do so at their own risk. WS/FCS is not in any way liable or responsible for any
negligent act or omission arising from or in any way out of a student’s operation of any vehicle to
commute to and from school and school activities.
Adopted: May 2005
Revised: July 2007; August 2008; June 2009, October 2009
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Instructions for Registering as a Volunteer in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
All individuals serving as volunteers in WS/FC Schools must complete the online Volunteer Services Application form,
be screened and approved, prior to serving at a school. Volunteer forms are located on the school system’s website:
http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us. (On the home page, click on the “Parents/Community” tab, then select the “Volunteers”
selection in the drop down menu. This will direct you to the “Volunteer Services” page where you can select “Online
Forms & Documents”, choose “Volunteer Services Application” form, which advances you to another screen, where a
message about a problem with the website’s security certificate appears; choose “continue to this website” to override
the message. Choose the first link - “Volunteer Services Application form” and complete the sections as applicable to
your volunteer task). Make sure you click the “submit” button when you have completed filling out the form.
All categories of volunteers must complete the following sections on the online Volunteer Services Application form.
(Note: Level 2 volunteers must also provide their social security number, driver’s license number and references).
Complete the Application Information section of the VSA form, including these sections:
Volunteer Assignment: The volunteer service provided determines the level of screening an individual
receives. Select the volunteer task description from the choices listed. (Level 0 and 1 tasks are located at the
top of the form. Level 2 tasks are located in the middle section of the form. Select “other” if you do not see the
task you will provide listed).
Contact Information: Including name, contact numbers – phone & email, driver’s license number.
School(s) Served: You may select up to 3 schools per form in the drop down menu.
Race: Indicate your race by choosing from the drop down menu. (For identification/screening purposes).
Maiden/Other Names & Additional States of Residence sections: If applicable, complete the sections
requesting maiden names/other names used, and other states of residence during the past 10 years.
Employer field: Please indicate your present employer. (All current and retired school system employee,
please indicate this in the “Employer” field).
Health insurance field: Volunteers must complete this field. If they have no health insurance indicate NONE.
(List N/A if your health insurance plan doesn’t have an expiration date).
Date Trained field: List the date you attended, or will attend orientation at the school.
Volunteers will also need to respond to the questions located on the VSA form:
All volunteer applicants must respond “yes” or “no” to the question of whether they have ever had a prayer for
judgment continued, been convicted of, or pled guilty, or no contest to, a felony or misdemeanor.
Volunteer applicants will need to certify the information provided is true/accurate and must agree to keep all
student records confidential by responding “yes” or “no”. (If you are a Level 2 volunteer, additional sections
must be completed – see instructions, below). Otherwise, click “submit” when form is complete.
Level 2 volunteers: In addition to the sections above, Level 2 volunteers must also complete the “Level 2 section” of
the online VSA form, providing social security number, driver’s license number and 2 references, along with:
Select the Level 2 volunteer task(s) that applies from the description(s) provided in this section. (If you are
serving as a volunteer driver, you must also complete the online Volunteer Driver Approval form and provide
your driver’s license number, vehicle registration and proof of insurance).
At the bottom of the online Volunteer Services Application form, Level 2 volunteers must provide their
permission to contact references and for the district to conduct a criminal background check by answering
“yes” or “no”. Click “submit” when form is complete.
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CIVILITY POLICY Policy 1170
January 2002
I. Civility-conduct of parents, other visitors and district employees. It is the intent of the Winston-
Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education to promote mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct
between and among Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) employees, volunteers,
parents and the public. It is not the intent of the Board to deprive any person of his or her right to
freedom of expression. The intent of this policy is to maintain, to the greatest extent reasonably
possible, a safe, harassment-free workplace for teachers, students, administrators, staff, parents and
other members of the community. In the interest of presenting teachers and other employees as
positive role models, the school board encourages positive communication and discourages volatile,
hostile, threatening, profane or aggressive communications or actions.
A. Expected level of behavior:
1. School and district personnel will treat each other, volunteers, parents and other members of
the public with courtesy and respect.
2. Parents and visitors will treat teachers, volunteers, administrators and other district employees
with courtesy and respect.
B. Unacceptable behavior:
1. Disorderly Conduct. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not necessarily limited to: behavior
which interferes with or threatens to interfere with the operation of a classroom, an
employee's office or office area, areas of a school or facility open to parents/guardians and the
general public. It also covers areas of a school or facility, which are not open to
parent/guardians and the general public.4 Disorderly conduct is a public disturbance
intentionally caused by any person who:
a. Engages in fighting or other violent conduct or in conduct creating the threat of imminent
fighting or other violence; or
b. Makes or uses any utterance, gesture, display or abusive language which is intended and
plainly likely to provoke violent retaliation and thereby cause a breach of the peace; or
c. Takes possession of, exercises control over, or seizes any building or facility of any public
or private educational institution without the specific authority of the chief administrative
officer of the institution, or his authorized representative; or
4
NCGS §14-288.4
17
d. Refuses to vacate any building or facility of WS/FCS in obedience to an assistant
superintendent, division or department director, a school principal, an assistant principal
or a school resource officer;
e. Engages in any sitting, kneeling, lying down, or inclining so as to obstruct the ingress or
egress of any person entitled to the use of any WS/FCS building or facility in its normal
and intended use; or
f. Congregates, assembles, forms groups or formations (whether organized or not), blocks,
or in any manner otherwise interferes with the operation or functioning of any WS/FCS
building or facility so as to interfere with the customary or normal use of the building or
facility; or
g. Disrupts, disturbs or interferes with the teaching of students at any WS/FC school or
engages in conduct which disturbs the peace, order or discipline at any WS/FC school or
on the grounds adjacent thereto.
2. Disorderly/Disrespectful Language. Using lewd, vulgar, or indecent language; shouting,
swearing, cursing or display of temper.
3. Assaults /Threats. Assaulting or threatening to do bodily or physical harm to a teacher,
school administrator, school employee or student, regardless of whether or not the behavior
constitutes or may constitute a criminal violation. It is a Class A1 misdemeanor to assault a
school employee or school volunteer when the employee or volunteer is discharging or
attempting to discharge his or her duties as an employee or volunteer, or to assault a school
employee or school volunteer as a result of the discharge or attempt to discharge that
individual's duties as a school employee or school volunteer.5 For purposes of this law and
this policy, the following definitions shall apply:
a. "Duties" means:
(1) All activities on school property;
(2) All activities, wherever occurring, during a school authorized event or the
accompanying of students to or from that event; and
(3) All activities relating to the operation of school transportation.
b. "Employee" or "volunteer" means:
(1) An employee of WS/FC board of education;
(2) An independent contractor or an employee of an independent contractor of WS/FC
board of education, if the contractor performs duties customarily performed by
employees of the school; and
(3) An adult who volunteers his or her services or presence at any school activity and is
under the supervision of a school administrator.
5
NCGS §14-33
18
4. Vandalism. Damaging or destroying school or school board property.
5. Any other behavior that disrupts the orderly operation of a school, classroom or any other
school board facility.
6. Abusive, threatening or obscene e-mail or voice mail messages.
C. Parent recourse: Any parent who believes he/she was subject to behavior in violation of this
policy on the part of any staff member or volunteer should bring such behavior to the attention of
the principal, the staff member's immediate supervisor, or the appropriate assistant
superintendent.
D. Authority of school personnel:
1. Termination of meeting or telephone conversation. If any employee, volunteer or member
of the public uses obscenities or speaks in a demanding, loud, insulting and/or demeaning
manner, the employee to whom the remarks are directed shall calmly and politely warn the
speaker to communicate civilly. If the verbal abuse continues, the employee to whom the
remarks are directed may, after giving appropriate notice to the speaker, terminate the
meeting, conference or telephone conversation.
2. Removal from School Premises. Any individual who engages in “unacceptable behavior” as
defined in this policy may be directed to leave the school or school board premises by a
school's principal or assistant principal, any assistant superintendent, the superintendent of
schools, or a school resource officer. If the person refuses to leave the premises as directed,
the administrator or other authorized personnel shall seek the assistance of law enforcement
and request that law enforcement take such action as is deemed necessary.
3. Limitations on Access to School Premises. Any non-employee who repeatedly engages in
“unacceptable behavior” as defined in this policy may be prohibited by a principal, an
assistant superintendent or the Superintendent from coming on school premises unless the
individual calls in advance and makes an appointment to meet with a staff member in the
presence of a school administrator. If the individual is does not act civilly, as defined in this
policy, during meetings or telephone conferences with staff members, the individual’s access
may be further limited by the principal, an assistant superintendent or the Superintendent to
telephone, e-mail, or written communications with staff members.
P:\law\P&R\P1170
19
COMPENSATION FOR Policy 4234
INJURIES TO VOLUNTEERS August, 2008
I. Medical and Hospital Expenses - Limited Covered Provided
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education provides and agrees to pay for medical or
hospitalization expenses incurred by a regular school volunteer for any injury by accident arising out of
and in the course of providing voluntary services to the school system, which expenses are not covered
by the volunteer's own medical, health, hospitalization or other insurance coverage, up to the sum of
$100,000 per injury.
II. Procedures for Implementation of Policy
A. To be eligible for the benefits provided by this policy, school volunteers must comply with the
following procedures:
1. All volunteers must be registered and approved in the online system at each individual
school in which the volunteer is providing services before performing a designated and voluntary
service.
2. All volunteers must provide to the school system the name and policy number of their
medical, health, and/or hospitalization insurance coverage, including HMO plans.
3. Each school will maintain in its records a schedule of the designated services and duties
required for each individual job.
4. Volunteers must record the hours worked and the duties performed by signing the
Volunteer Record Book provided at each school.
5. In case of injury, a volunteer must notify the principal at once.
6. Claims for the payment medical and/or hospitalization expenses shall be submitted by the
injured volunteer to the Division Director of Finance on forms developed and provided by the
school system.
B. Claims Administration-It is the policy of the Board of Education to contract with an independent
claims adjuster or administrator to review and approve all claims of volunteers under this policy. The
decision of the claims administrator is and shall be final. There shall be no right of appeal from the
administrator's decisions to the Board of Education or the court system.
Adopted: September, 1975
Revised: May 1992; August, 2008
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N.C.G.S. 115C-209.1. Nondisclosure of certain volunteer records.
(a) The records comprising a volunteer file of a local school administrative unit are not public records as
provided in Chapter 132 of the General Statutes. These records shall be open for inspection only to the
following individuals:
(1) The volunteer, former volunteer, individual who applied to be a volunteer, or that individual's properly
authorized agent who may examine the individual's file in its entirety at any reasonable time.
(2) The superintendent and other supervisory personnel.
(3) The parent or guardian of any student with whom the volunteer has or had contact.
(4) Members of the local board of education and the board's attorney.
(5) A party to a lawsuit, by authority of a subpoena or proper court order, only to the extent authorized by and in
accordance with that subpoena or court order.
(b) A local board of education shall also release or permit the inspection of a volunteer file, except as prohibited by
State or federal law, if prior to the release of the information or inspection of the file:
(1) The local board of education determines that the release of the information or inspection of the file is essential
(i) to maintaining the integrity of the local board of education or (ii) to maintaining the level or quality of
services provided by the local board of education; or
(2) The local board of education makes a written finding that there is a substantial showing of the criteria set forth
in subdivision (1) of this subsection. The local board of education's written finding shall be a public record.
(c) A volunteer shall be notified at the time the individual applies to volunteer that the local board of education may
maintain a volunteer file on the individual, and that information in that file may be open to inspection in accordance
with this section.
(d) This section shall not be construed to require a local school administrative unit to maintain records on volunteers,
former volunteers, or individuals applying to be volunteers.
(e) As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) Volunteer. An individual who provides services to a local board of education without expectation of
compensation and with the understanding that the local board of education is under no obligation to continue
accepting those services or to compensate the volunteer for them.
(2) Volunteer file. Any information collected by the local board of education regarding volunteers, former
volunteers, and individuals applying to be volunteers that relates to the individual's application, selection or
nonselection, performance, disciplinary action, or termination, wherever that information is located or in
whatever form it is maintained. (2003-353, s. 1.)
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