Volunteer Guidelines
VOLUNTEERS, CHAPERONES, AND CLASSROOM VISITORS
The entire MACS Crew is committed to scholar growth and academic achievement through a whole child approach to education. Volunteers are willing participants who agree to advance this mission and vision for MACS. MACS scholars, teachers and school administration have the right to expect that the school environment will be safe and free from unnecessary distractions from learning, and volunteers agree to uphold the components of a joyful, rigorous learning environment.
Parents/Guest Visitors
MACS maintains open doors for all families and visitors. We just ask that those visits be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. When looking to schedule birthday parties, visits to classrooms, volunteering, etc. All families must coordinate those activities with both their scholars teacher and the Operations Crew so that accommodations can be made. Activities may be restricted to certain days of the week due to scheduling, and this allows employees to provide accommodations when and where needed.
Volunteer Management
Volunteerism at MACS is highly encouraged, yet it is not a requirement. While parents/guardians are encouraged to visit and/or volunteer MACS in a manner which meets their schedule, visits should be scheduled in advance via our school wide communication portal – ParentSquare or by emailing: crewfamily@milesaheadcharter.org.
All volunteers should check in at the front kiosk upon entering MACS ready with their identification. Identification will then be scanned through Raptor Screening Systems in order to screen for any major offenses which would not allow a visitor or volunteer to enter into the building (O.C.G.A. § 42-1-15, charter contract compliance with O.C.G.A. § 20-2-211.1). Upon successfully completing the Raptor screening, all volunteers will obtain a visitor’s badge, and have it displayed at all times during their time at MACS.
The purpose of visiting the MACS may include observing or volunteering in classrooms, extracurricular activities, Whole School Crew, and lunchroom operations. Scheduled visits shall not interfere with the instructional or non-instructional operations or the safe environment of the school.
Required Trainings
All volunteers, including field trips chaperones, must complete a background check, Mandated Reporter Training (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5) and FERPA Privacy Training (FERPA (34 CFR § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B))). The information for these training can be found through the Compliance Director training program (see the Volunteer Manual located on the CREW Family Resource Portal), or you may request information through the Operations Crew. Documentation of the training should be submitted to the front office to be kept on file. No volunteers will be allowed to start their service until all required training is completed. Any problems or concerns of volunteers shall be discussed initially only with MACS Administration. Volunteers shall be encouraged to refrain from reporting evaluations of personnel or operating procedures except to MACS Administration.
Applicable Laws
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1181 prohibits conduct which disrupts a school. O.C.G.A. § 20-2-1182 prohibits parents from upbraiding, insulting or abusing public school employees in the presence of pupils. Disruptive individuals may be immediately removed from the school grounds and restrictions may be placed on their presence on school grounds or at school related functions in the future. Miles Ahead Charter School reserves the right to refer the situation to the appropriate law enforcement authorities and the scholar may lose priority enrollment for the following school year. Volunteers who fail to adhere to this policy, whose visit interferes with the educational process or whose actions compromise the safety of scholars and MACS staff may have their visitation privileges restricted and/or may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This policy applies to all school-related activities, on and off-campus.
