Volunteers in Providence Schools (VIPS) provides educational support services and personalized help to students in Providence public schools. VIPS trains over 1,000 volunteers annually who tutor more than 3,000 students through various programs. This orientation outlines VIPS' mission to promote academic success for all students, policies around student confidentiality and safety, strategies for effective tutoring, and expectations for volunteer commitment and sign-in procedures.

1. Volunteers in Providence Schools 905 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02903 Welcome VIPS Volunteers Matthew Billings Program Director mbillings@vips4kids.org Ryan Kelly Outreach Coordinator VISTA rkelly@vips4kids.org

2. Volunteer Orientation Agenda Who We Are: VIPS Policies and Procedures Success Strategies Opportunity Description

3. MISSION VIPS' mission is to provide Providence public school students with the educational support services and personalized help they need to grow academically and socially. VISION VIPS' vision is that all Providence public school students have an equal chance at academic success. We see VIPS as being the provider of superior tutorial and mentoring services, educational resources and individual attention which truly affect academic outcomes and build skills for the 21st century.

5. Network of Volunteers

8. Once weekly during the school year, for a one year commitment.

11. VIPS and The Providence Public School Department Our partnership with the Providence School Department allows VIPS to deliver services to students. Interconnectivity between volunteers, teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, department staff, and VIPS. We rely on your good judgment and decision making. What we ask of you is the same as what the school department asks of their employees.

16. Do not contact students outside of school.

17. Never administer medication, or medical treatment to a student.

18. Do not give money to a student.

19. Classroom teachers must be consulted around small school related gifts.

20. Discipline is always administered by the classroom teacher.

23. The teacher is the lead in the classroom at all times

24. Follow the teacher’s cues, language and dress Continuity and consistency is key to learning

25. Exchange contact information with your classroom teacher: Keep the lines of communication open

27. Tell them why you are in their school, and let them know how often you will be seeing them

28. Show that you are interested, and take the time to listen

29. Share some of your interests

30. Praise when appropriate

31. Start each session with a conversation

32. Relax and be patient

34. Do not just assume that a student understands, ask follow up questions

35. Avoid rapid fire questions

36. Don’t force eye contact

37. Speak slowly and deliberately

38. Volume is not comprehension

39. Take your time: PATIENCE

40. Stop talking

41. Focus on the student as they are talking

42. Let students finish what they are saying

43. Ask open ended, and follow up questions

44. Stop yourself from one upping or comparing

45. Be non-judgmental

47. Identify yourself as a VIPS volunteer

48. Place your Sign In sheet in the VIPS binder

49. Arriving early might give you a chance to chat with the classroom teacher

50. Ask the teacher what she/he expects you to accomplish, and what they want you to work on

52. Be consistent with your commitment and time.

53. Call the teacher or school if you are going to be late or absent.

55. Sign In Sheets are placed in the VIPS binder at the main office of the school

57. Find, Join and Spread VIPS www.vips4kids.org