Murphy Elementary School
Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteer Expectations at Murphy Elementary
Before volunteering, get cleared by the WCCUSD school district.
You can start your application here.
When serving as a classroom volunteer, please:
- Sign in at the office when working at school.
- Wear a "Volunteer" badge while on campus. Badges are available in the office and must be worn by all visiting adults as a safety measure.
- If volunteering on a regular basis, please ask to have a "permanent" badge made for reuse.
- Arrive on time to the classroom. Please give yourself a few extra minutes to check-in at the office. Your scheduled time indicates the time you are expected in the classroom.
- Notify the teacher if you cannot make your volunteer time. Many teachers plan activities around volunteers & a phone call as early as possible helps them to change those plans.
- Make alternate arrangements for pre-school siblings. It's best that your hands and attention are free to interact with the students in the class. Many parents "swap" babysitting so they can fully enjoy special time in their child's classroom.
- Use the cell phone golden rule: Turn it off or on "vibrate" when you are working in the classroom.
- Model "problem-solving" for the students. Handle unexpected situations with common sense and good judgment. However, we recognize that some situations require teacher intervention. When in doubt, defer to the teacher.
- Model school rules (SAM - Show Respect, Act Responsibly, Make Safe Choices) & procedures - including stopping and listening while the teacher is speaking.
- Use PBIS Principals (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) -
- Recognize students for following SAM expectations - reward with tiger paws!
- If redirecting, focus on the expected behavior (e.g. say “Walking feet” instead of “No running!” or “Hands to self,” “We’re sitting on our bottoms on the bench”, “We’re lining up” etc )
- Have fun! Enjoying yourself while volunteering also facilitates a safe and nurturing learning environment for all our students.
- Remember to sign-out and to put your badge away when leaving campus.
The entire staff at Murphy appreciates the time and effort you provide for all students. Thank you for your positive contributions to the great learning community at Murphy.
Murphy Elementary School Parent Volunteers
Parking Lot Safety Guidelines
- Arrive early to sign-in and get safety gear (vest, stop sign). Wear a safety vest at all times to stay visible.
- Use calm, clear hand signals to direct traffic and pedestrians.
- Stay in designated areas; do not step into moving traffic lanes.
- Keep traffic moving by reminding drivers to pull forward and out of the middle lane.
- Do not allow drivers to park and leave cars unattended in drop-off/pick-up zones.
- Never engage in arguments with drivers; refer issues to school staff.
- Help guide students to crosswalks instead of crossing between cars.
- Stay alert at all times—avoid phones, conversations, or distractions.
- Model patience and kindness to help create a safe and welcoming environment.
Murphy Lunch & Recess Expectations
General Cafeteria Behavior
- Sit with class in assigned area (except for Fun Fun Fridays’ open seating).
- Use indoor voice.
- Hands and feet to self.
- Walk always.
- Clean up after yourself and your table.
In Line:
- Hands to self and indoor voice.
- Body Still (no dancing, hopping).
At the Tables:
- Sit bottom on bench. Keep feet in front, facing forward.
- Students remain seated until given permission to get up.
- Raised hand = I need assistance.
- “W” - 3 Fingers Up = Water
- “R” - Middle finger over pointer finger = bathroom
- Clean up after yourself and your table.
Dismissal:
- Using Microphone: Ask for students to give you 5.
- “____Grade, please give me 5.” (students should fall silent and raise a hand)
- Dismiss quiet tables one at a time.
- Students throw away garbage and stack trays on the table.
- Students line up by the door.
- Dismiss students out the door by the kitchen.
- Students walk to playground via hallway.
Clean Up:
- Tables are wiped down in between grade level lunches.
- 2-4 Students are selected to help clean by noon supervisors. (4th - 6th grade only)
Supervisor Expectations
- Circulate around the blacktop. Keep an eye, actively looking around.
- Please intervene proactively - e.g. if students are arguing and help coach them to come to a compromise or an agreement.
- Pick up an orange vest, walkie talkie, and whistle (to keep and use for the year) before your shift.
General Recess Behavior
- Students stay on blacktop in sight of supervisors (e.g. not behind building, around corners, in hallways).
- Students can go to restroom or get water and return, but should not be in hallways otherwise.
- Students should check in with an adult before going to the office.
- Students should check in with a staff member to resolve conflict.
- Students should check in with a staff member if they get into physical conflict. Students can be sent to the office to address physical conflict.
Play Structure
- Students should not play tag on the play structure area.
- Walking feet on playground squishy (floor).
Food
- Food should only be eaten under the solar panels / at the tables
- Students should clean up after themselves and their friends.
Games
- Students play peacefully. No pretend battling games are acceptable on campus.
- Students keep hands to self. If playing tag, use a light touch.
- Students play collaboratively and inclusively, inviting each other in.
- Disputes are settled with Row, Sham, Bo
Murphy Elementary School Parent Volunteers
Parking Lot Safety Guidelines
- Arrive early to sign-in and get safety gear (vest, stop sign). Wear a safety vest at all times to stay visible.
- Use calm, clear hand signals to direct traffic and pedestrians.
- Stay in designated areas; do not step into moving traffic lanes.
- Keep traffic moving by reminding drivers to pull forward and out of the middle lane.
- Do not allow drivers to park and leave cars unattended in drop-off/pick-up zones.
- Never engage in arguments with drivers; refer issues to school staff.
- Help guide students to crosswalks instead of crossing between cars.
- Stay alert at all times—avoid phones, conversations, or distractions.
- Model patience and kindness to help create a safe and welcoming environment.
Murphy Lunch & Recess Expectations
General Cafeteria Behavior
- Sit with class in assigned area (except for Fun Fun Fridays’ open seating).
- Use indoor voice.
- Hands and feet to self.
- Walk always.
- Clean up after yourself and your table.
In Line:
- Hands to self and indoor voice.
- Body Still (no dancing, hopping).
At the Tables:
- Sit bottom on bench. Keep feet in front, facing forward.
- Students remain seated until given permission to get up.
- Raised hand = I need assistance.
- “W” - 3 Fingers Up = Water
- “R” - Middle finger over pointer finger = bathroom
- Clean up after yourself and your table.
Dismissal:
- Using Microphone: Ask for students to give you 5.
- “____Grade, please give me 5.” (students should fall silent and raise a hand)
- Dismiss quiet tables one at a time.
- Students throw away garbage and stack trays on the table.
- Students line up by the door.
- Dismiss students out the door by the kitchen.
- Students walk to playground via hallway.
Clean Up:
- Tables are wiped down in between grade level lunches.
- 2-4 Students are selected to help clean by noon supervisors. (4th - 6th grade only)
Supervisor Expectations
- Circulate around the blacktop. Keep an eye, actively looking around.
- Please intervene proactively - e.g. if students are arguing and help coach them to come to a compromise or an agreement.
- Pick up an orange vest, walkie talkie, and whistle (to keep and use for the year) before your shift.
General Recess Behavior
- Students stay on blacktop in sight of supervisors (e.g. not behind building, around corners, in hallways).
- Students can go to restroom or get water and return, but should not be in hallways otherwise.
- Students should check in with an adult before going to the office.
- Students should check in with a staff member to resolve conflict.
- Students should check in with a staff member if they get into physical conflict. Students can be sent to the office to address physical conflict.
Play Structure
- Students should not play tag on the play structure area.
- Walking feet on playground squishy (floor).
Food
- Food should only be eaten under the solar panels / at the tables
- Students should clean up after themselves and their friends.
Games
- Students play peacefully. No pretend battling games are acceptable on campus.
- Students keep hands to self. If playing tag, use a light touch.
- Students play collaboratively and inclusively, inviting each other in.
- Disputes are settled with Row, Sham, Bo