This orientation document provides information for volunteers with VIPS Inspiring Minds. It begins with introductions and contact information for the program director and outreach coordinator. The agenda includes an overview of the organization's mission, vision, programs, policies, and success strategies. Key points are: the mission is to provide educational support to Providence public school students; there are various tutoring, mentoring, and academic support programs; policies regarding student interaction and confidentiality must be followed; effective communication, relationship building, and consistency are emphasized; and volunteers are asked to commit regularly for a school year.

1. Welcome to VIPS Inspiring Minds Matthew Billings Program Director mbillings@vips4kids.org Ryan Kelly Outreach Coordinator VISTA rkelly@vips4kids.org

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

3. MISSION VIPS‘ Inspiring Minds 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‘ Inspiring Minds vision is that all Providence public school students have an equal chance at academic success. We see VIPS Inspiring Minds 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.

4. Our Place In The Community Inspiring Minds was founded in 1963 as Lippitt Hill Tutorial, to address the inequalities born out of school desegregation Oldest and largest academic volunteer program in RI Inspiring Minds currently places more than 1,200 volunteers, who tutor more than 3,000 students Network of Volunteers Unique Intervention

5. VIPS Volunteer Programs IM TechCenter Tutoring/ELL/Engineering Reading Buddies & Math Buddies Targeted Intervention Power Lunch! Cooperate partnership Classroom Support Help at the point of learning URI Science Saturdays exploring science Kid’sBridge Kindergarten transition

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

9. IM Tech Center Supporting the social and academic needs of high school students, primarily from the “High School Hub” across the street Math and Science based tutoring and academic support. Monday-Thursday from 3:00PM to 5:30PM. As little as 1 day a week, to 4 days a week. Engineering and ELL classes

10. Individual and Small Group Academic Support Once a week during the school year, for a one year commitment. Partnering with Literacy Coaches, and Classroom Instructors. Provide academic support, in a one-on-one or small group setting. Parents and teachers have noted that students who receive academic support have a higher attendance rate, increased class participation, and more positive attitudes about learning.

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. Discipline is always administered by the classroom teacher.

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

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

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

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

27. Show that you are interested, and take the time to listen Share some of your interests Praise when appropriate Start each session with a conversation Relax and be patient Establish a trust dynamic. Students should be able to ask questions, without feeling “stupid”

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

30. Avoid rapid fire questions

31. Don’t force eye contact

32. Speak slowly and deliberately

33. Volume is not comprehension

34. Take your time: PATIENCE

35. Stop talking

36. Focus on the student as they are talking

37. Let students finish what they are saying

38. Ask open ended, and follow up questions

39. Stop yourself from one upping or comparing

40. Be non-judgmental

43. Be consistent with your commitment and time.

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

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

48. Find, Join and Spread VIPS www.inspiringmindsri.org