I would LOVE to hear what everyone has to say on this. We have a program starting up right now which truly needs to have a "Volunteer Confidentiality" form. We have a very loose PTO and I am just a parent, but because of the problems in the past of loose lips, we need this form!
We always distributed a little pamphlet to all of our volunteers that outlined what was expected from them. It included a segment on confidentiality. Simply put, they were told that thier volunteer activities could make them privy to information about students and the school that is not for public information and that it should not be shared with anyone else. Also, the point was made that information regarding student performance and behavior should not be discussed with anyone other than the teacher with which they are working and only in so far as the discussion is needed in regard to the performance of their volunteer activities.
You might want to sit down with your principal and have him/her come up with the appropriate wording. Also, I would recommend a meeting for all of the volunteers at which the principal could speak on the issue of confidentiality and what is expected of the volunteers.
I have learned that there are volunteers that have been sharing confidential information with other parents. Do schools ask volunteers to sign a confidentiality statement? Or, where can parents volunteers be reminded of this? If youi have a statement please share it.
Thanks
Tina Gorski-Strong
SJS Home & School Association Chair
