whale Watchers

Be a Positive Role Model at RH Dana​

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Welcome

Thank you for sharing your time with our students! Whale Watchers is a volunteer program that brings dads, moms, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other approved caring adults onto campus to be positive role models and an extra set of eyes and ears. You do not need any special skills. Showing up, being friendly, and paying attention is what makes the difference.

 

What We Believe

• Showing up sends a message. When adults give their time at school, students see that education and community matter.

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• Positive role models shape kids. Steady, encouraging adults can influence a child's confidence, behavior, and success in school.

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• Every student deserves a caring adult. We want each child on campus to have someone safe and positive to connect with, and we welcome every kind of caring adult and mentor.

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• Presence helps prevent problems. Friendly, visible adults discourage bullying and make campus feel safer and calmer.

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• We support our teachers. We work with school staff and always follow their lead.

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• Volunteers grow too. Time on campus gives adults a better understanding of students' everyday lives and challenges.

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• Shared values bring us together. Families, staff, and neighbors all want the same thing: kids who feel safe, respected, and encouraged.

 

Our Goals

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1. Provide positive role models for students.

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2. Encourage dads, moms, grandparents, and other caring adults to take part in out-of-classroom activities on campus.

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3. Teach and model sportsmanship, respect, and kindness.

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4. Deter bullying and promote positive behavior.

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5. Provide an extra set of eyes and ears to help keep our campus safe.

 

Who Can Volunteer

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Everyone is welcome: dads, moms, stepparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other approved caring adults. You can volunteer during morning drop-off (7:30–8:00 AM), any time from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and during dismissal and pick-up (1:50–2:20 PM), for whatever length of time fits your schedule. One shift is a great start, and you are always welcome to come back.

 

How to Get Started​

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1. Register your interest. Complete the Whale Watchers sign-up form.

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2. Complete district clearance. Register as a Tier 1 volunteer through the district's Human Resources volunteer page. Review the Volunteer Handbook when you register. Tier 1 clearance is required for every Whale Watcher. Clearance includes Mandatory Reporter Training and Live Scan fingerprinting. Costs vary by location, and limited scholarships are available. Please see Ruben Salgado or Danielle Weever LaGourgue, or email rhdanawhalewatchers@gmail.com. For a local option, try Digital Live Scan in San Clemente, or visit any Live Scan location of your choice.

 

3. Choose your shift. Once you are confirmed as a Tier 1 volunteer, you will receive a Signup Genius link. Sign up and pick your day.

 

4. Attend orientation. Orientation details will be shared once you are cleared. If you have questions or concerns, email rhdanawhalewatchers@gmail.com or contact Ruben, the Whale Watchers program lead.

 

Your Volunteer Day

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1. Sign in at the main office and pick up your volunteer name sticker.

 

2. Get your gear from the mailroom next to the front desk: a safety vest and a Whale Watchers bin with stickers and other items to hand out. Wear your vest and name sticker for your entire shift.

 

3. Pick up a walkie-talkie. Turn it on and set it to channel 1. There are two for volunteers. If three volunteers are on the same day, one of you stays without a radio, and the office keeps one radio so you can always reach staff and they can reach you.

 

4. Find your schedule in the green binder. It is organized by day, with two schedules per day showing what is happening at school and what to do. Take a copy and a campus map if you need one.

 

5. Choose your activities. If you are alone, follow one schedule or mix both. If two or three Whale Watchers are on the same day, split up and cover different areas.

 

6. Stay active. If you ever run out of things to do, walk the campus, note anything that concerns you, join in activities, and talk with students.

 

7. Sign out. Return your vest and radio, and sign out at the front desk. Please sign up again and come back another day!

 

Ways You Can Help

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• Greet students and help with arrival and dismissal

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• Walk the campus and watch entrances, hallways, and transitions

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• Help with recess and P.E., and model good sportsmanship

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• Be present at lunch and encourage students to follow the rules

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• Reward positive behavior with Dana Dollars or Whale Watchers stickers

 

• Read with students or help with activities when a teacher invites you

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• Help at PTA and Booster events Volunteer Guidelines Be visible, friendly, encouraging, and respectful of staff direction and confidentiality.

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• The program operates under the direction of the principal and vice principal, and follows school and district volunteer policies.

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• Sign in and out at the office. Wear your name sticker and safety vest during your entire shift.

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• Model good sportsmanship and positive behavior, and discourage profanity.

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• Be present with students, and encourage them to follow the WAVE rules and be where they should be during transitions and lunch.

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• If you see bullying or conflict, step in kindly if it is safe to do so, and report it to staff. If you see something, say something.

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• Enter your own child's classroom only at the teacher's invitation or with the teacher's permission.

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• Use your phone and other devices only when necessary.

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• Respect confidentiality. Like our teachers and staff, volunteers hold in confidence what they see and hear on campus about students, families, and staff. If you have a concern, report it to administrative staff rather than discussing it with others.

 

Do Not

• Be alone with a student. Stay in open, visible outdoor areas. Do not enter bathrooms or empty rooms or classrooms with students.

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• Carry weapons.

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• Engage with or confront a dangerous person, or put yourself in a dangerous situation.

• Discuss religion, politics, or sexual orientation with students.

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• Discipline students. Report concerns to staff instead.

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• Gossip or share what you see or hear on campus with others.

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• Take part in any activity not permitted on campus.

 

Report any concern to the principal or vice principal. Contact law enforcement only in an emergency.

 

Campus Safety Basics

 

Every classroom door has a lock block on the upper left-hand side of the back of the door. In an emergency, enter the room staff direct you to, close the door, and pull the lock. In a shelter in place or lockdown, an announcement will be made over the school speaker system. Follow the direction of teachers and school staff, who know our evacuation plans.

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• Fire: all doors are closed.

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• Earthquake: all doors are open.

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• Lockdown: if no staff member is directing you, move yourself and nearby children to the safest place available.