Volunteer FAQ
Here are routinely asked questions about RCP's programs:
Which schools are supported by Ravenswood classroom partners?
RCP volunteers will support teachers and students in grades Transitional Kindergarten through 5th at the two largest elementary schools in eastern Menlo Park and East Palo Alto: Belle Haven School and Costaño School of the Arts.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO TUTOR RAVENSWOOD STUDENTS?
RCP welcomes all volunteers who are at least 18 years old. Volunteers must be able to give at least one hour per week, regularly each week, throughout the school year, during the school day. All volunteers must complete the Ravenswood School District required paperwork, TB testing and Livescan fingerprinting testing for volunteers. We will provide details on completing this paperwork.
DO I NEED TO HAVE PRIOR TUTORING OR TEACHING EXPERIENCE?
No. Volunteers come with a wide range of backgrounds, but all enjoy working with children and have a desire to support their learning. We provide initial and on-going training, monthly informational coffees, on-site liaisons, guest speakers and more.
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL I TUTOR?
Volunteers have a chance to support either literacy (our primary program) or math.
Literacy
Most volunteers tutor in reading and literacy, working with students one-to-one or in small groups using the Ravenswood district's structured phonics-based curriculum to accelerate student reading and comprehension skills. This tutoring is considered "high-dosage" because the same student works with different RCP volunteers multiple times per week for 8-12 weeks. Some volunteers will work with Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten or several other classrooms in other grades, with a less structured literacy program guided by the teachers. The program for the youngest students will focus on learning on letter names and sounds; once students know 20 letter names and sounds, we transition to the phonics based approach used with older students.
We help students build the literacy and comprehension skills needed to succeed academically in reading, writing and math. Ravenswood Classroom Partners does not introduce curriculum, rather we support existing district curriculum and follow teacher direction.
Math
Our volunteers can also tutor in math, as guided by the classroom teacher. Volunteers help students establish a strong foundation and confidence in math through individualized tutoring. Tutors are able to work one-on-one with students on specific math concepts they need to learn before they move on to learn more advanced concepts.
Our program is adapted for both the youngest learners and the older students across elementary school to help students develop essential skills that have a lifelong impact.
5th Grade Book Club
For volunteers who tutor in a 5th grade classroom, we have an opportunity for them to also lead a mentoring book club in the spring. We have partnered with school counselors and the curriculum & instruction team in the school district to carefully craft this book club to help a select group of 5th grade students improve their reading comprehension skills while also addressing the students' social-emotional challenges.
Literacy
Most volunteers tutor in reading and literacy, working with students one-to-one or in small groups using the Ravenswood district's structured phonics-based curriculum to accelerate student reading and comprehension skills. This tutoring is considered "high-dosage" because the same student works with different RCP volunteers multiple times per week for 8-12 weeks. Some volunteers will work with Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten or several other classrooms in other grades, with a less structured literacy program guided by the teachers. The program for the youngest students will focus on learning on letter names and sounds; once students know 20 letter names and sounds, we transition to the phonics based approach used with older students.
We help students build the literacy and comprehension skills needed to succeed academically in reading, writing and math. Ravenswood Classroom Partners does not introduce curriculum, rather we support existing district curriculum and follow teacher direction.
Math
Our volunteers can also tutor in math, as guided by the classroom teacher. Volunteers help students establish a strong foundation and confidence in math through individualized tutoring. Tutors are able to work one-on-one with students on specific math concepts they need to learn before they move on to learn more advanced concepts.
Our program is adapted for both the youngest learners and the older students across elementary school to help students develop essential skills that have a lifelong impact.
5th Grade Book Club
For volunteers who tutor in a 5th grade classroom, we have an opportunity for them to also lead a mentoring book club in the spring. We have partnered with school counselors and the curriculum & instruction team in the school district to carefully craft this book club to help a select group of 5th grade students improve their reading comprehension skills while also addressing the students' social-emotional challenges.
DO I NEED TO SPEAK SPANISH?
No. Nearly all classrooms are taught in English. However, if you are Spanish-bilingual, please let us know on the application form.
MAY I COMMIT FOR LESS THAN ONE YEAR OR SPLIT THE COMMITMENT WITH A FRIEND?
Ideally volunteers should come weekly so students and teachers can rely on a consistent schedule while building trust with the volunteer but in some cases we will consider having volunteers split an assignment.
When and where does TUTORING occur?
Our volunteers tutor during the school day, on campus during the school year. We are unique in that we offer tutoring integrated into the classroom, guided by teachers and aligned with district curriculum. We do not offer after-school or summer tutoring.
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