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 or science.
Literacy
Most volunteers tutor in reading and literacy, working with students one-to-one in a structured program called Literacy Footprints, the same one used by the classroom teachers. 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 classes, or several other classrooms in other grades, with a less structured literacy program guided by the teachers.
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.
Science
Our volunteers can also support hands-on science labs, directed by the teacher and involving all students in the classroom. RCP volunteers help set up and run science labs weekly, enabling students to engage in hands-on exploration and application of concepts in science.
Literacy
Most volunteers tutor in reading and literacy, working with students one-to-one in a structured program called Literacy Footprints, the same one used by the classroom teachers. 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 classes, or several other classrooms in other grades, with a less structured literacy program guided by the teachers.
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.
Science
Our volunteers can also support hands-on science labs, directed by the teacher and involving all students in the classroom. RCP volunteers help set up and run science labs weekly, enabling students to engage in hands-on exploration and application of concepts in science.
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?
No. It is critical for the students and teachers to be able to depend on the consistency of seeing the same volunteer each week at the same time as they build trust and an emotional bond with our volunteers. This weekly time also helps foster a stronger learning environment as sessions build on each other throughout the school year.
WILL TUTORING BE IN-PERSON FOR 2022-23?
Yes. We returned to in-person tutoring in the fall of 2021 with tutors and students wearing masks and working primarily outdoors. In the fall of 2022, we expect to tutor inside the classrooms again and will be working closely with the school on our safe tutoring guidelines. Volunteers can discuss options to tutor outdoors with their assigned teacher. The school district has decided that mask wearing is recommended indoors but optional. We do not expect to offer a remote tutoring option this year given that the schools have returned to in person instruction.
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