Kaneland Harter Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (KHMS PTO)
Volunteer Code of Conduct
The Volunteer Code of Conduct is a statement of behavioral principles, expectations and ideals. It reflects how we respect and treat each other as members of the KHMS PTO and provides an ethos that guides our decision-making. The Code is intended to motivate and assert values to which we can aspire. It is a vision that aims to both explain the commitment of experienced members and to guide the induction of new Volunteers.
Integrity First
Keep your promises. If you say you will do something, including maintaining confidentiality, please fulfill your obligations to the very best of your ability. The reputation and success of the KHMS PTO and of the event or job for which you have volunteered depends on promises kept. If you cannot fulfill your promise, please immediately notify an Executive Officer so appropriate steps may be taken.
Be respectful. Children are guided by the behavior of adults. If we are respectful of the KHMS PTO rules, administration, teachers, staff, students, and each other, regardless of our personal feelings, we are providing a future foundation for children to build on when they work with others.
Be polite. Discussions, questions and, yes, even disagreements should be polite, courteous and seemly. Support the final decision of the organization, whether you agree with it, or not. Sometimes, mistakes happen – know it, note improvements for the future, and move on. Second-guessing, complaining, pointing fingers, and/or gossiping not only weaken the organization, it reflects ill of you.
Service Before Self
Remember why. Read and re-read the objective of the PTO as specified in the PTO By-Laws: “To enhance our children’s educational environment by encouraging a sense of support, pride and enthusiasm. In conjunction, the KHMS PTO will strive to provide an environment and resources that will help stimulate the growth of our children and maintain the highest advantages in mental, physical and social education. The KHMS PTO will accomplish these goals through the efforts of fundraising and by providing communication between school and home.” This is not about you; it is about the betterment of Kaneland Harter Middle School and our children.
Organizational goals before personal goals. Keep the best interest of KHMS PTO and the school ahead of your own personal agenda and image. Use the KHMS PTO By-Laws as the guide for deciding what situations and projects are appropriate for the PTO.
Be open-minded. Look for ways to improve the organization, a function or an event. View situations from an organization-wide perspective. Listen to others’ ideas, suggestions and solutions.
Be altruistic. Volunteer to help a group even if your child is not affected. We all need to be willing to help each other for the best overall good of our children.
Be a team player. You have a unique set of gifts and talents to bring to the PTO. Use them to the best of your ability, and allow others to do the same.
Excellence in All We Do
Be an ambassador. Look for opportunities to introduce yourself and draw other parents into the organization.
Take pride in your task, your PTO and your school. Do your best – it is a reflection of you and the organization. Do not complain – offer a solution, instead.
Give credit and accept responsibility. Congratulate a fellow member on a good idea or successful event. Graciously accept responsibility for your mistakes and shortcomings.
Remember who you are. You represent Kaneland Harter Middle School, you represent your PTO, and you represent your family.
Code of Conduct for PTO Meetings
PTO meetings are reserved for reading the minutes, presenting budget information, discussing old business and new business and hearing current updates. Criticism of individual teachers, administrators or parents is not permitted in open meetings or executive sessions. Any individual problems should be taken outside of the meeting and should be addressed with either the President of the PTO or the Principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in accordance with school policy and PTO By-Laws.
Adherence to Code
This code of conduct represents minimum standards of behavior and performance. The code cannot cover every conceivable type of situation you may encounter, but it is intended to guide your behavior during KHMS PTO events and meetings. This Code of Conduct document will be made available during the PTO meetings and through online communication tools. All volunteers, meeting attendees and Executive Board Members shall adhere to these standards or shall be subject to possible removal from the PTO.