• Community Helper and Hobbyist Interest Form

  • About Our Students
    Anniston Academy is an inclusive school serving students ages 3–14 with a wide range of learning styles and abilities. Many of our students are autistic, have ADHD, Down syndrome, or other developmental, behavioral, or learning differences, while others are neurotypical peers learning alongside them.

    Our students are curious, bright, and learn best through engaging, hands-on experiences. You may notice that some students communicate differently, use AAC devices, wear headphones, take movement breaks, or need additional processing time. Others may ask lots of questions, prefer to observe before participating, or express excitement in unique ways.

    Our staff will remain present throughout your visit to provide support and help ensure a positive experience for everyone. We simply ask that presenters come with patience, flexibility, and a willingness to meet students where they are.

    Thank you for helping our students explore new careers, hobbies, and possibilities for their future!

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Would you consider yourself a community helper (physician, librarian, public servant, etc.) or a hobbyist (beekeeper, artist, photographer, etc.)?
  • What age groups are you comfortable presenting to?
  • How long would you like each presentation to be? (Note: we typically divide each presentation by age group. For example, a 20 minute presentation across 4 age groups would be approximately 1 hour of your time).
  • Would you need anything from the school to assist with your presentation?
  • Which months work best for you?
  • May we take photos or videos of your presentation to share on our website and social media?

  • Anniston Academy Community Helper & Hobbyist Volunteer Agreement
    Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Anniston Academy. We are grateful for community members who are willing to share their careers, talents, hobbies, and experiences with our students. Your time helps expose children to new interests, future career possibilities, and meaningful leisure activities.

    To help provide a safe, positive, and enriching experience for everyone, we ask that all volunteers read and agree to the following.

     

    Volunteer Expectations
    As a volunteer, I agree to:

    Treat all students, families, and staff with kindness, dignity, and respect.
    Follow all directions provided by Anniston Academy staff.
    Present material that is age-appropriate and suitable for children ages 3–12.
    Immediately notify a staff member of any safety concern or emergency.
    Never discipline, restrain, transport, or provide one-on-one supervision of a student unless specifically directed by school personnel.
    Never administer food, medication, or physical assistance to a student unless approved and directed by school staff.
    Disclose in advance any live animals, tools, equipment, food, chemicals, vehicles, or other materials that will be used during the presentation.
    Understand that Anniston Academy reserves the right to modify, postpone, or end a presentation if necessary for student safety or educational needs.


    Assumption of Risk
    I understand that I am voluntarily participating as a guest presenter at Anniston Academy.

    I acknowledge that working in a school environment involves inherent risks. Because Anniston Academy serves students with diverse developmental, behavioral, communication, and sensory needs, students may occasionally display behaviors such as impulsivity, loud vocalizations, grabbing objects, difficulty remaining seated, or other behaviors related to their individual support needs.

    Although Anniston Academy staff will supervise students and provide support throughout the presentation, I understand that unexpected situations may occur. I voluntarily accept these ordinary risks associated with participating as a volunteer and agree to follow all safety instructions provided by school staff.

    Confidentiality, Privacy, and Media
    I understand that I may observe or interact with students and families during my visit.

    I agree that I will:

    Respect the privacy and dignity of every student and family.
    Keep confidential anything I learn or observe about a student or family during my visit.
    Not ask students or staff about confidential matters such as diagnoses, disabilities, medical conditions, educational records, behavioral plans, family circumstances, or other private information.
    Not photograph, video record, audio record, livestream, or otherwise record students, staff, classrooms, or school activities unless I have received prior written authorization from Anniston Academy.
    Not post photographs, videos, names, or descriptions of students or my visit on social media or any public platform without prior written permission from the school.
    Understand that only authorized Anniston Academy personnel may photograph or record students for school purposes.


    Visitor Safety
    I understand that:

    I may be required to present a valid photo ID upon arrival.
    I must sign in and sign out according to school procedures.
    I will wear any visitor identification provided by the school.
    I will remain with school personnel unless otherwise directed.
    I will comply with all emergency procedures, health and safety policies, and visitor guidelines.


    Release
    I certify that the information I have provided to Anniston Academy is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

    I understand that volunteering is at the discretion of Anniston Academy and that the school may decline, cancel, or discontinue a volunteer opportunity at any time if it determines doing so is in the best interest of its students or school community.

    By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the expectations outlined in this Volunteer Agreement.

     

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