VOLUNTEER requirements

CAPS (Compass Abuse Prevention Services)

St. Thomas More must provide a safe environment for children and youth. We hold ALL adults who work with minors to a code of conduct that is Christ-centered and professional. The CAPS program implemented by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge requires us to evaluate the background of all paid personnel and volunteers whose duties include ongoing, unsupervised contact with minors.

Anyone who wants to volunteer at St. Thomas More must be in compliance with this policy. ALL requirements must be met in order to volunteer:

1. Click here to download and sign/date the Diocese of Baton Rouge Code of Ethics. Please email the signed document to Ms. Kristin Baldridge, or bring to the school office.
2. Click here to download and complete the declarations form. Wet initials are required on each line, (e.g. not a check mark or X) as well as signature and date at the bottom. Please email the signed document to Ms. Kristin Baldridge, or bring to the school office.
3. Send a photo of your driver license to Ms. Kristin Baldridge, or bring to the school office to make a copy.
4. Email Ms. Kristin Baldridge to request the two codes necessary to complete the process: 1) CAPS code and 2) IdentoGO code.
5. Click here to create a CAPS profile. Be sure to choose the STM school option, NOT church.
6. Complete the "Serving Vulnerable Populations" course.
7. Click here to schedule an IdentoGO fingerprint appointment.

self care for students

Self-care is crucial for students as they navigate the demands of academic life, personal responsibilities, and social pressures. Incorporating self-care practices can significantly enhance their overall well-being, academic performance, and personal growth.
Here are some effective self-care strategies for students from MASK: Mothers Awareness on School-Age Kids:

1. Time Management
   ‍Create a Schedule: Use planners or digital calendars to organize study sessions, assignments, and personal activities. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can reduce stress and improve productivity.
   
   Prioritize Tasks: Identify urgent and important tasks to focus on first, and use tools like to-do lists to keep track of deadlines.
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2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
   Balanced Diet: Maintain a diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive caffeine and junk food.
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   Regular Exercise: Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, or yoga. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
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   Adequate Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to improve concentration and mood.
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3. Mental and Emotional Well-being
   Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to manage stress and stay present.
   
   Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial for managing mental health challenges.
   
   Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you process emotions and reflect on your experiences.
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4. Academic Strategies
   Study Breaks: Take regular breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout. The Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break, can be effective.
   
   Active Learning: Use study techniques like summarizing information, teaching concepts to others, or creating flashcards to reinforce learning.
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5. Social Connections
   Maintain Relationships: Make time to connect with friends and family. Social support is important for emotional resilience.
   
   Join Groups or Clubs: Participate in extracurricular activities or student organizations that interest you. This can provide a sense of community and balance.
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6. Personal Interests and Hobbies
   Engage in Hobbies: Allocate time for activities that you enjoy, whether it’s reading, painting, playing music, or any other personal interest.
   
   Explore New Interests: Trying new activities can be a great way to relieve stress and discover new passions.
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7. Boundaries and Balance
   Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and set limits on academic and social commitments to prevent overload.
   
   Work-Life Balance: Strive to balance academic responsibilities with personal time. Avoid bringing schoolwork into all aspects of your life.
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8. Self-Compassion
   Be Kind to Yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and avoid negative self-talk. Recognize that it’s okay to make mistakes and that perfection is not necessary.
   
   Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small. This can boost your motivation and self-esteem.
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9. Digital Detox
   Limit Screen Time: Set boundaries for your time on social media and electronic devices to avoid digital burnout. Designate tech-free times or zones in your daily routine.

Incorporating these self-care practices into daily life can help students manage stress, maintain balance, and improve their overall quality of life. It's important for students to recognize their own needs and make self-care a priority to support their academic and personal success. For more solutions to the modern-day challenges families face, visit maskmatters.org.