All
students must do 36 direct hours of volunteer service before they can
graduate from high school. This volunteer work must be done with a
nonprofit or government agency, or through a licensed day-care, hospital, or
nursing home facility.
Many
students accomplish these hours through their place of worship, by becoming
involved in the many projects religious organizations do to improve the
community. The neighborhood recreational center is another place that often
has activities that might qualify for service hours. Students do their
hours in daycare centers in the neighborhood, assisting with certain child
care activities.
There are many
opportunities available, but sometimes students have to get out and look for
them.
The Guidance Office
has a listing provided by the County school system, of many agencies that
offer opportunities for students. It is listed by area as well as
alphabetically, and also lists the minimum age a student can be to work
there.
In our County, part
of the service requirement is met through the curriculum as well.
Service projects
need to offer the following three components:
1.
Preparation: The student
assesses needs in the community as well as personal strengths and
interests. The student receives some training and/or introduction to the
activities he/she will be involved in.
2.
Action: The student begins
and pursues the project.
3.
Reflection: The student
thinks about the activity, and fills out the required form. Students will
also often discuss the activity with the parent, a teacher,
or the counselor. It is important to
consider how the community benefited from the student’s experience, as well
as ways the student gained from the activity.
Students should
see the Guidance Counselor for forms, assistance with agencies, or further
information. Parents should also feel free to call or come in.
egion
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