OVERVIEW
What is Community Service?
Community service is the giving of time, without pay, to a nonprofit organization or to an individual or group in need of assistance and for which they are unable to pay. The service must be primarily for the benefit of others, not for the individual rendering the service.
Why do Community Service?
Community Service gives students the opportunity to be exposed to the community they live in from a different perspective than they might otherwise see. The student has the opportunity to interact with the community in a positive way, learn about its needs and discover services available. In addition, a personal connection is made leading to confidence, self-knowledge and the ability to deal with the public in an adult manner. From the experiences comes the confirmation that each individual is important and the efforts of one can make a difference.
Community Service Benefits
- Enhances a positive self-concept
- Reinforces personal responsibility
- Develops a range of skills that correlate with being a success in adult life
- Provides a “real life” educational experience
- Increases awareness of career opportunities
- Provides “job” experience and a future reference
- Develops organizational and leadership skills
- Promotes communication with people of different interests and abilities
The Requirement
Community Service Leadership is integrated into the English 10 curriculum, and community service assignments account for 10% of a student’s grade. In addition to written assignments, students are required to complete 10 hours of service each semester with a total of 30 hours to be accumulated by May 24
Documentation
Contracts, timesheets and other forms are available in the Community Service office. Support and encouragement are also available. The contract lists the parameters of the student’s service and is signed by the site supervisor, student, parent and the Shorecrest Coordinator. The supervisor signs time sheets at the end of each time period. Evaluations and letters of recommendation are also requested from the supervisor. In addition, students may do one-time opportunities. The Community Service office has an extensive resource library of sites and prepares “Opportunities” idea sheets as needed. The student is responsible for confirming that all documentation has been received and recorded.
The following organizations are examples of where Shorecrest students have contributed hours:
|
Center for Human Services |
Pacific Science Center |
Shoreline YMCA |