Service Learning is an educational strategy which involves students in meaningful service to their school and society while engaging in some form of reflection or study that is related to academics. Service Learning is not a substitute for traditional learning but is instead, an enhancement of and compliment to it by extending the classroom and permitting the students to apply what is taught in the textbook into real world situations.

In such a program, the students’ service is so structured as to be age and ability-appropriate to provide learning. Furthermore, the school becomes the agent for learning by having the students reflect on, discuss, and integrate these service experiences back into their academic classes and their general body of knowledge. It is such reflection and integration which distinguishes service-learning from traditional volunteerism.

What Service Learning Is NOT…

- individual student monetary benefit

- activities not related to school

- service under 30 minutes

- non-planned, non-reflective activity

- a graded activity, but IS an expectation

The Importance of Service Learning…

Students who participate in Service Learning Projects gain personal satisfaction and valuable experiences while helping others and their communities. While in high school, students will be recognized for their contributions to their community. In addition, many college applications require students to list service hours. Some colleges award student scholarships based on service learning achievements.

Service Learning Documentation Sheet

- All service learning hours that are school affiliated should be recorded on the Service Learning Documentation Sheet. These are available from teachers and in the high school guidance office.

- Teachers who have sponsored the Service Learning need to initial the activity on this sheet.

- Students should have their sponsoring teacher initial their service activities within one week of the completion of the activity.

- Documentation sheets should be turned in at the end of each nine weeks to guidance office. These hours will then be entered on the school’s Service Learning Database.

- Students may view their Service Learning (electronic) file in the guidance office.

Service Learning Awards…

Students participating in an established number of service hours will be recognized with Service Learning Excellence Awards at the Spring High School Awards Banquet.