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Service Learning - Parent Information
Welcome parents. There is a new Service Learning requirement for your student's high school graduation starting with the graduating class of 2007. We hope to answer all of your questions here and give you some contact information.
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is a hands-on, experiential, authentic learning experience. If you ask your child what kind of learning he or she prefers, the likely answer will be some version of "hands-on learning." Service Learning and Community Service experiences also give students a chance to make a positive contribution in their community. We all need to feel that there is a purpose to our work, especially our young people.
What is the Service Learning graduation requirement?
- Every high school student must complete 40 hours of Service Learning/Community Service in order to graduate. This must take place between the 9th and 12th grade years. (Summer projects will count, but they must be approved.)
- Students can work 10 hours per year, or do all 40 hours during one year. Students can do any combination of hours they choose. They may want to do most of their hours during the freshman and sophomore year if they plan on getting a job or taking advanced courses during their junior and senior years.
- If a student moves into a LBUSD school in their sophomore year they must complete 30 hours, in the junior year 20 hours and in the senior year 10 hours.
What choices will my student have?
- Some teachers will integrate project ideas into their classroom instruction. This will be one opportunity for some students to fulfill Service Learning hours (but is not required of teachers). There are many clubs at your school under the direction of the Activities Director that work with non-profit agencies and offer service experience. This is another way for your student to get involved at school and to earn Service Learning hours. Examples would be the Key Club, and the Best Buddies Program.
- Many special days will be posted on this website's calendar where volunteers will be needed. Walk-a-thons, the Special Olympics, and Beach Clean-ups are examples. Your student may want to help their school plan and implement Red Ribbon Week, the Great American Smoke Out, or Arbor Day, just to name a few.
- The district will post a list of non-profit agencies on this website. On the list you will find the agency, what type of service is needed, the location of the service and how many students can be placed. It will also state if any training is required and the contact information. (Training hours count in the 40 hours.) There is also a, "How to Contact an Agency" sheet under student information.
- Some of your students may identify a need in the community and want to design their own Service Learning project. This is an opportunity for students to create and write a service proposal. All proposals must be approved at the school by the Service Learning Coach and/or other authorized personnel. These projects will require parental knowledge and permission. (This is a wonderful opportunity for a family to get involved with the student to make a difference in the community.) You can find this proposal sheet under "forms."
- Students who are already involved with community groups performing service, like scouting projects in the community, or religious organizations conducting community projects can use these hours towards their 40 hours. (Eagle Scout project, Soup kitchens, etc.)
What is Involved?
- All students should be involved in the preparation (if possible), action or service and the reflection of the deed. These are important components of Service Learning.
- The hours served will be entered by students on their Student Service Learning Log. There are preservice and post service questions on the back (or second page) of this log to be completed by all students. Copies of this Student Service Log can be downloaded from the forms section, or picked up from the Career Center at school.
- Students will have the adult in charge at their service project site (school or community) verify the hours by signing on the log. If an agency assigns a time card, (like Goodwill Industries), this can be attached to the log and a second signature is not needed. Hours submitted will be randomly validated by the school"s Service Learning Coach and other trained personnel.
- Completed logs will be taken to the Career Center at school where The Service Learning Coach, Career Center Supervisor and other trained personnel will verify hours, and enter the hours served. If students are involved in ongoing projects, logs will be turned in toward the end of each semester. Schools will announce all due dates.
- The completed/submitted hours will now appear on your student"s progress reports and on their graduation check. Twice in the four years, your student's English class, will require essays based on Service Learning experiences. Keeping journals or copies of logs might help the student when writing these essays. (There are journal writing ideas in the student section.)
Can I be of service in this new initiative?
- Yes! Parent Volunteers are needed and welcome on the Service Learning Committee at your child's school.
- Parents can help with many tasks including filing student logs, site visits of new agencies, and the validation of hours. Contact the Service Learning Coach at your student"s high school if you would like to be involved.
Can my child earn money for Service Learning hours?
- No. Students cannot be reimbursed financially and also earn service hours.
- Students may also not work at a business or corporation for free and earn hours. These activities fall under the category of work experience and internships. They are valuable experiences with different guidelines.
Parent Acknowledgement – Please Return to School
We have received the Parent Information on the Service Learning Graduation Requirement for my student who attends LBUSD.
Name of Pupil_____________________Date_________Grade/Room_________
Address___________________________City_____________Zip________
Parent Signature_______________________________________
Click here to download a copy of this Parent Information page
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