Doing community service is a major part of being an active and aware citizen.
As we are attempting to shape our students into active citizens, we want all of our 9th grade students to complete some form of community service. They will learn responsibility, empathy, and social skills while completing this endeavor.
We find this experience so important that we have made it a requirement for every 9th grade student to complete 5 volunteer hours during their freshman year. These 5 hours will count for 5% of their total Civics grade.
If you think about it, 5% is kind of a lot. If you are sitting at the edge of a A/B - that 5% could really give you the push. Not to mention you will be a better person because of it. And THAT, my friends, is what is truly important.