Earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement High Honors!!
What is the Seal of Civic Engagement?
This seal is an endorsement on the diploma that recognizes students for their civic engagement. Specifically, it recognizes students “who have demonstrated excellence in civics education and participation and have demonstrated an understanding of the United States Constitution, the California Constitution, and the democratic system
of government”. (cde.gov)
How do I earn the Seal?
Student must be in good standing with the school 2.0 minimum non-weighted GPA
Students must complete 6 semesters of Social Science classes with a grade of a B or higher (those required for graduation*** a student may make up 1 full course on Edgenuity or in summer school for a higher grade. No course taken exclusively online or accelerated in summer school for original credit will be honored.
Student must complete a civic action project as outlined by the state outlines that is sustained for a year. The student must publicly present their project, learning and reflection in a public showcase to be held in April during Global Week each year.
Student must obtain a letter from a teacher/adult who has overseen the project and can discuss the student’s level of civic participation and understanding throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be in AP/IB classes to earn the Seal of Civic
Engagement?
NO! Just get good grades as stated above and complete a civic action project with an adult mentor! The Seal of Civic Engagement is open to all students on campus in any subject matter!
What is the benefit of earning the Seal of Civic Engagement?
1. Students who achieve this honor will earn a graduation honor to wear to be given at senior awards night
2. A seal will be awarded on the diploma and is listed on the transcript for college applications
3. A special area designated in the graduation program
4. High honors for college admissions, scholarships, and entrance to the workforce
How do I begin to earn the Seal of Civic Engagement?
Contact Ms. Bush (room 112), the Social Science Dept Chair, or talk to your history teacher or possibly Club/Group Advisor. You can start during any year at Norte Vista, but must meet the requirements above for completion.
Do I have to complete the project by myself?
NO! It can also be a group project or part of a club/course you are taking!
Courses and Clubs: Global Class and Global Club, Psychology/Sociology, AP WE AP Euro (Bush), AVID, Junior Optimist, NHS
I don't have any ideas of what to do the project on, what do I do?
See Ms. Bush in room 112 and start coming to workshops on Wed/Thursdays to get going!
I am already doing service in the community for AVID, myself or another program requirement, does that count?
It might! See Ms. Bush and hours must be entered into Innerview.
When is the deadline for completion?
April 15th and participation in the Idea Fair and Celebration.
Email: amanda.bush@alvordschools.net
Remind: @nvservice
Need a project idea??
Try checking out the AdCouncil for national campaigns for ideas......want to pick up an existing project? Check below! Keep in mind that by Spring some projects have ended or are no longer available to join. Each is subject to time, money and student power to keep it up and running.
See Ms. Bush ASAP!!
Global Community Garden
A team of students maintain our garden 12 months a year. They plant, water, care for, repair and keep our garden producing food for anyone that wants to take some year round.
Must be in the Global Leadership class for this project
Kindness Initiative
We launched Kindness week in November and it was a great success! A second focus will be during Global week. Next year we are looking for monthly reminders of kindness, mental health focus and wellness.
Looming
This is one of our original projects that is part of the Rotary Interact Club. The working group works year round to make hats, scarves and wellness bags that are season appropriate for the unhoused.
Period Positivity
This work group is dedicated to ending the shame around menstruation on campus, increase access to menstrual products and increase women's health on campus. The group is responsible for helping to maintain product availability on campus in the rolling pantries, girls team room, nurses office and girls pe. The group would like to expand to willing classrooms but that has not yet come about. The group is responsible for obtaining donations, working with community groups and keeping a good read on the needs of the students.
Must be in the Global Leadership class for this project
Tiny Pantry
Our tiny pantry is in front of the school and this year we will be adding 3-4 satellite pantries at other schools. Our students check the pantries several times a week, stock when needed, help run our food drives, process donations, and work on our NoVi Cares student requests for food and hygiene supplies. The new pantries will have a dual purpose of pantry and little library, so students are also dedicated to finding pre K - 5th grade books.
Part of the team must be in the Global Leadership class for this project
Helping Hands Pantry
Our rolling pantries are down every hallway at our school filled with basic hygiene, menstrual supplies, school supplies and other needs for our students. The work team is responsible for maintaining the pantries, working with teachers to keep them stocked, working to get donations for the carts and keeping a good eye on the needs of students to change with the times.
Must be in the Global Leadership class for this project
Headstart Project
Our work group creates flashcards and other classroom items to help in Headstart and pre-K classrooms. We are working with several sites and projects change based on what the teachers need. We are currently working with Headstart in Thermal and Valley View Kinder Team.
Health, Fitness, Color Run!
Our work team is dedicated to health, fitness and hosting two color runs per year.....one for 9/11 and one for Global week at the Eggstravaganza.
Meals on Wheels
Our work team makes monthly cards and surprises for the 125 elderly adults that are helped by Meals on Wheels daily. The team is working to end loneliness, help end food insecurity, get donations for basic needs for the seniors and bring attention to elderly care in our community.
Recycling and Sustainability
Paper recycling, bottles/cans, markers, crayons and printer inks.
This would be a great class and club team up!
Veterans in the Community
This work group is primarily focused on the veterans in our community and those stationed overseas. The group helps to plan our 9/11 walk and care boxes, Flags in for Nov and May, Christmas Pack day and cards, Valentines for Veterans and our paracord initiative.
This project currently is in search of members and leadership
Mali Rising
Our work group works along the Mali Rising group to create flashcards for 7-9th grade students to learn English from French. This is an ongoing project and also can include cards of support.
This project currently is in search of members and leadership
Origami and Bookmarks
Our work group participates in several projects that focus on the art of origami and meeting people. They participate in the 1000 crane fold for 9/11, several exchanges with other groups throughout the year, monthly folds to support the elderly Meals on Wheels, and bookmarks for our local elementary libraries.
Voter 2025
Our work group is focused on registering as many people at school and in our community to vote. This is a non partisan group and does not endorse any candidate or political party. The focus is to educate our community and student body about the importance of voting, register and pre-register eligible students and to host a polling station each Nov when voting occurs.
This project currently is in search of members and leadership
Chip Bag Project
This work group is dedicated to recycling, giving second life to chip bags, supporting a sustainable community and providing for the displaced members of our society. Making items from chip bags as blankets, protection from the elements and even fashion items!
This project currently is in search of members and leadership
Finding FURever Homes
This work group hosts workshops to make blankets and chew toys for our local dog shelter. The workshops are Wednesdays or during Saturday Academy and are run by the work group.
This project currently is in search of members and leadership
Have an idea but don't see it here? See Ms. Bush ASAP to start planning and get started! Every project comes from a good idea someone had and we celebrate all!!