The mission of the service learning program at ASFG is to develop caring and responsible students who have a deep understanding of the social needs of the community around them and to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and vision necessary to fulfill those needs.
The ASFG Learning Goal of ‘Community Contributor’ is achieved through the service learning program which starts in early childhood and continues through high school. From the very first day of school, students are educated to be aware of their community and are encouraged to help when and where they can. In early childhood, students, parents, and staff participate in on-going service projects as well as other fundraisers for emerging causes. Students and teachers in early childhood assist other service learning projects in the school with great enthusiasm. In elementary there are well established programs that include collections, fundraising, and visits to specific projects. Elementary also responds to emerging community needs or emergencies throughout the year. In middle school each grade level has a developed project that students traditionally work with each year. These projects involve curriculum integration, fundraising, and student visits to the projects. During the high school years, students are required to complete 100 hours of community service as part of the service learning graduation requirement. Students have an extensive variety of projects from which to choose.
ASFG has made service learning a priority. Contributing to the community fosters empathy, tolerance, and creates self-confident graduates. Service learning is made possible with support from all stakeholders of the school.