Service Learning Silver Cord

Silver Cords ~ A recognition & celebration of service

SilverCordDocuments.pdf

Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Clayton Ridge High School Silver Cord Program is to instill within students the importance of community service, and encourage students to be accountable for investing in their own education and in their community on a regular basis.

Who is eligible to participate?

Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior students of Clayton Ridge High School.

Requirements:

Students who complete 160 hours of community service by May 1 of their graduation year will receive the Silver Cord to wear at Graduation. Students who complete 160 hours cumulative will be recognized at graduation.

Students must complete the required paperwork for the volunteer hours to be counted.

Recognition:

• • • • Annual=40 hours

      • Graduation=160 hours

HOW DO I BEGIN?

1. Consider volunteer activities of interest to you. Contact the volunteer site to confirm your service activities. Silver Cord hours must be for meeting a clearly defined need for an agency, church, charity program, political agency, social service, group or community event. Other activities may apply as determined by the Silver Cord Committee.

2. Complete your service. Submit your Silver Cord Award form to Mrs. Hansel. One form is required per activity.

1. 3.Choose to volunteer again! The more hours you volunteer, the closer you are to a silver cord at graduation. Remember though, the most important thing is giving something back to our community. Your service matters!

It is important to remember:

• • 1. Volunteer work is an unpaid activity.

    2. Not all good deeds are community service.

    3. Volunteer service cannot occur during a student’s academic class.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What about summer service?

Students should keep completed forms until they return to school in the fall.

Can I count work done in previous years?

Yes. The work must be documented and an adult supervisor must sign the form.

Can I lose hours?

No. These are earned hours and cannot be taken away from a student.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Mrs. Hansel

Can I count work that I do for school or for an organization’s project?

Participation in school or community clubs is an opportunity to collect volunteer hours as long as the service occurs outside of class time and is not required.

SAMPLE Acceptable Service Activities:

• • • 1. •Tutoring, but not or for pay

      2. •Raking and shoveling snow for a person in need (unpaid)

      3. •Community clean up

      4. •Political activities

• Nursing home or daycare facility work (organized, unpaid, and pre-approved by the facility)

• • • 1. •Organize Food Drives

      2. •Volunteering at daycare centers, hospitals, blood drives

      3. •Coaching for no payment or reward

• Teaching Bible School or Sunday School or service at church activities other than normal church service

• • • 1. •Helping with City festivals

      2. •Club activities not recognized by rewards, honors

      3. •Providing extra assistance to elementary teachers, coaches, music instructors

• Acting as camp counselor – without pay

• • • 1. •Participating in events for awareness or benefits

      2. •And other activities that meet need of the community and its citizens.