The mission of the Episcopal School of Knoxville is to prepare students for higher education and a lifetime of learning within the context of a loving, inclusive, and family-centered community. We enrich our students' intellectual, physical, cultural and spiritual growth so that they may realize their potential as children of God and citizens of the world.
Our school mission drives at the ultimate goal of helping students fulfill their potential as children of God and citizens of the world. Both of these identities - children of God and citizens -come with a call to service. At ESK we value the servant leadership that we see in Jesus washing his disciples' feet.
In Middle School, service is homework for every student. The reasons are threefold:
Each middle school student is responsible each academic year for serving the number of hours that corresponds with that student's grade level.
For all groups, fifth grade through eighth grade, up to half of a student’s hours may be obtained through school-related service opportunities. These service opportunities must be done outside of normal school hours (7:30 am to 4:00 pm) and may include things such as school beautification, admission tours/events, or helping with athletic concessions/gate admission.
Hours may be accumulated starting on May 2, 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year.
Service is defined as helping the ill, disadvantaged, and underprivileged. If you have a question if what you'd like to do is service, feel free to contact the Service Learning Coordinator. Students may not receive any compensation for their work. Service hours may not be provided for family members (e.g.: assisting grandparents, babysitting younger siblings, etc.)
Please remember fundraisers and performances can only be considered service if the fundraiser or performance is benefiting poor or ill. Church worship activities are considered part of a worshiping body and cannot count towards more than 3 hours of service. Travel to and from service or practice leading up to service (i.e. mission trip travel, hike to a campsite) does not count towards service hours.
Approved Agencies
Students wishing to volunteer with an organization that is not listed above will need to secure prior approval from the ESK Service Committee. You may submit a request for approval via form located on service learning website.
Any student who had incomplete service hours during the previous school year MUST finish those hours before he can start accruing hours for the current year.
Those who do not complete their hours by the last date to turn in hours (May 1st) will complete a lunch detention for every incomplete service hour.
Some students want to work toward a more considerable service goal. We created the entirely optional "service distinction" track for these students. Service distinction is earned by giving the required hours in triplicate.
Service with distinction is not determined until all hours are submitted in May. Students can switch to and from distinction throughout the year. There is no need to commit to a certain track during the year.
Direct/Indirect Service
Direct Service Examples
Indirect Service Examples