Embedded Files
CSL Teaser.movSouthside High School's Community Service Learning offers students the opportunity to serve the school and the local community, all while earning a credit toward graduation.
Think of the benefits of serving your community:
Greater engagement in the school
Increased sense of educational accomplishment
Increased political knowledge
Positive impacts on citizenship and civic responsibilities
Growth in awareness of community needs
Gains self-confidence and resilience
Taking on leadership roles
Awareness of career options
Development of positive work skills and attitudes
Impress colleges with your service initiative and high school transcript
Graduation Incentive:
A student who has completed a minimum of seventy-five (75) hours of documented community service, along with the required reflection component, in grades nine through twelve (9-12) is eligible to receive one (1) career focus academic credit that may be applied toward graduation.
Act 648 of 1993 states that beginning with the 1996-97 school year, "a student who has completed a minimum of seventy-five (75) clock hours of documented community service in grades nine (9) through twelve (12), at any certified service agency or a part of a service-learning school program shall be eligible to receive one (1) academic credit that may be applied toward graduation."
The community service hours must be completed at an approved community organization or as part of a service-learning school program. The maximum amount of credit per student is one (1) unit of credit. No half units of credit may be awarded. The community service learning project is not a graded course. The community service learning credit may not be calculated in the student’s GPA.
Does community service matter to colleges?
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Colleges view community service in the following ways:
It displays the student is a self-starter with leadership abilities
It exhibits a student's sense of compassion and creativity
It shows the student has an active and thoughtful social life outside the classroom
It provides an example of how the student collaborates well with others
According to IvyWise, an educational consultant firm, many college admissions offices view community service as a 'tie-breaker' between two equally qualified candidates.
---- https://blog.ivywise.com/blog-0/does-community-service-matter-in-the-college-admissions-processHow do I earn the credit?
By completing the following steps, you will earn the service learning credit:
Complete the FORT SMITH SCHOOLS DISTRICT COMMUNITY SERVICE LEARNING LETTER (CSL) OF AGREEMENT
Through school organizations or approved community service learning sites, complete volunteer community service.
Complete and turn in Fort Smith Public Schools CSL Verification Documentation and Reflection
Complete 75 Hours of documented community service
Turn in to CSL coordinator, Matthew Hominick, or school registrar, Ms. Calhoun
To receive credit for the 2020--2021 school year you must
complete the letter of agreement and turn it in by Thursday April 2nd
and complete volunteer service and turn in service verification forms by Friday, April 26th
*All documentation must be signed by the CSL coordinator, Matthew Hominick
Essential Forms
Print off the forms below and return to Mr. Hominick or Ms. Calhoun
Approved CSL Sites:
Community_Service_Learning_Sites_Updated_1-25-19.pdfIf you are a part of a non-profit or community organization and would like to be added to the community partner list above, please click the form link below and fill out the form. Return to Matthew Hominick at Southside High School.
Form Link:
Community Service Learning Partner Application for Local and State Board Approval
Report abuse