FAQs

Community Service Guidelines

• 50 hours are required to graduate/receive a PHS diploma.

• Hours must be completed at a non-profit 501©(3) organization.

• Hours may NOT be done at an individual's home or a private business.

• Hours may not be completed during the school day unless the student has applied AND been accepted as an office worker or A+ tutor.

• Students may not be excused from school to do service hours.

• Students may NOT help teachers, in offices and/or classrooms for service hours unless it is a pre-approved after school project. (this applies to Academic Lab time as well as before or after school and includes cleaning, grading papers, organizing classroom or offices, etc.)

• All hours must be verified by the volunteer coordinator at the agency where hours are completed.

• Hours done at a nursing home or hospital MUST be submitted with a letter from the agency on the nursing home or hospital’s letterhead and signed by the volunteer coordinator, activity coordinator or manager. 

• Students are responsible for submitting hours by the appropriate deadlines.

How many hours of community service are required at PHS?

In order to receive a Pattonville High School diploma and walk in the graduation ceremony, students at PHS will complete 50 hours of Community Service.  (This requirement is pro-rated for students who transfer to PHS after their freshman year:  37.5 hours for new sophomores, 25 hours for new juniors and 12.5 hours are required for new seniors) Hours done prior to enrolling as a PHS student are not accepted.  Students may begin community service following successful completion of 8th grade. 

Where can community service be completed?

Service hours can be completed at any not-for-profit agency/organization, nursing home or hospital.  Hours will NOT be accepted for service to a private business or for a private individual.  Students are encouraged to check with the Community Service Office prior to beginning service to confirm approval of their site.  Service must be non-political in nature. **Students may perform community service through their church or place of worship.  However, hours will NOT be accepted that are done during the worship service time.  (ie: we will NOT count ushering, acolytes, choir, media/video,etc.)  We will count:  mission trips, VBS, maintenance, office help, help with picnics, dinners or assistance with a church-run daycare or school.

Where can students find out about opportunities/sites to perform community service?

The Community Service Office is located in E200.  Current opportunities are available through monthly listings, daily announcements, flyers and from other various resources, including this website.

How do students keep record of their community service?

Students MUST submit an evaluation signed by the agency supervisor/staff verifying the number of hours worked at the site.  The evaluation MUST have a daily timecard attached documenting the exact dates that were worked. It is the student's responsibility to submit these documents to the CSO.  We will not accept evaluations signed by a parent.

Are students required to complete a minimum number of hours per year?

No.  Students are encouraged to begin their service prior to or during their freshman year.  Many students will continue above and beyond the 50 hours required.  Many college scholarships and other incentives are available for students that complete a minimum of 200 hours, take initiative with their service, plan and lead projects and demonstrate a true dedication to serve.

**STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF 35 HOURS IN ORDER TO BUY A PARKING PERMIT TO PARK ON THE SCHOOL LOT.

(This applies to juniors and seniors) Seniors must have these hours completed and submitted by Aug 1 prior to their senior year.  Hours are not accepted during registration for this policy.

When should hours be submitted to the Community Service Office?

Students must follow the following guidelines for submitting hours:

• A signed evaluation and daily timecard must be turned in with the agency's name and phone number included

• Hours MUST be submitted within the semester they are completed:

• Summer & 1st semester are due BEFORE winter break

• 2nd semester hours are due BEFORE summer break

• ALL hours for seniors are due by May 1 in order to graduate.

***Late hours will not be accepted***

How can my student be eligible to wear an honor cord at graduation?

Students that complete 150 hours or more will be eligible to wear an Honor Cord at graduation.

All 150 hours MUST be completed OFF CAMPUS IN A NON PSD AGENCY OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL HOURS (EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, SUMMERS). NO HOURS DONE FOR PATTONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT WILL COUNT TOWARD THE HONOR CORD. *Hours must be done at an approved non-profit organization.

• Hours must be completed AND submitted by last day of the 5th grading period of the student's senior year for an Honor Cord

• Hours toward the Honor Cord will not be accepted after this date.