Community Service at

Kinsella Magnet High School

Community Service

The Hartford Board of Education requires students in Connecticut

Public Schools to complete Community Service Learning

throughout their high school career as a graduation requirement.

Definition of Community Service

• The Hartford School District is committed to preparing its students for active participation in community affairs through a student service learning program. Student service learning is defined as an unpaid activity within the curriculum, school or outside community that provides service to an individual or group to address a school or community need. The activity must be developmentally appropriate and meaningful to the student.

Benefits of Community Service

Through participation in student service learning, a student will have opportunities to:

• Develop knowledge and respect for community and citizenship;

• Learn that problems can be solved by working together;• Learn the responsibilities involved in citizenship;• Explore career opportunities; • Increase self-esteem and appreciation for others;• Become sensitive to others and appreciate cultural diversity;• Overcome barriers among children

Reaching the Requirements• Clubs/organizations that provide service hours for members; ex.

Theatre/Set Design for student productions (after school only).• For those who are not able to fulfill their service requirements

outside of school, students can meet requirements throughout the school year, after school, during vacations, or during the summer (custodial/janitorial, office duties).

• Teacher tasks: during a study hall or after school, assist teacher.• Volunteer with animals. Check out your local rescue league,

ASPCA chapter, or animal shelter to learn how. Make sure to check out the volunteer requirements--some places require 18+ volunteers to actually work with the animals.

• Become a mentor to a younger kid.• Volunteer at your local library.

Reaching the Requirements (cont.)• Help special needs kids or adults through an organization like

Best Buddies or The Friendship Circle.• Deliver food to those who are unable to leave their home. Contact

your church to see if they have programs in place, like Meals on Wheels, or start one of your own.

• Volunteer at a crisis line. Many organizations have specific programs for teens and their peers, where you’ll be trained to listen actively as a teen crisis counselor.

• Visit a retirement home and spend time doing fun activities with the elderly who lack immediate family.

• Volunteer at a homeless shelter. There are multiple different volunteer options, such as preparing and serving food to people in need.

• Offer to nanny or baby-sit for free to a family in need. You can contact a local women’s shelter, department of social services, or church to volunteer your services.

How to Document Hours

• Proof of service can include:* A letter on company letterhead* A formal email with company letterhead* A community service log

• Each documentation must include* Signature from supervisor* Number of hours* Phone number of supervisor

New Community Service Log (PG. 2)

New Community Service Log (PG. 2)

Due Date for Hours

• Seniors must have 45 hours completed, documented, and turned in to Ms. Josie by Monday, January 4, 2016. The hours need to be verified before graduation.