8th Grade Service Commitment
“He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none; and he who has food must do likewise.” –Luke 3:11
“But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything will be clean for you.” – Luke 11:41
In order to develop our 8th graders so that they will grow to possess the qualities of mind and heart necessary for mature, spiritual living in the world, each student is asked to fulfill a service commitment by completing a certain number of hours in conscious service. In short, as part of the religion curriculum, students will be asked to give up 24 hours of their life to do what God asks of us, to be his arms, his smile, his kindness, his comfort, in service for the good of others.
Our young people need to prepare for the rigors of their academic life, but they also need to grow more fully through experiences that enhance their social awareness and deepen their sense of responsible citizenship. It is our hope that their service experiences will help them come to more fully respect and appreciate others and to distinguish themselves as models of the inspiration of the humility and love of Jesus Christ.
EXPECTATIONS:
HIGH SCHOOL: Students are often asked what they have done for their communities or what experiences have shaped them in their faith life or their life in general. Each student will feel more confident with their answers because they will have had some recent experience to pull from. Additionally, dedication to serving the community is often a factor for academic institutions when deciding upon awards or scholarships for deserving students.
May each child find a deeper joy in serving others and giving the gift of their time and their heart!
“But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything will be clean for you.” – Luke 11:41
In order to develop our 8th graders so that they will grow to possess the qualities of mind and heart necessary for mature, spiritual living in the world, each student is asked to fulfill a service commitment by completing a certain number of hours in conscious service. In short, as part of the religion curriculum, students will be asked to give up 24 hours of their life to do what God asks of us, to be his arms, his smile, his kindness, his comfort, in service for the good of others.
Our young people need to prepare for the rigors of their academic life, but they also need to grow more fully through experiences that enhance their social awareness and deepen their sense of responsible citizenship. It is our hope that their service experiences will help them come to more fully respect and appreciate others and to distinguish themselves as models of the inspiration of the humility and love of Jesus Christ.
EXPECTATIONS:
- The number of Christian Service hours required of each student is only considered a minimum. St. Elizabeth School wholeheartedly encourages each student to respond to the Gospel message of service by participating in an even greater measure than is asked of them.
- Service hours can be completed at either a non-profit agency, a for-profit agency, in the school and parish community, and for students' neighborhoods, neighbors, and family members without monetary compensation.
- 8th grade students are expected to accomplish their service hour commitment during the school year, from the first day of school to the end of May. They must accomplish a minimum of 8 hours per trimester, 7th grade: 7 hours, and 6th grade: 6 hours. Roll-over hours can be accrued.
- Students must participate in a variety of service opportunities and should have completed hours as equally as possible in the following categories: Charity, School/Parish, Neighborhood/Family. Students are also encouraged to be creative in finding a need and gathering friends and parents to help with things like clean-ups to help the environment, feeding the homeless and/or creating care packages for shelters, creating a drive to help support animal shelters and humane societies, etc.)
- Service hours should be documented by using a service hour slip provided by the homeroom teacher or a letter or form from the agency confirming that the student has served them (make sure they provide the numbers of hours served, description of service, and basic contact information). Service hour slips can be submitted at any time up to the deadline for each trimester (which is usually about 2-3 days before the end of the grading period).
- Service hours will not be counted if they are signed off by a parent (without prior notification and approval). Students who submit fraudulent service hours will be subject to disciplinary action.
- As part of educating the whole child, the service hour commitments will comprise 20% of their Religion grade each trimester. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain grade points while serving others. Conversely, if service hours are not completed, it can also affect grade points. It is highly recommended to do many service hours during the holiday season as there are ample opportunities at that time.
HIGH SCHOOL: Students are often asked what they have done for their communities or what experiences have shaped them in their faith life or their life in general. Each student will feel more confident with their answers because they will have had some recent experience to pull from. Additionally, dedication to serving the community is often a factor for academic institutions when deciding upon awards or scholarships for deserving students.
May each child find a deeper joy in serving others and giving the gift of their time and their heart!