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THE SERVICE LEARNING GRADUATION REQUIREMENT |
Community service has long been an important part of student life at Taravella High School. Our students have devoted hundreds of thousands of hours of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects.
The School Board of Broward County has made community service (Service Learning) a requirement for graduation.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Service Learning and Student Volunteer Service:
How many hours of service are required? All students receiving standard high school diplomas must complete 40 hours of acceptable service (community service Tier I.) Students who continue their service as volunteers need 75 hours to qualify for the Florida Academic Scholarship (Tier II) and 250 hours to wear the silver cord at graduation (Tier III).
Where can I perform my service? You can serve at almost any non-profit agency or organization; public parks, libraries, hospitals, schools, churches or charities are typically acceptable. A pamphlet, "The Service Learning Graduation Requirement and the Student Volunteer Service Program," is available in the guidance office and will answer many of your questions regarding acceptable types of service. In addition, the Digital Bulletin regularly lists volunteer/service opportunities. Mr. Rich Foss is JPT's Service Learning/Volunteer Service Coordinator; check with him before you begin your service to be SURE your activity qualifies for credit. Hundreds of service opportunities are available at Volunteer Broward's web site http://volunteerbroward.org.
It is also a good idea to review the Broward Schools student volunteer policies and guidelines which are available here: http://browardschools.com/schools/service_learning.htm.
How do I keep track of my service hours? Students record their hours on time sheets ("Service Learning Records"), available in the JPT guidance office. Take your record sheet with you every time you earn service hours; record the date, time and activity and have your agency supervisor/contact person sign it. When your record totals 40 hours you have satisfied the hour requirement. All VOLUNTEER hours (beyond the 40 hour Service Learning Requirement) are recorded on the Student Volunteer Service Program Tier II/III log sheet, also available in the guidance office. IMPORTANT: all volunteer activities must be approved in advance by Mr. Foss; you must submit a completed volunteer service application/approval form, available in guidance. When you submit service hours as a volunteer, you must also present your signed copy of your application/approval form.
Where do I turn in my completed "Service Learning Record?" All Service Learning/Volunteer materials are submitted in person to Mr. Foss. He is available in the guidance office on Mondays (after school), Tuesdays (all lunches) and Fridays (before school.)
Where can I get more information about Service Learning/Student Volunteer Service? An information sheet, "2007-08 Service Learning/Volunteer Procedures," is available in guidance. Mr. Foss is happy to answer questions during his scheduled guidance hours or via e-mail at rich.foss@browardschools.com.
"You can download service learning/volunteer forms here" Tier I Tier II-III Application-Approval