Wood-RidgeJr/Sr High School

Community

ServiceProgram

WHAT IS COMMUNITY SERVICE?

It is defined as an unpaid service that is performed for the benefit of an INDIVIDUAL or Group

Words that come to mind regarding Community Service are….

Volunteering Helping Organizing Communicating Serving

Community Service

The newly implemented Community Service Program at Wood-Ridge Junior/Senior High School will demonstrate that a well rounded education is more than achievement in the core curriculum subjects such as Math. English & Social Studies.

Students will be able to meet and work within our community with people of all ages, capabilities, and interests who will benefit and enrich their lives.

Participation in Community Service

Through participation in various community service projects, students will be expected to:

A.Demonstrate an ability to perform a community service individually or as part of a group

B.Recognize personal responsibilities to the larger community

C.Demonstrate learning through experienced-based activities.

Program Description

Beginning September 2014, all students will be required to perform community service as part of their graduation requirements:

Class of 2015 12 hours (over the course of their Senior Year)

Class of 2016 25 hours (over the course of grades 11 & 12)

Class of 2017 40 hours (over the course of grades 10, 11, 12)

Examples of Appropriate Student Activities

Participating in or volunteering at charity events

Performing in public relations tasksOrganizing/Assisting with recreation programsVisiting the homeboundAssisting the elderlyCollecting and distributing food, toys etc.Volunteering at local Soup Kitchens or Food

Banks

LOCAL Community Service Opportunities

A. In School….Peer Tutoring is permissible providing that the tutor does not receive monetary compensation or release from midterm/final exam

B. In The Community…Hackensack University Medical CenterHoly Name HospitalLocal Churches

Community Service Opportunities

C. Community OutreachWood-Ridge Public LibraryLocal First Aid SquadsLocal Fire DepartmentsSalvation ArmyYMCAELKS ClubLions ClubAmerican Cancer Society

Community Service Opportunities

D. Other OPPORTUNITIES…Volunteer teaching in a Religious School

Snow shoveling/yard care for the elderly providing no monetary compensation is given

School-Sponsored after-care programs.

Community Service Opportunities

E. Special Events

Blood DrivesActivity NightsSpecial OlympicsSports Camps

Due Dates…

ALL Community Service must be recorded.Community Service Logs will be available in the

Guidance Office as well as on the school’s website.All Community Service Logs must be handed in to

the Guidance Office within 30 days of completing the activity. If the form is not handed in within this time frame the student will not receive credit or the hours.

Forms for approved activities performed over the summer must be handed in by September 30th.

Community Service Logs must be submitted before May 31st in order to receive credit for the activity.

When to Perform your Activities

Students may perform community service:

After School, Weekends, During School Vacations

HOWEVER…Community Service hours performed during the school day, to fulfill a requirement for another organization (such as NHS) will not count toward a student’s graduation requirement.

Five Steps to Performing Community Service

1. Student contacts the organization of interest to inquire about community service opportunities.

2. Student completes Community Service Form Part A and submits it to his/her counselor for approval

3. Once project has been approved by his/her guidance counselor, student begins to log hours of community service

4. Supervisor of volunteer organization signs Community Service Form Part B

5. Student returns completed Form B to his/her counselor

Prior Approval is required