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    Service-Learning Opportunities:

    I am moving this section to the top for more visibility. Of course, some opportunities can be found in x2VOL.com, but I will post GCS sponsored events and any other opportunities I hear about here. Below are some upcoming events/needs that you might be interested in:

    • Family Literacy: Reading Connections needs reading volunteers to tutor elementary students from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. or anytime during those hours at Hunter and Wiley Elementary Schools. Tutors must be at least 14 years old. Dinner will be provided.

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    Service-Learning: What is it?

    A way of teaching and learning that connects positive and meaningful action in the community with academic learning, personal growth, social emotional engagement, and civic responsibility. Service-Learning helps develop citizenship and good character while providing direct connections to the academic curriculum.

     

    Service-Learning: Achievable in all Grades

     

    Please follow these steps to ensure you receive credit for your Service-Learning Project:

     SL Process

     

    Important Documents and Forms:

    Service Learning Handbook

    NEW Service Learning Pre-Approval Form

    Service Learning Hours Log

    x2VOL

     

    Tutorials:

    x2vol Student Registration Powerpoint

     

    FAQ:

    Service Learning Frequently Asked Questions

    x2vol Frequently Asked Questions

     

    What are the benefits of Service-Learning for Students?

    • Prepare for a Changing World
    • Learn the Importance of Collaboration & Teamwork
    • Develop Critical Thinking Skills and Innovative Ideas
    • Become Creative Problem Solvers
    • Develop Global Awareness
    • Connect with people while developing skills
    • CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

    What is a thoughtful reflection?

    A thoughtful reflection requires you to analyze your experience. Ask yourself questions like:

    • What skills did I take from the classroom to perform this service-learning project?
    • What did I accomplish? What did I learn from completing this service?
    • How did this project address a need or issue in my community?
    • What is important about what I did for this organization?
    • Who will benefit from my time and how?
    • How well did I do? What could I do differently in the future? How can I apply this moving forward?
    • How can I use this knowledge in the future? In the classroom? In my future employment?
    • What impact did this service-learning have on me? How do I view things differently now?
    • What information can I now share with others?

    SERVICE LEARNING RECOGNITIONS:

    Hours

    Please remember - hours must be submitted within the semester that they are completed. Hours completed from June-December must be entered into x2vol by the end of December. Please do not complete service-learning hours without first submitting your pre-approval form. SL pre-approval forms must be submitted within the semester that service is started with the organization and should be submitted PRIOR to beginning service.  
     
    Hours completed from January-May must be entered by the end of May.
     
    *Graduating Seniors:
      - FINAL submission for all Service-Learning Approval Forms is the 3rd Wednesday in March (3/20/24)!
      - FINAL submission for all Service-Learning hours and Teacher Documentation Forms for seniors into x2VOL is the 1st Wednesday after Spring            Break (4/17/24)
    No exceptions!  
     

    SOME EXAMPLES OF SERVICE-LEARNING

    Service-Learning is more than just simple volunteering. In the process of service to their school and/or community, students learn a lot about themselves and their responsibilities as a citizen while making connections with what they are learning in schools.

    Service-Learning: EXAMPLE 1

    • 1. Coordinating a community marathon is service.
    • 2. Measuring body mass index is learning
    • 3. Calculating the average BMI of a school, setting up a website to gather statistics, then organizing a “Walk across North Carolina” to help reduce obesity is service-learning.

    Service-Learning: EXAMPLE 2

    • 1. Picking up trash on a riverbank is service.
    • 2. Studying water samples under a microscope is learning.
    • 3. Science students collecting and analyzing water samples, documenting their results and presenting their findings to a local pollution control agency is service-learning.

    How Students Engage in Service-Learning

    1. Students can participate in service-learning experiences through GCS classes/clubs. GCS staff should complete a Teacher Documentation Form found on x2vol.

    2. Students can find some opportunities in x2vol.

    3. Students can participate in service-learning experiences independently through non-profit community-based service-learning projects.