Service Learning

3-Step Process

1. Student submission
2. Verification by the adult overseeing the project
3. Final approval by the service-learning coach

Important Details ...

• 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.
• Hours completed from January-May must be entered by the end of May.
• SL Approval Forms must be submitted within the semester that service is started with the organization and must be submitted PRIOR to beginning service.

We recognize that high-quality teachers, rigorous curriculum, and even the most advanced technology are not enough to prepare our students for college, career, and life. It also takes developing students' social and emotional learning which includes specific character traits within classroom instruction and extra-curricular activities. While details of this essential component have evidence-based research that highlights the importance of this work, every teacher, at every grade level, in every school reinforces these efforts.

The benefit of strong character can't be measured by any test. Rather, it's demonstrated during those common instances when our students are given the opportunity to think for themselves. Simply put, character is about making the right choices. And if we can emphasize it from the moment a child begins school, social and emotional learning skills and positive character can equip students with the tools and motivation necessary to be the change they wish to see in the world.

We also welcome parents to reinforce social and emotional learning at home. Below are the character development traits our schools emphasize in the classroom. Please feel free to use these at home as well. Some ideas for you:

• Each month, print the character development trait handout and put it on the refrigerator.
• At dinnertime, talk to your child about the trait of the month, the social and emotional learning competency, and how your family can incorporate it into your daily lives.
• Copy some of the quotes listed on each handout and sporadically place them in your child’s lunchbox or book bag. Engage in conversations about the quote before or after school.
• Review the key events listed on each handout and find ways to participate as a family.