Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a place to serve?
How do I know whether my service will be approved?
When must the Verification form be turned in?
What if I don't turn in my forms on time?
What does the Senior Visit to S.O.M.E. consist of and does it count towards my 40 hours as a senior?
What if I have a letter from my service supervisor, but they didn't sign the verification form?
Do I have to choose one of the placements from the web page or can I find another place?
Why does each student have a service portfolio?
How can I find out how many hours I have turned in?
What is the role of the service coordinator?
Why don't hours carry over from year to year?
How can I get in touch with the service coordinator?
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1. Where can I find a place to serve?
The Service Webpage (www.olgchs.org/teachers/student-service/index.htm) is updated regularly with service opportunities in the DC Area. The webpage also contains a list of over 200 pre-approved service organizations. We post service opportunities on the bulletin board outside of the Campus Ministry Office and we regularly put opportunities in the announcements that are read in small community.
2. How do I know whether my service will be approved?
Students should have their choice of service approved by completing an “Intent to Serve” form, which can be found on the Good Counsel webpage. This form may be dropped off in Campus Ministry. Students will be notified within one week if their service has been approved. Students do not have to complete an “Intent to Serve” Form, but should be aware that their hours may not be counted for credit if their choice of service has not been officially approved before being performed. Service to any of the agencies on our “Pre-approved Service Agencies” list or service advertised by the Campus Ministry Office is approved for credit. Service hours offered by other teachers or coaches should be verified by the Associate Campus Minister for Service.
Intent to Serve Forms and Service Verifications can be found in Campus Ministry.
4. When must the Verification form be turned in?
Students must submit a Service Verification Form, which can be found on the Good Counsel webpage, within one month of the completion of their service. All verifications must be submitted no later than the last day of classes. (Note: this date is May 16 for seniors and May 28 for underclassmen.) Seniors who do not submit all necessary verifications will not receive their diplomas until their service is complete. Underclassmen who do not submit all necessary verifications by May 28 will receive an F on their report cards.
5. What if I don't turn in my forms on time?
All students will earn a grade of P (Pass) or F (Fail) on the fourth quarter report card for the Xaverian Service Requirement. This grade will remain on the student’s transcript and will be awarded zero credit. Underclassmen may not make up their service over the summer.
6. What does the Senior Visit to S.O.M.E. consist of and does it count towards my 40 hours as a senior?
All seniors spend a day at So Others Might Eat with their religion class. This visit is required for graduation, but does not count towards the 40 hour requirement. Seniors who do not attend SOME on the day they are scheduled must submit a doctor’s note or must makeup this requirement by scheduling themselves to serve both breakfast AND lunch at S.O.M.E. on a non-school day.
7. What if I have a letter from my service supervisor, but they didn't sign the verification form?
Please attach the letter to a verification form and complete the other sections of the form.
8. Do I have to choose one of the placements from the web page or can I find another place?
Students may serve any non-profit
social service agency that is in line with Catholic Church teaching, but
may not serve a family
member. Juniors and Seniors must serve groups that are poor and marginalized.
Only freshman may serve Good Counsel directly. Seniors must complete their
service at one agency or using one cohesive theme (i.e all work with children,
all work with the elderly, etc.) The goal of Xaverian service is to work with
the poor and the marginalized and this should always be considered when choosing
a service placement.
9. Why does each student have a service portfolio?
Each student has a file in Campus Ministry that will
contain records of all service work a student has completed over their four
years. This can be useful for scholarships, college applications and teacher
recommendations.
10. How can I find out how many hours I have turned in?
While it is each student's responsibility to keep track of the time they have spend serving, service hours will be posted on the GC webpage and updated each month.
11. What is the role of the service coordinator?
The service coordinator will give advice opportunities and agencies and advertise upcoming opportunities sponsored by the school. Because of the number of students and agencies, individual placements cannot be arranged by the service coordinator.
12. Why don't hours carry over from year to year?
As a student advances in age and maturity, so should the level of their service. Students are expected to increase the level and time commitment of their service as they advance through Good Counsel (as evidenced by the graduated scale of required hours). The ideal of service is to "fall in love with the service of God," not "get service out of the way." Xaverian service is an on-going, life long commitment.
13. I’m a senior and I’ve been doing most of my work with a soup kitchen, but now I’d like to work at this event coming up with kids, will this count?
No, probably not. Seniors must complete their service at one agency or with one cohesive theme. If the soup kitchen that you work at also has a program with kids, you could work there, or if the persons you have been serving at the soup kitchen were homeless, you could work with homeless youth.
14. How can I get in touch with the service coordinator?
Because of the volume of calls received, all phone calls to 240-283-3259 will be returned within a week. The job of the service coordinator is frequently done outside of the office and therefore the fastest way to get in contact is through e-mail. If your question requires a verbal response, please be patient!