Requirements
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Xaverian Service Requirements (2006-2007) Community service is an integral part of Good Counsel’s identity as a Catholic Christian Xaverian school community. Promoting personal and spiritual growth, students are encouraged to live the Xaverian ideal and “fall in love with the service of God.” One goal of the Xaverian service program is for each student to create a service portfolio consisting of verification forms and reflection papers. Service for the 2006-2007 school year may be performed anytime between June 1, 2006 and May 30, 2007 for underclassmen and anytime between June 1, 2006 and May 17, 2007 for seniors. Service Requirements: Freshmen: Freshmen are required to perform 10 hours of service in an approved program that may include service to Good Counsel (must completed outside of the school day and does not include work done as a sport team or club member), a church/parish, or any non-profit agency or activity that is in line with Catholic Church teaching. Sophomores: Sophomores are required to perform 20 hours of service in an approved program that may include service to a church/parish or any non-profit agency or activity that is in line with Catholic Church teaching, preferably one that serves groups that are poor and/or marginalized. * Sophomores also participate in the Sophomore Retreat/Day of Service, which does not count towards their requirement. Juniors: Juniors are required to perform 30 hours of service in an approved program serving at non-profit agencies that work with groups that are poor and/or marginalized and are in line with Catholic Church teaching.* Seniors: Seniors are required to make one 40 hour commitment to either a single non-profit agency that works with groups that are poor and/or marginalized* or complete all 40 hours in service to different organizations with one cohesive theme (i.e. all service is done with children, or to fight cancer, or with the elderly.) It is recommended that seniors determine where they will be serving and have this approved by the end of the first quarter of senior year. Seniors are excused from classes for a school day in order to perform service at So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E.), a soup kitchen in the District of Columbia, with a group of their peers and a faculty/staff moderator, which does not count towards their requirement. Any senior who misses their assigned S.O.M.E. date due to missing the bus or an absence without a doctor's note, must schedule a visit to S.O.M.E. to serve both breakfast and lunch on a non-school day. *A list of pre-approved non-profit agencies in the D.C. area that work with the poor and marginalized is available on the Good Counsel Webpage. Policies: Hours served in addition to the requirement may not be carried over from one academic year to the next. However, students are encouraged to turn in all records of service, even those extending beyond their requirements, so that these records may be used when verifying service hours for college applications, scholarships, awards, etc. Helping with family matters or service done during a regular school day do not fulfill a student’s requirements. It is important to recognize the difference between free labor (or simply working without payment) and true Xaverian service. While each student is individually responsible for finding places to serve, students should check the Xaverian Service bulletin board, daily announcements, and the Good Counsel website for updates throughout the year. Stewardship projects will be coordinated through Religion classes. Service Portfolio Pieces: Intent to Serve Form: Students should have their choice of service approved by the Associate Campus Minister for Service by completing an “Intent to Serve” form. Students will receive notification that their service has been approved within one week. Students do not have to fill out 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 already approved for credit. Service hours offered by other teachers or coaches should be verified by the Associate Campus Minister for Service. Service Verification Form: Students should submit a Service Verification Form 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 17 for seniors and May 30 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 30 will receive an F on their report cards. 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 who receive an F (Fail) on the fourth quarter report card must turn in proof by June 30, 2007 that service was completed between June 1, 2006 and May 30, 2007, in order for a grade change to be made. Requests for a two-week extension due to unforeseen circumstances must be made by May 30 and are not guaranteed. Students who received extension for the 2005-2006 school year may not request extensions for the 2006-2007 year. Underclassmen may not make up their service over the summer. Reflection Paper: Prior to the completion of the academic year, all students will submit a reflection paper to their Religion teacher. This paper is written in order to integrate the service experience into the religious life experience as a whole. Students are also encouraged to submit copies of any service related awards or recognition that they receive to be placed in their Service Portfolio. |
Last updated August 18, 2006For information on the Campus Ministry Department go to
http://TeacherWeb.com/MD/GoodCounsel/CampusMinistry |