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Service Learning
Coach:         Ms. Knowles and Ms. Steinmiller
Timesheet:  CLICK HERE
 

WHAT IS SERVICE LEARNING?
 
Service Learning is a teaching and learning methodology that connects classroom curriculum with identified community issues and needs. Service Learning engages students in projects that serve the community and build their social and academic capacities.

Service Learning is a strategy, not an outcome. Service Learning is an opportunity for students to learn critical skills through project development, implementation, and reflection. By participating in high quality Service Learning experiences students learn the invaluable skill of being able to organize information, resources, and people in order to improve the community.
 

HOW MANY HOURS DO YOU NEED?
 
Gage Park High School students must complete a total of 40 Service Learning Hours.
Ms. Knowles: GPHS Service Learning Coarch

AVID students are required to complete 100 Service Learning Hours.
Mr. Keith:  AVID Coordinator

ETI students are required to complete 100 Service Learning Hours.
Mr. Weglarz: ETI Coordinator

 
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GET YOUR HOURS?

Before anything else, remember to get your project approved by the Coach. You cannot earn any hours without prior approval.
 
HOW CAN YOU EARN THESE HOURS

No individual service learning time sheet will be accepted unless it has been pre-approved.

In-school or school-related projects (designed by a teacher or a staff member):
    Hours will be earned only when you work for a teacher or staff-member whose project has been pre-approved.

    Once the project is over, this teacher or staff-member will turn in together all the signed service-learning time sheets of the participating students.

Off-site project (individual):

Hours will be earned only when:
  • You turn in a project plan and the Service Learning Coach approves it. Use the form here http://www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us/pdf/preservice.pdf
  • You have parental permission for this project
  • You have written permission from the site- co coordinator.
Once you have completed the service, turn in your individual service time sheet along with your reflection sheet. You cannot earn any hours without approval and reflection.

Students may earn Service Learning hours through the following:
  • Classroom projects that are tied to curriculum and meet a community need
  • After school projects that meet a community need and have a clear academic objective
  • Individual service activities with non-profit community organizations where students receive preparation for the work and produce a reflection/analysis of their work. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT DO?

Students may not earn Service Learning hours through the following:
  • Work with for-profit businesses and corporations
  • Religious organizations if the service involves proselytizing
  • Volunteer work where no academic objective is addressed
  • Work that is financially reimbursed
Students may also not earn hours for the following specific activities:
  • Volunteer work with a political campaign without the mediation of an approved community organization or classroom instructor
  • Participation in a sports team or other extra-curricular activity unless that group designs a Service Learning project that contains the components listed above
  • Assisting a teacher (i.e. correcting papers, cleaning the classroom) unless tied to a teacher preparation program (Future Teachers of Illinois/Chicago)
  • Artistic performances unless students are involved in creating a project that includes a performance as an outcome of the project
  • Attending training or other educational event unless that training leads directly to a service project.
The school will definitely try to see to it that several Service Learning opportunities are made available for the students to earn these hours. Students, try to convince your teachers to plan a Service Learning project for you.

Please visit this site periodically to find out ways by which you can earn Service Learning hours at Gage Park High School.

Once again,

Seniors: Remember to get your 40 hours as soon as possible. Don't wait for the last minute.

Sophomores: Remember to get your 20 hours so you can become a junior next year.