Questions
Questions and Answers
Q: How long do I have to complete this requirement?
A: About four years. Student may begin working on this once they have completed eighth grade. the work must be complete by the first week of February of their senior year -- for the class of 2008 it must be done by early Feb. 2008; for the class of 2009 it must be done by early February 2009.
Q: What was the "old" system? To whom does it apply?
A: Students in the class of 2006 and 2007 have the option to complete their hours in one of two ways:
- 1. the proposal system: 50 hours of service with one organization or at one site with the approval of the Service Board
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- 2: the menu system: 10 hours of service in five different areas:
(Animals and the Environment; Poverty, Hunger, and Homlessness;
Health and Well-being; Intergenerational; Academy)
Q: For students in the class of 2008 and following, how is this system different?
A: The amount of hours (50) remains the same as does the time frame for completion but now 45 hours must be concentrated in one are off-campus and approved prior to the onset of the service by the Service Board
Q: Why make a change?
A: In spring 2004 the Service Board examined the system of fulfilling the graduation requirement with the aim to foster a fuller appreciation for service in students. What they found was that students using the proposal system had a much better experience and were able to complete the requirement in a more timely and thorough fashion. It seemed reasonable to all parties who were consulted that adopting the plan that was working well for many would serve all students better. The menu option was given poor reviews; most students and parents found it to be confusing, frustrating, and stressful.
Q: Where do I go?
A: A list of suggested sites can be found on this site [link], but students are welcome to work at sites other than those we suggest. A student can Emil Ms. Bening to ask about sites prior to writing up the proposal to see whether the work may be acceptable; HOWEVER, she does not have final approval.
Q: To whom and how do I submit a proposal?
A: Using a proposal form, a student submits his/her proposal to the Service Board Advisor, Ms. Bening. She submits the student's proposal to the Service Board for approval. During the school year proposals will be evaluated on Tuesdays at the Service Board's weekly lunch meetings. During the summer the Service Board will use a phone or Emil tree to solicit feedback from its members. Proposals may be submitted via post or e-mail during the summer; at school students may deposit their proposals at the SHACK (the Service Board office) on the first floor of Dennett Hall.
Q: Who approves my proposal?
A: The Service Board. A group of students committed to meeting the needs of others. These student volunteers bound by contract and led by two seniors who are elected annually by the US student body oversee a wide range of service activities (annual Sponsor a Family project, Faculty/Staff Appreciation Day, blood drives, and Service Days, etc.) throughout the school year. At its weekly meetings all contracted members review and evaluate student service proposals. Any student may attend Service Board meetings or join the Service Board; there are no restrictions for application but only contracted members may vote on proposals. Members are expected to be ethical, to attend weekly meetings, and to be supportive of the Service Board's mission and in attendance at its activities.
Q: What is the procedure the Service Board follows?
A: A student submits his/her proposal using the proposal form enclosed or available at school to the Service Board advisor, Ms. Bening. Ms. Bening previews the proposal to insure that it is complete and the basic criteria have been met. If she has questions, she contacts the student or organization in order to be able to provide answers to facilitate Tuesday's student discussions. She places the proposal face down on a clipboard so that the student's name is hidden. Every attempt is made to evaluate the proposal objectively on its merits and not on the merits of the proposer. At the meeting the Service Board President reads the student's explanation of the proposed work and then calls for discussion. Once discussion ends, s/he calls for a vote. The president and vice-president do not vote at this time. In the event of a tie, the president and vice-president vote. Should their vote be split, Ms. Bening votes. Once a decision is made, Ms. Bening contacts the student; if the proposal is denied, she provides an explanation. Often with some adjustment, denied proposals are resubmitted and accepted.
Q: What are the guidelines the Service Board uses*?
A:
- -evidence of real need must be demonstrated
- -the proposed work cannot be completed at the Academy or in direct support of Academy students
- -students may not work for their parents
- -students may not waive payment or compensation in exchange for credit nor may
they receive any return for their work (e.g. reinstatement of driving privileges)
- -students should have direct contact with the beneficiaries of the service
- -while service work may be performed through religiously oriented or social organizations, students will not receive hours for proselytizing or directly promoting the views of a group
*Other factors may be considered when evaluation proposals; the Service Board uses these criteria as basic but not exclusive guidelines.
Q: What about the five (5) Academy hours?
A: Academy hours are easily acquired and can be completed through work at a variety of community functions. Examples included but are not limited to work at the Antique Show, Lower School Fair. admission tours, and CASE. Work at US dances, sports's concessions or with school clubs is NOT acceptable for fulfillment of hours.
Q: What do I do when I am done?
A: You may have your site sponsor/supervisor write a letter confirming the work or you may use the service activity form (enclosed). Signatures and phone numbers are required. Send or give the letter or completed form to Ms. Bening who will enter the information in the service hour data base (Students may check their hours using the school's INTRANET) and file the paper for safe keeping until graduation. Sometimes students like to submit their hours in increments smaller than forty-five. This is fine. The same procedure applies to the five Academy hours.
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