SHDHS Online / Faith / Service Program Information

Program Description: At St. Henry District High School, we hope our students are helpful to others, motivated by the love of God and committed to justice. The faculty and administration strive to assist all to make their religious faith the center of their lives. We do this by encouraging a willingness to serve others in the community.

The fundamental philosophy behind students doing service hours is that the participants will gain an understanding for the uniqueness of the individuals they serve and also develop a sense of social responsibility as they process their volunteer experiences. Service takes us beyond our daily routine and into the larger community around us.

Requirements:Service hours during the school year may be completed in the following areas: Non-Profit Agencies, School, Community or Environment. In the performance of doing service, working for pay, doing work for a company that typically pays to have the activity completed, for family members or for a neighbor (babysitting, mowing, painting, raking leaves, shoveling snow, etc.) generally will NOT count. The experience of doing service means working in the �community�. Each student may choose his/her type of service; however, the spirit of COMMUNITY service should be honored. It is hoped that this experience will educate the student regarding the needs of his/her community and a sense of Christian and civic responsibility. If there is any question as to whether the volunteer activity will fulfill SHDHS�s definition of Community Service, it should be PREAPPROVED by Mrs. Kaiser or your theology teacher. The final decision of legitimate service hours rests with the service coordinator and theology teacher.

10% of the theology course grade each quarter will be determined by the satisfactory completion of service hours on the given scale:

3 clock hours completed with paperwork = 100%
2 clock hours completed with paperwork = 80%
1 clock hour completed with paperwork = 60%
0 hours and no paperwork 0%

Summer service hours will be accepted for the 1st quarter only.

Each student will be responsible for obtaining a Service Reporting Form and answering the Reflection Questions. (Both can be printed out above.)

When the service activity is completed, the student will be responsible for completing the form and essay. They will also be responsible for obtaining signature and phone numbers of the adults in charge of the service activity. The student will then submit the completed form to their theology teacher, which will be put in alphabetical order in a binder that will be located in the classroom. The service coordinator will collect binders before the end of the quarter and assign a grade to each report. Late service reflection papers will typically NOT be accepted. Special circumstances need to be discussed with Mrs. Kaiser. You must turn your service documents in on the day they are due in order to receive credit. Credit will also NOT be given without a reflection paper. 5 points will be deducted if a signature is not obtained from a parent or the supervisor of the service.

You must have both the verification sheet and the reflection paper in order to receive any credit.

Documentation: A reflection paper will be required each quarter. The reflection questions will be different each quarter. The paper must be typed in paragraph form and stapled to your service verification form.

There are many opportunities to serve others right here in Greater Cincinnati! Contact Mrs. Kaiser or your theology teachers for a list of agencies you can call for your service experience!