Service Learning
Service Learning is a way in which students can learn
about social issues both in and out of the traditional classroom.
It provides students with an opportunity to get the essential background
on a variety of social issues and to see first hand the effect of
these social issues on the community. In addition, it allows students
to experience their own power to positively impact the world and work
towards social justice. We believe that service learning is part of
good citizenship and an integral part of our Civic Purpose mission
here at Head-Royce.
Helpful Links
FAQ
Sponsored Service Opportunities
Program Highlights
• 2005 Community Service Recognition Award from the Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education
Head-Royce was nationally recognized as being a school that sustains outstanding relationships with community agencies. Our program was recognized as moving from “charity” to change, including elements of direct action, reciprocity, and funding. (See agency details below)
• Required year long Service Learning Seminar during the freshman year
Students examine a variety of social issues during the first semester, and then volunteer with organizations attached to these issues during the second semester. The seminar gives students the knowledge about social issues they will face in the future and also gives them the tools to take positive action. This is a graded course.
• Action Plans for sophomore and junior years
The culminating project of the 9th grade service seminar is to have students develop an Action Plan. This Action Plan will map out their participation with an issue/organization over the next two years (10th and 11th grades for a total of at least twenty hours per year). Students must seek out and set up these projects on their own. It is this individual responsibility that calls upon students to take ownership of their high school service experience.
• A student run Community Service Board
Two students per grade level are elected annually to promote service opportunities and motivate the student body to become more involved with serving others. In addition, the CSB helps track student hours, provides input on policy decisions for the program, organizes fundraisers and service projects, and presents regularly to faculty and board members.
• Regular school sponsored service opportunities and community partnerships
Head-Royce has partnered with a variety of community organizations and sponsors regular service projects with the following groups:
o Berkeley Men’s and Women’s Shelters
o The Clausen House
o Acorn Woodland Elementary School
| o Rebuilding Together
o Habitat for Humanity
o Sequoia Elementary School
|
• The Make A Difference Service Learning Grant
In 2004, Head-Royce created a grant to support the community service work that our students perform. The purpose of the grant is to create an incentive for students to develop and implement meaningful service projects that address a specific need or issue in our community. The goal is for students to engage in work that will bring about positive change. Three grants of up to $1000 each are available for projects during either the school year and/or summer months.
What is the community service requirement?
9th Grade: All freshmen will be required to take a yearlong Service Learning Seminar. Students will be placed in one of seven different seminars, focused on a variety of social issues, for example public education, poverty, the disabled, learning differences, and human rights. The first semester will be spent examining and discussing the issue in-depth. This will prepare students for the second semester, where they will volunteer with organizations that are attached to their particular issue. With the aid of faculty members who serve as service learning teachers/advisors, the seminar gives students the knowledge about social issues they will face in the future and also gives them the tools to take positive action. The course will be graded on a pass/fail model.
The freshman community service hourly requirement is integrated into the service-learning course. Students develop Action Plans that are implemented sophomore and junior years (for a total of twenty hours each year – broken down to five hours per quarter). The projects may be individual or group projects. These Action Plans focus on specific issues/organizations and on long-term commitment to these groups.
10th and 11th Grade: Students will spend these next two years following through on their Action Plans for a minimum of twenty hours each year (recommended five hours per quarter). If the hours are not completed by the end of the academic year, students will receive an “Incomplete” on their college transcripts. Homeroom Advisors will oversee the implementation of their Action Plans for grades 10 and 11.
In the event that a student is not satisfied with his/her social issue selection and would like to change, they can do so. In order for this to happen they must come up with an alternative Action Plan for a social issue, and have it approved by the Dean of Students and their Homeroom Advisor. Changes of this sort can occur anytime after first semester of their sophomore year. We would like to see students at least give the course and issue some time before changing all together.
12th Grade: TBD
Do I get credit for hours that are done above
the requirement?
The focus of the service-learning program is on the service performed
and the issues addressed - not on the total number of hours. Hence the
school will no longer be documenting hours that exceed the requirement
on students' transcripts. In addition, we encourage students to do as
much service above the required ten hours per semester, however, those
hours will not be counted in the students record.
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What happens if I do not finish my hours?
If the required hours are not completed be the end of the school year,
a 'Not Pass' will appear on the student's transcript. You can find out
how many hours you have left by visiting the Dean of Students office,
or checking your on-line database record.
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Does the school sponsor any service opportunities?
1. Berkeley Men’s and Women’s Shelters – The first
and third Tuesdays of the month. Students shop, cook, and serve a meal
to the residents at the shelters. Service runs from 4:30 – 8:30pm.
Talk to the Dean of Students for more info: bbarankin@headroyce.org
2. Rebuilding Together - This is a nation wide program that helps elderly
individuals still living in their own homes to complete tasks that they
are no longer able to do. Since 1990 Head-Royce students and faculty have
cleaned, painted, and worked on a variety of construction projects at
homes throughout the East Bay. Projects occur in the fall and spring.
Talk to Mr. Key for more info: jkey@headroyce.org
3. Habitat For Humanity - Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit,
nondenominational housing organization. Since 2001 Head-Royce students
and faculty have helped build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership
with those who lack adequate shelter. Students must be 16. Projects occur
throughout the year. Talk to Mr. Vann for more info: evann@headroyce.org
4. AWE Tutoring – Weekly tutoring at local elementary school, Acorn
Woodland Elementary. Held students after school with reading, writing,
math, and other subjects. Service runs from 3:30 – 5:30. Talk to
Margarita Cabrera-Scarlata in the Middle School for more info: mscarlata@headroyce.org
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How do I go about finding service projects?
1. Listen to announcements read at morning meeting and posted on the Head-Royce web site.
2. Check out the Community Service bulletin board in the main hallway.
3. Consult either the Dean of Students and/or members of the student
run Community Service Board for ideas and upcoming projects.
4. Consult this list: Community Service Learning Agency List
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Can I do service on campus?
We welcome you to do on-campus community service, however, we really want
as many people as possible to become involved in the greater community
of the Bay area. There is a tremendous amount of need out there and you
can make a significant difference. You are allowed 5 hours maximum outside of your Action Plans – this includes summer hours as well!
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Can I get credit for hours I do with my parents?
The Community Service Board is once again giving time and a half credit for hours that a student does with his or her parents. For example, if a student serves at a homeless dinner for three hours with their parent/guardian, that student will receive and additional hour and a half. This is done to promote families doing service together and getting our entire community more involved with service. In addition it will provide more volunteers for organizations who are already under-staffed and in desperate need of more help. Please make note of this in the student’s on-line database record.
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How do I make my hours count toward the requirement?
After you have completed the service, you must fill in a Community Service Timecard, which are located in the Main Office of the Upper School. Once filled out and signed, place those cards in your appropriate folder and box in the Upper School.
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Do volunteer hours performed over the summer
count?
We are giving credit for five hours of local service over the summer to count towards the upcoming years hours. These hours can count towards either first or second semester hours, and must be in accordance with the student’s Action Plan. Please make note of this on your student time cards.
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If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please contact Barry Barankin, Upper School Dean of Students at bbarankin@headroyce.org or x2229.
