Community Service Guidelines 2008-2009

 

1.    The service MUST be for a Non-Profit Organization (CANNOT be for a For-Profit organization).

2.    The student CANNOT profit monetarily or receive credit in another way for the service.

3.    The service MUST benefit others.

4.    The service CANNOT be something that is required by someone else.

5.    ALL community service MUST be pre-approved before starting the service.

 

Community Service Exceptions 2008-2009

The following guidelines reflect coordination of community service tenets for the Santa Barbara High School District. Voluntary work by students for a pre-approved non-profit agency (those with a 501(C)(3) tax-exempt I.D. number from the IRS) qualify for fulfillment of the 60-hour community service graduation requirement, with a few exceptions, as noted:

1. School Theater, Band, Choir and Cheerleading Performances:

Assistance on theater, band, choir, and cheerleading related performances (not as part of a cast or class where credit is given) is limited to only the performances, parades, or events, not the rehearsals. This applies even if the entire show is a non-profit fundraiser. Students may not receive community service and personally benefit by accumulating Òparticipation pointsÓ to reduce personal expenses for group events and/or trips: No double-dipping!

2. Political Campaigns and Elections:

A precedent was set by former Assistant Superintendent Michael Couch and former Dos Pueblos Principal David Cash that working on a candidateÕs campaign; working for or against a proposition or ballot measure; working for a political party; or registration of voters does not qualify for community service credit.  (There is a gray area regarding voter registration when not for a political party, i.e., "Rock the Vote".   Guidance from the district will be sought regarding this issue).  Students may assist the County Clerk Recorder in preparing for and tabulating results from an election.

 

3.   3. Church / Religious Organizations:

Students may not receive community service credit for church activities that are strictly of a religious nature.  For example, teaching religious classes (although students can be a teacher's assistant or provide childcare during classes, services, or Vacation Bible School); proselytizing or active recruitment for a religion; serving as an altar person or communion helper.  Students may not receive credit for activities that are required for completion of confirmation classes (no double-dipping).  Singing in the church choir does not count unless the performance is at an event open to the general public.  The ideal volunteer situation in religious institutions is when students perform community outreach as part of a youth group service project (i.e., serving meals at Transition House; stocking shelves at the Unity Shoppe; beach clean-ups; United Way "Day of Caring". etc.).

4. Teacher's aide without units:

Students can receive community service as a campus teacher's aide providing they are not receiving school credit or units.  Service hours are to be maintained by the supervising teacher.

5.   5. Boy Scouts:

Boy Scout members may not receive community service credit for their own Eagle Scout projects.  They may, however, receive credit for hours in which they assist another Boy Scout with his Eagle Scout project.  

6. Blood donations:

Two (2) hours will be given to a student for each blood donation and three (3) hours for platelet donations.

7. Hair donations:

Five (5) hours will be given to student for donations of hair to "Locks of Love".

8.         8. Maximum 8 Volunteer Hours Per Day & Private Home Work:

9.         Community service maximum hour-per-day guidelines shall be aligned with the California labor laws specifying that a minor may not work (and receive credit) for more than 8 hours per day.  Additionally, students may not receive community service credit for volunteer work in private homes due to safety and liability issues.

9.      9. Organizations May Not Charge Participation Fees:

It has come to our attention that several area non-profits are charging our students to provide services as a C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training) for their summer or holiday camps and programs.  These organizations are profiting monetarily by utilizing our students for their labor needs and we see no reason that our students should be charged to perform a voluntary service.  Organizations that do not adhere to our guidelines will be removed from our pre-approved community service lists.

 

 

San Marcos High School

Procedure for Completing Community Service

 

Just follow these simple stepsÉ

 

  1. Choose a non-profit to perform your community service with. There is a list available in this packet, in the career center, and on the San Marcos High School website. Still canÕt find one you like? Come in and see Ms. Castaneda in the career center for help.

 

  1. Pick up a community service form from the career center. (YELLOW FORM!) Fill out the top portion with your student information and that of the organization. Make sure that you complete all the required information!

 

  1. Get the service pre-approved. Remember Òpre-approvalÓ means before you start the service! Community service can be pre-approved by Ms. Castaneda and Mrs. Eubank in the career center, or the counselors and administrators.

 

  1. Do your community service. You can keep track of your hours on the back of the yellow form, or find out if the organization you are working for keeps track of your hours for you.

 

  1. Complete the community service form. Have someone from the organization you are volunteering for fill out the bottom portion of the form. Make sure they write down your total hours and sign the form; it will not be accepted without a signature!

 

  1. Turn in your completed form into the career center. All portions of the form must be completed before you turn it in, incomplete forms will not be accepted. Also, make sure you are aware of how many hours you have!