Service Learning Curriculum - Living out our calling to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We are one human family. When our sisters and brothers are in need we are called to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, etc (as Jesus teaches in Mt 25). In fact, all major faith traditions contain a version of the Golden Rule. So where do we begin and how do we grow, in order that service becomes an integral and meaningful part of our lives? Each person serves out of her wholeness - her gifts as well as her weaknesses - so every journey, every calling is unique. At Notre Dame de Sion HS each student builds a service portfolio. This portfolio will show how she has delved into various needs of her community, developed a social conscience, been touched by those she has served, and made a difference in the world around her.
100 hours of service (which fall into specific categories - see Q & A page), including the Senior Service Projects are required for graduation. We are available to assist with service-learning, and in addition the following are formal steps in the process:
Freshman Year: Introduction to the Service-Learning program in their theology class, students complete an inventory of any past service experiences as well as interests, Freshman Day of Service matches each student with a local organization that matches her interests, some service hours are required for Faith-Foundations class. Recommended: students complete 25 hours before the start of Sophomore year.
Sophomore Year: As part of the Catholic Social Teaching class, students must meet with Mrs. Hull to review their service portfolio - Have they found an organization or cause for which they are passionate? How much of their graduation requirements have they completed? What are their goals and plans for service? Some service hours in the "Working with the Marginalized" category are also required for Sophomore Theology. Recommended: students have 50% of their graduation requirement completed before the start of Junior year.
Junior Year: Students will be discussing peace, justice and building the kingdom of God in their Biblical Traditions course. By the end of junior year they will be introduced to the requirements for the senior service projects and they will go through the Protecting God's Children training which is required by the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph. Recommended: students have 75% of their graduation requirements completed before the start of Senior year.
Senior Year: Seniors complete their Senior Service Projects exercising leadership and serving the marginalized. These 25 or more hours focus on an organization or cause which is close to the student's heart. See Mrs. Holmes google classroom for a full description of the Senior Service Project. During Senior year, a due date is also set for completion of the student's overall service hours. The categories for service hours are described on the Q & A page.