Service Learning
Service Learning is a method of teaching that combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service. This form of learning emphasizes critical thinking and personal reflection while encouraging a heightened sense of community, civic engagement, and personal responsibility.
Students may visit the Service Learning Office during their free time and during office hours. If students are unable to stop by during non-instructional time, they may set up an appointment, and a hall pass will be sent for them.
COMPLETING SERVICE LEARNING HOURS & SUBMITTING COMPLETED PAPERWORK IS THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY.
Students will need to access the SERVICE LEARNING course on CANVAS as part of the program. Through this course, students will have access to
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Pre-approved projects, including sign-up instructions.
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Answers to frequently asked questions.
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Service learning paperwork. Printed copies are available in the Main office.
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The Online Verification process that students must follow to submit students hours for review.
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The District 230 Service Learning Guidelines. All volunteer services must follow these guidelines.
Every student should receive an invitation to access the SERVICE LEARNING course on CANVAS. If students do not receive one, they may email Mrs. Diaz to request it. Students must accept the invitation to view the course, or they will not have access.
Service Learning Process for Students
Weekly Updates with Pre-Approved Project offerings are sent to students' school email and are available to review on CANVAS through the Stagg Service Learning course.
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Download paperwork from CANVAS or pick up paperwork from the Main Office.
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Contact the site to confirm attendance for service & bring school paperwork to the site on the day of service. One form per location is required. After signing up to volunteer at any site, students must notify the site contact immediately if they need to cancel. Most non-profits are reliant on the help of volunteers to continue the public programs offered within the community.
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Submit completed Service Paperwork (front only) on CANVAS. If students have trouble with this process, they may turn in their paperwork in person. NO electronically completed/signed forms, forms with whiteout, scribbles, or edits will be accepted. Students should always keep a copy of their completed paperwork for their records. Paperwork will be reviewed and information verified; if approved for credit, hours will be posted to students' Skyward - Community Service account. If there are questions about any of the information on the students' paperwork, they will be contacted via their school email.
- If students would like to volunteer at any site not found on the CANVAS Service Learning Volunteer Opportunities or the Approved Service Learning Site List, they are required to email Mrs. Diaz with all the known details of the location and service for approval BEFORE GOING. Not all volunteer service is accepted for school credit. Locations must be IRS-registered non-profits, and services must abide by D230 Guidelines for Service.
Examples of Approved Sites: Parks & Recreation Departments, Faith-Based Organizations (not part of worship service), Athletic Organizations, Police & Fire Departments, Libraries, Elementary Schools, Animal Welfare/Shelter, etc. Some restrictions for services may apply; see the guidelines for service on CANVAS.
Class of 2026, 2027 & 2028 (25) hours are required for Graduation, Parking & NHS
Class of 2029 and later (32) hours are required for Graduation, Parking & NHS
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Graduation - Students will not receive a transcript until their service hours are turned in & verified.*Students may check the status of their service hours anytime on Skyward under the COMMUNITY SERVICE tile.
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Parking - Service hours must be completed & turned in by the last week of students’ junior year to be eligible to apply for student parking. The Service Learning office only records students' service hours; they are not involved in the parking application process.
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NHS – One of the components of NHS is to complete & turn in hours by the last week of students' sophomore year. The Service Learning office only records students' SCHOOL service hours. If members of the NHS complete a volunteer service and submit the paperwork to the Service Learning office, the approved credit will automatically be counted toward their SCHOOL HOURS, not NHS.
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Students are not allowed to use volunteer services performed under the Service Learning Opportunities for court-appointed community service, and will not receive school credit for court-appointed completed service hours.
Transfer students
Transfer students shall receive credit for any approved service learning from previous schools, provided it meets the criteria of the District 230 program. Transfer students entering during their freshman and sophomore years will be required to complete the entire amount of service hours required for graduation. Transfer students during their junior or senior years will have their hours prorated per semester (based on their anticipated graduation year). Students who have been enrolled in a D230 school at any point, transferred out and returned, will be required to complete the entire amount of service hours required for graduation.
For more information
Esperanza Diaz, Service Learning Coordinator
Office hours: 7:30am - 3:15pm (Office closed for holidays and school breaks)
Location: Main Office