COMMUNITY SERVICE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Van Alstyne High School
Taryn Hassler, Sponsor
For questions or to post service opportunities,
email thassler@ednet10.net

PROGRAM INFORMATION (printer-friendly version)
Eligibility

• All VAHS students entering grades 9 through 12 are eligible for the program.
• Thirty (30) hours is the minimum number of hours for annual recognition.
• Seniors who have completed a minimum of 120 hours in the program will be recognized with a medal and neck ribbon during the graduation ceremony.
• Students must be in the program throughout their senior year to receive a neck ribbon at graduation.
• Transfer students are eligible for annual recognition upon completion of 30 hours (certificate).   In order to be eligible for the neck ribbon at graduation, transfer students must accumulate 120 hours of service.

Documentation of Service Hours

• Documentation forms are available in the high school library and front office, as well as online. 
• The Community Service Year runs from April 16 through April 15.
  • Service hours will be accepted no later than April 15 of the current school year.
  • Hours from the previous year will not be accepted.
• Students are responsible for the documentation of service hours.   Service hours should only include the time spent working.   Do not include time spent driving to or practicing for the event.
• All forms must be signed by students and parents or they will not be accepted.

Service Requirements

The Community Service Recognition Program committee defines community service as volunteering time and energy to the good of the greater community.   All service hours must meet the following standards:

1. Service is not reimbursed with money or products.
2. Service is not performed for family or relatives.
3. Service is not required by adjudication.
4. Service is not performed as a requirement of a class, club or organization.
5. Service benefits the community beyond the organization sponsoring the event.
6. Service is for a non-profit organization.   Service for any commercial organization will not receive service hour credit.   Non-profit organizations include:
   1. Schools and School Districts

                                                               i.       Service must be performed outside school hours

                                                              ii.       Service that benefits VAISD is subject to committee approval.   Pre-approved items include:

1.         Tutoring sponsored by teachers (all schools)

2.         Assisting School Staff (ES-MS)

3.         Setting up and working booths at Fall Festival

2. Religious organizations

                                                               i.       Service must be performed outside regular church services

                                                              ii.       Service must benefit the community outside the church

3. City, county or state departments
4. Community or nationally recognized charities or service organizations
5. Nursing Homes
6. Hospitals
7. Day Care
8. Rehabilitation services
9. Senior Citizen organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   I volunteer for my church, can I count the hours?

A:   It depends.   We will certainly count anything that you do that helps the greater community—building houses, Great Days of Service, helping with the Food Pantry, etc.   We will also count your work at events and programs outside normal church services, such as Vacation Bible School, Mission Trips, and sports camps.   Just remember all service must be voluntary—you cannot receive compensation of money or products.   We will no longer count choir, music ministry or other services that take place during regular church services on the basis that they do not benefit the community outside the church (Rule 6bii).    If you have any concerns about whether or not your services will receive credit, please contact Taryn Hassler for confirmation.

Q:   Can I count my work at the concession stands?

A:   We will count any hours you work at a concession stand or booth for an organization of which you are not a member.   For example, if you are a member of FFA, you may not count the time you work concessions for FFA.   However, you may count the hours that you work the booth for the PTA.   If you have any concerns about whether or not your services will receive credit, please contact Taryn Hassler for confirmation.

Q:   Can I count my driving time or practice time?

A:   No.   You should only record the time that you spend rendering the actual service.   On overnight service trips, only count the hours you are actually working.

Q:   How can I find community service opportunities?

A:   We will be posting any opportunities that come available on our website, as well as on the cafeteria announcement slide show.    

Q:   Why is the cut off date April 15?

A:   In order to receive the certificates for the Academic Banquet, we must have the hours documented and counted by April 15.    The Community Service Hour year begins April 16, so be sure to document any hours you accrue after April 15 because they will be included in your hours for the upcoming school year.