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Service

Cavaliers IN Service Program “Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the King will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” MATTHEW 25:34-40

Log Service Hours Here

Sophomore Serve Day

Service Hour Requirements

 

Before the end of 1st quarter, students in 10th-12th grade Theology classes will be assigned a project that requires students to be up-to-date on their service hours in order to complete. Additionally, the completion of 75 service hours is a John Carroll graduation requirement.

The first set of hours (15 hours) can be completed during or after Freshman year, and are due no later than September 1st of their Sophomore year. The second set of hours (30 additional hours, 45 total) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their Junior year. The third set of hours (30 additional hours as the completion of 75 total hours) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their senior year.

Fulfilling the minimum number of service hours each year is required to graduate from John Carroll Catholic High School.

Guidelines for Service

A student may choose any service organization as long as the organization allows the student to fulfill the following:

  1. a) Directly serve disadvantaged people or encourage active participation in parish life
  2. b) Complete at least 30 out of 75 total hours with the same service organization.

Additionally, there must be an adult supervisor on-site to verify hours (this cannot be a parent except in pre-approved circumstances)   

A student may choose a service organization from the list below or may find to work with an alternative organization to work with. As a general rule, if it's a non-profit that works directly with disadvantaged people, it should count. If you aren't sure, read through the FAQs below. If you are still unsure, please email Mr. Cashio or Ms. King BEFORE you begin your work with them. Students may choose a different approved service organization each year. Students must record service hours in the TrackItForward online system or through the app, and the hours must be approved before they can count towards your total. 

Overview of Expectations

 

Freshman Year

  • Choose a service organization that will allow the student to complete at least 15 hours during an academic year or for the summer following and will allow the student to directly serve disadvantaged people or will encourage active participation in their local parish life.

  • Log and get 15  hours approved through TrackItForward by September 1st of sophomore year.

Sophomore Year

  • By September 1st, a minimum of 15 hours must show as approved through TrackItForward.

  • Complete an additional 30 service hours during the academic year or the summer following and record all hours in TrackItForward.

  • A total of 45 hours must be approved through TrackItForward by September 1st of junior year.

Junior Year

  • By September 1st, a minimum of 45 hours must show as approved through TrackItForward.

Modification for 2022 school year: minimum 20 hours by Sept. 1st, 2022

  • Complete an additional 30 service hours during the academic year or summer following and record all hours in TrackItForward

  • A total of 75 hours must be approved through TrackItForward by September 1st of senior year.

Senior Year

  • By September 1st, a minimum of 75 hours must show as approved through TrackItForward.

  • Determine and ensure all service hour requirements have been fulfilled and turned into TrackItForward as a requirement for graduation.

Delinquent Hours

Failure to complete these requirements will leave you unable to complete the graded assignment during the 1st quarter of your theology class. Additionally, completion of 75 service hours is required to graduate from John Carroll Catholic High School. Students who have not completed or have not communicated a plan to complete their 75 service hours before September 1st of their senior year will not be allowed to continue classes, and will instead receive unexcused absences until service hours are complete AND the hours have been reported and verified through Track It Forward.

FAQs

What counts for service hours? (volunteering with any of the following without pay)

**Any service completed at school must be PREapproved by Mr. Cashio, Ms. King, or Coach Steele. Work done for our John Carroll community counts 50%, so 2 hours of work at the school (i.e. volunteering at the summer sports camps) will count for 1 service hour. Write the TOTAL number of hours on the service report and it will be halved when input into RenWeb.

What doesn’t count?

  • Any work that is paid
  • Activity where there is no adult supervisor present to verify hours
  • Working without pay for a for-profit organization
  • Helping with your family’s store or restaurant, even if it’s unpaid
  • Working with/for members or your family unit 
  • Work with animals (Humane Society)
  • Tutoring friends

How do I check how many hours I currently have on record?

Visit TrackItForward.com > “Log Hours” and you will see your hours on the right side of the page.

When are service hours due? 

Service hours are due by September 1st of sophomore, junior, and senior year. 


The first set of hours (15 hours) can be completed during or after Freshmen year, and are due no later than September 1st of their Sophomore year. The second set of hours (30 additional hours, 45 total) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their Junior year. The thirst set of hours (30 additional hours as the completion of 75 total hours) must be completed and approved by September 1st of their senior year.


Fulfilling the minimum number of service hours each year is required to graduate from John Carroll Catholic High School. 

What if I am a transfer?

Students who transfer after the end of freshman year will be assigned a prorated number of hours by the counseling department or by the service coordinators on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration how much time you have before the start of your senior year. 

Basically, if you transfer after the end of your freshman year, your total hours are reduced to 60. If you transfer after the end of your sophomore year, your hours are reduced to 30. If you transfer after the end of your junior year, the service coordinators and counselors will talk you through any hours we feel you still have time to complete.

You are welcome to transfer hours done at previous schools, but we will need verification from supervisors or from the service coordinators at the previous schools before they can count in our system. 

Why do my hours have to be with a disadvantaged community? Why can’t I work with my Grandma? 

Service to your family does not count because it is a part of your duty as a member of that family. The purpose of our program is to connect with a disadvantaged population in your community outside of your family unit and preferably outside of your comfort zone.

Why can’t I work at the Humane Society?

Our service program is specifically geared towards serving our brothers and sisters in need as the Gospel calls us to do so. If animals are your passion, find a nonprofit that uses animals to help people! If you love your grandma that much, show love to others’ grandparents whose families aren’t as compassionate by serving at your local nursing home!  

Does volunteering at a sports camp count?

Serving with sports camps that have a specific mission to serve under resourced populations, (for example, American Baseball Foundation) certainly count. Serving with a John Carroll Camp here on campus falls into the school service category and can earn hours at a 2 to 1 rate. (for example, working 10 hours at a JC summer sports camp earns 5 hours.)

When should I start doing my service hours?

You can begin completing your hours as soon as you begin your freshman year! Most students complete their hours during the summer months, but hours can be done throughout the school year! 

How do I get started?

Start with things that spark your interest or that are local to you! You can begin with contacting one of the organizations above, or you can look for non-profits in your community whose missions align with your interests! 

  • Pray!
  • Determine which disadvantaged population you may want to serve.
  • Ask yourself, where does this disadvantaged population go get assistance?
  • Look at your transportation needs.  Will you be able to get to the agency when you are needed?
  • Reflect on your personal gifts and talents.  
  • Consider your future goals.  It may possible to volunteer for an agency that would benefit from your future career choice

Types of Service 

Service of Labor

Using your body to build, paint, dig, etc

This can serve real tangible needs in people’s lives

This is usually short on building relationships with people.

Service of Presence

Using yourself to be present to another person and their needs

This can serve a real connection with another human and their needs

This can be an awkward process but can ultimately result in very real impactful relationships

HISTORY & PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAM

"Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will."

HISTORY

The Service Project Program at John Carroll Catholic High School was established as a requirement for graduation in 1980. Originally students were required to perform 15 hours of service in the community during their Senior year. In 1981 students were to fulfill 30 hours of service: 15 in the community during their Junior year and 15 during their Senior year. Then in 1983 the requirements were changed for freshmen entering John Carroll. They were required to perform 48 hours of service, which could be started in their freshman year. Finally, in 1989 the 48 hours of service were refined to require 12 hours per school year as part of the Theology curriculum. Current requirements are explained on the next page. Currently students are required to complete a minimum of 75 hours of direct service to the disadvantaged. (The requirements are explained more fully on the main page.)

PHILOSOPHY

John Carroll High School is a Catholic school, a school rooted in Gospel values. We believe strongly in the education of the total person. During each students four years at John Carroll they will be challenged to grow physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. A major part of their spiritual growth happens through their service projects. In Sacred Scripture, it is clear that Jesus' mission on earth included service to others. Jesus says in Matthew, "I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me." He not only helped others but he also expected us to help them. After washing Peter’s feet in the Gospel of John, Jesus says to his disciples, "As I have done, so you must do." Once again in Luke, Jesus points out that, "Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day and follow in my steps." Our faith in God is manifested through our love, concern, and service for others.

By reaching out, we learn and understand more about the needs of other people. Our talents, so often taken for granted, become more appreciated and developed. With Jesus as our model, we are encouraged to give back to our communities through the gifts that God has given us.