Post by gatormom on Feb 22, 2009 8:21:23 GMT -5
East pushing kids toward community service
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1443022,2_1_AU22_EAST_S1.article
February 22, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
East Aurora students will add one more task to their list of graduation requirements, as the district institutes mandatory community service hours for the upcoming freshman class -- and each one that follows.
Students will be required to complete 40 hours of community service over the course of four years to earn one credit needed for graduation.
District spokesman Clayton Muhammad said the formula breaks down to 10 hours of required service each year, an initiative the district believes will greatly impact the Fox Valley. The new freshman class alone would contribute more than 3,600 hours of service, Muhammad said.
"Isn't that amazing? Imagine the impact that will have on the city of Aurora," he said.
From tutoring tots to serving up soup at Hesed House, there are many ways students can maintain their required hours.
"We have so many social service partners," Muhammad said. "Any of those initiatives could be a meaningful service to Aurora."
Over the summer, East Aurora School Superintendent Jerome Roberts began looking at community service requirements in districts across the country. In the end, it was something he saw as feasible and could be of great service to the community and students alike.
Number one on Roberts' list of goals as superintendent is to increase academic achievement for students while recognizing their diverse needs. He said the new community service initiative will do just that. When volunteering for the community service hours, students will invariably be exposed to a variety of experiences that can improve their academic performance, he said.
While students are already commended for their community service with the Silver Service Award at graduation, Muhammad said the new requirement will bring everyone on board, and he's excited about the possibilities.
Some students, however, are concerned about the additional requirement, although it will not affect them specifically. East High junior Esteban Roman said while community service looks great on a college resume, it might not be an easy task for all students to accomplish.
"People have to work to support their families and they have other activities (to participate in)," he said.
Muhammad had a ready solution -- students could read to elementary students during their study hall or babysit at their own church on the weekend.
"They'll have a number of opportunities to participate," he said. "We're all very excited."
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1443022,2_1_AU22_EAST_S1.article
February 22, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
East Aurora students will add one more task to their list of graduation requirements, as the district institutes mandatory community service hours for the upcoming freshman class -- and each one that follows.
Students will be required to complete 40 hours of community service over the course of four years to earn one credit needed for graduation.
District spokesman Clayton Muhammad said the formula breaks down to 10 hours of required service each year, an initiative the district believes will greatly impact the Fox Valley. The new freshman class alone would contribute more than 3,600 hours of service, Muhammad said.
"Isn't that amazing? Imagine the impact that will have on the city of Aurora," he said.
From tutoring tots to serving up soup at Hesed House, there are many ways students can maintain their required hours.
"We have so many social service partners," Muhammad said. "Any of those initiatives could be a meaningful service to Aurora."
Over the summer, East Aurora School Superintendent Jerome Roberts began looking at community service requirements in districts across the country. In the end, it was something he saw as feasible and could be of great service to the community and students alike.
Number one on Roberts' list of goals as superintendent is to increase academic achievement for students while recognizing their diverse needs. He said the new community service initiative will do just that. When volunteering for the community service hours, students will invariably be exposed to a variety of experiences that can improve their academic performance, he said.
While students are already commended for their community service with the Silver Service Award at graduation, Muhammad said the new requirement will bring everyone on board, and he's excited about the possibilities.
Some students, however, are concerned about the additional requirement, although it will not affect them specifically. East High junior Esteban Roman said while community service looks great on a college resume, it might not be an easy task for all students to accomplish.
"People have to work to support their families and they have other activities (to participate in)," he said.
Muhammad had a ready solution -- students could read to elementary students during their study hall or babysit at their own church on the weekend.
"They'll have a number of opportunities to participate," he said. "We're all very excited."