St. Theresa Service Learning 

Grades 6-8

The St. Theresa Service Learning program provides meaningful opportunities for 6-8 grade students to become involved in service to others and make a tangible difference in the world.  The goal of our Service Learning Program is for students to develop a practice of Christian service that will stay with them through high school, college, and life. Requirements are designed to enable students to engage in meaningful service laying the foundation for a lifetime of service.

There are five things that happen when we are involved in service:

1. Fundamentally, someone is helped.
2. People who receive help often go on to help others.
3. We are changed:  Our hearts and minds are opened.  We learn about other peoples and cultures.
4. The structures of injustice are changed:  Our awareness of oppression grows and we bring that awareness to others that our around us.  Awareness is the first step toward change, which is followed by understanding and social action.
5. When we reach out to others, we touch the presence of God in them.  We have connected to God.  This allows a bit of God in ourselves to grow.

Middle School Service Hours

Students in grades six through eight will complete fifteen hours of service each school year.

Service hours are divided into three levels.  Level One service is the beginning of developing a sense of service.  Level one service consists of activities that provide support for others in our parish and school community.  Some examples are: Step, as guided by Mrs. Ulbrich, altar serving, parish picnic. Level Two service introduces students to serious needs of others, or requires students to extend themselves through compassionate human connections.  This level of service addresses a social issue, or involves direct assistance for children, the elderly, or those in need.  Some examples are; Alameda Food Bank, Elizabeth House assistance, Kinderchurch.  Level Three service allows students to connect real people to social issues, and to impact those people and issues.  This third level of service addresses a social issue, and involves direct contact with someone in need. Examples are: East Bay SPCA, Piedmont Gardens, St. Mary’s Center Dinner Service.

Middle School Service Hours Requirements

6^th Grade

15 hours or less of Level One Service

0 hours or more of Level Two or Level Three Service

7^th Grade

7.5 hours or less of Level One Service

7.5 hours or more of Level Two or Level Three Service 

8^th Grade

4 hours or less of Level One Service

11 hours or more of Level Two or Level Three Service 

Pre-Approval

Service must be from the pre-approved service list found on the Service Learning side bar, or pre-approved using the preliminary forms.

If a service activity is not on the pre-approved list, students will submit a preliminary form prior to participation in each new service experience.  They may submit the form directly to the service learning coordinator, the library, or via e-mail.  If the activity is approved, the form will be signed and returned to the student.  If it is not approved, the form will be returned with an explanation of why it was not approved. 

An example of the distinction we are striving to make is found in the different types of babysitting: Babysitting so that parish parents can attend a parish activity is service.  Babysitting so that parents can go to the theater is free labor.  Looking after your younger sibling is part of being in a family.  Playing with your neighbor’s younger children, while the neighbor is looking after you, is an exchange of favors.

Forms

The following forms are available on the St. Theresa Service Learning web page, or the library:

• St. Theresa Service Learning Preliminary Form
• St. Theresa Service Learning Reflection Form: Level One Service
• St. Theresa Service Learning Reflection Form:  Level Two and Level Three Service
• St. Theresa School Pre-approved Service List
• List of Student Friendly Service Opportunities:  local organizations

Due Dates

All forms must be submitted during the trimester in which the service is completed.  For repeating service, complete one reflection form per trimester, listing all dates of service. Please note that there are two different reflection forms (level one service, and another form for levels two and three). Service done during the summer must be submitted during the first trimester.

• First Trimester:  NOVEMBER 9, 2011

• Second Trimester:  FEBRUARY 24, 2012

• Third Trimester:  MAY 23, 2012 for 8^th grade.    MAY 30^th for 6^th and 7^th grades.