General Information

Graduates of the Episcopal Cathedral School will be well-prepared for college and beyond. They will have developed strong academic skills, as well as a variety of intellectual skills that go beyond college entrance requirements. They will also have gained an appreciation for learning in general, as well as aesthetic and academic appreciation. Additionally, ECS graduates will have developed habits of intellectual inquiry in quest of religious truth and an informed response to issues of social injustice.

 

Social Growth

ECS graduates will also be well-rounded individuals who are committed to social justice and service. They will have developed a deep sense of honesty, fairness, justice, and respect for the dignity of all individuals. They will also be motivated to have a positive impact on the lives of others and to engage in supportive and mutually beneficial interactions. Additionally, ECS graduates will be collaborative participants who are willing to interact with others to accomplish goals and tasks. They will also be willing and eager to become involved in their communities, country, and the world in a responsible, civil, and ethical manner.

 

Community Involvement Requirement

Every high school student at the Episcopal Cathedral School must complete a minimum of one-hundred hours of community involvement activities as a high school graduation requirement. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play in future social development. It is also an opportunity to inspire young people to make valuable contributions by supporting and strengthening their communities.

 

The community involvement requirement can be fulfilled by participating in a variety of activities, such as volunteering at a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or animal shelter. Students can also participate in community events, such as park cleanups or blood drives. The activities must be completed after scheduled class time and must not be part of a credit course or a paid position.

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Roles and Responsibilities

 

Students

• Plan and select appropriate community involvement activities in consultation with parents and/or teachers.

• Complete and submit the required documentation according to standard requirements.

• Complete community involvement hours to the best ability in a manner that demonstrates a positive work ethic and respect for others.

 

Parents/Guardians

• Provide assistance to their child in the selection of community involvement activities.

• Communicate with the community sponsor (person or organization) and the school Principal or program coordinator if they have any questions or concerns.

• Sign the required documentation if the student is under the age of eighteen years.

 

Program Coordinators

• Develop a list of approved activities.

• Develop the form on which students list their planned activities and the completed activities.

• Collect and store personal information in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

 

School Principals

• Ensure that the description of the community involvement requirement and an outline of the policies and procedures for completing the requirements are included in the school course calendar.

• Determine whether a student's proposed activity is acceptable, in consultation with the appropriate supervisory officer, if the activity is not on the approved list.

• Indicate on the Student Transcript when the student has met the community involvement requirement.

 

Community Sponsors

• Provide students with a safe environment to fulfill their community involvement activities.

• Provide any training, equipment, or special preparation that is required for the activity.

• Verify the date(s) and the number of hours completed on the Student Record of Community Service Hours, and sign the sheet for approval of the hours worked.

 

Eligible Community Involvement Activities

 

Fundraising

Canvassing, walk-a-thons, celebrity games, gift wrapping, gala events, and sales for charitable purposes (not during scheduled class time)

 

Sports/Recreation

Coaching, helping to organize winter carnivals, parades, and summer fairs (not during scheduled class time)

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Community Events

Helping to organize special meets and games, and volunteering as a leisure buddy or pool assistant

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Community Projects

Participating in organized food drives, or support services for community groups

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Environmental Projects

Participating in community clean-ups, flower/tree planting, recycling, and general beautification projects and activities

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Volunteer Work with Seniors

Assisting at seniors' residences (e.g. serving snacks, helping with activities, or participating in visiting and reading programs)

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Committee Work

Participation on advisory boards, neighborhood associations, and regional associations

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Religious Activities

Participation as a volunteer in programs for children, child minding, Sunday School assistance, special events, and clerical tasks

 

Youth Programs

Volunteer assistance with the operation of youth programs such as 4H, Scouts, Guides, drop-in centers, breakfast programs, March Break programs, Leaders in Training, summer playground activities, and camps

 

Office/Clerical Work

Volunteer activity in reception, computer work, and mailings for individuals or groups providing charitable or general community benefit

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Work with Animals

Volunteer involvement with animal care, horseback riding programs, or volunteer assistance at a local zoo or petting farm

 

Arts and Culture

Volunteer assistance at a gallery, performing arts production or program, or in a community library program

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Activities for Individuals

Any volunteer activity that assists someone who requires assistance for shopping, tutoring, housekeeping, writing letters or transcribing, or involves; hospital visitation, voluntary involvement with chronic care, or service as a volunteer reading buddy

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School Community Service

Service within the school community that provides benefit to others that takes place outside the regular school day. Must be approved by the school principal in advance.

 

Approval Process

If an event or activity does not clearly fall within the guidelines, the school principal has the discretion to approve or reject any activity or event that does not conform to the guiding principles and ethical standards for approved areas of involvement for students.

 

Guiding Principles and Ethical Standards

• Activities must be safe and appropriate for students of all ages.

• Activities must not conflict with the school's curriculum or extracurricular activities.

• Activities must not require students to work outside of school hours during the regular school week.

• Activities must not involve any form of discrimination or harassment.