Downloadable Forms:

Community Service Form

Fine Arts Critique Form

Descriptions of requirements:

Community Service Requirements

Fine Arts Requirements

COMMUNITY SERVICE REQUIREMENTS 2010-2011

Catholic teaching and tradition stress the necessity of reaching out in love and service to one another, especially to those most in need. CCHS’s Community Service Program is designed to recognize and support the service that the students are already engaged in and to encourage the growth of the entire school community in this area.

Grade level requirements:

Middle School 6th = 5 hours; 7th = 7 hours; 8th = 10 hours;

High School 9th = 15 hours; 10th = 20 hours; 11th = 25 hours; 12th = 30 hours

Guidelines for students:
1. “Community” includes school, church, neighborhood, city, state, or world community. A guiding question to ask in order to understand the “spirit” of the community service requirement is, “Is this person (organization, etc.) in real need of assistance?” Since it is assumed that service to other family members (persons living in one’s household) is a normal part of daily life, such service will not count towards the requirement. Only one activity in service to members of the student’s extended family (grandparents, etc.) may be counted toward fulfillment of the requirement each year. The service requirement provides the student with an opportunity to explore new dimensions of what it means to be a person of service for others. Students are encouraged to take creative risks instead of simply trying to meet the requirement.

2. School community service hours include service performed outside of regular school hours. It does not include regular extracurricular activities.

3. During the summer preceding the academic year, students who have already attended CCHS may earn community service hours.

4. A minimum of three different service activities per year is required.

5. In order to reach out to the poor and disadvantaged (sick, elderly, mentally and physically impaired, etc.), a minimum of 1/3 of the required hours at the high school level and 1/2 of the required hours at the middle school must be performed in this area.

6. Students may claim a maximum of two hours per year for the collection and donation of clothing and other items to charities such as Goodwill. Additionally, students may claim a maximum of two hours per year for the preparation and delivery of food to charities such as Manna Meal.

7. A “Community Service Activity Form” must be completed for each activity, including the sponsoring adult’s signature and phone number. The activity forms must be submitted to the theology teacher during the quarter in which the service was performed in order to receive credit. Forms are available from theology teachers or from the web (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org).

8. Seniors must complete this requirement in order to graduate. In order to be exempt from exams in any classes, in addition to meeting the academic exam exemption requirements, seniors must have completed their service hours by the second Friday in May. Sixth through eleventh graders who have any hours outstanding at the end of the fourth quarter will have those hours doubled. These extra service hours must be completed prior to registration in August.

Community Service Clarification Regarding Artistic Performances

Charleston Catholic affirms and supports our students’ participation in the cultural and performance arts here at school and in the wider community. Generally speaking musical, theatrical, and dance performances and preparation for the performances will not be counted for community service credit. In much the same way, students’ participation in athletics is not counted towards community service. If a particular artistic performance is shared with a group in special need (e.g., a performance at a nursing home or at the Boys and Girls Club), community service may be earned. If students volunteer to teach others in any of the performance arts, or act as volunteers with youth sports teams, these hours may be counted toward the community service requirement. As always, students should check with their Theology teachers ahead of time for questions regarding the requirements.

FINE ARTS/HUMANITIES REQUIREMENTS 2010-2011

Focus on the Arts expands students’ involvement in the community, exposes them to a wide variety of experiences, and supports the artistic endeavors of the community. English teachers have details on the appropriateness of events submitted by students.

Grade level requirements: 6th: 1 event per year; 7th and 8th: 2 events per year; 9th –12th: a total of twelve events (with a minimum of 3 three per year). If a student fails to complete the annual requirement, he/she must complete double the number of outstanding events during the summer in order to be readmitted to CCHS.

Guidelines for students:

1. The following seven requirements must be included among the total number of events in grades six through twelve: one ballet; one musical or play; two classical music performances; one visual art display or museum visit; one festival; and one local color event (must focus on West Virginia or Appalachian culture). The remaining events are to be chosen from those above or such things as: other types of concerts (e.g. rock, country and western, jazz); lecture/public reading; historical site/walking tour; outdoor drama; musical events which do not fit in the categories already mentioned. Sporting events, ice shows, entirely food events, zoos/animal shows, or religious/ethnic observances may not be used to satisfy requirements. All events are subject to the discretion of the student’s current English teacher.

2. Events appearing on the bulletin boards outside the library or in the English hall may be used. From time to time announcements are made concerning suitable events and free tickets. Students are urged to check the appropriateness of other events BEFORE making plans to attend. While the focus is on area/West Virginia arts groups, events attended while on vacation out of state may also be used to fulfill the requirement. Students who participate in fine arts events will fulfill their fine arts requirement as well. Events completed outside of the school day are the only events that will be accepted.

3. Since many events could fit into more than one of the required categories, the student will decide on the category to be used for the event. After attending the event, the student will complete a two-paragraph critique form, available from English teachers or on the school website (www.charlestoncatholic-crw.org). These forms are turned in to the English teachers and kept on file.

4. During the summer preceding the academic year, students who have already attended CCHS may earn credit for fine arts events. Critiques for events attended during the summer must be submitted during the first quarter of the following school year to receive credit.

5.. The critiques must be submitted during the quarter in which the event occurred. The entire yearly requirement must be completed by the end of the third quarter for all seniors. Sixth through eleventh graders who have any missing critiques at the end of the 4th quarter will have to complete double the number owed. Outstanding Fine Arts critiques must be completed prior to registration in August.

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