SERVICE LEARNING
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others
- Mahatma Gandhi
What is Service Learning?
Service Learning gives students an opportunity to learn and develop skills outside of class by engaging in meaningful community service. Service Learning enhances the TOPS (9-12) educational experience by providing a structure for students to work to solve important community issues and become active citizens in their communities.
TOPS Service Learning Requirement
Students are required to volunteer within their communities for a minimum of 25 hours per school year (students enrolling with us in the spring semester need only to commit 15 hours of service their first year with TOPS). Students must complete 10 service hours during the fall semester by Friday, December 20, 2023 and fifteen hours during the spring semester by Friday, May 10, 2024. Students also have the option of completing up to 10 hours of service over the summer.
In addition to logging the required hours each semester, students must also submit a journal entry (a total of two, one per semester) which reflects on their service experience. Journals need to be submitted under the Service Learning link in Homeroom.
How Does It Work?
Service encompasses many things. We have students that volunteer with the elderly, at state parks, through daycare centers, at sporting events, through community cleanups, and at food banks. The possibilities are limitless. Because TOPS students come from a variety of different communities across the state, it is best that students arrange their own volunteer experience; however, the Service Learning coordinator, Ms. Trivett, will help as much as possible. Students can find ideas for pursuing volunteer opportunities under the following links below: “Making Connections: Ideas for Service Opportunities” and “Digital and Socially Distanced Service Ideas.”
Service Learning is an essential part of being a TOPS student. Service will help you develop a range of skills that are imperative to your education, such as communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. We strongly believe in the merits of Service Learning; therefore, the community service/ internship requirement is required of all TOPS students and must be completed each semester. Students who do not meet the Service Learning requirement per semester will be put on academic probation until the service hours are completed. If students do not meet the service requirement for two consecutive semesters, they will be asked to attend a conference with the administration and their guardians.
Fall due date: Friday, December 20th, 2023
Spring due date: Friday, May 10th, 2024
Please follow the links below to learn more:
About Service Learning at TOPS
Making Connections: Service Opportunity Ideas
Digital and Socially Distanced Service Ideas
Log Your Reflection Journal Here
If you have any questions regarding Service Learning, please contact Ms. April Trivett at trivetta@tennesseeonlinepublicschool.org.