Community+Service

Students are REQUIRED to complete **//__30 hours__//** of Community Service in order to graduate.

You can complete your community service hours in any year (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th) but it is recommended that you finish your hours before senior year.

__**Frequently Asked Questions:**__ You can get a community service form from the Counseling Office at OHS (here is an electronic version of what you need: )Be sure to get a Supervisor's contact information and signature on your form. Make a copy of your completed form and submit the original form to your OHS Social Science Teacher in the time frame that they collect it (for me it is the last two weeks of each semester).
 * 1. What form do I need and where can I get it?**

In the past, it was required that you have community service pre-approved-that has changed. You are encouraged to speak to your OHS Social Science Teacher prior to completing service to be sure it would fall with District Guidelines (Revised May 2013, See here: ). However, most activities that are supervised, at a non-profit institution will count. Use good judgment and be truthful about your hours as they will be verified.
 * 2. Do I need to have community service activity pre-approved?**

No. You only need to submit proof of 30 hours of community service to graduate. However, you should be keeping your own records after the 30 hour mark in order to have proof for college or scholarship applications. Please note that there are various requirements that exceed 30 hours by most scholarship organizations. If you plan on going to university, you should look into long-term community service opportunities such as volunteering at hospitals or libraries.
 * 3. Do I need to turn in ALL community service hours done?**

First, think about what you are interested in and try to align your community service with your values or goals. For instance, if you want to be a teacher, volunteer at a school. If you want to be a doctor, volunteer at a community heath center. Try to network with adults your parents may know to find opportunities or conduct a simple google search of volunteer organizations that you can work with. Counselors can also help you identify community service opportunities.
 * 4. Where can I find out about scholarship opportunities?**

This form is only to be completed by 9th graders as a part of their 9th Grade Portfolio at OHS. You can find a copy here:
 * 5. What is a Community Service Reflection Form?**

Yes, please see this Power Point:
 * 6. Is there anything else I can look at to have a better idea of Community Service?**