Service Hours Page
Community service has long been an important part of student life at Taravella High School. Our students have devoted hundreds of thousands of hours of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects.The School Board of Broward County has made community service (Service Learning) a requirement for graduation.
SUMMER SERVICE HOUR QUESTION FOR MR. FOSS?
Mr. Foss checks his e-mail all summer, so if you have a question or need information or instructions, you can contact him at rich.foss@browardschools.com and he’ll have an answer for you within a day or two. No question is too small. If you’re not sure, ask!FAQs
Students receiving a standard diploma must complete 40 hours of approved service. Students applying for the three Florida Bright Futures Scholarships have different service hour requirements; check Mrs. Kaplan’s BRACE page for details. Students who complete 250 hours of approved service are eligible to wear the silver cord at graduation.
Where can I perform my service?
You can serve at almost any non-profit agency or organization; public parks, libraries, hospitals, schools, churches or charities are typically acceptable. A pamphlet, "The Service Learning Graduation Requirement and the Student Volunteer Service Program," is available in the guidance office and will answer many of your questions regarding acceptable types of service. In addition, the Digital Bulletin regularly lists volunteer/service opportunities. Mr. Rich Foss is JPT's Service Learning/Volunteer Service Coordinator; check with him before you begin your service to be SURE your activity qualifies for credit. Hundreds of service opportunities are available at Volunteer Broward's web site http://volunteerbroward.org. It is also a good idea to review the Broward Schools student volunteer policies and guidelines which are available here:
http://browardschools.com/schools/service_learning.htm.
How do I keep track of my service hours?
You should record your service hours on a Volunteer Hours Log Sheet which you can download from this page. Take your log sheet with you every time you earn service hours; record the date, time and activity and have your agency supervisor/contact person sign it. When your record totals 40 hours you have satisfied the graduation requirement. You will also use the Volunteer Hours Log Sheet for any hours beyond the first 40. IMPORTANT: all volunteer activities beyond 40 hours must be approved in advance by Mr. Foss; you must submit a completed volunteer service application/approval form which you can also download from this page. When you submit service hours as a volunteer, you must also present your signed copy of your application/approval form. Application/approval forms are not required for school-sponsored activities. Check with Mr. Foss to be sure your activity qualifies for credit.
Where do I turn in my completed "Service Learning Record?"
All Service Learning/Volunteer materials are submitted in person to Mr. Foss. He is available in the guidance office on Mondays (after school), Tuesdays (all lunches) and Fridays (before school.)
Where can I get more information about Volunteer Service?
Mr. Foss is happy to answer any questions during his scheduled guidance hours or you can email him at rich.foss@browardschools.com.