Council Rock Service Learning Program

• meet actual community needs
• are coordinated in collaboration with the school and the community
• are integrated into each student’s academic curriculum
• provide time for students to reflect, talk and write about their service activities
• provide students with opportunities to use academic skills and knowledge in their community
• enhance what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the classroom
• help foster the development of a sense of caring for others

• Understand the responsibility of citizenship
• Improve communication skills
• Improve problem-solving skills
• Enhance self-esteem
• Foster a sense of personal responsibility
• Acquire project-specific skills
• Address and support community needs through work with not-for-profit organizations/ activities
• Enhance school spirit
• Improve team-building skills

• Copies of the Service Learning Directory, which lists the participating community agencies and organizations, are available in the counseling office and library.
• Contact the not-for-profit organization/agency to arrange for an interview and to schedule service times.
• Obtain a Pre-Approval form for each activity/agency before participation. Forms are available in the LINCS office, Counseling Office, Front Reception Desk and can be downloaded from our website.
• Complete the Approval form and obtain the required signatures.
• Return the Pre-Approval form to the L.I.N.C.S. coordinator in each school building. A copy will be returned in homeroom when the activity/agency has been approved.
• Upon completion of the volunteer service activity, the Verification form must signed by the agency supervisor indicating the amount of time of service.
• The Verification form includes an opportunity for reflection after the activity, describing what the student gained from the experience. The Verification form must be fully completed for credit, and returned to the L.I.N.C.S. coordinator in each building.
• Approval and Verification forms must be submitted for each not-for-profit agency/ organization chosen.
• Completed forms for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students must be submitted prior to the last day of the current school year. (Example- Forms for service completed during 9th grade will not be accepted during 10th, 11th, or 12th grade.)
• All Senior L.I.N.C.S. hours are due by May 1.
• In May, all L.I.N.C.S. hours that have been verified will be totaled. Any hours submitted after May 15 will be included in the following school year’s total.

• Documentation on Transcript
• Acknowledgement on Diploma
• Recognition at Graduation
• Eligibility for Scholarships and Service Learning Awards

• The Council Rock Service Learning Program (L.I.N.C.S.) is voluntary, and the time must be served outside of school instructional hours.
• Volunteer hours must clearly serve the needs of the school or the general community.
• Students may not be paid for services rendered.
• Students may only receive L.I.N.C.S. credit for time served working with a not-for-profit organization/agency.
• Volunteer work done to promote a particular religion, politician or political party, or point of view cannot be counted as volunteer hours.
• Any volunteer hours served or required for class credit or school-sponsored teams, clubs and activities may not be counted towards L.I.N.C.S. hours. Hours of community service that exceed the membership requirement for that team/club/activity can be submitted for L.I.N.C.S. credit. Full documentation of additional hours with dates must be provided.
• Performances, parades or choir participation will be considered toward L.I.N.C.S. hours when it relates to a charity or community event only, is voluntary and is not a part of membership requirements. Full documentation of additional hours with dates must be provided.
• Only hours that have been submitted through both Pre-Approval and Verification forms will be included in the L.I.N.C.S. hours for each year.
• All agencies/organizations listed in the Service Leaning Directory maintain their own liability insurance coverage for students while they are performing community service.
• As with all educational programs, parent/guardian participation is important. Parents/Guardians and students are encouraged to visit the agency site before a student commits to service. It is important to learn what is expected of you.
• Students may develop their own independent service learning experience. These must be approved by a parent/guardian, the service learning coordinator, and verifiable by a responsible adult. The request for Approval must be submitted and approved prior to performing the service activity.
• Agency training/orientation hours/meetings do not count as service learning time.