The Community Service Program of Westminster Christian School

Discover the Blessing in Community Service

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive!" Acts 20:35

Why should a student peform Community Service?

Community service broadens a student's learning experience through service activities that provide exposure to and engagement with the real needs of our community and world. Community service also involves students in activities that raise "ministry awareness" with the hope of nurturing a greater desire to serve in ways like that of Jesus Christ.

Is Community Service required?

Students in grades 9-12 are asked to serve in the community for a minimum of 40 hours. This requirement is necessary for graduation and will become part of the student's transcript. Students are encouraged to serve 20 hours by the end of their junior year.

Any student wishing to qualify as a Bright Futures' Florida Academic Scholar must perform 75 hours of community service.

How does Westminster define Community Service?

It must be voluntary:

• work that engages the student in the "actual doing" of service (i.e. time spent in preparation or transportation is not counted toward the requirement)
• work not done for pay

It must be a service to the community:

• work done outside regularly scheduled school and church activities
• work not for your family
• work not done for profit making organizations
• a project or activity that benefits a person or people in need
• a project or activity that in some way contributes to or improves the quality of life in the community or environment

It might be a spiritual ministry:

• an effort to address a particular spiritual need
• an effort consistent with the biblical philosophy of Westminster

Is any volunteerism Community Service?

No. The school reserves the right to approve all service activities. It is recommended that you check with Mr. Nolander before doing any community service to ensure that it meets the definition of community service as determined by the school.

What if I need help getting started, getting it done?

You can receive assistance through any part of the service experience from Mr. Nolander, the Community Service Coordinator (Room 202). He is available during regular school hours as well as after school. You may also reach him by e-mail at tnolander@wcsmiami.org, or voice mail, (305) 233-2030, ext. 355.

How do I record my Community Service?

Each community service effort needs to be documented. This means you need to submit:

• An hour by hour record of the time you spent serving
• An adult supervisor's evaluation
• A self-evaluation

Exception provision: In the case of a one time service effort, you only need a time sheet (short version) which includes a supervisor's signature and a brief description on the back.

Download your Community Service forms by clicking here. You may also request forms from Mr. Nolander in person or by email: tnolander@wcsmiami.org.