File:  JN - Community Service

NOTE: While Colorado school districts are not required by law to adopt a policy on this subject, some content in this sample reflects legal requirements school districts must follow. This sample contains the content/language that CASB believes best meets the intent of the law. However, the district should consult with its own legal counsel to determine appropriate language that meets local circumstances and needs.

The Board recognizes that community service can teach students the importance of being good citizens and taking an active role in their community. Service-learning experiences motivate students by letting them apply what they are studying to local needs and problems and by showing them that they can make a contribution to their community.

A voluntary community service and service-learning program will be coordinated in each high school by ______________. To encourage students to actively participate in these experiences, the district will recognize students with a certificate of community service. The minimum number of hours of community service or service learning necessary to qualify for this certificate is _____________ . The certificates will be awarded annually by each high school in a manner deemed appropriate by school administration. The receipt of such certificate will be noted on the student's official transcript.

Community service recognition will not be available for any activity for which a student receives compensation, or for those performed within the school in which the student is enrolled or those required by court order.

The Board supports the integration of community service activities within the curriculum so as to enhance learning in all subject areas. The Board encourages staff to collaborate with local public and nonprofit agencies in order to develop service-learning activities that meet educational objectives and also relate to community efforts to meet human, educational, environmental or public safety needs.

(Adoption date)

LEGAL REF.: C.R.S. 22-32-137 (local boards encouraged to adopt a policy to encourage students to engage in community service or service-learning and to recognize their contributions to their communities)

COLORADO SAMPLE POLICY 2006