AGS Gives Back
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Why serve?
In the International Studies Schools Network, students are prepared to be active global citizens by engaging directly with local, national, and international communities. To be honest, though, most people who serve others say they learn the most about themselves in the process.
What is community service?
This is a learning strategy that asks students to apply knowledge and skills from school to research, identify, and address community needs. This scenario focuses as much on the learner and the process as the intended recipient. In service-learning, the student is often the designer/organizer of the experience.
What is service-learning?
This is a learning strategy that asks students to apply knowledge and skills from school to research, identify, and address community needs. This scenario focuses as much on the learner and the process as the intended recipient. In service-learning, the student is often the designer/organizer of the experience.
So what’s expected of me?
We want you to participate in community service and service-learning activities. Each year, students should strive to earn 30 points (for a total of 120 by May 1 of your senior year). Since AGS is in a fledgling state, still growing in design year by year, there is an adjusted expectation for some of our earliest graduates seeking the full AGS endorsement:
How do I earn points, and who keeps track of my total?
A point equals an hour of service, in most cases, but you may also earn points for things that go beyond time involved. If you organize an event, for example, you might earn 5 service points. If you donate three cans of food for a school-related food drive, that might equal one service point. When service school-related service-learning, teachers will communicate possible points to you in advance. Community service completed outside of school will all be calculated with the “one hour = one point” formula; organizers or supervisors of the service event will be asked to sign off on your participation by completing a Site Visit Verification Form. All points will be documented on a service log that will be kept in a binder in your English teacher’s classroom. In May of each year, all service will electronically logged and verified by your English teacher. (Additional Logs and Site Visit Verification Forms are available in the AGS Office, in your English teacher’s room, and online at www.agsaustin.org.)
A note from the Director regarding community service
Site Visit Verification Form - Print one of these forms to take to an off-campus service opportunity. As soon as you finish your event, turn in this signed form to the service log binder in your advisory teacher’s room.
Electronic Logging System: - After your English teachers have introduced you to this electronic service survey, click here to enter the points you have earned this year. (Parents, this activity will be monitored at school. Students should not use the survey prior to teacher instruction.)
Fill Out Your Service Log Here - English teachers will keep all logs in a binder for point collection and verification. When you turn in Site Visit Verification Forms from off-campus service, or when you participate in AGS-sponsored service events, this log will be updated during English class. Teachers will verify points three times a year: in August, in January, and in May.
Need Help Getting Started? - Click here to see a list of websites for organizations that welcome teenage volunteers.
Student-Developed Directory - Do you know of another organization that encourages service among teenagers? If so, complete this Service Opportunity form and take it to your English teacher, who will make it available to other students in your grade level. If you have an idea for a service project that would involve all of AGS, pitch the idea to your English teacher and we’ll try to help you make it happen!
Need Volunteers??? - Fill out the form by clicking the link above and the AGS Community will lend a hand!