The following overview contains essential and NEW information for you regarding service-learning.

According to the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), service learning is a teaching and learning methodology that connects classroom curriculum with identified community issues and needs. Service learning engages students in projects that serve the community and builds their social and academic capacities.

All CPS high school students must perform 40 hours of service in order to graduate. NEW--As of the 2004-2005 school year, all sophomores must complete 20 service hours in order to be promoted to junior status. Additionally, seniors must complete 40 service hours in order to graduate. Students should complete 10 hours each academic year to stay on track.

Service in the community

Students can go online and search a database designed by CPS (www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us). On this site, students will find a large list of agencies, a description of their mission, and contact information. Students can search opportunities by zip code and by issue area. These revised searches may help students better pinpoint more accessible opportunities and/or topics of interest.

Service hours in school

Opportunities periodically arise for students to volunteer for events at the school and teachers may also integrate service learning into the classroom. However, (NEW) Students can perform ONLY 20 of their 40 service hours at Jones. Participating in sports, clubs, or performance groups is not considered service-learning.

Service hours must be directly connected to a service project and do not include activities such as the following: attending a workshop, going on a field trip, working with a for-profit business, or working for a family member. If you have any questions regarding what is and is not acceptable, visit the following link: http://www.servicelearning.cps.k12.il.us/Guidelines.html or see Ms. Dulberg

Completing service hours

Service hours become official after the student has completed the service-learning forms, which includes:, a time sheet of the hours worked and reflection essay. Students will be credited with their service hours once these forms have been completed and turned in to the counseling office. Students may also pick up additional service-learning forms from the Counseling Office in Room 102 or online.

Tracking hours

Students can confirm the number of service hours for which they have been credited by contacting Ms. Dulberg or Olga in the Counseling Office. Additionally, service hours will be listed on all report cards.

If you have any questions regarding service-learning, please contact the counslers at 773-534-8750 or by email Other opportunities include:

Abraham Lincoln Center - Head Start Sites
There are 8 Head Start sites located on Chicago's Southside. Interested students can serve as teacher's aides and will need to complete a physical prior to serving.
Contact: Fessie McChristian 773/451-3360

Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago are always looking for mentors, tutors, art instructors, computer aids, and coaches/referees. They have locations all over the city.
Contact: 312/235-8000 or www.bgcc.org

CCC Society
CCC Society is looking for Interns to do office work and some technology work. For more information check their website: www.cccsociety.org

The Science Center
Meet you service learning requirements by learning, doing and teaching science.
For more information check out their website at www.iibbt.com
Contact: Prof. Haque at 312/243-7716

Hard Cover
2418 W Bloomingdale (Western and Armitage)
Students interested in video production are needed to help produce TV shows that feature teen issues. Students can help with production after school.
Contact: Tom Bailey at 733/278-8500

Hostelling International/Cultural Kitchen
24 E Congress Pkwy
Students are needed to help cook and serve food at HI-Chicago.
Contact: Megan Johnson at 312/583-2221

Inspiration Cafe
North and Southside locations
Students are needed to help cook and serve meals.
Contact: Maisie Tyler at 773/878-0981 x203

Jessie White Tutoring
Moody Bible Solheim Center
930 N. Wells
Student volunteers needed to help tutor young children after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-6pm.
Contact: Yvonne Jones at 312/943-4846

The National Runaway Switchboard
3080 N Lincoln
Students are needed to answer the runaway hotline to offer support for runaway, at-risk and homeless teens. Students will attend an intensive training before getting started.
Contact: Mollie Billette at 773/880-9860 x218

The Night Ministry
4711 N. Ravenswood
Students are needed to pack food and assemble hygiene kits for distribution to the homeless. Office support is needed as well. Contact: Gail Bernoff at 773/784-9000 x216

Pui Tak Center - Family Literacy Program
2216 S. Wentworth
Students are needed to tutor children and assist with arts and crafts programs.
Contact: Debby Lau at 312/328-1188

Uptown Neighborhood Health Center
845 W. Wilson
Students interested in learning more about the medical field are encouraged to volunteer in the medical records department.
Contact: Sharon Buffalo at 312/744-1938

Youth Coaches
Volunteer Coaches are needed to pass along their knowledge of sports in one of a number of Park District programs citywide.
Contact your local park district for more information.