Dear Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors,
In light of our Distance Learning Program that takes effect shortly, I am writing to inform you of changes in this year's Christian Service requirement for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Our first priority as educators is to safeguard your health and security, so the policy modifications below support the CDC's recommendation of social distancing. This means that our current policy of encouraging face-to-face interaction with those in need is suspended while distance learning is in effect. Under these dynamic circumstances and to alleviate stress, I am liberalizing what qualifies as Christian Service and reiterating how to submit final Christian Service reflection papers as follows:
HOURS: Required Service Hours will remain 10 hours for the 2019-2020 academic year.
SUBMISSION OF HOURS: All hours must be verified and submitted on x2vol or by hard copy using the verification form (this form can be used by students in all grades). Hours may also be verified by an adult who sends me an email, accompanied by a student email who submits a photo of him/herself actively serving. (adjustment)
CAMDEN: All students who attended the DeSales Service Works retreat (Camden) may count this 4-day retreat for both their junior retreat and for the full 10 hours required for service. Please log and put Dr. Coolidge as the verifying supervisor.
DUE DATE: No change. The due date of May 1st for submission of verified hours and reflection papers remains the same.
ACCEPTABLE NON-CONTACT ALTERNATIVE SERVICE:
- Yardwork & gardening for an elderly neighbor, someone in need, or a non-profit
- Hand-made crafting -- knitting, crocheting, jewelry-making, decorating blank note-cards to be donated to shelters, orphanages, hospitals, nonprofits in need.
- Letterwriting and artwork to be donated to Holy Name School in Camden, NJ and to the Kasisi Children's Home in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa.
- Letter Writing to Virginia inmates as part of KAIROS retreats for the incarcerated (see your Christian Service MyDJO page for specific instructions).
- Powhatan Nursing Home Partnership - Senior living residences are mostly closed to visitors. Jordan Yates, Powhatan activities director and O'Connell neighbor welcomes the following from our students (home-made board games, fun instructional iMovies, taped musical performances, seniorize athletic routines with playlists, armchair travel presentations, etc. See your Christian Service MyDJO page for specific instructions and guidelines).
- Environmental Clean-up that minimizes social contact.
- Superdance committee members/co-chairs are still eligible for 5 hours of Christian Service if verified by Mr. Buckreis. You must log this service.
- Conduct Research for Christian Service: Research and design a service project that can be implemented upon return to school or for future students. [For example, research and put together a portfolio on service programs for students desiring to take a gap year post-high school graduation. Or, research a topic of humanitarian injustice, like human trafficking, and compile a list of service organizations working to end the practice including how to get involved.] Be creative and explore what you want to learn and how you can turn that into a product from which others can benefit.
- Create your own service project: Drawing on your creative ingenuity, design and implement a service project that will benefit others, especially those that may be shut-in. For instance, one of our students is exploring taping herself signing the Mass for those who are deaf in her local church. Please email your idea to Dr. Coolidge for approval.
FINAL REFLECTION PAPERS REMAIN DUE MAY 1st.
Following the instructions posted on your MyDJO Christian Service page, submit your 300 word typed reflection paper to your x2vol account. Enter it as "add hours" like you would any service performed. Title the event "Reflection Paper" and put Dr. Coolidge (jcoolidge@bishopoconnell.org) as the supervisor and I will be notified of your submission by email. List the entry as .25 hours and upload your paper under the "add document" feature.
If you or anyone in your household becomes ill or immunocompromised, and you are unable to complete these requirements, please notify me and I will address the issue of accommodations. Please make sure you have parental/guardian permission before you proceed with any out-of-the-home service. Remember to use discretion as your safety, and that of your family, is of paramount importance.
In Christ's love,
Dr. Coolidge
Christian Service Coordinator