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"Being
able to spend time instead of just making a donation is the most important part
of service learning, because the more hours you put into an organization, the
more you care about the people who come there."
— a Latin sophomore |
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Click here to download the 2005-2006 Service
Learning Handbook (PDF).
At Latin, students join a community that is very serious about its opportunity
to make a difference in the world. That is why community service is a required
part of the curriculum, and has been for – years. Every tenth-grader
takes a year-long service learning course, which combines a minimum of 40
hours of direct service in a field site with a weekly class that provides
time and opportunity for reflection. Representative field sites include the
Rehabilitation Institute, the Inspiration Cafe, Deborah’s Place, and
Misericordia.
Many students continue volunteering at their tenth grade sites for the remainder
of their high school years. Through the Upper School Service Club, students
participate in a wide range of activities, including a toy drive, a Thanksgiving
pie bake, food and clothing drives, Rebuilding Together with Christmas in
April, Habitat for Humanity, and participation in walk-a-thons that benefit
AIDS research, March of Dimes, and other charities.
Several times a year the entire community has a chance to participate in school-wide
service projects organized by the service learning office, student government,
or service-related student clubs.
Focus on High Jump
Among the potential work sites for your volunteer work is an academic enrichment
program for middle school students that Latin hosts called High
Jump. Started in 1989, the program has helped hundreds of academically
talented students find success in top high schools in Chicago and around the
nation, including at Latin. High Jump runs its classes on Saturdays during
the school year and during intensive summer sessions.
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