![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-1200x900.jpeg)
![The girls varsity soccer team walk back to their bench during halftime April 1. The Jags played against the Castle View Sabercats at the Douglas County Stadium and scored 3-0 W. “It felt really good [to beat Castle View]. I feel like that was a big win for us because knowing that we came together to beat a pretty good team has definitely given us some leverage for this season,” attacking midfielder Grace Rossner ‘24 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DSC_4906-1-1200x1057.jpg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-1200x900.jpeg)
![At Prairie View High School, the winterguard team poses with their plaque after winning first place at their competition Feb. 24. This was the second time they won first place this year, this time with a score of 74.190 points. “I [love being] a witch, but my favorite [part of the show] is the trios, it’s so cool,” Heather Strickland ‘27 said.](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/PRARIE-VIEW-BY-MARGO-SANFORD-e1709531739910-1200x910.jpg)
Serving Through Springtime
Community service deadlines are coming up… here’s what you need to know.
media by Danny Curran
A graphic displays the Helper Helper logo to introduce the article.
March 5, 2023
January went by in a flash, and February followed suit. It’s as if you can blink and it’ll already be May. The looming anxiety of final exams — and graduation for seniors — only grows larger.
In Douglas County School District (DCSD), students are required to have at least 20 hours of community service logged across all four years of high school in order to graduate. At this point, for seniors who’ve been too busy to meet the quota, the due date of March 24 may feel incredibly daunting.
“What we want from graduates is a well-rounded student, good with math, science, English, social studies, a few arts and P.E., and active within the community,” guidance counselor Elias Solis said.
What are volunteer hours important for besides graduation requirements?
According to Rosterfy, colleges favor applicants with at least 50 hours of community service. There are also opportunities for receiving varsity letters, with a due date for applying March 24 as well. The requirements are:
- A letter of recommendation from a service work supervisor (100 hours)
- A two-page personal reflection on service work (250 hours)
- Submission of a portfolio documenting the experience, & the presentation of it at the Community Service Fair (500 hours)
- A formal presentation to a panel of staff members (1000 hours)
Where can I find organizations/submit hours?
RCHS uses the app Helper Helper, using DCSD emails for logins. The app is primarily used to seek out opportunities within the district area, and enter in hours for both past & current commitments. If needed, there’s an FAQ provided by DCSD and a tutorial from Helper Helper to provide assistance.
What doesn’t count?
Generally, volunteer work done for pay or badges, during the school day or for one’s family or friends isn’t permitted. In addition, only half of Senior Studies hours can be included for graduation credits and must be validated by the supervising teacher. This is not an exhaustive list, so further questions on what counts as a valid volunteer opportunity can be directed to Counseling Secretary Julie Burns at [email protected].
![In room 4101, Natalie Patterson ‘26, Ariana Magor ‘25 and Celina Salazar ‘25 create a poster in science teacher Kerry Reilly’s Chemistry Honors April 18. The three completed a worksheet and drawing to explain the implosion of a tank for their unit on gas laws. “At the start of class, we watched a video of the tank imploding,” Patterson said. “I think [making a drawing] is something new. I like more artsy activities.”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_5019-600x450.jpeg)
![English teacher Colleen Lamb grades College Prep English assignments during period two Nov. 10. Lamb, who has been teaching for 27 years, decorates her classroom with posters and handmade college flags from her senior students. Everything I enjoy about English happens primarily in the classroom, Lamb said. So, thankfully, the college [I worked at] had a teaching program, and I was able to do my post-grad work for free while I was working [there].”](https://rockmediaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_1158-600x450.jpeg)
