Service Learning
Service learning means using our education to make a difference in our community—at school, in the surrounding area, and around the world. We strive to provide service to people, animals, and the environment, and hope to foster a spirit of respect and willingness to serve. We learn about the issues needing student service, then help our students understand how that knowledge can be employed to ameliorate the problem. Our mission is to foster respect and compassion for all living things, to promote understanding of all cultures and beliefs, and to inspire each individual to take action to make the world a better place for people, animals, and the environment.
Goals
- To enhance understanding of different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, and socio-economic levels.
- To implement positive change through active learning about, caring for, and interacting with the environment.
- To demonstrate care and concern for all animals.
- To help young people develop self-respect, confidence in themselves, and hope for the future.
We begin teaching our youngest students with these goals in mind. By the time they have required service projects in high school, we hope that they will have developed a passion for a cause, and their innate compassion will move them into action.
Service Project Examples
Annual all-school projects include a food gathering for Thanksgiving and the Wrap-In for holiday gifts. In the spring, we have several drives which benefit different causes chosen by our students. Some of the many ways in which CCDS students participate in worthwhile endeavors:
- Upper School students must complete 90 hours of service learning which is a requirement for graduation. For more information, please view our Service Learning overview.
- The Upper School and Middle School each have a service day in the fall. Students are placed by advisory at area agencies to work for the day.
- The Lower School host events throughout the year to benefit local non-profit organizations and charities.
