Purpose of Program
To promote volunteerism and to encourage students to take part in their community, students may earn a Silver Service Cord to be worn on their gown at graduation, which indicates significant hours of volunteer service during their enrollment at Anamosa High School.
Silver Cord Guidelines
From the time students enter high school until April 30th of the year they graduate, students who earn a total of 120 hours of service earn a silver cord. Students are encouraged to average 30 hours of service per year. Students who earn 30 service hours each year will be recognized in May of that year with their name on a recognition board and a certificate).
Special consideration may be given to students who move into the district after beginning their high school career or for other special circumstances.
Volunteer Information
Opportunities are available on the Silver Cord board outside of Mr. Smith’s room, in mass emails, newsletters, school newspaper, and announcements. Accrued hours are documented, tracked, and tabulated by Ms. Sutliff. Students may begin working on their hours after the last day of 8th grade. All hours for seniors must be turned in by May 1st.
Documentation
Hours must be signed and documented by a service project supervisor or they will not be accepted. Hour sheets must be filled out and signed. Hours will be maintained by Ms. Sutliff and the Guidance Office, but copies should be maintained by the student, as well. Parents should not sign as documentation unless previously arranged. Hours should be turned in immediately after the activity, but will be accepted up to one month after the activity. You can download the Silver Cord Service Completion Form and copies are available in the Guidance Office and on the Silver Cord Bulletin Board.
What Counts
Any service (volunteer, not for pay) performed in the within the Anamosa Community School District communities or within our greater “global” community. Any activity posted on the Silver Cord board, announcements, or in AHS Publications. If you do not see your activity listed, it is recommended that you get prior approval from Ms. Sutliff to make sure it will apply to silver cord hours. If your activity takes place outside of the Anamosa Community School District, you should also request prior approval.
What Does Not Count
Court-ordered community service, practicums/internships, job shadows, any work done for school credit. No work for relatives, any work done for pay. No unsupervised work.
Final Notes
The class of 2016 and all classes after should earn a total of 120 hours prior to May 1st of their graduating year.
Why participate in Silver Cord?
- We all have a responsibility to contribute to the common good and do our part to help make the world a better place.
- Giving of ourselves and serving others helps us feel more positive about ourselves, a feeling of “I am making a difference”.
- Having a record of participating in community service enhances your chancing of qualifying for college scholarships.
- Listing a participation in community service on you resume says something about your character and makes your resume stand out from others and increases your chance of getting called in for an interview.
- Participating in a variety of community service projects can be a great way to explore potential future careers to see if they are a good fit for you.
- Participation can be a good way to make new friends.
- The networking that takes place during service work could potentially lead to a future job.
