x2VOL Blog: Tracking Service Hours at your School

There has been a significant loss of learning and development due to the pandemic. However, as the world emerges from the pandemic and students are able to return to a more typical education experience, there is a great opportunity for educators to help motivate students and re-engage students in service. 

As students heal from the impact of the pandemic and get settled in their new normal, it can be a challenge for them to feel the motivation to participate in extracurriculars and service. 

Allen High School, one of the largest high schools in the state of Texas is establishing a strong culture of service on their campus. In the fall of 2021, as a way to re-engage students in service after the pandemic, Allen High School hosted their first Eagle Give Day, a day of service on their school's campus. They hosted their second Eagle Give Day in March of 2022 and we sat down with them to hear how it went, what they learned, and the impact on the students. Their event was an incredible success as students had increased leadership opportunities and the opportunity to learn about service activities right in their own backyard. Hear more in our on-demand webinar above.

There’s no doubt that the past two years have taken a toll on students.

There has been a significant loss of learning, development, and personal growth. Students have experienced isolation from a myriad of social situations. Many students even began high school during the pandemic and didn't return to campus well into their high school careers.

While students are busy serving in their communities all year long, the holidays months are a great opportunity for students to give of their time and effort to benefit others.

Volunteerism and community service make the world go around on a daily basis. But what better time to serve your local or global community than during summer break! Students can use the time off of school to engage with their communities. 

This past year has been a challenging one for all of us. Students, in particular, faced a lot of roadblocks including being isolated and disconnected from peers, classmates, and their community while learning from home. 

However, as some schools plan to return to in-person classes this fall and nonprofit organizations begin to offer more in-person volunteer opportunities, students have the chance to get involved this summer. Community service is a great way for students to reconnect and re-engage with others and continue that vital personal development that sets them up for success in the future.

Christian Service Coordinator, Ogechi Akalegbere, is a service champion at Connelly School of the Holy Child. Her primary goal is to help her students connect to meaningful service experiences and projects throughout the school year. Through service, students learn about themselves and God’s love. Service is also an essential component to teach justice, peace, compassion, and faith to the girls. Sixth through 11^th grade are required to complete a variety of service hours anywhere from home, school, church to local nonprofits. Making sure students are involved with direct service is key to the Christian Service Program.

This past year students have had to get creative when volunteering and serving in their communities due to COVID-19. Service leaders have modified service programs. 

The holiday season may look and feel a little bit different this year, but serving others has never been more important! There are some in-person service opportunities that simply can't take place this year due to COVID-19, but there are still many creative ways to make an impact in your community this holiday season. 

Service has never been more important! Schools continue to modify and adapt their service program to account for the changes COVID-19 has brought to the education system. But one thing that hasn't changed, is students' drive to serve others and impact the world around them. 

School campus closures and transitioning to distance learning haven't stopped the students of Newark Academy from serving their community in powerful ways this past semester.