Vechij Himdag Alternative High School’s Service Learners have volunteered over sixty hours each of service to the Community since August.
How can high school students gain work place experience, earn high school elective credit and give back to their community. At Vechij Himdag Alternative School students are doing just that by being part of the school’s Service Learner program. Students at Vechij Himdag who enroll in the Service Learning program volunteer after school and on weekends to help community organizations. For every 70 hours of service students earn a half of an elective credit that counts towards their graduation.
“I have learned that we can help our community by helping one another and that we can do better for our families – My future is in my hands,” said Miguel Ramirez, District 4.
Students who enroll in Service Learning must be work place ready. Students must have good attendance, be working steadily in their classes, have a good work ethic and commit to being alcohol and drug free. Service Learning students agree to random drug testing.
The school assists students who need help getting work place ready by assisting students in getting counseling services through the Community. Students receive feedback on their work habits and “people skills” from the volunteer organization as well as from the school staff. Most Service Learners also have their Food Handlers cards.
“What has surprised me about Service Learning is that the kids in Service Learning had to grow up,” said CeCe Enos, District 3.
Students at Vechij Himdag who enroll in the Service Learning program volunteer after school and on weekends
Vechij Himdag Alternative High School’s Service Learners have volunteered over sixty hours each of service to the Community since August. Students have assisted the Gila River Prevention Coalition at the District Three Block Party in October; Genesis at the Get out and Move It event in November; and the Gila River Prevention Coalition Anti Meth Awareness day in December. Students have also filled goodie bags for Gila River Early Childhood Special Services Kid fest in January and they plan on assisting the Ira Hayes American Legion Post No. 84 on Saturday February 20th for the 65th Anniversary Iwo Jima Flag Raising event. Students have popped popcorn, picked up trash, assembled lunches, set out chairs, served meals, taken out trash, assisted elders and passed out Frisbees and soccer balls.
“I just keep doing what is needed to be done. I get more respect for doing the right thing and can focus on my work better,” said Dallas Brown District 4.
Service Learners are moving into the world of work. This month, the first two Service Learners to move into School-To-Work internships will be working with Native Technology Solutions.
Community organizations that need helpers can call Vechij Himdag Alternative School at 520-562-3286
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