Service-learning is an extremely important opportunity for each RHP and Renaissance student. Even in difficult times, it is important to give back and help those in the community. Unfortunately, due to the high-risk nature of service-learning, the Schools will not require students to complete any service learning hours for the 2020-2021 academic year. If students wish to participate in service-learning independently, the Service Learning Coordinator may share opportunities that include non-contact and socially distant options so that students may continue these pursuits despite quarantine status.
If you are planning on volunteering with an upcoming event listed on the service-learning document, please check with the organization to see if it has been rescheduled or canceled.
Please note: service-learning logs must be turned in to Adriana Alejandre (e-mail: adriana.alejandre@rollinghillsprep.org) in the front office to be counted.
Service Learning Information
Rolling Hills Preparatory and Renaissance Schools ensure that our students are connected to their community through a variety of activities. Our service learning requirement is closely tied to our Sound Character pillar as students gain a sense of personal and social responsibility while developing their leadership, cooperation, and teamwork skills through community service.
Whether they find themselves giving back to the local community or around the world, Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance students understand that there is an obligation to serve the greater good whenever you have the chance.
Requirements
All Upper School students are required to complete 30 hours of Service Learning per year. Upper School students may complete additional hours in their freshman and sophomore years and bank them toward their obligation for their junior and senior years. Seniors must present a reflection on their experiences to their advisory as part of their graduation requirement. They may present this in their junior or senior year.
Middle School students are required to complete 15 hours of Service Learning per year and present on their experience. Eighth grade student must present this during their eighth grade year.
All international students must complete at least 50% of their service learning requirements in the United States.
Options
The Rolling Hills Prep and Renaissance Schools Service Learning Program offers several ways for students to fulfill their requirements.
- Through opportunities announced at school by staff or faculty, such as the Blue Butterfly Preserve Workday, the Huskies with Heart Backpack initiative, or the L.A. Food Bank project.
- Pre-approved community service and service learning initiatives contained in this list.
- Individual volunteer efforts that are previously approved by Rachel Rubin, Service Learning Coordinator and World Language Department Chair.
Approval and Recording
To fulfill their requirements, students can participate in events sponsored on campus and/or with other philanthropic organizations. We provide a list of pre-approved opportunities, and many events are announced throughout the year. Students who wish to volunteer for an event that is not pre-approved (i.e., it is not on the School Calendar, on this page, or with a partner organization listed on this page) must email Rachel Rubin at
RRubin@RollingHillsPrep.org IN ADVANCE with the name of the organization and a brief description of the proposed volunteer work.
Volunteer log forms for all service work must be filled out, signed by a supervisor (who is not related to the student) from the organization for which students are volunteering, and turned in to Adriana Alejandre for hours to be counted. Hours must be turned in before the end of the current trimester to be considered for the Service Learning Honor Roll. Volunteer log forms are available in the office or by downloading from this page.
Head of School Honor Roll
Students will be placed on the Head of School Service Learning Honor Roll when they complete a minimum number of hours of volunteer time (15 hours for Upper School, seven hours for Middle School) in one trimester. Students may complete the entire Honor Roll requirement (45 hours for Upper School, 21 hours for Middle School) during the summer or in one trimester and remain on the Honor Roll for the year.
