Community Service
Community Service is making a difference through actions of caring for others, either in the school or in the community. It includes direct service, indirect service, and advocacy/research.
Adapted from the State of Maryland definition of Service-Learning
Community Service Expectations
Grade 9 and 10 students will be required to join at least one ISB service club or council to meet their service experience requirements. In order to fulfill the service requirements, students will have to demonstrate commitment by attending most meetings and providing evidence of their involvement in the club’s activities/events. Special circumstances can be considered for students that apply and schedule an interview with the CAS & Service Learning Coordinator.
Grades 11 and 12 will use CAS as their guide as they manoeuvre through all the expectations of their academics and co-curricular activities.
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
CAS is an acronym that stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, which is a mandatory component for all Grade 11 and 12 students. The CAS program is designed to provide students with opportunities to develop their creativity, physical fitness, and commitment to community service.
Creativity refers to the development of artistic, musical, or other creative skills, such as writing, painting, filmmaking, or drama. In the CAS program, students are encouraged to engage in creative activities that challenge them to explore their talents and develop new skills.
Activity focuses on physical fitness and wellbeing. Students are required to participate in sports, outdoor activities, or other physical activities that promote healthy living and an active lifestyle. Activities may include team sports, individual sports, fitness classes, or outdoor expeditions.
Service involves volunteer work and community service. Students are expected to engage in meaningful service projects that benefit their community or society as a whole. Service projects may include working with children, the elderly, or the disabled, or participating in environmental conservation projects.
The CAS program aims to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically competent but also socially responsible and active members of their communities. By engaging in creative activities, physical fitness, and community service, students are encouraged to develop their interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of social responsibility.
Examples of Community Service
Students can get involved in service activities like teaching MS students through our Peer Tutoring Program, joining our annual Junior Special Olympics, teaching an adult through our club English Service Project, raising money and awareness for those in financial need, attending our annual Operation Smile mission, organize a poster campaign for the needs of autistic children, working with our community Bumble Bee Free Library, and many more. Students can also volunteer to help local communities close to ISB. The opportunities are endless and organic as students take the lead to organise, plan and initiate new projects and events every year.
Community Service Graduation Requirements
Students are required to submit reflections on and verification of their commitment to community service experiences. A student must demonstrate commitment to community service experiences through continual involvement over time. If a student commits to an experience by planning with others, takes that plan to action, and demonstrates their commitment over time, they will be successful. Students are expected to participate in community service every year during their high school careers at ISB.
In 11th and 12th grade, students are expected to successfully complete the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program.