In 1992, the Pelham School Board approved the Community Service Program in an effort to promote civic responsibility and to encourage Pelham youth to make a commitment to serve others. All students must perform and document 40 hours of service as a requirement for graduation. This requirement promotes service to society and enhances the quality of life for others. PHS seeks to guide students in meaningful community service and service learning. Parents and students are advised that college admissions and scholarship selection committees look most favorably on meaningful community service.
Community Service hours are required to be completed no later than March 15 of a student’s senior year.
Privileges such as parking passes and senior activities are dependent on hours completed. Junior students must have completed 20 hours of community service in order to be eligible for a parking pass. To assist in obtaining community service hours, the College and Career Counseling office sends emails to students with volunteer opportunities available. Students can also volunteer in many other ways. There are many local and community events and the hours served must be for the benefit of the community, not for the benefit of a profit-making business. If the activity has not been directly promoted through the Counseling Department, a Pre-Approval Form is required before beginning any service. Activities such as babysitting, yard or housework to help a friend or neighbor does NOT count toward the requirement. Community Service hours cannot be completed during school hours. Upon completion of community service activities, students must complete a Community Service Completion form and submit it to their school counselor within 8 weeks. Forms submitted later than 8 weeks will receive only half credit provided the forms are presented within the academic year in which they were performed.