- St. Augustine School -
Change the World!
Christian Service Program

The "Change the World!" Christian Service Program is an important element in the opportunities offered at St. Augustine School. Although participation in the program is completely voluntary, we hope that you and your child(ren) will benefit from the Good Will the program is sure to generate.

The families of St. Augustine's Catholic School are truly blessed with a wonderful faith community. Through this program, we envision our students growing in Christ's love and living the Faith we know and believe.

The program is named "Change the World!" because we believe that through the selfless giving of the students' time and talents  they are sure to make their corner of the world a better place to be.

Thank you for your consideration in participating in this worthwhile Christian outreach project. May God bless you richly!

St. Augustine School - Mission Statement and Philosophy

St. Augustine School has as its mission, the complete intellectual, physical, moral, and spiritual
formation of its students.

Students will be taught the importance of becoming a productive Christian member of family and
society. They will learn to integrate Scripture and Catholic Church teachings into everyday life,
transforming their faith into action.

The religious and lay people involved in educational ministry will promote an atmosphere
conducive to learning through their personal commitment to model Gospel values.

The school will continue in partnership with parents, the Church, and the community in guiding
each student toward reaching his or her full potential.

Approved by School Board, May 2004

Program Criteria

Activities should center around Christian service activities that help others. School activities (working concessions at games, helping with fundraisers, serving for Church, etc.) which are included in the student's normal responsibilities are also acceptable. However, a maximum of HALF of the recommended service hours can be obtained from school activities.  For instance, a 5th grader could earn up to 15 service hours from school activities, but the remaining 15 hours should be non-school related activities.

The intent is for the student to go above and beyond their normal activities to: enrich the lives of those less fortunate, help those in need, and to give back to God for their many blessings by leaving this world a better
place in which to live.

K - 3rd Grade: 20 hours of service
4th - 8th Grade: 30 hours of service

Students will be required to turn in Service Hour Verification Forms in their family folder as hours are completed, or on a weekly or monthly basis; whichever is most convenient. Only activities which meet the program's requirements will be tallied.


Monitoring the Program
A Home & School Association committee member will monitor the program. Mrs. Schott will collect all submissions at school. The committee will then review each submission and keep a log of each student's
achievements.

Recognition
Students achieving their Christian Service award hours and who submit the appropriate forms to the school office will be recognized in a special Mass at the end of the school year with a tangible gift in recognition for their service to others. By acknowledging those who give so much of themselves, we hope to instill and encourage Christian Outreach throughout their lives.

Acceptable Activities

You will find a partial listing of acceptable activities below. By no means is it all-inclusive. The kind of activities are only limited by the student's imagination and desire
to look beyond themselves and do good for others.
- Visiting elderly, shut-ins, etc.
- Visiting nursing homes and veterans homes -
provide activities and companionship for residents
- Providing services (mowing lawn, leaf pick-up,
cleaning house, etc.) for those in need
- Delivering Meals on Wheels
- Picking up trash around the community
- Assist Habitat for Humanity with trash pick-up, etc.
- Assist the Salvation Army by serving Thanksgiving
and/or Christmas Dinners
- Christmas gifts baskets and distribution to needy
families (Toys for Tots, Christmas for the Elderly)
- Organize can drives for FISH or local food
pantries
- Prepare packages for the military
- Participation in school fundraisers, etc.
- Participation in Jr. American Red Cross activities
(available to 6th - 8th graders)
-Volunteer at an animal shelter