CAS Guidelines for Freshmen
Kristianna Luce, 9thGrade CAS Supervisor
- CAS stands for Creativity, Action, Service. As freshmen (and sophomores), you are only responsible for Service Hours. Creativity and Action hours will come into play your junior and senior years. This is meant to keep your introductory experience into CAS more simple during your first two years of high school.
- Freshmen are responsible for 35 service hours throughout the school year. You may count 5 hours from summer service. The service activities you choose must be approved. You may use the pre-approved service activities listed on the website or you may check with me or Ms. Morrison (the CAS Coordinator) for pre-approval of an unlisted activity.
- Make sure you turn in aCommunity Service ReflectionForm as documentation of the completed service hours. It must be completed in blue or black ink. Incomplete forms may not be counted (see #4). The reflection form may be found on the website. This must be signed by a supervisor other than a familymember.The form must be turned in by the 12th of the month following your service. For example, if you completed a service activity in September, you need to give me your completed reflection form by October 12th.
- Students are responsible for keeping up with their accumulated hours. It is recommended that students check with their supervisor monthly, and certainly after turning in evaluation forms. If a form needs editing or revision, the hours will not be added until the student makes the proper changes to the form. Remember, freshmen need a total of 35 hours by May 12th. Before and after school are the best times to see me. Sometimes quick checks can be made in between classes (that is not always the case).
- Investigate many possibilities. It is true that you will gravitate towards your interests, which is great. Consider expanding your horizons. Many students have realized they have new interests (even new career ideas) after a great service experience.
- Be familiar with the service guidelines. Doing a service activity and then finding that it cannot count toward your CAS hours can be very frustrating for parents and students. While service is almost always a rewarding experience, tight schedules usually require careful time-management. If you are ever unsure if an activity will count toward your hours, you may come and see me any time and I will be glad to clarify the unclear. Ms. Morrison, the CAS coordinator, is also a great resource.
- Common misconceptions re SERVICE:
- Religious activities may not be counted. However, if a religious organization is going out into the community to contribute in a secular manner, that could be counted. The best way to be sure is to check with me or Ms. Morrison.
- Typically clubs do not count. Band, Orchestra, and Debate do not count. However, if clubs are going out into the community for a service project, it might count. Again, the best way to be sure is to check with me or with Ms. Morrison.
- Tutoring a friend/peer or group of friends/peers does not count. However, going to an after school tutoring program like Los Amigos would count. Going to an elementary school and helping with their tutoring program, under the supervision of a teacher, counselor, or administrator would count. In general, tutoring outside of your peer group through anorganized program would count.
- Paper work does not typically count. Sitting in an office filing does not count. However, work with an organization like a senior center to help seniors with their tax filing would count. The distinguishing factor is working alone versus working with a “community of people” for “a community of people”. There should be interaction.
- Fundraising on its own does not typically count. Donations are not considered service.
- Babysitting does not count.
- Anything you do for compensation does not count.
- Service Activities typically need to occur outside of school hours. Check with me or Ms. Morrison if you have questions.
We look forward to a wonderful and successful freshmen year!