Community Service
The Community Service Program at Stuart models the Sacred Heart commitment to education that includes "a social awareness which impels to action." The program is designed to help students learn about the different needs of the extended community and to actively respond to those needs. It is an integral part of the Stuart curriculum. The program is designed to introduce the concept of community through the school and expands to encompass the world. A child in the Lower School is introduced to the concept of giving at an early age and shown the rewards of contributing in a positive way to her community. Middle School students have ongoing community service experiences throughout the school year that include activities in support of the children of Martin House, HomeFront and other local service agencies. Upper School students have a 50-hour community service requirement that they may complete during free school time, after school, on weekends, or during summer months, and may include activities ranging from volunteering with local agencies, participating in fundraising activities, or doing environmental work.
Service is viewed as an experience of both giving to and receiving from those encountered. Committing itself to "educate to a social awareness which impels to action," the program supports the Goals of Sacred Heart education with the following criteria:
- the school provides education in, and opportunities for decision-making in light of Gospel values
- the school provides experiential education that includes elements of reflection, analysis, and synthesis
- the school has programs that enable each member of the school community to be engaged in effective action for social change
- the school provides experiences of diversity which develop an understanding and appreciation of all people
- students develop self-confidence as they learn to deal realistically with their gifts and limitations.