Community Service and Service Learning

The service program at St. Timothy's is rooted in the School's philosophy, which states, “We seek to develop each person’s ability to live thoughtfully in a community of diverse and unique individuals so that each may become a responsible citizen in an increasingly complex world.” There are no substitutes for the integration of mind, heart and physical action in personal growth as true challenges are discovered and faced. The hope is that the larger community will benefit seeing such values as the pursuit of truth, worthiness of trust and kindness are put into action.

All students are expected to complete 40 hours of community service, in addition to the CAS requirements, over four years. Community service expectations are as follows: Threes and Fours (freshmen and sophomores) are expected to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community service over the course of two years. It is expected that at least 20 hours will be completed by the end of their Threes year. At least 50% of each student’s community service hours must involve working directly with people. In addition, this service must be: 1) completed while enrolled at St. Timothy’s school; 2) a non-paying job or task; 3) documented with a reflective journal; and 4) approved by the Associate Dean of Students before starting.

Fives and Sixes (juniors and seniors) are expected to complete a minimum of 150 hours of Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) over the course of two years. Participation in the CAS requirement encourages students to be involved in creative pursuits, physical activities, and service projects in the local, national, and international contexts. Participation in CAS encourages students to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

Creativity: This includes engagement in activities and arts that are outside of the normal curriculum where the student can reflect on her growth and progress in the activity. It is expected that the student will take on new roles whenever possible and challenge herself to try new things.
Action: This includes engagement in expeditions, individual and team sports, and physical activities outside of the student’s normal curriculum. This can also include physical activity required to complete creative and service related projects.
Service: This includes engagement in projects and activities where the student interacts with members of the immediate and larger community. Service activities should be designed so that students not only do things for other but gain an enriching experience by doing things with others.

The service element of CAS is, in itself, the most significant, but the two other provide access, balance, and flexibility to meet individual students’ interests and preferences. However, even more important in the model is that it is not just a matter of three individual parts: uniquely in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, it is the interaction of them all that creates the richness of CAS.

For more information about the CAS program and community service in general, please contact Ms. Tiki Ayiku, Associate Dean of Students.