Algona High School

Algona High School Silver Cord Program

Encouraging volunteerism and community service by youth

Algona High School, as part of its mission to provide students with opportunities to develop to their fullest potential and become valuable members of society, implemented the Silver Cord Service Program beginning with the 2002-2003 school year. Students who interact positively within their community will not only benefit the community but will also develop their own leadership and citizenship skills. To encourage and reward volunteerism and community service, the Silver Cord program will recognize students each year who have made contributions to their community through service.

Seniors who have completed a minimum of 140 hours of volunteer service during their high school career will be awarded the silver cord and recognized at graduation. It is suggested that students compete 35 hours of service activities per year to reach the total 140 hours. However, students may accumulate their 140 hours in varying amounts during their four years of high school. Students working toward their silver cord should refer to the list of ideas for volunteer activities or contact one of the Silver Cord Committee members for assistance or approval of an activity they would like to complete that is not on the list. Verification forms must be completed for each activity for which a student volunteers. These forms should be submitted to the Silver Cord Committee sot hey can be added to the student's service file. To be considered, verification forms must be completed and submitted by the end of the school year for any service activity completed during that school year or the previous summer.

Ideas for service

• Volunteering for community service organizations

• Reading to the elderly

• Assisting elderly community members with household chores

• Volunteering for church projects

• Helping to improve school grounds

• Shoveling sidewalks/raking for the elderly

• Cleaning ditches or other public areas around the community

• Assisting with Special Olympics

• Assisting at a hospital, shelter, day care, or nursing home

• Beautifying community property (main street, parks, etc.)

• Volunteering for school-sponsored. activities (such as track meets, music contests, quiz bowl, etc.)

• Volunteering at the YMCA or as a Y-Pal

• Blood drives

• Volunteering to help coach younger children in sports

• Volunteer tutor for younger children

• Volunteer counselor at a camp

• Serving as a youth member of the School Board, Chamber of Commerce, or City Council

• Attending School Board, Chamber of Commerce, or City Council meetings

• Other service activities as approved by the Silver Cord Committee

• Community service with fulfills course requirements for Peer Helping or Leadership class may be sued, up to a maximum of 10 hours

• Community service which fulfills requirements for an Eagle Scout badge, up to a maximum of 10 hours

Please feel free to share any other ideas you may have for service with the Silver Cord Committee.

Activities that are NOT acceptable to fulfill service hours

• Doing chores at home or helping friends/family members

• Attending church or Sunday School or participating in a church service

• Babysitting for a younger sibling

• Working on the family farm

• Completing ANY task for which you receive money

• Doing extra credit homework or helping a teacher with classroom management tasks

• Participating in extra-curricular activities, including concession stand work that benefits the group

• Court ordered community service tasks

• Visiting and elderly relative within your family

• Minor acts of kindness (holding a door open, etc.)

• Working for a PROFIT organization for free

• Working for a political party or campaign

• Good Conduct violation community service hours

Silver Cord Verification Form