Community Service is one of our four pillars. We believe that serving others is a cornerstone of building authentic self-esteem in students. Each grade level participates in various service projects that benefit members of our school, local and global communities. Identifying the needs in these communities and finding ways to meet them is central to the learning process that accompanies all of our community service projects.
The following pillar document outlines the defining principles and background for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School’s approach to community service.
Background:
At BFCCPS, starting with kindergarten, our students are introduced to the concept of community
service. It is connected to the curriculum and matures through various local, regional and global
programs each year. These initiatives will build good character, self-esteem, respect for others and will
nurture confident and caring citizens – all while bringing families and communities together. Beginning
in the seventh grade, they will plan and execute their own service-learning, Capstone Project.
Defining Principles:
- We are part of many communities: family, neighborhood, region, global, etc. BFCCPS students
learn at a young age that they have the power to be a force for good. They learn the importance and
rewards of serving others and making our collective world a better place. This develops self-esteem
that will stay with them throughout their lifetime. - Hands-on efforts are encouraged as they create a tangible connection between students, the
community and the BFCCPS character education program. Group discussion and/or written reflections
are a part of each project. Fund-raising efforts may also be a component of some programs. - Each year, every student participates in at least one school, local and global community service
initiative. One of these initiatives is school-wide and year-long and culminates in their own Capstone
project prior to graduating the 8th grade. Students are encouraged to network with others outside of
BFCCPS as they develop their Capstone. - Community service activities incorporate learning objectives across the curriculum whenever
possible. Cumulative K thru 8 benchmarks in community service learning will be attained as student’s
progress through the grades. - The BFCCPS community (parents, teachers, faculty, alumni, etc.) is encouraged to engage in their
own community service activities as a means to lead by example. This will foster a tighter connection
between parents and faculty.
Pillar in Action: Community Service
Students in grades K-8 participate in various community service projects over their time. Below, please find the names of organizations that our students have worked with for their Capstone projects, or through other community service activities that would provide opportunities for families to do community service together. We encourage you to consider if any of these organizations might be a good fit for your family to provide service hours.
- New and nearly new children’s items are collected through grassroots community drives and corporate donations.
- Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers in our warehouse, The Giving Factory.
- Packages from The Giving Factory are distributed to local disadvantaged children through our collaborative network of diverse service partner