Graduation Requirement: Class of 2027 and Beyond - Community Service Learning

The LEARNS Act 237 states a student must complete a minimum of 75 hours of documented community service in grades 9-12. This requirement begins with the graduating class of 2026-2027, our current juniors, and does not impact our current senior class.

The minimum number of community service hours for each grade level are the following:

Students in 9th grade: 15 hours
Students in 10th grade: 20 hours
Students in 11th grade: 20 hours
Students in 12th grade: 20 hours

Students attending the Cabot Public School District will earn a total of 75 community service learning hours through embedded activities during the school day.

Our current ninth grade class will earn their 15 hours through their Keystone class at Cabot Freshman Academy. Activities during the freshman’s C2G time will also be offered to students to receive their hours toward Community Service Learning.

As students move to the high school, these hours will be connected to the curriculum and earned throughout the school year. Additionally, students have the option to bank hours as well if they receive community service learning hours through various activities with clubs or volunteer organizations.

Students at Cabot Panther Academy will earn these hours through on-campus activities as they begin their 9th grade year.

Service hours should be documented by the student on their Student Success Plan, created during Keystone at CFA. Students that do not have an SSP can create one by clicking [HERE] and storing a copy in their Google Drive. This plan follows our students throughout their high school career. The hours will be tracked throughout their high school career, so keeping a log of activities is essential.

FAQ:

Q:  What if a student transfers to Cabot from another Arkansas school?
A:  The student’s previous school will need to send the hours earned to their current school. Any student attending an Arkansas public school in grades 9-12 must have at least 75 total hours before their senior year. If no hours are received, the school will work with the student to make up hours.

Q:  What if a student transfers to Cabot from a private school or school outside of Arkansas?
A:  Students transferring into a public school district after 9th grade must meet the minimum requirement for each year they attend a public school district in Arkansas. For example, a student moves to Arkansas from a different state in 11th grade. The student would need to accrue 40 hours of community service to graduate.

Q:  Where can students earn hours outside of school? What counts as community service learning and what doesn’t?
A:
1.  Community Volunteering

• Local Nonprofits: Students can volunteer at local nonprofits such as food banks, animal shelters, libraries, and community centers. This could involve organizing donations, assisting with events, or helping with administrative tasks.
• Community Events: Many towns and cities have festivals, fairs, or other community events where volunteers are needed. Students can assist with setting up, managing booths, or cleaning up afterward.
• Environmental Projects: Students can participate in park clean-ups, tree-planting events, or other environmental initiatives hosted by local organizations.

2.  School-Based Opportunities

• Many of our clubs and organizations provide opportunities for service hours through various service projects. The service hours or projects are not grade-related. These hours can count towards the required 75 hours of service.

3.  Religious or Cultural Organizations

• Many religious and cultural organizations offer volunteer opportunities. This might involve helping with events, assisting in the organization’s community outreach programs, or performing tasks that support the organization’s mission.

4.  Local Government or Civic Engagement

• Students can get involved in civic organizations or local government events, such as voter registration drives, city council meetings, or community planning events.

Additional questions can be addressed to the Community Service Coordinator at your child’s school:
CFA: jeanette.dejesus@cps.k12.ar.us
CHS: adam.koehler@cabotschools.org
CPA: kelly.howard@cabotschools.org