The mission of The Gateway S.H.S Community Service Program is to support, encourage, and guide students in serving the needs of their communities. Through these service experiences students learn valuable life lessons and develop a commitment to the ethic of community service. We recognize the most important resource in strengthening our communities -- our youth! The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program recognizes the talents and leadership abilities of Gateway students in ongoing leadership opportunities such as the United We Stand . . . A MUST Multicultural Program and Project Area Leaders in Service (PALS) program.
To aid in eliminating discrimination within the high school, Gateway Seniors provide a comprehensive, introductory multicultural education program entitled, United We Stand . . . A MUST Multicultural Program. Student leaders, selected by an open application process, facilitate this interactive workshop for incoming Freshmen in the Fall. These students serve as peer models to promote and educate fellow students on multiculturalism, diversity and tolerance. Through discussion and interaction, these student facilitators encourage the student body to recognize and achieve a better appreciation of the cultural diversity present in our school and community. Program participants gain valuable conflict resolution and cross-cultural communication skills. Our facilitators serve as responsible, mature role models that promote multicultural awareness and tolerance in all aspects of life. Our student leaders strive to build understanding within our school, creating a better learning environment for everyone. By celebrating the beauty of our diversity, the United We Stand . . . A MUST Multicultural Program aims to unite people of all shapes, sizes, colors, abilities, and minds together to fight discrimination and injustice.
Project Area Leaders in Service (PALS) is leadership development program for student volunteers who have displayed a deep commitment to serving others. Selected by an open application process, these students coordinate various aspects of The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program over the course of one school year. Our PALS serve to provide student direction to our service program while motivating others to provide the same dedicated volunteer service. Student PALS coordinate annual events and service projects such as the Unite Our World Multicultural Festival,the Charity Scavenger Hunt, and the Hunger Has a Cure Banquet.
The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program is a voluntary opportunity for high school students. Although our school district does not formally require community service for graduation, our service program advises and encourages students in their volunteer efforts. This program documents all student volunteer activities for the student's high school record. Student volunteers must return a completed documentation card to their Social Studies teacher for approval each nine-week period for every project completed. To promote good citizenship, the Gateway Social Studies Department awards extra-credit points to active volunteers in their Social Studies class. Offering additional incentives to volunteers, we recognize students' positive community efforts with prestigious awards, a year-end recognition party for all volunteers, and certificates of appreciation for each student participant.
The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program serves the students of Gateway throughout the school year and over the summer months. We hold a concentrated leadership-training program during four weeks in the summer, and our volunteers are helping others all year! Students are welcome to sign up for both group service projects and individual service placements in the Gateway Community Service Center, room 2210. A student activity allowance, community donations, and student fundraisers provide the necessary funding for the Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program's projects, leadership training, and recognition events.
Initiated by Social Studies teacher Robert Douds in 1991, The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program has grown to fulfill a need in our school for service leadership. Our program provides students with the chance to give back to their community, explore career choices, learn new skills, and most of all lend a helping hand to others. Students who become volunteers gain valuable life experience, develop lasting friendships, and realize a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Serving the unmet needs of our community, sharing our resources to foster change, providing guidance for our youth . . . these ideals create a pillar of support for students who wish to make a difference! All Gateway students, parents, teachers, and community members are encouraged to become involved in our school sponsored community service projects. For more information regarding The Gateway S.H.S. Community Service Program, contact Mrs. Leigh-Anne Weiss, Community Service Director at 412-858-1054.
