Service-based Learning
Service learning in the Upper School is student-led and involves both individual projects and projects organized by school clubs and organizations. Service hours are not a requirement for graduation, but students in the Global Scholars program must complete 200 hours of service during their junior and senior years.
Community service is encouraged through both individual projects in which students have a personal passion, and through group efforts that result in a shared sense of community. Service to humankind is an opportunity for students to learn to give of themselves, committing their personal time, talents and abilities without expectation of credit or reward.
Students participate in a wide variety of activities, such as volunteering at a shelter for the homeless, tutoring Hispanic students at a local elementary school, raising funds and supplies for community and worldwide charities, and sponsoring and building a Habitat for Humanity home.
The school supports such efforts by providing logistical and resource support for Upper School students. Parents can get involved by suggesting opportunities for service projects and helping to arrange these opportunities.
Some organized service projects include:
Habitat for Humanity – With leadership from the Upper School Habitat for Humanity club, the whole school participates in raising a minimum of $60,000 to build a Habitat home every two years. Upper School students also get their hands dirty helping to construct the home. Park Tudor is the only school in the city to sponsor a bi-annual, student-run Habitat for Humanity home build.
Timmy Foundation – The Timmy Foundation works to bring better medical and educational services to the impoverished areas of countries such as Ecuador, Nigeria, South Africa, Jamaica, Guatemala, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Timmy Foundation Club members raise money to support these efforts and can attend a summer service trip to Ecuador, working with children in youth centers.
Spanish Club and Nora Elementary – Every Wednesday, Spanish Club members visit Nora Elementary School to work with third-grade Latino students, helping them improve their English skills.
Culinary Club – Through cooking lessons and sale of food products, the Culinary Club raises money to support various charities.
Student Government Efforts – The Philanthropy Committee of the Student Council conducts fundraising efforts throughout the year to raise money for Riley Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and the Timmy Foundation. Student Council also supports Service Saturdays at local homeless shelters and Project Elf to bring holiday gifts to students at an Indianapolis school.
International Efforts – Upper School students have opportunities to travel abroad in the pursuit of service projects. Students enhance their understanding of global citizenship through trips to places such as Ecuador, China and South Africa.