MERCY MATTERS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM

One of the distinctive elements of Maryville Christian School is the fact that we are committed to developing a heart to serve others and thereby be a witness for Jesus Christ.    A part of this overall commitment is the “Mercy Matters” program for the upper grades.

Maryville Christian School is honored to be engaged in the education of tomorrow’s leaders who will impact their communities (both Christian and secular) with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is to that end that the “Mercy Matters” program exists.  There are two fundamental assumptions upon which this important MCS program is based:

1. A true leader must be a servant. (Matthew 20:26)
2. The true message of the gospel is summed up in the words of Jesus when he stated that the greatest commandments were to love God and love others.  (Matthew 22:37-40)

Therefore, the Mercy Matters program seeks to provide students with opportunities for experiences in service that will be as invaluable as their academic training.  Every community in which they live throughout their lives will have a great need for volunteers and civic leaders who are willing to give unselfishly of their time to help others.  Beyond this ever present need, it is what our Lord expects of us as Christians who should be loving and serving their world for Him.

It is desired that, through this program, the experiences of students in serving their communities will provide a foundation of contacts, resources, inspiration, and knowledge that can be taken with them into adulthood.  Mercy Matters is intended to be a learning experience upon which the student may continue to build.  Although the primary focus of the program is serving others, it is hoped that it may also result in other benefits, such as developing people skills, gaining a sense of responsibility, and providing an opportunity to be a witness in the community.

The Mercy Matters program is one of some magnitude and requires the utmost in cooperation from all parties.  Procedures and policies are listed below that include answers to the most commonly asked questions.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

1. This program will involve grades 8-12.  Other projects related to community service will be conducted in the younger grades.

2. The purpose of this program is to provide community service.  Any projects that benefit MCS or its students or families, while appreciated, would not qualify for credit.

3. All MCS students should exemplify the Lord Jesus Christ in their behavior at all times while serving in the community. Misconduct will result in serious disciplinary action.

4. Students will perform community service hours, and each Bible teacher will record the total number of hours each quarter.  These hours will be used to tabulate a percentile grade, which will be used as one fifth (20%) of the Bible grade each quarter.   If the proper procedures are not followed by the student, it may result in the rejection of the work or project by the Mercy Matters director, or the loss of hours (all or partial) spent on a project. 

5. At the beginning of the school year a list of volunteer organizations will be provided and posted on the Mercy Matters board.  Students are to choose only from this list of approved organizations.

6. Each student in grades 9 - 11 must perform 5 hours of community service for each quarter of the year.  Each student in grade 8 must perform 3 hours of community service each quarter.  Seniors will follow different guidelines listed below.

7. Specific guidelines for service opportunities:

·         All service opportunities must be done at an organization on the approved list.

·         Students must have parental permission to go to the location in the community.

·         The student must make contact with the agency and arrange for the time of service.  This is the student’s responsibility.

·         The student must provide his or her own transportation to and from the site of volunteering.

·         Dates and hours worked at the assigned ministry must be documented by turning in a Mercy Matters Verification Form to the Bible teacher.  The form must be signed by a ministry representative, parent supervisor, or parent.

·         Due dates for each quarter will be provided.  No exceptions will be made for forms turned in later than the published due date.

8. Students may perform more than the required number of hours in a given quarter.  In this case, the student has the option of getting extra credit for their Mercy Matters grade that is a part of their overall Bible grade, or the student may ask that the additional hours be carried over to the next quarter.  This can only go over to the next quarter.  For example, if a student has additional hours in the second quarter, they can only be applied to the third quarter. (Extra hours may not be carried over to the next school year.) 

9. The Mercy Matters project is counted as 20% of the final grade for each quarter in the Bible class for grades 9-11.  The grade will be determined as follows:

                        5 hours   =              100                         2 hours =               40

                        4 hours   =              80                          1 hour   =               20

                        3 hours   =              60                          0 hours =                 0

        For grade 8, the grade will be determined as follows:

                        3 hours =               100                         1 hour =                 35

                        2 hours =               65                          0 hours =                 0

Additional hours will be counted as one point for each hour performed.  For example, if a student in grades 9-11 does 6 hours, he/she will receive a grade of 101.  The maximum amount of extra credit allowed for grades 9-11 is 5 additional hours for a grade of 105.  The maximum amount of extra credit allowed for grade 8 is 3 additional hours for a grade of 103.  (As previously stated, the student has the option to either take extra grade points or additional hours can be carried over to the next quarter.)

Specifics for the senior class:

Mercy Matters in the senior year at MCS is tied to the senior project supervised by the senior English teacher.  The student will have two options for their project:

1.       The student must serve in the community at a specific place for their entire senior year.  They are required to put in a minimum of six hours per quarter.  The students’ service to the community through their chosen agency will be the basis of their senior English project.

(or)

2.       The student must create some type of ministry.  This ministry must originate with the student and be divided by the student for a minimum of six hours per quarter.  This ministry can be of service to the community, the church, or MCS.  This ministry will be the basis of their senior English project.  (Details for the project will be given in the senior English class.)

Whether selecting option 1 or 2, the student must have this project approved by the English and Bible teachers, and the administrator before it can begin.

Mercy Matters in the senior year will be a major portion of their senior English grade.  The project will have no impact upon the Bible grade.

Seniors can choose to do their project in conjunction with an internship.  In this case, the student would need to perform their Mercy Matters hours related to their project beyond the regular internship hours.  Students choosing to do the project in conjunction with an internship should realize that this project must remain service or ministry oriented following Mercy Matters guidelines and is subject to approval by the faculty and administration.