We will inspire our students to understand and serve the greater good. Minnetonka Public Schools Strategic Plan

Minnetonka High School students can earn a Varsity Letter by meeting specific criteria in the area of community service.

Students in grades 9 – 12 are eligible to apply and can earn a letter each year.

Varsity lettering criteria:

• 150 hours of unpaid, volunteer service completed in any 12 month period beginning the summer before 9th grade. At least 75 hours must be completed through one agency or for one cause to insure understanding and sustained commitment to a selected social issue that is personally relevant to you, e.g. homelessness, elderly care, poverty, literacy, environment, health care.
• A record of all service hours verified by an adult supervisor or parent.
• Two recommendation letters from organizations or people served describing your service, and performance.
• Reflection Project: A written reflection, journal, video, song, work of art, children’s book, presentation, interview with Ms. Johnson or other piece of work based on your sustained service with one agency or in one area of need.
• You must be academically eligible (2.0 or above GPA) and chemical free during the year to participate in this program.
• Complete the Minnetonka High School Application for Varsity Letter in Community Service

How do I record my Community Service Hours?

• Use the Varsity Letter Record of Volunteer Service OR President’s Volunteer Service Award tracking sheet.
• All volunteer hours recorded must be verified by the organization where service is performed, or by a parent or adult supervisor.

Letters of Recommendation

Obtain two letters of recommendation from the agencies or individuals you served.

Reflection Project
The purpose of the Reflection Project is to demonstrate your understanding of the agency or issue of interest by answering the following questions:

1. What is the organization, need or issue selected and why did you chose it?
2. Why does this issue exist and who is affected?
3. Who are the public and private organizations working on this issue and what is being done to address it? How are they succeeding and what are their limitations?
4. What did you expect to experience before you began volunteering in this area and how did your expectations differ from your actual experiences?
5. How did you serve? Describe your thoughts and feelings at specific times as you served.
6. Were there ethical issues that you encountered?
7. What new skills, knowledge and/or understanding have you gained?

You are encouraged to contact Sarah Johnson by email at sarah.johnson@minnetonkaschools.org or phone at 952-401-5766 if you have questions or wish to review your reflection before submitting it.