Westlake High School
27830 Hilliard Blvd.
Westlake, OH 44145
http://wlake.org
Dear Parent/Guardian, and Members of the Class of 2015, 2016 and 2017:
The Service Learning component at Westlake High School supports the mission of the District
and strengthens the belief that service is a value embedded in a well-rounded student.
Beginning with the Class of 2015, Westlake High School is implementing the Service Learning
requirement. Students must obtain 15 service learning hours per academic year, reaching a
total of 60 hours by the end of their Senior Year. (Due to the Project beginning at the start of
the second semester of 2012, the Class of 2015 will be required to complete a total of 53
hours required for Graduation.) The deadline for completion of service learning hours will be
May 15 each year.
At Westlake High School, we believe that service learning is a social responsibility and active
civic engagement promotes the qualities of good citizenship and extends personal growth.
Contributing to our community in an unselfish way is a valuable learning experience in
which our students realize that…
 There is value in learning opportunities that occur as a result of involvement in service
activities;
 a single person performing an act(s) of kindness does have the power to make a
difference;
 a feeling of personal satisfaction occurs when one contributes as a member of the
community;
Being a well-rounded student who is actively involved in school and the community is also
looked upon very favorably when transitioning to the next step in adulthood. This service
component fosters character building and teaches necessary life skills and values.
Aside from the obvious benefits from performing worthwhile service learning; our students
will:
 Experience a new role where personal capacities can be developed,
 Improve our environment and stretch their cognitive abilities,
 Work cooperatively with others from different backgrounds,
 Serve in multiple capacities and different roles in a group,
 Learn the importance of confidentiality, punctuality, and consistency,
 Participate in “silent” initiatives that are philanthropic in nature,
 Meet new people with similar and diverse interests,
 Develop new interests that could have a profound effect on future endeavors
and/or careers,
 Obtain a better understanding of social processes and how institutions and
organizations operate,
 Connect service learning experience with their high school setting or current course
curriculum
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives, and to
contribute to society