Community Service: Tikkun Olam | The Emery/Weiner School

In an effort to realize the principles of responsibility, honesty, and respect, and to live in the spirit of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the Community Service component of the Student Life Program provides opportunities for EWS students, faculty, and staff to work within our own environment and in greater Houston communities. Committed to direct human service and active involvement in community development, the members of the Emery/Weiner community have much to offer our neighbors and are keenly aware of how much our neighbors have to teach us.

The process of working with, learning from, and helping others gives participants a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential, and the hope that change is possible. Throughout the year, students have opportunities to make a commitment to an ongoing service activity, and to participate in intensive service projects which range from a few hours to several days.

Upper School students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service each year. Students must submit their hours through x2VOL, an electronic tracking system used to create the students' service portfolios.

Additionally, one day each winter, Upper School students participate in Tikkun Olam Day. Students select from over 25 local organizations and spend several hours volunteering at their desired location. Whether they are making sandwiches for Kids Meals, walking dogs at Houston Pets Alive, or reading to preschoolers at Nabor House, EWS students are collectively doing meaningful work throughout Houston alongside their classmates.

Presidential Awards

Students who complete 50 - 100 hours or more of community service in a calendar year (middle of April of one year through the middle of April of the following year) may qualify for a Presidential Service Award, depending on their age level. Students should properly document hours during that time. Hours must be submitted and verified through x2VOL prior to the annual deadline. Students will be notified via email of approaching deadlines, and announcements will be made regularly at assemblies. The Assistant Head of Upper School will submit applications on behalf of students who qualify for the Presidential Service Award. Students are presented with these awards during the Closing Ceremony of that year.