St. Thomas Aquinas Academy does not require students to track service hours for the transcript or diploma, and these activities do not appear on the official transcript. Still, we strongly recommend that every high school student keep an activity file, and we mention it in every Semester Reporting Seminar. When college applications, scholarship essays, and job applications arrive, this file becomes a treasure.
Build a High School Activity File
A simple binder, folder, or digital file works beautifully. It is a catch-all for the experiences that matter to applications and résumés but do not belong on the transcript. Collect:
- Service and volunteer work — the organization, dates and hours, the specific tasks your student performed, and the supervisor’s name and contact information.
- Employment — employer details, job title and duties, employment dates, and the skills your student developed.
- Community activities — sports teams, choirs and music groups, 4-H, scouting, community theater, and any leadership roles, with coach or director contact information.
- Keepsake documentation — programs, certificates, photos, and letters of recommendation.
Gather contact information while it is fresh. Two years from now, when a scholarship application asks for a reference from “the coordinator of that food pantry project,” your student will be very glad the name and email are already on file.
A Habit Worth Keeping
Ask your student to write a brief reflection paragraph after each significant service project or job. These personal insights become invaluable when writing college application essays or preparing for interviews years later. Updating the file monthly or quarterly is plenty.
Resources and Related Reading
- Request an official transcript
- Physical Education Requirements for High School
- STAA Handbook, Part 3: Semester Reporting — available on the Student Zone at staahomeschool.com/handbook.