Community Service

Service—to those in our PCD school community as well as in our neighborhoods and around the world—is an essential part of a PCD day and building a life of character with purpose. PCD students routinely give of themselves—whether by helping a fellow student with a difficult math problem, serving meals at a local soup kitchen, or sending supplies to refugees in Burma. PCD students are the largest group of donors to the East Bay Community Action Coalition, and they are strong partners with the RI Food Bank.

PCD's formal service requirement for Upper School students reinforces the importance of giving to others and recognizes the efforts of students who extend themselves to do so. The school's Upper School community service requirement is as follows:

• Students must complete a minimum of 45 hours of service prior to the beginning of their senior year, with the recommended amount being 15 hours per year.
• All students are expected to participate in school-wide days of service when offered. 
• Students will be able to apply up to five hours per year of internal service to their annual total. Internal service denotes participation in school-wide service events and activities that directly benefit PCD. Internal service includes the Admissions Ambassadors program, Peer Tutoring, or another approved activity.
• Students completing service in their communities must submit written verification to their advisors and the PCD Community Service Coordinator.
• The school maintains a “bank” of resources for students seeking areas of potential service.
• The school recognizes students whose service exceeds 100 hours or whose service, in the judgment of the faculty, reflects excellence in terms of its commitment and impact.