Student Service Learning
Student Service Learning Coordinator: Ken Cudd
Athletic Office - Room 168
Telephone: 301-962-5936
What is Student Service Learning (SSL)?
- A Maryland State Department of Education high school diploma requirement.
- A teaching method that combines academic instruction, meaningful service, and critical reflective thinking.
- Activities involving phases of preparation, action, and reflection.
What are the guidelines for SSL?
- All activities must be performed through a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization in a public place.
- All activities must be secular in nature, based on a recognized need in the community and completed outside of the instructional day.
- The supervisor must be over 18 years of age and someone other than a member of the student’s family.
- The activity must be performed without financial compensation.
- One service-learning hour must be awarded for one hour of service, maximum 8 hours per 24 hour period.
How many SSL hours are required for graduation?
- Beginning with the class of 2011, students are required to have 75 hours completed for graduation.
- Students who enter MCPS after sixth grade will have a prorated total for graduation.
- See the SSL Coordinator for specific information about prorated hours.
(number of SSL hours required is also based on the number of years in Montgomery County Public schools)
How are SSL hours documented?
- All SSL hours must be documented using MCPS Form 560-51: Student Service Learning Activity Verification. These forms are available in the Guidance Office and in Room 168
- Student performance toward meeting the SSL graduation requirement appears on the report card every nine weeks.
How can students earn SSL hours?
- Full participation in school-sponsored clubs and organizations that address recognized community need. The teacher/advisor verifies the SSL hours.
- Full participation in service learning opportunities in the community with nonprofit, tax exempt organizations that are pre-approved for SSL.
- Successful support for a staff member.
- See www.mcpsssl.org for more ideas.
What should seniors know about SSL hours?
- SSL requirements must be completed by May 25, 2012.
- Each high school graduate who documents 260 SSL hours or more before April 12, 2012 will receive a Certificate of Meritorious Service from MSDE and MCPS. Meritorious service winners will also be recognized at commencement for their laudable service contributions.
Important Dates
- September 30, 2011 - Documentation of all service performed during the summer is due to the SSL coordinator.
- January 6, 2012 - Documentation of all service performed during the first semester is due to the SSL coordinator.
- June 1, 2012 - Documentation of all service performed during the second semester is due to the SSL coordinator.
Forms
- Verification Form - Submit this form to your school's SSL coordinator by the end of each semester when service is performed.
- Request for SSL Prepapproval -Submit this form to your school’s SSL coordinator BEFORE the activity if the organization or activity is not listed as Approved for SSL.