Student Service Learning

 Coordinator: Karen Luensman, Resource Couneslor

http:/www.mcpsssl.org

Please visit the website for more information about requirements, forms and activities.

What is Student Service Learning?

Student Service Learning (SSL) is a graduation requirement for students in Maryland. You will have to complete 75 hours of service work with a non-profit organization before you graduate.

 What are the steps for Student Service Learning?

PREPERATION:

Find out what you'll be doing, what's expected of you and why the service work is necessary.

ACTION:

Direct Action brings you face-to-face with the people you are helping such as tutoring children to read.

Indirect Action is work that needs to get done, but you don't meet the people you're helping, such as collecting clothing.

Advocacy Action deals with social or political issues of interest, such as writing letters to legislators supporting your views on social issues.

REFLECTION:

Once you've completed your service activity it's time to look back, think, and write about how your time and service has helped others. What have you learned about yourself? What have you learned about the people you are helping?

You have to fill out a form. You can pick one up in the LPMS counseling office or print out the Student Service Learning Activity Verification form 560-51 from the SSL homepage and turn it into your school's SSL coordinator (Mrs. Luensman) and keep a copy for your records.

How do I keep track of my hours?

Your hours are listed on your report card in the upper right hand corner! It keeps track of how many hours you've earned and how many you still need. All of your hours are recorded from middle school through high school.

Where can I find approved service opportunities?

Online, of course. Just go to the Service Opportunities section of the SSL web site and you can search by interest, agency and/or location.  

What if I would like to complete a service activity that is not on the approved list?

 You must submit the Application for Special Activity Form 560-50 to your school’s SSL coordinator (Mrs. Luensman) BEFORE the activity if the organization or activity is not listed as approved for SSL. Once the SSL coordinator has approved and signed off on the form you may then complete the activity as you would any other. 

Are there deadlines for turning in SSL verification forms to the SSL coordinator?

YES!!!!! You should turn in the SSL Verification form for an activity by the end of the grading period for which that activity was done in. For instance, if Johnny Apple helped out at a soup kitchen on October 13^th, then he needs to be sure to turn that SSL form in by the end of the first quarter. Those hours will show up on that 1st quarter report card!