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Student Service Learning (SSL) → FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions & Answers

What does it mean when a nonprofit organization says they are an MCPS SSL organization?

MCPS SSL organizations have:
  • Registered with the Montgomery County Volunteer Center;
  • Sent a representative to an orientation where the MCPS SSL guidelines were explained (at least once every three years);
  • Signed an Organization Responsibility and Assurance Document (at least once every three years);
  • A blue graduation cap icon graduation cap on their organization page on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website that signifies that it is an MCPS SSL organization.
MCPS SSL organizations have agreed to:
  • Advise students of the need that will be addressed, overall expectations, and safety information;
  • Engage students in direct, indirect, or advocacy service that meets the Maryland Seven Best Practices of Student Service Learning 
  • Cover the SSL core components of academic preparation, service action, and structured reflection;
  • Supervise all activities in public places not private homes;
  • Not involve door-to-door neighborhood canvassing or telephone solicitation;
  • Evaluate student performance at regular intervals and share evaluation with student;
  • Maintain log and verify service on MCPS Form 560-51 Student Service Learning Activity Verification according to program timelines;
  • Award 1 SSL hour for every hour of service. (Maximum 8 hours within a 24 hour period);
  • Comply with all federal, state, and local laws that forbid discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sex, age, disability, religion, and/or national origin;
  • Prohibit verbal abuse, threats, physical violence or sexual harassment directed against others.
Designation as an "MCPS SSL Organization" does NOT mean the following has occurred:
  • A site visit by MCPS or Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) personnel;
  • A background check by MCPS or MCVC personnel.

MCPS SSL organizations are encouraged to complete the online training on Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect. Parents/Guardians may contact individual organizations to verify safety and background check information. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to determine if an organization or service opportunity is appropriate and safe for their child.

Questions?

Contact the SSL coordinator at the middle school or high school or the MCPS SSL Office at 240-740-3977 or SSL@mcpsmd.org.

How many SSL hours are required for MCPS students to graduate?

MCPS students are required to complete seventy-five (75) service learning hours for graduation. 

The SSL requirement of 75 hours is prorated according to the following scale and is based on the student's grade level at the time of first enrollment in MCPS. Students may either receive an enrollment waiver OR transfer in hours officially documented by a previous school, whichever is greater. All required SSL hours must be completed before graduation.

Grade student is enrolling in MCPS for the first time Number of SSL hours required for graduation Enrollment waiver that will be added to student's SSL record 
Grade 6 75 hours N/A
Grade 7 65 hours 10 hours
Grade 8 55 hours 20 hours
Grade 9 45 hours 30 hours
Grade 10 35 hours 40 hours
Grade 11 20 hours  55 hours 
Grade 12 10 hours 65 hours

 

How can MCPS students earn SSL hours?

  • Full participation in service-learning aspects and successful completion of specific middle and high school courses.
  • Participation in service-learning activities outside of the instructional school day promoted by school-sponsored clubs or organizations. The advisor verifies the SSL hours.
  • Participation in activities that directly address human needs--such as in health, education, the environment, or public safety--with MCPS SSL organizations and opportunities outside of the instructional school day, even if those activities take place with a faith-based organization in a religious setting; both the organization and the opportunity must meet MCPS SSL guidelines and Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning.

How are student records towards the SSL diploma requirement maintained?

  • Every middle and high school has an SSL coordinator who maintains students' SSL records and provides information about the SSL requirement, opportunities, timelines, and forms.
  • MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, must be reviewed and approved by the SSL coordinator in advance of service with an organization and opportunity that are not identified on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website as an MCPS SSL organization.
  • Hours documented on MCPS Form 560-51, Student Service Learning Activity Verification Form, are added to the student's SSL record.
  • Hours "required", "earned", and "remaining" are reflected on the student's report card every nine weeks from Grade 6 through Grade 12.
  • Students should keep copies of all SSL documents.

What are the forms used to document SSL and where can they be found?

  • MCPS Form 560-51
    Student Service Learning Activity Verification is required to document every SSL activity. For detailed instructions how to complete the Student Service Learning Activity Verification Form 560-51, please watch the video at https://www.tinyurl.com/SSLForm101. 

  • MCPS Form 560-50
    Individual Student Service Learning Request is required to be completed and approved by the SSL coordinator in advance of participation in any opportunity with an organization that is not identified as an MCPS SSL organization with a graduation cap graduation cap on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website. SSL forms are available in any middle or high school and can be downloaded from the SSL home page. Students should keep copies of all SSL documents.

Can SSL hours be earned in opportunities with community organizations that are not identified with a graduation cap icon on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website?

Yes.

Students must complete and submit MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, to their school's SSL Coordinator to determine whether the opportunity meets the MCPS SSL requirements and qualifies towards the SSL graduation requirement. Approval is required in advance of service with organizations and/or opportunities that are not identified with a graduation cap graduation cap on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center website.

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Are there MCPS awards given to students with exceptional SSL records?

Yes.
  • The Superintendent’s Student Service Learning Award is given to students who have documented in their service-learning record 75 hours of service by the last Friday in March of a middle school year.
  • The Certificate of Meritorious Service is awarded to students who have service-learning records documenting 240 or more hours of service by the last Friday in March of their senior year.

Is there an appeal process for SSL disputes?

Yes. 

Students may appeal decisions made by the school-based SSL coordinator to the school principal. Extenuating circumstances substantiating the appeal may be presented via a written communication from the student to the administrator.

How do community organizations become MCPS SSL organizations?

  • The Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) have information on all community organizations (including faith-based agencies or institutions) that are identified as MCPS SSL Organizations.
  • Representatives from community organizations (including faith-based agencies or institutions) interested in becoming an MCPS SSL organization must register with the MCVC, attend an orientation, and sign MCPS Form 560-51A, Organization Responsibility and Assurance Certification Document.
  • Community organizations must agree to the overall MCPS SSL guidelines and provide yearly updates of information.

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What are the roles and responsibilities of organizations identified as MCPS SSL organizations?

Roles and responsibilities of MCPS SSL organizations include:

  • Attendance at orientations sponsored by the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS);
  • Provision of written job descriptions for students that involve service activities;
  • Compliance with academic preparation, service action, and structured reflection components of SSL;
  • Provision of certificate of general liability insurance;
  • Identification of supervisory staff;
  • Evaluation of student performance;
  • Focus on addressing recognized community needs;
  • Development of student responsibility;
  • Exploration of career paths with students;
  • Maintenance of accurate records of student service and verification of student service in a timely manner using required MCPS paperwork.

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How are SSL hours awarded?

SSL hours are awarded by adults who supervise the student and represent an MCPS SSL organization. A student's parent, guardian, or relative cannot award SSL hours to the student.

  • Students receive one SSL hour for every hour of service outside of the instructional day.
  • A maximum of 8 hours may be earned in a 24-hour period.

Can SSL hours be earned for service to political organizations or individuals running for public office?

Yes.
  • Any student interested in earning service-learning hours for involvement in activities that support political parties or individuals running for public office must first submit MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request.
  • Once this request has been granted, the student may provide service within the SSL guidelines in public places under the supervision of an adult, not a parent/guardian or relative, representing the party or candidate.
  • Neither door-to-door neighborhood canvassing nor solicitation of financial donations are permitted for SSL hours.

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Are there occasions where students may earn SSL hours with for-profit organizations?

Yes.
  • For-profit organizations that address recognized community needs through activities such as coat drives, food collections, building a playground, cleaning a park, etc., may award SSL hours to students who have secured an approved MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, in advance of the activity. 
  • Students may earn SSL hours with for-profit assisted living facilities and nursing homes for direct services to the residents/patients/clients. An approved MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, is required in advance of the service.

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Are there activities that do not result in SSL hours?

Yes.

Some activities for which students may not earn SSL hours include:

  • Door-to-door distribution or neighborhood canvasing of any kind;
  • Service supervised by parent/guardian or relative;
  • Service without sponsorship of an approved community organization;
  • Service supervised by one younger than 18 years of age;
  • Service performed on private property or in a private residence/home;
  • Service resulting in financial or other compensation.

Can students participate in SSL activities with community organizations that are located outside of Montgomery County?

Yes.

MCPS students may participate in SSL opportunities with a wide geographic range of community organizations. Opportunities with community organizations that are not identified as MCPS SSL organizations require prior approval of MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request.

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Are there different types of service activities with community organizations that qualify for SSL hours?

Yes.
  • Direct Service - Nonprofit organizations provide opportunities that address needs in the greater community directly. Serving the elderly, working at soup kitchens are examples of direct service activities.
  • Indirect Service - Community organizations provide opportunities that address a recognized need in the greater community indirectly. Clothing and food drives are examples of indirect service activities.
  • Advocacy Service - Community organizations provide opportunities that address needs in the greater community through advocacy activities. Letter writing promoting a particular viewpoint and raising community awareness of a cause/issue are examples of advocacy service activities.

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Can SSL hours be awarded for meal preparation at home for residents in a Montgomery County Coalition for the homeless shelter?

Yes.

Students may arrange in advance to prepare bag lunches for delivery to a homeless shelter. SSL hours will be awarded based on the number of meals delivered to the shelter. See the breakdown below:

Number of lunches or hot meals Hours
20 3
40 4
60 5
80 6
100 7
120 8
140 9
180 10

 

When more than one student prepares and delivers the meals the total number of meals is divided by the number of students involved. For example, if 40 meals are prepared by two students, each student is awarded 2 SSL hours.

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Does service with community organizations prior to enrollment in MCPS count toward the SSL requirement?

Yes.

At the time of MCPS secondary school enrollment, new students may bring documentation of service from the summer after Grade 5. Official documentation from the previous school system (such as an official transcript, report card, or a letter on school letterhead signed by the school administration) will be accepted. The official documentation will be placed in the student's SSL folder and the documented hours entered into the student's record.

Can SSL hours be earned by assisting classroom teachers with instructional tasks?

Yes.

As long as the Maryland Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning are met and the service-learning opportunity includes all three core components of Academic Preparation, Service Action, and Structured Reflection, one SSL hour may be awarded for every hour of service spent in a school and outside of one's instructional day for assisting classroom teachers with tasks such as:

  • setting up and cleaning up labs and learning centers;
  • reading to students;
  • tutoring students in academic subjects (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts etc.);
  • updating bulletin board displays;
  • copying and collating worksheets;
  • participating in content-based powerpoint presentations
However, any activity that would reveal to one student the achievement record of another student is not appropriate for SSL.

Classroom teachers may not award SSL hours for tasks that involve student access to the work of other students. Activities that would support the instructional program of a teacher, but potentially jeopardize the confidentiality of another student, such as checking or correcting student papers (including homework, projects, tests, etc.), computer use that would reveal student records (confidential, personal, academic, attendance etc.), or entering grades in student records. 

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Can students earn SSL hours for supporting MCPS athletics?

Yes.

Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the following roles associated with MCPS Athletics apply:

  • High School: Outside of one's instructional day, a maximum of 30 hours per student per regular sport-season may be awarded by staff serving as MCPS coaches to students who serve as managers for team sports. Any hours earned in the post-season will be awarded hour-for-hour by staff serving as an MCPS coach. SSL hours are awarded under adult supervision for tasks such as setting up practice, tracking equipment inventory, and keeping statistical data.

  • Middle School: Outside of one's instructional day, a maximum of 15 hours per student per sport-season may be awarded by staff serving as MCPS coaches to students who serve as managers for team sports. SSL hours are awarded under adult supervision for tasks such as setting up practice, tracking equipment inventory, and keeping statistical data.

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For community-based performances/events or artistic showcases, is there a difference between class participation and opportunities that qualify for SSL hours?

Yes, there is a difference between class participation and opportunities that qualify for Student Service Learning (SSL).

The following are key for school staff members to consider when awarding SSL hours for community-based performances/events or artistic showcases:

  • SSL opportunities must address and/or serve issues and populations beyond the set expectations and requirements of the class itself
  • SSL opportunities must serve the wider public (generally an underserved population: poor, elderly, infirmed, disabled, at-risk youth, etc)

Additional information related to Student Service Learning Guidelines for Fine Arts may be found here.