Student Service Learning has

Rewards and Awards!

• It’s a graduate requirement for all students in Maryland. So…

• if you want to graduate with an FCPS diploma, then you have to meet the service learning requirements

Frederick County’s Service Learning Plan has TWO

aspects to it:

• First, FCPS has infused service learning activities throughout the elementary, middle and high school curriculums.

• What does that mean?• Very simply, your teachers will incorporate

service learning activities into their class lessons. If you pass your classes, than you have fulfilled the service learning requirement and you can graduate!

• YES!

• Volunteering outside of the school day is NOT required!

• I repeat - service learning projects outside of school are NOT REQUIRED!

• (You’ve got that right?)Got it. But what if I really want to volunteer outside of the school day?

I’m glad you asked!

• This brings us to the second aspect of the FCPS service learning plan.

• When you volunteer your time outside of the school day, we call this Meritorious Service Learning.

• (This is like extra credit because you are going beyond the service learning requirement and it is optional.)

• There are many benefits!oMost importantly, you will have satisfaction and

pride because you helped your community. oYou will also earn a Meritorious Service Award at

graduation if you volunteer 75 or more hours outside the school day. (Hint! Colleges and future employers often look for students who have extended their learning experiences outside of the classroom.)

When can I start earning a Meritorious Service Learning Award?

• Now! Kids who wish to work towards the Meritorious Service Award may begin in middle school.

• You can earn up to, but no more than 25 hours while in middle school. (Guess what else?)

• If you earn 25 hours while in middle school, you will receive an award at the 8th grade awards assembly.

So how do I make Meritorious Service Learning Hours count?

Welcome to real life. You have to fill out a form – a Meritorious Service

Learning Form – for each activity and turn it into your school’s SSL coordinator – Mrs. Cole (Your teacher can show you what one looks like.)

The form can be found on the service learning bulletin board across from the media center, Mrs. Cole’s room (233), in the guidance office, and on our school’s website!

(Okay, maybe that’s overkill, but I wanted to make sure you could get your hands on one fast!)

How do I keep track of my hours?

• That’s the easy part!

• After you give Mrs. Cole your forms, she will keep track of the hours for you.

• Remember, you can earn up to, but no more than 25 of the 75 hours while in middle school. All of your hours are recorded from middle school through high school.

Anything else?

• Yes! Service learning must occur after school, on weekends or on school vacation days. And the volunteer work must be performed with a non-profit service organization.

Where can I find out about service learning opportunities?

• Online, of course! . www.volunteerfrederick.org has dozens of opportunities.

• You can also watch the service learning bulletin board (near media center).

• And here's a tip: Do something you like to do. Like animals? You'll find animal organizations like Days End Horse Farm that need help.

Other service learning ideas…

• Serve dinner at a shelter.

• Collect clothing for people in need.

• Serve the community through your religious organization.

• Join “The Big Sweep” and help clean up trash in our community.

• Wrap gifts over the holidays for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Need more reasons to volunteer?

• Make friends

• Learn new skills

• Make a difference

• Have fun

• Add meaning to your life

• Convinced?

Thanks for asking such great questions!