Student Service Learning (SSL)

SSL Coordinator Maria Bayona, 240-497-6354
Email
SSL Office: B-306

The State of Maryland recognizes that well-educated citizens must understand their responsibilities as part of the community. As such, The State of Maryland recognizes that well-educated citizens must understand their responsibilities as part of the community. As such, Student Service Learning (SSL) is a Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirement. MCPS students in Classes 2008*, 2009*, and 2010* are required to complete, prior to graduation, 60 SSL hours. Starting with the Class of 2011, 75 SSL hours will be required.

* For students enrolled in MCPS for the first time in Grade 7 and above, the SSL hour requirement for graduation will be prorated according to the following schedule: 65 SSL hours for students entering MCPS in Grade 7; 55 SSL hours for students entering MCPS in Grade 8; 45 SSL hours for students entering MCPS in Grade 9; 35 SSL hours for those entering MCPS in Grade 10; 20 SSL hours for those entering MCPS in Grade 11; and 10 SSL hours for those entering MCPS in Grade 12.

Students may begin work on the SSL requirement in the summer after Grade 5. Students who accrue 260 SSL hours or more earn a Certificate of Meritorious Service from MCPS and MSDE at the time of graduation.

Student Service Learning is an unpaid activity that provides service to an individual or group to address a school or community need. The activity must be developmentally appropriate and meaningful to the student.

Further information about the program as well as the SSL forms is available at the MCPS SSL website.

CURRICULUM:
Courses that qualify are identified in the course bulletin.

CO-CURRICULUM PROGRAM:
Participation in a variety of school-related, school-sponsored activities can earn credit.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:
A listing of approved organizations and activities is available online from Montgomery County Volunteer Center, www.montgomeryvolunteer.org.

SPECIAL STUDENT SERVICE ACTIVITIES:
If any activity is not listed, a student or staff member must present a written proposal to the school SSL committee for approval prior to performing the service. Forms for seeking advance approval (MCPS Form 560-50, Rev. 10/02) are available at the MCPS SSL website.

SUMMER APPROVAL:
Students wanting to earn SSL hours over the summer must perform the service with organizations and opportunities that are pre-approved for SSL. No Exceptions. They may chose organizations and opportunities that are already pre-approved at www.mcpsssl.org , or they must submit a completed MCPS Form 560-50, Application for SSL Special Activity, in advance of any service for prior approval.

The summer hotline for approval of SSL activities is (301) 279-3454. Forms may be faxed to (301) 517-8166, Attn: Pam Meador.

Verification forms (MCPS Form 560-51, Rev. 4/02) should be submitted no later than the end of the semester in which the hours were completed. If an activity is for two semesters, the hours earned each semester must be submitted at the end of each semester. Hours earned during the summer must be submitted no later than the first semester.

Ms. Bayona is available during lunch 11:00 to 11:30 everyday, Room A216.

SSL News
     •September, 2007