Frederick County Public Schools

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Student Information Packet for Student Service Learning

This student information packet is to be used for Student Service Learning (SSL) that occurs outside of the school day or during co-curricular activities. The service may be applied toward the graduation requirement or for meritorious service recognition (middle school students may earn up to 25 meritorious hours in grades 6-8). The information below and the associated resources should help you document and receive credit for SSL activities. It should also help you plan, successfully take action, and reflect on service learning activities performed.

Sarah Gunter, School Counselor, is also the WFMS Student Service Learning Coordinator and will pre-approve all SSL activities that will be completed, except for the infused activities within the FCPS essential curriculum.

Prior to service every student must receive permission from Mrs. Gunter to assure that the planned activity meets the MD Service Learning Guidelines and qualifies as SSL.

• To receive permission to complete a project, complete Section I: “Description of Planned Service Activity” on the Record of Student Service Learning form and submit it to Mrs. Gunter in the Counseling Office for review and approval.
• After approval, students will record their hours and then complete Section II. They will have their hours verified by the Site Coordinator and will turn the entire form in to Mrs. Gunter, who will record the hours and ultimately send them on to the high school when students enter 9th grade.

The Maryland Student Service Learning Guidelines list the Seven Best Practices for SSL and “What SSL activities should and should not do”. Each of the seven best practices is described with an example.

You will need an adult mentor in the community to help you with the project and to verify its completion. This individual should not be a family member or close relative.

Once your activity has been approved, it’s time to begin.

After you’ve completed you’re your project, please complete the “Preparation & Reflections” section of the Record of Student Service Learningand turn it in to Mrs. Gunter. This entire form must be completed in order to receive credit.

MARYLAND’S SEVENT BEST PRACTICES of Service-Learning

1.)Meet a recognized need in the community

2.)Achieve curricular objectives through service-learning

3.)Reflect throughout the service-learning experience

4.)Develop student responsibility

5.)Establish community partnerships

6.)Plan ahead for service-learning

7.)Equip students with knowledge and skills needed for service.

All service-learning experiences should meet ALL of the Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning. Please visit for descriptions of each of these Best Practices.