Presentation (needs screencast) for Professional Learning.
SSL Opportunities Adapted from HMH Extension Tasks (L. Methany Alignment)
Social Studies or English Letters of Gratitude 9/11
Middle School
Language Arts Grade 6: Facing Fears Together: Advice and Support through Community Resources- NOT in template yet. (Adapted from HMH Extension Tasks)
Language Arts Grade 6: Problem-Solvers Guide to Community -NOT in template yet. (Adapted from HMH Extension Tasks)
Language Arts Grade 7: Read to Feed
Read to Feed Modified Lesson 4.5 hours- NOT in template yet.
Language Arts English 9: Voices for Change: Promoting Literacy and Community Storytelling
Language Arts English 10: Words of Encouragement: Connecting Generations through Letters
Language Arts English 11: Environmental Voices: Persuasive Writing for Local Change
Language Arts English 12: Voices of Frederick: A Community Storytelling Project
Middle School
High School
Math Algebra 1 Math in Action: Budgeting and Planning for a Community Garden
Math Geometry Designing Accessible Spaces: A Geometry-Based Community Improvement Project
Math Statistics and Probability Community Health Survey: Using Statistics to Address Health Needs Grades 11-12
High School
Social Studies Modern World History: Exploring Modern Work History and Advocating for Fair Labor Practices
Social Studies Modern World History: Modern Workforce Histories: The Evolution of Workers' Rights and Community Impact
Social Studies American Studies II: The Power of Civic Voices: Understanding Civil Rights through Community Engagement
Social Studies Government: Lobbying Public Issues Grade 9 or 10
Science Biology: EcoHealth: Promoting Community Wellness Through Environmental Stewardship Grades 9-12
HS Science Biology (Honors) Biodiversity for All: Protecting Local Ecosystems Through Education and Action Grades 10-11 Honors
Health: High School: Healthy Habits, Healthy Minds: Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Wellness
Art: High School: Grades 11-12: Community Colors: Public Art for a Vibrant Frederick
High School Music Music for All: Sharing the Gift of Music with Our Community Grades 9-10
High School Music: Harmony in the Community: Using Music to Connect and Inspire Grades 9-12
World Language French I: French Culture and Language Outreach: Sharing Francophone Cultures with Our Community
Modified French 1 Lesson (4-5 hours)- NOT in template form yet.
World Language Spanish I: Spanish Connections: Celebrating Language and Culture with Our Community
World Language Latin I: Latin in the Modern World: Exploring the Roots of Law, Medicine, and Language
World Language Sign Language: Bridging Communities: Sign Language for Accessibility and Inclusion
Theater
High School Theater Arts: Spotlight on Community: Empowering Through Drama Grades 11-12
General
Eliminate Hate Kristine
Parent friendly SSL information to be included on FCPS & All MS/HS websites SSL (Below)
Student Service Learning (SSL) is an essential part of education for middle and high school students in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). Our SSL program combines academic learning with community service, helping students develop valuable skills and a strong sense of civic responsibility. Through SSL, students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world situations, deepening their understanding of academic content while contributing positively to their community.
Student Service Learning is a teaching approach where students use their knowledge and skills to address community needs. This approach goes beyond traditional volunteer work by linking service activities to students’ academic goals. In FCPS, students in grades 6-12 participate in a variety of SSL projects that allow them to make meaningful contributions to their communities while learning valuable life and career skills.
Student Service Learning benefits students by:
Building Practical Skills: SSL helps students develop communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are essential for college, careers, and life.
Connecting Classroom Learning to the Real World: SSL provides hands-on experience with the concepts they learn in school, making academic content more relevant and engaging.
Promoting Civic Responsibility: SSL encourages students to be active, responsible members of their communities who understand the importance of contributing to the common good.
Middle and high school students have opportunities to participate in SSL projects in school, through extracurricular activities, or by joining community-based service initiatives. SSL activities may include environmental projects, supporting local nonprofits, organizing community events, or mentoring younger students. Every SSL project is designed to connect with educational standards, so students are both learning and making an impact.
In Maryland, students are required to complete a minimum of 75 SSL hours to graduate high school. FCPS supports students in meeting this requirement by offering SSL opportunities that integrate with their coursework, such as service-learning projects in science, social studies, or health classes. Students can also earn SSL hours through approved community-based service projects.
Families play a key role in supporting SSL by:
Encouraging Participation: Talk with your student about their interests and help them find SSL opportunities that match.
Exploring Community Needs: Engage with your student about ways they can help their community and discuss local issues they care about.
Tracking SSL Hours: Remind your student to keep track of their SSL hours and ensure they submit any required documentation to their school counselor.
Some examples of SSL projects students might participate in include:
Environmental clean-up events or conservation projects.
Tutoring or mentoring younger students.
Organizing food or clothing drives for local shelters.
Assisting at community events or supporting local nonprofits.
Student Service Learning in FCPS is about more than meeting a graduation requirement; it’s about empowering students to make a difference while gaining valuable skills. Through SSL, FCPS is committed to preparing our students for success in college, careers, and as engaged citizens.