Embedded Files
Student Service Learning Hours
Student Service Learning Hours
For Students SSL Guidelines
For Students SSL Guidelines
May begin earning student service learning (SSL) hours toward the 75-hour graduation requirement the summer after completing Grade 5. Hours are accrued throughout high school.
May receive a maximum of 8 SSL hours in any 24-hour period earned outside of the instructional school day.
Must participate in community opportunities that are MCPS SSL organizations if SSL hours are desired from community involvement:
May participate in service-learning opportunities with nonprofit organizations identified with a graduation cap at Montgomery County Volunteer Center or;
May submit a completed MCPS Form 560-51, Individual Student Service Learning Request prior to earning SSL hours with any organization or opportunity that is not identified with a graduation cap at Montgomery County Volunteer Center.
May receive SSL hours for involvement in campaigns of individuals running for public office with the granting of MCPS Form 560-51. Request must be pre-approved in advance of the public service.
Must perform service under the supervision on an adult representing an MCPS SSL nonprofit tax-exempt organization. The exception is prior approval of MCPS Form 560-50, Individual Student Service Learning Request, for direct service to residents/patients in for-profit nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
Certificate of Meritorious Service/Purple Tassel:
Seniors May be recognized for exceptional service in senior year by having documented 240 or more hours of service by the March 25, 2027 (Certificate of Meritorious Service from MSDE and MCPS and a purple tassel to wear at graduation services).
Halloween Happenings at Little Bennett Campground | Clarksburg
Halloween Happenings at Little Bennett Campground | Clarksburg
Little Bennett Campground is hosting a spooky Haunted Trail and Magic Pumpkin Patch this Fall, and needs volunteers to help it be the spookiest place in the woods!
We have 2 ways you can help us! See choices below, and choose the shift(s) that work best for you.
1. Magic Pumpkin Patch Guide (Friday Nights Oct. 2, 9, 16, & 23) (5-8pm.) Set up and monitor the Magic Pumpkin Patch by greeting campers, helping children decorate seed markers, and guiding them through "planting" their magic seeds. At end of night, move pumpkins to the Magic Pumpkin Patch.
2. Haunted Trail Volunteers (Saturday Nights, Oct. 3, 10, 17, & 24 ) (6-9pm) Dress up and take your place on the Haunted Trail to deliver jump scares or support the behind-the-scenes team with fog machines, sound effects, and more.
2026-2027 Featured SSL OPPORTUNITIES
2026-2027 Featured SSL OPPORTUNITIES
OUTDOOR ED
High School Students for Outdoor Education Assistance (Ongoing) - Seeking HS students interested in assisting with the Grade 6 Outdoor Education program.
Please note that this is only an interest form – once you have expressed your interest, middle school staff members may contact you to share next steps regarding their selection process.
To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1136384
There are many SSL opportunities available during the month of October! Please share the information below with students still in need of SSL hours:
The 2026-2027 MCPS Student Expectations Lessons are available on Canvas for students to access. Students must fully complete both modules to earn 3 SSL hours. (Report U-STU703 in Synergy can be used to generate a list of students who have not yet completed this training module.)
2026 ASIRT & MCR PSA Contest (Deadline: October 4, 2026) - The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association (MCR) are sponsoring a Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition focused on road safety and how to keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
Middle school and high school participants who submit a quality PSA that meets the competition requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win an Amazon gift card.
PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT IN FULL.
To submit an entry: https://tinyurl.com/ASIRT2026
The contest will be open from Monday, June 8, 2026 - Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Digital Citizenship Week SSL Opportunity (October 19-23, 2026) - Digital Citizenship Week is widely recognized as a time to promote discussions and activities that educate school communities about the importance of using technology in a responsible, safe, and ethical manner. Equipping more individuals with knowledge of digital citizenship positively impacts our entire community.
Asynchronously, MCPS students may earn up to 5 SSL hours for watching Digital Citizenship videos and participating in follow-up advocacy action during the 2026 MCPS Digital Citizenship Week.
To learn more, please visit this link.
“Speak Up, Save A Life” PSA Contest (Deadline - November 30, 2026) - MCPS and the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office are hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest for middle school and high school students that challenges teens to create an original video to promote awareness of the risks of drug misuse and the dangers of fentanyl and other synthetic compounds.
Participants who submit a PSA that meets the contest requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes.
To learn more, please visit this link.
High School Students for Outdoor Education Assistance (Ongoing) - Seeking HS students interested in assisting with the Grade 6 Outdoor Education program.
Please note that this is only an interest form – once you have expressed your interest, middle school staff members may contact you to share next steps regarding their selection process.
To learn more, please visit this link - https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1303086
Additional October 2026 SSL Opportunities
To learn more about how to complete the SSL form, watch this video at https://bit.ly/SSLForm101
Student SSL Records on Student/ParentVUE
Step-by-step directions for viewing a student’s full SSL record
Step-by-step directions may be found at https://bit.ly/SSLonVUE
Nonprofit-Hosted SSL Opportunities
MCPS SSL organizations and opportunities are tagged with the blue MCPS SSL banner and graduation cap icon on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) website
All opportunities (including in-person): https://bit.ly/SSLOpportunities
Virtual/remote opportunities https://bit.ly/VirtualSSL2020
Monthly SSL opportunities: https://bit.ly/SSLOpps25-26
For additional tips on how to search for opportunities, please go to https://bit.ly/SSLSearchTip
MCPS Form 560-50:
Individual SSL Request Form
Used to obtain pre-approval prior to service with a nonprofit organization not listed on the Montgomery County Volunteer Center (MCVC) website
To request pre-approval for service, please complete https://bit.ly/SSLPreApproval
for in-person service, submit this form to your school’s SSL coordinator
for virtual/remote service or service, submit this form to SSL@mcpsmd.org
MCPS Form 560-51:
SSL Activity Verification Form
Used to verify and document SSL hours after service is completed
Student and supervisor must complete the form
To learn more about how to complete this SSL form, watch this video at https://bit.ly/SSLForm101
SSL Activity Verification Forms (https://bit.ly/SSLReflection) for service completed should be turned into your school’s SSL coordinator.
Service completed during the summer September 25, 2026
Service completed during the summer and 1st semester January 8, 2027
Service completed during the summer, 1st semester, and 2nd semester May 28, 2027*
**All SSL Forms for service completed after June 1, 2026, through the end of the 2026-2027 school year, are REQUIRED to be submitted to the school SSL Coordinator no later than May 28, 2027.
Documentation that qualifies seniors for Certificate of Meritorious Service - This award, along with a purple tassel for graduation, is given to seniors who earn 240 SSL hours or more. March 25, 2027*
Documentation that qualifies middle school students for the Superintendent’s SSL Award. This award is given to students who meet the 75 hour graduation requirement during middle school and is only awarded once. March 25, 2027*
Find SSL forms, translated resources, SSL guidelines, and much more!
Check out SSL forms, resources, guidelines, and much more at our new MCPS SSL Hub for Students -- https://bit.ly/SSLHubMCPS
MCPS SSL Program Overview
Complete overview of SSL requirements, guidelines, process, awards, and forms
MCPS SSL Program Overview may be found at https://bit.ly/SSLOverview2020
If you have any questions about the SSL program during the summer, please email the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!
COME HELP THE CHEM CLUB TO EARN SSL HOURS SATURADAY OCT 10th
Bike Collection event to benefit Bikes for the World
Global Impact & Mission
All bicycles collected will be shipped overseas to be refurbished and used for essential everyday
transportation in communities where cars and motor vehicles are scarce. Through the partner
organization Bikes for the World, your donation provides vital mobility.
Contact Event Coordinator: Michael Miehl | Email: Michael_J_Miehl@mcpsmd.org
Hosted by Springbrook Chem Club
• Community Bicycle Collection In Partnership with Bikes for the World
📅 WHEN
Saturday, October 10
9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
📍 WHERE
White Oak Middle School
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