Service-Learning

What is it?

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) promotes high-quality service-learning experiences for all students. Student Service-Learning is an approach to teaching that combines meaningful service to the community through curriculum-based learning. Students improve academic skills by applying what has been learned in school to the real world, and then reflect on their experience which reinforces the link between community outreach and learning.

Student Service-Learning is a Maryland State Department of Education graduation requirement. Students must complete a total of 75 hours of service to the community prior to graduation.

Calvert County Public Schools Student Service-Learning Program is designed to teach, recognize, and value individual service to the community as informed citizens and responsible stewards of the environment with knowledge of history, economics, conservation and preservation.

Action steps are integrated into each grade level to create a comprehensive Student Service-Learning Program. Service-Learning projects are implemented in grades second through ninth.

More than Community Service or Volunteering

Student Service-Learning is unlike “community service” and “volunteering” in that Student Service-Learning:

• Is a Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) graduation requirement;
• Must be met by Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) students within the implementation guidelines set by CCPS;
• Requires documentation and supervision; and
• Meets Maryland's Seven Best Practices for Student Service Learning.

Calvert County Public Schools Student Service-Learning Program promotes the Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning through student involvement that meet recognized needs in the community, achieve curricular objectives, provide time for reflection throughout the experience, develop student responsibilities, establish community partnerships, plan ahead for service, and equip students with knowledge and skills needed for service. The students have real experiences in several grades within the science, social studies, and health curriculum. CCPS Student Service-Learning Program provides an opportunity for all children to have multiple experiences with service-learning.

Student Recognition

Eighth Grade students who complete and document 30 approved hours or more of service beyond MSDE/CCPS required 75 hours will be recognized during each middle school “End-of-the-Year Awards Ceremony” with a certificate from CCPS. High School graduates who document 260 approved hours or more before graduation will receive a Certificate of Meritorious service from MSDE.