Service Learning is a "learn by doing" approach to the curriculum that combines active service to the community with academic study. Service Learning teaches students that they can make a difference in the community at the same time that they are learning. The goal of our program is to empower students to improve their community as well as their own problem solving and interpersonal skills. All students are encouraged to serve in various ways. Examples of student service include collection drives, volunteering at community based organizations, and advocating for change.
The Maryland state service learning graduation requirement consists of 75 hours of service or a county approved program. In Cecil County students are responsible for completing one service learning project in grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. Completion of all four projects will meet the MSDE requirement for earning a high school diploma.
Below you will find the CCPS Service Learning Project Themes:
6th Grade "The Environment and You"
7th Grade "Food for Thought"
8th Grade "Saving the Past for the Future"
9th Grade "Issues in Our Society" This 4th and final project is done during Health I classes. Students discuss issues and develop a project to make improvements in the world around them.
At Perryville High School, the 9th grade project is implemented in the Health I classes that all students must take in order to graduate. Service projects are being completed throughout the school year in the Health I classes.
For the 2018-2019 school year, our 9th grade students completed their service projects. In our Health I classes, students participated in raising money and awareness for the American Heart Association. The event is called Hoops for Heart. Below is a statement from the American Heart Association:
“On behalf of the American Heart Association and the millions of Americans we serve, thank you very much for your school's donation of $4,038.16. Families and schools are critical links in providing the foundation for cardiovascular wellness in our country. By holding this event at your school each year, you raise awareness about heart-healthy living. And you help us fund more lifesaving scientific research and critically needed education efforts. Thank you. Almost every family in America is touched by heart disease or stroke, and your school's contribution will significantly impact our fight against these devastating illnesses. We hope that you, your faculty and your students found this lifesaving effort rewarding and enjoyable. You are touching so many lives - and life is why we exist as an organization. Your help and support are greatly appreciated, and we look forward to partnering again with you next year!”
Meritorious Service Hours
Students who complete any meritorious service hours should complete a validation form located in guidance to receive credit. Any hours earned beyond mandatory requirements will continue to be tracked by Perryville High School.
Clarification regarding Service Learning Hours:
In an e-mail I received it gave a statement to clarify some requests for Service Learning hours - "According to our legal counsel, the US Supreme Court has consistently ruled that in order for a public school, school system, or the State to abide by the First Amendment of US Constitution, actions approved by the school, school system, and State must have a secular purpose, have a primary effect that neither advances nor inhibits the practice of religion, and must avoid excessive governmental entanglement with religion. Our attorney believes that granting a student service credit for teaching religious education would violate all three of the components just described and would therefore be unconstitutional."
7 Best Practices for Service Learning in Maryland
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.
Contact Information
Our Coordinator for service learning is Mr. Jim Canty. Please contact him with any questions you might have at jcanty@ccps.org.or by phone at 410-996-6000.
