Service Learning

Contact Information

Service Learning Coordinator: Mrs. Rebecca Clark

Please contact her with any questions you might have at rcclark@ccps.org 

What is Service Learning?

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 North East High School, the 9th grade project is implemented in the Health I classes that all students must take in order to graduate.  Because our Health I classes are offered each marking period, service projects are being completed throughout the school year. Over the years, projects have included, but not limited to, donating items to the Elkton Help Center, maintaining a nature trail for students to use, Pennies for Patients to benefit the Leukemia Society, and most recently raising awareness about bullying.

Meritorious Service Hours

Validation Form located in Guidance or online to receive credit. Any hours earned beyond mandatory requirements will continue to be tracked by North East High School.  Meritorious hours must be turned in on a yearly basis.

Clarification regarding Service Learning Hours and direct religious instruction:

"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."

Transfer students

Students who enter North East High School after the 9th grade or with a credit in Health I from any school outside of the Maryland public school system are still required to complete the service learning requirement.  Transfer students are obligated to complete a project for grade 9 but will not be held accountable for the projects in grades 6, 7, and 8 if they were enrolled anywhere outside of the Maryland Public School System during that time.  Your child’s school counselor will work with your student to complete the service learning requirement.

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.