Sherwood High School

Student Service Learning

If you have any questions about the SSL program, please email Mr. Sartori or the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org. Thank you!

Mr. William Sartori

SSL Coordinator, School Counselor
William_L_Sartori@mcpsmd.org
301-924-3210

Middle school and high school students should continue earning SSL hours towards their SSL graduation requirement by engaging in SSL opportunities during the 2024-2025 school year and over the summer, including traditional in-person opportunities and select virtual/remote opportunities that follow the guidelines posted on the MCPS SSL webpage (www.mcps-ssl.org). 

Reminder: All SSL forms should be submitted to the school’s SSL coordinator when student return to school in the fall by the recommended due date of September 27, 2024, but no later than the required deadline of May 30, 2025, 

Email the MCPS SSL office at SSL@mcpsmd.org with questions

September SSL Opportunities

Kindworks SSL Opportunities

Councilmember Balcombe’s Back to School Block Party (September 27, 2024) - Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe invites middle and high school students to share their experiences in Montgomery County! 

o   Participants will earn SSL hours for participation in this advocacy opportunity.To learn more, please refer to this flyer.   

ASIRT Road Safety PSA Contest (Deadline: October 6, 2024) - The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) and the Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association are hosting a Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition for middle school and high school students centered on road safety and how to keep yourself and others safe on the roads. 

o   Participants who submit a PSA that meets the competition requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes. 

o   To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=983856

High School Student Election Workers Needed (Deadline: October 16, 2024) - The Montgomery County Board of Elections seeks students ages 16+ to register to vote and serve as a student election worker! 

o   To learn more, please visit this link: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/student-leadership/student-blog/Student-Post-Newsletters/september-2024/student-election-workers-needed---ssl/

Speak Up, Save A Life” PSA Contest (Deadline: November 8, 2024) - The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office is 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 dangers of opioid abuse or overdose and fentanyl among teens. 

o   Participants who submit a PSA that meets the contest requirements will earn 10 SSL hours and have a chance to win prizes.

o   To learn more, please visit this link: https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=983160 

Systemwide Documentation and Award Timelines

Any high school senior who has submitted documentation to show the completion of 240 SSL hours or more by April 4th 2025, will earn the Certificate of Meritorious Service along with a purple tassel for graduation. Any middle school student who has submitted documentation to show the completion of the 75-hour SSL graduation requirement (for the first time in middle school) by April 4, 2025, will receive the Superintendent’s SSL Award.

Student Service Learning (SSL) activites are intended to address a recognized need in the community and provide a learning experience for students.  SSL is required by the Maryland State Department of Education for graduation.  Hours are earned through upaid service with non-profit organizations, government agencies, school clubs, and through specific school courses.  There are only a few opportunities working directly with the school.

SSL hours can be earned beginning in the summer after grade 5.  Students should aim to finish earning all their hours by the end of the first semester of their senior year to avoid potential problems at graduation.  Students should also consider trying to earn most of their hours before the fall of their junior year when coursework becomes heavy.