Service learning is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. By engaging in service learning experiences, students apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom to real-world situations.

These experiential education projects bring learning to life and help students understand the relevance of the material they are studying.

You need 75 hours of service learning by the end of 12th grade to graduate from high school in Maryland.

Kent County Public Schools promotes high-quality service learning experiences for all students to help them become active participants in making a difference in their community on a local and global level. Some of these experiences are embedded within the curriculum in grades 5-10. 

Service learning combines meaningful service to the community with a curriculum-based learning component. Students improve their academic skills by applying what they learn in school to the real world; they then reflect on their experience to reinforce the link between their service and their academic learning. 

All service-learning experiences should meet all of Maryland's Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning.

 

 

For more information on service learning from the Maryland State Department of Education, visit:

• Service Learning in Maryland

• Service Learning Resources

 

Kent County has students earn their service learning hours through embedded curricular units in grades 5 to 9. These units give students the opportunity to earn at least 15 hours per year, so they will have the full 75 hours by the end of grade 9.  

Each school also offers additional hours through recycling, service club activities, honor society activities, etc.

 

What if I just transferred into Kent County Public Schools? 

Student Transfer Policy:  Students who transfer into Kent County Public Schools from out of state need to complete the following number of hours before graduation, based on the school year in which they transfer:

75 hours

45 hours

30 hours

20 hours

10 hours 

If you have service learning hours completed you must fill out the reflection sheet that is required for each project. This form can be picked up from your school or you can download it here. 

Once you have filled it in, had it signed, and have completed the project, bring it back to school and turn it into either the school guidance counselor at the elementary or middle schools or Michelle Phillips at Kent County High School. We will record your hours in PowerSchool and you can check your “balance” on your next report card.