Kent County Public Schools meets the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and COMAR service-learning graduation requirement by providing high-quality service-learning experiences that combine meaningful community service with curriculum-based learning. Through Academic Preparation, Service Action, and Structured Reflection, students apply academic knowledge and skills to address authentic community needs while developing civic responsibility and making a positive impact in their local and global communities.

 

The Three Core Components of Service-Learning provide the foundational structure of every service-learning experience. Any service-learning experience must include all three parts. 

Maryland’s Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning are essential tools that guide the design and implementation of all phases of a service-learning experience. The presence of all seven Best Practices defines high-quality service-learning that meets MSDE guidelines. 

Contact your school-level Service-Learning point of contact with questions regarding embedded projects, independent service-learning, or how to review your hours. 

Kent County High School: Mr. King [email protected] 

Kent County Middle School: Mr. Girton rgirton@kent.k12.md.us

Galena Elementary School: Ms. Fitzpatrick [email protected]

H.H. Garent Elementary School: Ms. Ranville [email protected] 

Rock Hall Elementary School: Ms. Zottarelli [email protected] 

Dr. Amelia Markosian [email protected]

Students in Kent County Public Schools must complete 75 hours of service-learning by the end of 12th grade to graduate from high school in Maryland.

Students can check their service-learning progress on their report cards starting in 6th grade. They may also ask their school counselor for an update on their hours.

In the summer following the 5th-grade year, KCPS students may earn independent service-learning hours. 

All activities that earned more than 20 hours MUST have a signed log located on this form.

A paper copy of this form can be picked up from your school, or you can download it here.  All forms should be turned in to your school counselor or school Service-learning point-of-contact before the last day in May of that school year. If hours are earned in June-August, submit the hours the next school year to the rising school’s Service-learning point-of-contact.

 

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

Hours needed to graduate for the grade level of transfer:

Remember: All volunteer activities submitted for service-learning credit must address an authentic community need, be connected to academic learning, include reflection, and receive prior approval from the student's school-level Service-Learning Point-of-Contact.

The drop-down links below include examples of organizations where students may have opportunities to complete service-learning experiences. Students should contact the organization in advance to discuss volunteer opportunities and scheduling.

Please Note: The organizations listed above are provided as examples of community partners where students have successfully completed service-learning experiences. Inclusion on this list does not automatically guarantee service-learning credit. All independent service-learning experiences must receive prior approval from the student's school Service-Learning Point-of-Contact and demonstrate Maryland's Three Core Components of Service-Learning and Seven Best Practices of Service-Learning before hours can be approved. Some organizations may require a parent/guardian to be present for volunteer work if the student is under a certain age (many require the student to be 16 to volunteer alone).

If your organization is interested in offering service learning experiences for students, please refer to the Student Independent Service-Learning Verification and Reflection Form.

Feel free to email Dr. Amelia Markosian ([email protected]) for more details about service-learning.

KCPS students in grades 5-10 have embedded Service-Learning projects that, upon completion at each grade level, allow them to earn the required 75 hours. Students must participate in the Academic Preparation, Service Action, and Structured Reflection components of the service-learning activity to earn hours. Hours may be earned in partial fulfillment of embedded projects. Families will receive flyers notifying them about the embedded service-learning projects in each grade level prior to students taking part in the projects. Families may reach out to school-level service-learning points-of-contatct to learn more information about the embedded projects. Upon completion of the project/activity, Teachers must provide a list of students and completed hours to the school’s Service-Learning Point of Contact prior to the last day in May. 

Click here for 5th Grade+

15 hours earned
Course: ELA
Title of SL Project: “Read to Me” Embedded Service Learning Project
Description: Fifth grade students strengthen reading fluency and communication skills by preparing and reading children's books to younger elementary students. Through literacy-based service, students promote a love of reading while serving as positive role models for younger learners.
Partner: Kent County Public Library

Click here for 6th Grade+

15 hours earned
Course: Science
Title of SL Project: Understanding and Combating Microplastic Pollution
Description: Students investigate the impacts of pollution and microplastics on the Chesapeake Bay through classroom instruction, scientific research, and hands-on field experiences. Working alongside environmental professionals, students conduct field investigations, participate in conservation activities, and develop environmental stewardship while addressing the growing issue of microplastic pollution. Partners: Echo Hill Outdoor School and Kent Soil and Water Conservation

Click here for 7th Grade+

15 hours earned
Course: Science
Title of SL Project: Watershed Watch
Description: Through a year-long citizen science investigation, students monitor the health of the Radcliffe Creek watershed by collecting and analyzing authentic water quality data and studying aquatic ecosystems. Students use their findings to design and implement a community action project that supports watershed restoration and present their research to community members and local stakeholders.
Partners: Sultana Education Foundation

Click here for 8th Grade+

15 hours earned
Courses: ELA, Science, SS & Math
Title of SL Project: KCMS Suds for Service
Description: Students explore the historical, scientific, mathematical, and public health importance of soap while learning about hygiene and community wellness. Applying knowledge from multiple content areas, students manufacture bars of soap that will be distributed to individuals and families in need, helping address hygiene insecurity within the greater Kent County community.
Partners: Kent County Food Pantry

Click here for 9th Grade+

15 hours earned
Courses: Science
Title of SL Project: Blue Catfish MWEE
Description: Students investigate the ecological impacts of invasive Blue Catfish on the Chesapeake Bay watershed through classroom investigations, laboratory dissections, and field experiences with environmental scientists. Students conclude the project by creating educational outreach materials that promote public awareness and environmental stewardship while supporting Chesapeake Bay conservation efforts.
Partners: ShoreRivers and Department of Natural Resources

Click here for 10th Grade+

15 hours earned
Courses: ELA and Government
Title of SL Project: Lobbying Public Issues
Description: Students identify an authentic public issue affecting their community, research the issue using evidence-based practices, and develop advocacy projects designed to educate others or promote positive change. Depending on the issue selected, students may create public awareness campaigns, write persuasive letters to elected officials, develop public service announcements, or present proposals to community leaders.
Partners: Community Partners will vary upon student’s selected issue and pending teacher approval.

KCPS students in grades 8 and 12 will receive recognition for the most service learning in their grade level at the 8th grade promotion and the KCPS 12th-grade graduation ceremony.