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Service Learning
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Although community service is something that all should wish to do willingly, this obviously is not the case. Most high school aged students would rather spend time with their friends or play video games than aid those in need. Therefore, due to this reluctance, community service must be a requirement for graduation. If all high school students were to give merely ten hours of their time, then just from Rising Sun High (a small school in a rural area) there would be an additional 2,830 hours just from this year's senior class. This could make such a major difference in the community; this time could be donated to a soup kitchen, building residences for the homeless, constructing a community center, raising money for the impoverished, or anything else that could potentially help the community. Requiring community service from potential graduates is a simple way not only to accomplish much in the community, but to open students' eyes to the need of others. Hopefully, these young ladies and gentlemen will see the impact that they can have upon those who are less fortunate than themselves, and even enjoy giving aid. This will ideally lead to them continuing to volunteer in their communities after graduation, in college, and beyond. David Lebrun 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. 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." I am the Service Learning Coordinator for Rising Sun High School. If you have any questions about service learning or volunteering, you are welcome to contact me.
 Meritorious Hours Form
(DOC 26 KB)
If you are volunteering your time, make note of it! This form allows you to record your hours and then hand it in to Mrs. Evans to be recorded permanently on your report cards.
Seasons of Service and Special Events 2010-2011
(DOC 19 KB)
This is a list of events thave have occured throughout the county and may be of interest when it comes to providing community service.
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Coporation for National & Community Service
This website is filled with information conerning AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. It is a wonderful opportunity to get involved beyond high school.
Volunteer Opportunity Search
This website has a number of volunteer opportunities on it. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, you can put in your zipcode, the distance you're willing to travel, and your area of interest.
MD Share
This website allows you to do a search of volunteer opportunities.
1. Click on Start.
2. Click on the county of interest.
3. Type "volunteer" and click search.
4. A list of opportunities will appear for you to review.
Maryland State Department of Education Service Learning Page
Rising Sun High School Class of 2015 Website
Cecil County Public Schools
Rising Sun High School
100 Tiger Drive
North East, MD 21901
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