SSL policy changed

The activities eligible for Student Service Learning (SSL) have been restricted by several recent policy changes, according to MCPS SSL Coordinator Pamela Meador. The newest change requires non-profit organizations seeking clearance from individual school SSL coordinators to provide their tax-exempt numbers.

In order for volunteer hours to count as SSL hours, students must work for one of the non-profit organizations on MCPS's pre-approved list. If students work for an organization that is not on the list, the student, parent and representative of the organization must fill out an approval form in advance. Under the new policy, in order for these organizations to be approved, they must provide their tax-exempt number so that their non-profit status can be confirmed.

The policy was implemented in order to make sure that students are serving the community rather than working for a company. Nursing homes and assisted living centers are the only for-profit organizations cleared for student volunteers, but an approval form must be submitted before the student has completed any of his or her hours.

The process for submitting hours has not changed. Approval form must be submitted to Robert Hopkins in room 101 before a student can begin earning his or her hours. All forms can be found in the main office or online at http://www.mcpsssl.org.