Whether you are in need of Student Service Learning (SSL) hours, or are simply looking for a way to get involved with the community, there are plenty of opportunities for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students during the month of November.
Here are some of the notable opportunities for students to get involved with in November:
Sandy Spring Slave Museum – Emancipation Day in Maryland
For students 11 to 18 years of age, SSL hours can be earned by visiting the Emancipation Day celebration at the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“Any MCPS student in grades 6-12 can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending and participating in advocacy action,” the event website states. “See the MCPS table at the sites for the SSL forms.”
The event celebrates and reflects on the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the state. On November 1, 1864, Maryland abolished slavery in the state – becoming the first to do so through a popular vote, according to the event website.
Interested students may view the event website here.
Fall Harvest Transcribe-A-Thon
Available to those 13 years of age or older, the Fall Harvest Transcribe-A-Thon allows students to work virtually with the Sandy Spring Museum for SSL hours.
“Explore the history of Sandy Spring through transcription! Transcribe original archival documents, helping to make these fascinating and important artifacts searchable and accessible to all,” the event website states.
For the November event, students will be able to transcribe various items from the museum archives such as “historic family recipes, agricultural documents, and letters that capture the magic of the harvest season.”
During the process, students will be able to consult with the museum’s Transcription Coordinator via zoom, if needed, to work through any questions or difficulties that may arise.
Interested students are able to register here for one of two sessions on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Each session lasts for two hours; however, students “do not have to stay for the entire two hours in each session or arrive at the start.”
According to the event website, students may “drop in and work for as long as [they] like.”
“The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted,” the event website states.
To learn more about this opportunity, including information regarding guidelines, the event page can be accessed here.
Hybrid Youth Town Hall
For students interested in advocacy, there is an opportunity to earn SSL hours through attending a hybrid Youth Town Hall meeting, which will take place Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Students who attend the meeting will be joined by Montgomery County School Board President Brenda Wolff and Student Member of the Board of Education Arvin Kim to “learn more about issues currently impacting young people across the county.”
“Students are encouraged to come prepared with questions for Councilmembers,” the county government stated per a press release. “…students can receive up to two hours of student-service learning hours for advocacy.”
Those who plan to attend the event in-person also have the chance to arrive at 6 p.m. for a pizza reception in the Council Office Building cafeteria.
“Civic participation is so important, and it’s never too early to engage with elected representatives,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “This is a great opportunity for all students to participate and ask questions to their County Councilmembers, and it also helps us become more cognizant of the priorities of the residents that will shape, and be, the future of our County.”
Interested students may register for the event here. Residents can also stream the town hall live on the Council’s YouTube page (MoCoCouncilMD) or via Facebook Live (MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil).
