Middle school service hours?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

When are students told? Why isn’t it communicated at open house or back to school night? Parents are the ones that have to facilitate the service hours outside of school, so no, kids wouldn’t be able to get service hours on their own. My 7th grader has no idea about the hours and no idea how to log on to xVOL or whatever system they use. If my child wanted to stay after to do yours they would need to clear it with me so I could pick them up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kilmer didn’t need anything in the honors class but my kids didn’t want to be in NJHS. There is a requirement to stay in that.

Kilmer requires 8 or 10. I forget the exact number. I thought this was a ffx requirement?

Then nothing happened if they didn’t do them and it wasn’t communicated well. My kids are in HS and both took honors civics. Neither did any in middle school. One is a 9th grader so it wasn’t long ago.

[Anonymous]

This is quite the mixed bag of expectations across the schools listed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

But if hours from 7th grade can count, why aren’t kids being taught this prior to 8th grade? Why aren’t they told about the hours in 7th so they can start? 15 in one school year is a lot, on top of any ones for JNHS. They could be shown during advisory, for example.

[Anonymous]

Why do some schools have NJHS and some don’t? Another one of the million examples of lack of opportunities that hurt students and it’s not their fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do some schools have NJHS and some don’t? Another one of the million examples of lack of opportunities that hurt students and it’s not their fault.

Who knows. Carson doesn't have an honor roll and others schools do. NJHS really doesn't do much. There is not a club meeting and there is no real benefit to being in NJHS, it's not something that you put on your college applications. My kid is in it and hit his service hours before 8th grade started, his Scout Troop does a lot.

We knew that service hours were a thing because of friends in the neighborhood and they had told us we could record them in 7th grade. We told our son and he figured it out. I don't think it is all that hard to find or do but that is because my kid figured it out solo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

But if hours from 7th grade can count, why aren’t kids being taught this prior to 8th grade? Why aren’t they told about the hours in 7th so they can start? 15 in one school year is a lot, on top of any ones for JNHS. They could be shown during advisory, for example.

Fifteen hours is not hard to get, at least, not for the kids I know. He is involved in Scouts so getting hours might be easier for him then kids not in Scouts. His friends not in Scouts do a lot at their ES to support events at the ES. The ES parents reach out to the MS/HS crowd on the neighborhood FB page and post volunteer hours, they fill up fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

But if hours from 7th grade can count, why aren’t kids being taught this prior to 8th grade? Why aren’t they told about the hours in 7th so they can start? 15 in one school year is a lot, on top of any ones for JNHS. They could be shown during advisory, for example.

Fifteen hours is not hard to get, at least, not for the kids I know. He is involved in Scouts so getting hours might be easier for him then kids not in Scouts. His friends not in Scouts do a lot at their ES to support events at the ES. The ES parents reach out to the MS/HS crowd on the neighborhood FB page and post volunteer hours, they fill up fast.

Exactly, you have access to more hours because of Scouts. We don’t have that. And we have not heard anything about our old ES needing hours. I usually find that the PTA cliques have that access, but we were never part of that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

I want to be clear that I’m offended by the assumption that my child was told and simply didn’t pay attention. That’s not what happened. He was not shown how to use the system, and because he has ADHD and executive‑function challenges, he needs explicit instruction and support to access the same expectations as his peers.

I’m glad your child was able to figure it out independently, but using your child’s experience as the standard for everyone else encompasses a narrow view of how children acquire information. Students learn differently, and many — especially those with disabilities — need more than a single mention or one-time demonstration.

This is exactly why consistent communication and clear, school‑wide guidance matter. They ensure that all students, including those who need additional scaffolding, have equitable access to the requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

I want to be clear that I’m offended by the assumption that my child was told and simply didn’t pay attention. That’s not what happened. He was not shown how to use the system, and because he has ADHD and executive‑function challenges, he needs explicit instruction and support to access the same expectations as his peers.

I’m glad your child was able to figure it out independently, but using your child’s experience as the standard for everyone else encompasses a narrow view of how children acquire information. Students learn differently, and many — especially those with disabilities — need more than a single mention or one-time demonstration.

This is exactly why consistent communication and clear, school‑wide guidance matter. They ensure that all students, including those who need additional scaffolding, have equitable access to the requirement.

My kid, who doesn’t have ADHD, misses things and tells us it wasn’t covered but it was. We know because we ask other kids and they tell us it was covered. I get kids needing scaffolding but that is different than saying the teacher never mentioned it. I would guess that they did.

it was discussed at our open house at Carson, all the parents at the open house heard about it. It is also in the syllabus, which students and parents can access on schoology. And yes, we review the syllabus with our son.

I agree that there needs to be consistency across FCPS. That said, service hours for 8th grade civics is not new. We have one kid and our neighbors told us about it leading into 7th grade. I know Carson discusses it on their website. It is in the syllabus. It was discussed at the open house. At least it is covered for adults in 3 places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.
6:26 here. Franklin never mentioned it at our back to school night. Funny how you think that just because Carson mentioned it all the other schools mentioned it.

For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

I want to be clear that I’m offended by the assumption that my child was told and simply didn’t pay attention. That’s not what happened. He was not shown how to use the system, and because he has ADHD and executive‑function challenges, he needs explicit instruction and support to access the same expectations as his peers.

I’m glad your child was able to figure it out independently, but using your child’s experience as the standard for everyone else encompasses a narrow view of how children acquire information. Students learn differently, and many — especially those with disabilities — need more than a single mention or one-time demonstration.

This is exactly why consistent communication and clear, school‑wide guidance matter. They ensure that all students, including those who need additional scaffolding, have equitable access to the requirement.

My kid, who doesn’t have ADHD, misses things and tells us it wasn’t covered but it was. We know because we ask other kids and they tell us it was covered. I get kids needing scaffolding but that is different than saying the teacher never mentioned it. I would guess that they did.

it was discussed at our open house at Carson, all the parents at the open house heard about it. It is also in the syllabus, which students and parents can access on schoology. And yes, we review the syllabus with our son.

I agree that there needs to be consistency across FCPS. That said, service hours for 8th grade civics is not new. We have one kid and our neighbors told us about it leading into 7th grade. I know Carson discusses it on their website. It is in the syllabus. It was discussed at the open house. At least it is covered for adults in 3 places.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.


For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

I want to be clear that I’m offended by the assumption that my child was told and simply didn’t pay attention. That’s not what happened. He was not shown how to use the system, and because he has ADHD and executive‑function challenges, he needs explicit instruction and support to access the same expectations as his peers.

I’m glad your child was able to figure it out independently, but using your child’s experience as the standard for everyone else encompasses a narrow view of how children acquire information. Students learn differently, and many — especially those with disabilities — need more than a single mention or one-time demonstration.

This is exactly why consistent communication and clear, school‑wide guidance matter. They ensure that all students, including those who need additional scaffolding, have equitable access to the requirement.

My kid, who doesn’t have ADHD, misses things and tells us it wasn’t covered but it was. We know because we ask other kids and they tell us it was covered. I get kids needing scaffolding but that is different than saying the teacher never mentioned it. I would guess that they did.

it was discussed at our open house at Carson, all the parents at the open house heard about it. It is also in the syllabus, which students and parents can access on schoology. And yes, we review the syllabus with our son.

I agree that there needs to be consistency across FCPS. That said, service hours for 8th grade civics is not new. We have one kid and our neighbors told us about it leading into 7th grade. I know Carson discusses it on their website. It is in the syllabus. It was discussed at the open house. At least it is covered for adults in 3 places.

It’s really important to recognize that not every school communicates this information the same way, and not every family has the same access to back‑to‑school events or the same experience when they attend them.

My child does not attend Carson, and at our back‑to‑school night the Civics teacher did not mention service hours at all. We had ten minutes, most of which were spent on her background and family, and she only rushed through the curriculum as the bell was ringing. There was no explanation of the service‑hours requirement, no demonstration of the logging system, and no guidance for parents.

So when people say “it was covered” or “everyone was told,” that simply isn’t true across FCPS. Some schools communicate clearly and consistently; others don’t. And for students who need scaffolding — including those with disabilities — inconsistent communication creates real barriers.

This isn’t about blaming teachers or avoiding responsibility. It’s about acknowledging that families have very different experiences depending on the school, the teacher, and the needs of their child. That’s exactly why system‑wide clarity and consistency matter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Franklin hasn’t mentioned it at all to the 7th graders. If hours from 7th grade can count it would be nice to know. My child has some but hasn’t been shown how to log them or been told what the requirements will be. It can be difficult to get enough service hours all in 8th grade. Wish schools would take more initiative regarding this and explain it to both kids and parents when kids first come to middle schools.

Parent of Franklin 8th grader. The 7th grade hours do count toward Civics. I confirmed with with Mr Derusso last week

Thank you. How many hours total are required? When and how are parents and students informed of the requirements? When do students learn how to log their hours? Why aren’t 7th graders told at the beginning do the year?

We have been very disappointed with Franklin so far. This is just one more thing.

They are told. Middle school is the start of kids being responsible for themselves. There is a website they are supposed to register on and log their hours.

I understand that middle school is a time when students are expected to take on more responsibility, but that expectation isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. My child has ADHD, and executive‑function support is part of his IEP. He was never shown how to register or log hours, and the information wasn’t communicated clearly to parents at the start of the year.


For students who need scaffolding, “they are told” isn’t enough. They need explicit instruction, reminders, and support built into the process. That’s not about avoiding responsibility — it’s about giving them equitable access to the same expectations as their peers.

This is why clearer communication and consistent guidance from the school are so important.

I wouldn’t be so sure of that. My kid was shown how to use the system in his Civics class. He figured it out on his own in 7th grade but was shown in 8th. I have found that when I check in with other parents the things my kid has “not been taught” that were taught is quite high.

I want to be clear that I’m offended by the assumption that my child was told and simply didn’t pay attention. That’s not what happened. He was not shown how to use the system, and because he has ADHD and executive‑function challenges, he needs explicit instruction and support to access the same expectations as his peers.

I’m glad your child was able to figure it out independently, but using your child’s experience as the standard for everyone else encompasses a narrow view of how children acquire information. Students learn differently, and many — especially those with disabilities — need more than a single mention or one-time demonstration.

This is exactly why consistent communication and clear, school‑wide guidance matter. They ensure that all students, including those who need additional scaffolding, have equitable access to the requirement.

My kid, who doesn’t have ADHD, misses things and tells us it wasn’t covered but it was. We know because we ask other kids and they tell us it was covered. I get kids needing scaffolding but that is different than saying the teacher never mentioned it. I would guess that they did.

it was discussed at our open house at Carson, all the parents at the open house heard about it. It is also in the syllabus, which students and parents can access on schoology. And yes, we review the syllabus with our son.

I agree that there needs to be consistency across FCPS. That said, service hours for 8th grade civics is not new. We have one kid and our neighbors told us about it leading into 7th grade. I know Carson discusses it on their website. It is in the syllabus. It was discussed at the open house. At least it is covered for adults in 3 places.

It’s really important to recognize that not every school communicates this information the same way, and not every family has the same access to back‑to‑school events or the same experience when they attend them.

My child does not attend Carson, and at our back‑to‑school night the Civics teacher did not mention service hours at all. We had ten minutes, most of which were spent on her background and family, and she only rushed through the curriculum as the bell was ringing. There was no explanation of the service‑hours requirement, no demonstration of the logging system, and no guidance for parents.

So when people say “it was covered” or “everyone was told,” that simply isn’t true across FCPS. Some schools communicate clearly and consistently; others don’t. And for students who need scaffolding — including those with disabilities — inconsistent communication creates real barriers.

This isn’t about blaming teachers or avoiding responsibility. It’s about acknowledging that families have very different experiences depending on the school, the teacher, and the needs of their child. That’s exactly why system‑wide clarity and consistency matter.

Fully agreed. FCPS is awful with being consistent across schools. There are schools that don't have the requirement, while otehrs do. The number of hours required changes. DS told me that it is actually 15 at Carson but they get to count the hours that they spent in class researching volunteer organizations and the like for 5 of their hours.

Knowing that, we make it a point to read the syllabus for our child and I will google requirements for the specific school since they are listed. For me, it is no different then doing my own research on what classes are available to my child for the next year and discussing them with him vs trusting the guidance counselor to do so. I know that the COunty does a poor job across the board with communication so I need to do my own research.