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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 wrote:

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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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.