Dorchester County Public Schools

📢 Attention Families! We’re excited to announce upcoming STAR Autism Caregiver Trainings happening on April 1st and 2nd! Both sessions cover the same important topic and are offered on two different nights so you can choose the one that works best for you. To register, simply scan the QR code on the attached flyers or use the registration links below 👇 🎯 Topic: Do With, Not For – Teaching Skills Through Functional Routines 🗓️ When: April 1st & April 2nd, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM 💻 Where: Virtual (join from anywhere! Register using link or flyer QR) April 1st caregiver session link: https://starautismsupport.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ht4fJJIvSRWipLfthyUgDg April 2nd caregiver session link: https://starautismsupport.zoom.us/meeting/register/rOEAslr0R9ihglvmhlFSZA#/registration Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn practical strategies to support! #withJOY #BelieveInUs

about 14 hours ago, DCPS

We were excited to welcome Maryland State Department of Education Student Board Member O’Marie Barnes to Dorchester County Public Schools on Monday, March 16th. Joined by DCPS Student Board Member Izzy Trissell, the two student leaders toured Dorchester Career and Technology Center, where they connected with students and staff to learn more about the incredible work happening across our programs. Throughout the visit, they heard firsthand about the opportunities CTE provides, as well as areas where students and staff would like to see continued growth and improvement. These conversations are vital as we work together to strengthen pathways for student success. Building relationships like this is so important for expanding student voice, increasing opportunities, and ensuring that decisions are informed by those most impacted—our students. We appreciate O’Marie’s visit and look forward to continued collaboration! #withJOY #BelieveInUs

3 days ago, DCPS

Good afternoon! Just a friendly calendar reminder that students will report to school on a two-hour delay on Monday, March 23, 2026. Teachers will be participating in Professional Development during this time. Thank you!

5 days ago, DCPS

We’re proud to celebrate Evelyn Windsor, a dedicated Dorchester Career and Technology Center (DCTC) student, who has recently signed on as an apprentice at the Horn Point Laboratory! Evelyn is gaining hands-on experience in oyster hatchery operations, deepening her understanding of the vital role oysters play in the health of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Having completed the Biomedical program and currently enrolled in the CASE program at DCTC, Evelyn is developing important skills like teamwork, responsibility, and attention to detail in a professional environmental science setting. Evelyn’s commitment to career-connected learning reflects our mission to prepare students for success in college, career, and community. We’re excited to see where her journey takes her!🌊🐚 #withJOY #BelieveInUs

5 days ago, DCPS

📌REMINDER
🗓️TONIGHT - March 18, 2026
⏰5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
📍DCTC

🏫Elementary School Modernization Prioritization Study

Learn about the future modernization process for the following elementary schools in Dorchester County:
Hurlock
Maple
Sandy Hill
Vienna
Warwick

Topics to Cover:

Recently approved educational specification and feasibility study
Methodology for prioritizing schools
Community engagement process and next steps

All meetings will be livestreamed and recorded. Use https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe to access the live stream and recordings.

6 days ago, DCPS

Modernization Prioritization study meeting graphic

📚 Last week, Vienna Elementary School was honored to receive a generous book donation from The Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) in memory of beloved 4th grade teacher Ms. Katie Cole. Ms. Cole’s family—her mom and brother—joined us to celebrate this special tribute. Ms. Cole’s students were among those who heard a story read by Ms. Melissa Ray, President of Dorchester Educators. This donation supports the Read Across America mission to inspire a lifelong love of reading, with a focus on books that celebrate and reflect the rich diversity of our world. Reading is a cornerstone of future success in any field, and we are proud to continue fostering a culture where every student can see themselves in the stories they read. Thank you to MSEA and the Cole family for helping us keep Ms. Cole’s passion for education and diversity alive in our classrooms. #withJOY #BelieveInUs

7 days ago, DCPS

Due to the forecasted weather conditions for this afternoon, DCPS students will be dismissed on a half-day schedule today, March 16, 2026. Staff may leave 2 hours early. Thank you and be safe!

8 days ago, DCPS

On Friday, February 27th, the William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone hosted an impactful Education Learning Tour, the first step aligning our current resources and partners to areas of need in our district. The day began with a partner panel where our current local partners came together to kick-start the tour with deep, meaningful discussions about critical areas of need and opportunities for impact within the community. Throughout the tour, participants explored schools and connected with organizations that directly influence student outcomes across the feeder pattern—from early childhood through postsecondary success. Representing the lower half of the district, we heard from student and staff panels at CSD, Mace’s Lane, and Choptank. These panels fostered honest conversations and showcased incredible authenticity through student voice, providing invaluable insights into the lived experiences of our learners. The tour brought together representatives from all schools within the feeder pattern, early learning providers, college and career partners, after-school and tutoring programs, wraparound service providers, and community organizations. This collaborative experience allowed stakeholders to see the full ecosystem of support available to young people and identify opportunities to strengthen alignment, coordination, and impact across the district. Not only did DCPS host this tour, but some of our own just recently returned from an immersive experience in Harlem, and we can't wait to learn about the newfound vision they have returned with! #withJOY #BelieveInUs

12 days ago, DCPS

Due to the potential of wintry mix in the late afternoon and early evening hours, all after school activities are canceled today, Thursday, March 12th.

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe!

12 days ago, DCPS

🎉 A huge THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors for supporting our upcoming Best of DCPS Awards Gala on April 9th! Your generosity helps us elevate the experience for our deserving DCPS educators.

We are grateful to:
Data Networks
Choptank Electric Cooperative
Mid Shore Graphics
Hyatt Regency
City of Cambridge
Composite Yacht
Lois & Frank Narr
Dorchester Education Foundation
MidShore Meals til Monday
Haddaway’s Service Center
Megan Holotik – State Farm Insurance
Amick Farms, LLC
McDonald’s Restaurant
Cambridge Marketplace/Fairchild
Foundation Fitness
ESFCU – Educational Systems
Thomas's Fine Jewelry
Thomas Funeral Home
Bay Country Bakery
PepUp

Interested in joining this amazing group of supporters? There’s still time to become a sponsor and help us make this event unforgettable for our educators! Reach out to Ms. Lynne Redmer at redmerl@dcpsmd.org to learn how you can contribute.

Together, we can celebrate and honor those who inspire our community every day, #withJOY! ✨

#BelieveInUs

15 days ago, DCPS

We were honored to welcome Professor Jessica Shiller from the Maryland Center for Community Schools, Derek Anderson from MSDE, and their team of researchers and practitioners to Maple and Hurlock Elementary Schools yesterday. During their visit, they had the opportunity to observe several ELA and Math classrooms across multiple grade levels, and see firsthand the impactful work happening at Dorchester County Public Schools! Recognized as a “bright spot” among counties across the state, Dorchester continues to demonstrate strong partnerships and effective practices that support positive student outcomes #withJOY! We appreciate everyone who contributed to making this visit a meaningful experience, and look forward to more collaboration in the future! #BelieveInUs

18 days ago, DCPS

Today, we want to give a huge THANK YOU to our amazing school maintenance workers! Your hard work behind the scenes keeps our school safe, clean, and running smoothly every single day. From fixing what’s broken to making sure our environment is welcoming, you are truly the backbone of our school community.

We appreciate all that you do — your dedication does not go unnoticed!

#withJOY
#BelieveInUs

18 days ago, DCPS

National maintenance worker appreciation day 2026

📚✨This week, schools across the district are participating in Read Across America with exciting activities that inspire our students to #ReadEveryDay! One highlight was at Hurlock Elementary, where our very own Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson joined Ms. Abt’s PreK-4 class as a special guest reader. Dr. Thompson brought the story "Frog on a Log" to life, captivating the young learners who were engaged #withJOY throughout his time with them. Reading early and often is essential—it builds the foundation for strong literacy skills that support academic success and lifelong learning, and opens doors to dreams, imagination, and endless possibilities for every child’s future. We’re proud to foster a love of reading in every classroom across the district! #BelieveInUs

19 days ago, DCPS

Over the last several weeks, we had the honor of celebrating more excellence #withJOY! It is always inspiring to recognize the hard work, dedication, and passion of our outstanding educators who were selected as Team Member of the Year finalists! 🏆Leadership: James Stewart - CSD Aimee Cammarata - Choptank Elementary Cassidy Skarren - Hurlock Elementary Haley Kolakowski - Mace's Lane Natalie Drake - Maple Elementary Tashina Fowler - Sandy Hill Elementary Shane Abbott - Vienna Elementary Marybeth Blake - Warwick Elementary Heather McMahon-Vargas - Central Office 🏆Service Above Self: Angela Lowe - CSD Malik Fuller - Choptank Elementary Greg Insley - Dorchester Career & Technology Center Michelle Dorsey - Hurlock Elementary School Vicky Johnson - Mace's Lane Carlos Wilson - Maple Elementary Amanda Mueller - North Dorchester High Crystal Carpenter - North Dorchester Middle Emily Moore - Sandy Hill Elementary Heather Travers - South Dorchester School Margaret Short - Vienna Elementary Sarah Sherman - Warwick Elementary Ashley Hayden - Central Office 🏆Impact: Lisa Rank - CSD Ami'Jah Pattrick - Choptank Elementary Shay Lewis-Sisco - Dorchester Career & Technology Center Heather Powell - Hurlock Elementary Jammie Dutton - Mace's Lane Katie Scarpati - Maple Elementary Najee Griffin - North Middle Alexis Morton - Sandy Hill Elementary Stacy Brooks - South Dorchester School Carly Colman - Warwick Elementary Casey O'Bier - Central Office 🏆Community Connections: Rachel Grande - CSD Wesley Cooper - Choptank Elementary Sandy Shaw - Dorchester Career & Technology Center Jill Creighton - Hurlock Elementary Charles Johnson - Mace's Lane Gray Jimenez - Maple Elementary Sarah Hopkins - North Dorchester High Mark Pages - North Dorchester Middle Emani Downes - Sandy Hill Elementary Connar Winn - Vienna Elementary Angie Ausmussen - Warwick Elementary MLMS Food Service - Central Office Congratulations to all our Team Member finalists! We are excited to celebrate you at the DCPS Awards Gala on April 9th! 🎉 #BelieveInUs

21 days ago, DCPS

Behind every successful student is a school social worker who uplifts, defends, and transforms lives every single day. This National School Social Worker Week 2026, DCPS proudly honors the heroes who support our students’ mental health, well-being, and success — often behind the scenes, but always making a powerful impact.

This week we are honoring our incredible social workers across the district:

Ashley Pinder & Angela Meekins – Maple Elementary
Monick Conway & Renee Travers – Choptank Elementary
Shayna Church – Hurlock Elementary
Stephen Scott – Warwick Elementary
Connar Winn – Vienna Elementary
Rebecca Skinner & Ashley Leak – Maces Lane Middle School
Rachel Chambers & Kassidy Spencer – North Dorchester Middle School
Taijha Brummell – Sandy Hill Elementary
Jannia Mitchell – Cambridge South Dorchester High School
Sarah Hopkins – North Dorchester High School
Katelyn Helwig – South Dorchester K-8 & Community School & PBIS Coordinator
Ashley Hayden – Rising Star Administrator
Kawana Webb – Supervisor of Mental Health

Thank you for being the champions our students need, #withJOY! Your dedication changes lives every day!

#BelieveInUs

21 days ago, DCPS

Our March 2026 edition of the DCPS newsletter is here! 📬

Stay up to date with the latest district news, student highlights, upcoming events, and valuable resources — all in one place. We’re committed to keeping our community connected and informed every month.

🔗Check out the March District Newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/d19y3

22 days ago, DCPS

The DCPS Out-of-District application is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. This application is only good for the current school year, and a new application must be submitted for approval each school year.
For the 2026-2027 school year, we are continuing the completely online application process. The link is also posted on the DCPS Parents webpage. The application must be completed by April 30, 2026, to be considered. The only exceptions are for families that move after June 1 and/or Pre-K enrollment – the Out of District enrollment period is from September 1 to September 13, 2026. Pre-K is not included in this process; enrollment for PreK will open in May as a separate link. Please do not submit Out-of-District requests for PreK students using this link. A separate request form for PreK will be available later in the spring.
Families who have difficulty accessing the online link should contact their current school to schedule an appointment for assistance. All applications will be processed through the Student Services office and families will receive notifications by June 30.
As a reminder, no transportation is provided for out of district students. Students may only ride their assigned buses (home school) and parents are responsible for transportation for all out-of-district approved placements.
To register for out-of-district, please use the link below. If you have questions, please call 410-901-6944. Also, there is more information on requirements sent to parents' emails. We look forward to a successful end of the 2025 school year and a fantastic 2026-2027 year!
Out-of-District Application: https://form.jotform.com/260574826684166

22 days ago, DCPS

February is coming to an end, but our students and staff have celebrated Black History all month long #withJOY! From living museums to presentations, guest speakers and readers to door decorating, DCPS has honored the achievements, resilience, and lasting impact of Black leaders, innovators, artists, and changemakers throughout history. Our classrooms have been filled with powerful stories, meaningful conversations, and creative expressions that highlight the rich contributions of the Black community—past, present, and future. ❤️🖤💚 As we close out Black History Month, we remain committed to learning, reflecting, and celebrating all year long. #BelieveInUs

24 days ago, DCPS

Something truly incredible happened today at Dorchester County Public Schools! WMDT, in partnership with Pam Price & Associates, dropped into Hurlock Elementary School to present Ms. Moreen Brinsfield with the Teachers Who Make a Difference Award! 🎉 Congratulations, Ms. Brinsfield, we are incredibly proud to have teachers like you! Check out the story below ⬇️ 🔗 https://www.wmdt.com/2026/02/teachers-who-make-a-difference-hurlock-pre-k3-teacher-educates-with-sparkle/

25 days ago, DCPS

We’re extremely proud to celebrate our dual enrollment students from North Dorchester High School and Cambridge-South Dorchester High School who have qualified for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society! 🎉

Phi Theta Kappa is a national honor society that recognizes academic achievement and encourages leadership, personal growth, and service among community college students. Being part of PTK opens doors to scholarships, leadership opportunities, and a supportive network that helps students succeed both in and out of the classroom.

This is a big accomplishment, and it shows the hard work and dedication of our students. Congratulations to each of you — we can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll do next!

#BelieveInUs
#withJOY

28 days ago, DCPS