Dorchester County Public Schools -

Due to hazardous road conditions and freezing temperatures, Dorchester County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, December 15, 2025. Please be safe!

Sometimes the smallest initial interactions lead to the most remarkable partnerships. At Maple Elementary School, a simple question from DEPCOM sparked a powerful collaboration that has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire school community. DEPCOM, a solar engineering company, recently started construction across from Maple Elementary School, and they had asked if MES would be okay with them parking in the school lot when space was available. Without hesitation, Principal Ford agreed. At the end of last school year, DEPCOM again reached out to Principal Ford, this time asking what how they could invest in students over the summer. With minimal funding available for summer tutoring or programming, DEPCOM stepped in to fill the gap—purchasing every student a copy of the same book to launch a schoolwide One School, One Book summer reading and activity program. They also showed appreciation for the Lion's hardworking staff with an end-of-year luncheon. But their support didn’t stop there. Throughout the summer, DEPCOM stayed in close contact, continually asking how they could help. As the new school year began, they welcomed staff back with a breakfast and organized a supply drive that resulted in a generous donation of school supplies for students and teachers. Most recently, after learning more about the ongoing needs of Maple’s students, DEPCOM made a generous $10,000 donation to support critical student programs and resources. One DEPCOM team member said, "we know having a construction site this close to campus isn't ideal, but we are thankful. Moreso, we are just very grateful that you are building the future through your students, and we want to help in any way we can." This partnership is a shining example of how community engagement and genuine care can create meaningful change. We are grateful to DEPCOM for their ongoing commitment to our students and staff—and for showing how gestures of any size can grow into deep care and support. #withJOY #BelieveInUs

It was all smiles and giggles #withJOY at the DCPS Infants and Toddlers Celebration on Monday! Thank you to DCPS Family Support Services for hosting such an incredible event for our families at Cabin Fever! ❔Did you know: DCPS Family Support Services offers valuable resources for early intervention? If you're concerned with your child's development speak to their health care provider to determine if early intervention services are right for you! #BelieveInUs

📢 We’re Hiring! Join the DCPS Team!

Dorchester County Public Schools is looking for passionate and dedicated professionals to join us in supporting our students’ success. We have openings for:

• Special Education Instructional Assistant
• Early Childhood Behavior Intervention Teacher
• Physical Management Assistants

If you’re committed to making a difference in the lives of students and want to be part of a dynamic, inclusive school community, we want to hear from you!

🔗 Apply today at dcps.schoolspring.com

#BelieveInUs

‼️Reminder‼️

There will be a half day for DCPS students tomorrow, December 10, 2025.

He’s at it again! If there’s one thing we know, it’s that North Dorchester teacher Mr. Dave Morrissette understands the value of creating opportunities for his students beyond the traditional ways of learning. Over the past several weeks, Mr. Morrissette has welcomed a variety of experts into his strength and conditioning classes to share their knowledge and inspire our students #withJOY. Students have had the opportunity to learn from: • Cindy Vroman – Personal Trainer at Pure Fitness in Seaford, DE • Jeremy Warner – Head Coach and Soft Tissue Therapist from Functional Human Solutions • AJ Angello – Strength Trainer at A4 Training of Salisbury, MD Thanks to these guest teachers, our students are gaining valuable insights into fitness, health, and wellness from professionals in the field – in real time! That’s the kind of real-world learning that prepares our students for success! #BelieveInUs

Calling all members of our DCPS community.... Yes, YOU! We are actively seeking your input to help us close the gender gap we are seeing on ELA MCAP assessments. Please use the link below to give us your feedback!

🔗Gender Gap Survey: https://bit.ly/48AUDja

#BelieveInUs

You’ve heard of service with a smile, but how about services that give a smile? That's exactly what Mace’s Lane Middle School did when they teamed up with Catering by Jamie to host a special fundraiser aimed at expanding educational opportunities for students and staff this school year. Community School Liaison Mr. Branch was on hand to help lead the charge and personally thank everyone who showed up and supported MLMS yesterday. Together, we’re building a stronger community and brighter futures for our Tigers—#withJOY! #BelieveInUs

‼️Dorchester County Public Schools is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Tradesman I/General Maintenance Technician and Tradesman II / Licensed General Maintenance Technician. We are looking for a skilled, motivated, and self-driven professional with proven leadership abilities and expertise in multiple trades, including but not limited to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. These positions will be responsible for performing a variety of maintenance tasks to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students and staff.

📝If you are a dedicated maintenance professional ready contribute to our school facilities, please apply at dcps.schoolspring.com

November has come and gone in a flash, but now it's time to raise our voices high to celebrate the amazing dedication of our incredible staff! You nominated, and the selections are in – a huge congratulations to our November Staff of the Month recipients, whose smiles during this Tuesday morning surprise truly poured right back into us! Our November recipients are: 👏 Dave Morrissette – Teacher of the Month (North Dorchester High School) 👏 Linda Barnes – Administrator of the Month (North Dorchester Middle School) 👏 Shayna Church – Specialist of the Month (Hurlock Elementary) 👏 Jerrad Thomas – Support Personnel of the Month (CSD) 👏 Felicia Blount – People’s Choice Award (Choptank Elementary) We are so grateful for these outstanding employees who lead #withJOY every day! Your passion and dedication inspire us all. Each of you plays a vital role in making Dorchester County Public Schools a place where students and staff thrive, and your efforts never go unnoticed! Know a great DCPS employee who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination here: http://bit.ly/4m0MyJ6 Let’s keep celebrating those who are dedicated to leading and empowering across our district! 💙 #BelieveInUs

Today on National Special Education Day, Dorchester County Public Schools honors the unique strengths and potential of every learner. We also celebrate the dedication, passion, and hard work of our Special Education team, whose commitment to inclusion helps every student thrive. Thank you for making our schools a place where all learners are supported and valued #withJOY!

#BelieveInUs

On Tuesday, November 25th, our Choptank Elementary Hummingbirds took an important step in emergency preparedness by participating in an evacuation drill that advanced into a modified reunification process. This hands-on practice helps ensure that in the event of an emergency, our students, staff, and families know exactly what to do. This drill was an extension of Priority 2: Optimizing Operations from our Strategic Plan and was made possible through the collaboration of district and school officials, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department, and the Cambridge Police Department. Together, we strive to create a safe and secure learning environment for all. 🚌🚔 #BelieveInUs

Happy Thanksgiving from Dorchester County Public Schools! We are truly thankful for our amazing DCPS community—our students, families, staff, and partners who make our schools shine. Wishing you a warm, safe, and joyful holiday filled #withJOY!🦃💛 #BelieveInUs

‼️Reminder‼️

Dorchester County Public Schools will:
📆operate on a HALF DAY schedule today, Tuesday, November 25th
📆be CLOSED November 26th-28th for break

Today the amazing 2nd graders at Hurlock Elementary took their annual “field trip” to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade — and they didn't even have to leave HES! 🚌 They solved math problems along the parade route, explored the life of the parade’s creator through an autobiography, drafted blueprints for their very own balloons, and brought those designs to life! 🎨📐 It was a day full of learning, creativity, and fun as the kiddos marched their parade route around the school. Who needs NYC when you’ve got Hurlock Elementary? 🦃✨

In partnership with Campaign For Grade Level Reading and ParentPowered, we bring you language skills facts and tips! 📚 Fact: The love and support you give your child helps them every day in every way! It’s all the little things you do daily that make a BIG difference. 💡 Tip: Today, think about your parenting superpower. It’s something you’re REALLY amazing at. Telling stories, giving hugs, or listening are a few. What’s yours? Stay tuned— ParentPowered resources will be delivered straight to your digital device very soon! 📲 #BelieveInUs

On National Substitute Educator Day, we want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all of our incredible substitute educators! Your flexibility, dedication, and passion help keep our classrooms thriving every day — even when the unexpected happens.

You step in with grace and commitment, ensuring our students continue to learn, grow, and succeed. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you!

Thank you for being an essential part of the DCPS family and for serving our students #withJOY! 💙

#BelieveInUs

From Destiny Brown, to Destiny Brown, J.D.! ⚖ In the realm of education, success stories like Destiny's remind us why we keep dreaming forward. After graduating from North Dorchester High School, Destiny pursued her passion for justice by studying law at Howard University, a distinguished HBCU. Destiny has not only passed the bar exam; she earned a score high enough to practice in any UBE jurisdiction — including 39 states and the District of Columbia! Her journey is a beautiful testament to the power of grit and determination, and staying committed to never losing sight of her goal. From the halls of North Dorchester to the courtrooms across the country, Destiny’s story inspires every student to believe in themselves and to pursue their passions with #withJOY. Congratulations, Destiny Brown, J.D. — your DCPS family is so proud of you and can’t wait to see the incredible impact you will make in the world! 💙💫