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
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
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
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
Due to the current weather conditions, DCPS will operate on a virtual learning day tomorrow, Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Students should follow their school's schedule as they did today. THERE WILL NOT BE A 2-HOUR LATE ARRIVAL AS PREVIOUSLY PLANNED. Other staff are required to telework. If that is not possible, contact your supervisor. Please stay safe!
Dorchester County Public Schools was proud to be represented by our amazing Community School Liaisons:
✨ Ms. Woolford – Sandy Hill Elementary
✨ Ms. McBean – Hurlock Elementary
✨ Ms. Taylor – Choptank Elementary
Together, 24 school districts (representing 700+ Community Schools) presented to over 100 legislators and legislative staff about the transformative work happening across the state.
📈 Since becoming a Community Schools district, DCPS has seen:
✔️ Increased attendance rates each year
✔️ Growth in partnerships from 40 in 2024 to 281 countywide in 2026
✔️ Expanded programming and extended learning opportunities
✔️ Monthly family & community engagement events at every school
Community Schools are strengthening connections, supporting families, empowering educators, and driving student success every single day.
We are proud of the impact we are making — and we’re just getting started! 💙
#WeLoveOurCommunitySchools
#withJOY
#BelieveInUs
Good evening!
Due to the predicted weather conditions DCPS will operate on a virtual learning day tomorrow, Monday, February 23, 2026. Students should follow their school’s schedule. Other staff are required to telework. If that is not possible, contact your supervisor.
Please stay safe!
Over the past two months, Cambridge elementary schools have been going head-to-head in basketball and cheer competitions. Nearly 100 students participated #withJOY, showing off their skills and team spirit. Last night, Sandy Hill Elementary School wrapped up a perfect season by bringing home the championship!
Our community—parents, players, cheerleaders, coaches, and fans—really showed what makes Dorchester County Public Schools such a special place through elementary athletics!
A big thank you to Dorchester County Recreation & Parks for teaming up with us and helping make all the games happen.
We’re so proud of all our students and can’t wait to see what’s next!
There is a slight possibility of winter weather this weekend. As a precaution, students are being sent home with their devices and/or paper learning packets tomorrow, Friday, February 20th in the event that school is impacted next week.
Should weather conditions cause a school closure at the start of next week, we will transition to virtual instruction. We hope that the weather will cooperate and that we will see our students in person, bright and early, on Monday.
Thank you for your support and understanding as we prepare for all possibilities.
#BelieveInUs
Over the last two weeks, we had the privilege of surprising our January Staff of the Month recipients #withJOY! Recognizing those who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to uplifting others is truly an honor.
Please join us in celebrating our January champions:
✨ Deshinna Nichols – Teacher of the Month (CSD)
✨ Jessica Dulin – Administrator of the Month (CSD)
✨ Christie Carels – Specialist of the Month (South Dorchester School)
✨ April Fletcher – Support Personnel of the Month (Choptank Elementary School)
✨ Garrett Johnson – People’s Choice Award (Hurlock Elementary School)
These exceptional individuals embody the spirit of leadership and passion that drives Dorchester County Public Schools forward every day. Their unwavering commitment creates an environment where both students and staff can flourish — and for that, we are deeply grateful.
Do you know a DCPS team member who goes above and beyond? 🔗Nominate them today at http://bit.ly/4m0MyJ6
Let’s continue to honor and uplift those who inspire greatness throughout our district! 💙
#BelieveInUs
🧠Theme: You’re Not Alone: A Celebration of Unique Minds, United Community
📅When: Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1:00–3:30 p.m.
📍Where: Cambridge South Dorchester High School (2475 Cambridge Beltway, Cambridge, MD)
What you can expect:
🍽️ Free lunch for attendee & childcare meals
🧸 Sensory room to relax
🎟️ Raffles & prizes
🛍️ Vendors & resources
🔗Register today at https://forms.gle/XjTuUf6v1ULRJzdL9
❓Questions? Reach out to Dr. Tinch at (410) 228-9224 ext. 1758 or tinchc@dcpsmd.org.
Let’s celebrate our unique minds and strong community — together, #withJOY! 💙✨
#BelieveInUs
Join our team! We’re looking for talented professionals for these key roles:
🔹 Data and Purchasing Analyst
🔹 Executive Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services
If you’re ready to make an impact in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you!
🔗Apply today at: dcps.schoolspring.com
#BelieveInUs
noun (n)
1. A multi-tasking detective, who acts as a project manager in their spare time (spare time? what is that?)
2. Resolver of conflicts and restorer of hope.
3. Master of empathy.
4. Impressive facilitator of success.
*See also: Legendary scheduling ninjas
School counselors are more than words can capture — they’re trusted listeners, problem-solvers, and fierce advocates dedicated to supporting every student’s academic, social, and emotional well-being. Whether helping students overcome challenges or guiding them toward their future goals, they stand by their side through both the brightest moments and the toughest times.
We’re proud to have the best of the best — counselors who show up day after day with heart, dedication, and a deep commitment to our students’ success #withJOY.
To our schools counselors on #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek (and every day before and after) — thank you for always being there for our kids. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you! 💙
#NSCW26
#BelieveInUs
