January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our Board of Education members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From balancing late-night meetings to managing complex budgets and making tough decisions—their commitment is fueled by their passion for our schools and students. These dedicated members bring leadership, vision, and heart to everything they do, helping shape the future of our district #withJOY. This month, let’s come together to celebrate and thank them for their unwavering commitment to making DCPS a place where every student can thrive! ✨🎉
#BelieveInUs
#BelieveInUs
Nominations are now open for the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, Early Excellence Educator, and DCPS Team Members of the Year! All nominations must be submitted online by 8:00PM on January 21, 2026 to be considered.
Teacher of the Year
Nominees must have completed at least five years of successful teaching by the time of nomination. They must be professionally licensed, highly qualified full-time teachers who spend the majority of their time teaching. Nominees must continue teaching in Dorchester County through the 2026-2027 school year and be available to attend all events related to the Teacher of the Year program.
Selection process: Nomination lists will be sent to each school principal, who will select one school finalist. Finalists will be notified by DCPS Human Resources and will submit an application portfolio, participate in an interview, and have a classroom visit scored by a panel of judges. Scores from these components will determine the DCPS Teacher of the Year, announced at the DCPS Awards Night on April 9, 2026.
🔗Teacher of the Year Nomination Form
Early Excellence Educator
Nominees must be non-tenured teachers with fewer than three years of successful teaching experience and on track to achieve tenure. They must be highly qualified and spend the majority of their time teaching. Nominees must continue teaching in Dorchester County through the 2026-2027 school year.
Selection process: Nomination lists will be sent to each school principal, who will select one school finalist. Finalists will be notified by DCPS Human Resources and will submit an application portfolio along with a video recording of a lesson. A panel of judges will score these materials to select the DCPS Early Excellence Educator, announced at the DCPS Awards Night on April 9, 2026.
🔗Early Excellence Educator Nomination Form
Team Members of the Year
Nominees must be full-time Dorchester County Public Schools employees. Eligibility for finalists will be determined by their supervisor and/or school principal. One winner in each of the following categories will be selected by a panel of judges based on a rating rubric:
Service Above Self
Community Connections
Impact
Leadership
🔗Team Member of the Year Nomination Form
All finalists will be notified by Friday, February 27, 2026 and celebrated at the DCPS Awards Gala on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Casey O'Bier (obierc@dcpsmd.org) or Mrs. Shamya Johnson Stover (johnsonsh@dcpsmd.org), your Teacher of the Year and DCPS Awards co-coordinators.
We celebrate our amazing Career Coaches every single day — but today, on National Career Coach Day, we’re taking a special moment to shine an extra bright spotlight on two extraordinary DCPS leaders: Ms. Shay Lewis-Sisco and Ms. Sandy Shaw! 🌟
These incredible coaches go above and beyond to create immersive, hands-on opportunities that help our students explore their passions and discover exciting career pathways. From inspiring conversations to real-world experiences, Ms. Shay and Ms. Shaw are opening doors and lighting the way for our students’ futures.
Thank you both for your dedication, heart, and the difference you make in our students’ lives #withJOY. Here’s to you — our champions of dreams and possibilities! 💙✨
#BelieveInUs
These incredible coaches go above and beyond to create immersive, hands-on opportunities that help our students explore their passions and discover exciting career pathways. From inspiring conversations to real-world experiences, Ms. Shay and Ms. Shaw are opening doors and lighting the way for our students’ futures.
Thank you both for your dedication, heart, and the difference you make in our students’ lives #withJOY. Here’s to you — our champions of dreams and possibilities! 💙✨
#BelieveInUs
Meet Ali Bahar from North Dorchester High and Souhaila Doutoum from Cambridge-South Dorchester High — two students stepping into exciting new roles as Computer Repair Technician Apprentices.
Thanks to the strong foundation they’ve built with our amazing computer science teachers, Ali and Souhaila are now gaining hands-on experience working side-by-side with our IT team. Souhaila is learning the ropes with Ms. Stephanie Adams, while Ali is sharpening his skills alongside Mr. Rob Carpenter.
This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of Dorchester Career and Technology Center’s Ms. Ashley Robinson and Ms. Angela Bozman, and the dedication of DCPS’s Supervisor of Information and Instructional Technology, Ms. Cindy Houghtaling, whose collective leadership helped launch these IT apprenticeship opportunities and create pathways for students to explore careers in technology.
We’re proud to support our students as they turn their passions into skills #withJOY that will carry them far beyond the classroom. Here’s to the next generation of tech leaders — right here at DCPS! 💻🌟
#BelieveInUs
Thanks to the strong foundation they’ve built with our amazing computer science teachers, Ali and Souhaila are now gaining hands-on experience working side-by-side with our IT team. Souhaila is learning the ropes with Ms. Stephanie Adams, while Ali is sharpening his skills alongside Mr. Rob Carpenter.
This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of Dorchester Career and Technology Center’s Ms. Ashley Robinson and Ms. Angela Bozman, and the dedication of DCPS’s Supervisor of Information and Instructional Technology, Ms. Cindy Houghtaling, whose collective leadership helped launch these IT apprenticeship opportunities and create pathways for students to explore careers in technology.
We’re proud to support our students as they turn their passions into skills #withJOY that will carry them far beyond the classroom. Here’s to the next generation of tech leaders — right here at DCPS! 💻🌟
#BelieveInUs
At North Dorchester Middle School, students recently took an exciting step toward their futures #withJOY during the Career Networking Event held on Thursday, December 18th. This unique opportunity gave middle school students the chance to explore a variety of career paths and connect with professionals who shared insights about their work and the journeys that led them there. They even got to chat with Dorchester Career and Technology students about the careers they are currently getting in-depth experience in!
Thanks to the dedication of Career Coach Ms. Shay Lewis-Sisco and school counselors Ms. Hunteman and Mr. Nibblett, the event was a vibrant space where curiosity met opportunity. Students asked questions, discovered new possibilities, and began to imagine the many ways their talents and passions could shape their futures.
Events like this remind us that every student has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. At DCPS, we’re proud to create experiences that inspire our young learners to dream big and prepare for the careers of tomorrow—right here, today.
#BelieveInUs
📢 DCPS is excited to share the recommended 2026-2027 school calendar and invites our community to provide feedback! Your input is important to us as we plan for the upcoming school year.
🔗You can find the English and Spanish calendars here: https://bit.ly/4sra46C
Please send your comments by email to Nancy Harrington at harringtonn@dcpsmd.org.
🔗You can find the English and Spanish calendars here: https://bit.ly/4sra46C
Please send your comments by email to Nancy Harrington at harringtonn@dcpsmd.org.
From our DCPS family to yours, we wish you safe holidays filled #withJOY, peace, and happiness! 💫❄️
#BelieveInUs
#BelieveInUs
This December, Sparkles the Elf made a special journey from the North Pole to visit our youngest learners at every elementary school across Dorchester County! With her magical North Pole germs in tow, Sparkles showed students just how easily germs can spread from person to person. Through fun demonstrations and engaging conversations, she helped our students understand why handwashing is so important and how clean hands keep our whole community healthy. At DCPS, we’re proud to bring lessons #withJOY that keep our students safe and thriving!
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‼️Reminder‼️
Dorchester County Public Schools will:
📆operate on a HALF DAY schedule today, Friday, December 19th
📆be CLOSED December 22nd - January 2nd for break
Dorchester County Public Schools will:
📆operate on a HALF DAY schedule today, Friday, December 19th
📆be CLOSED December 22nd - January 2nd for break
On Tuesday, December 16th, Maple Elementary School buzzed with excitement and community spirit as families from across Dorchester County gathered for a special PEP celebration event. This joyful evening was a collaboration between the PEP partnership and the Maple Judy Center Early Learning Hub, who extended a warm invitation to families from across Dorchester to join in the festivities.
The event was a proud moment to honor 35 parents—both English and Spanish speakers—who completed the PEP-Family Reading Program (PEP-FRP) this fall. These dedicated parents have taken important steps to support their children’s learning at home, and this celebration recognized their commitment and growth.
Families were inspired by powerful words from Dr. Thompson and Joy Thomas Moore, a literacy specialist, parenting author, and mother to Governor Wes Moore. Their messages highlighted the importance of family engagement and literacy in shaping successful futures for our students.
Throughout the evening, families enjoyed engaging activities, meaningful conversations, and the chance to connect with one another. At DCPS, we know that strong partnerships between schools and families are the heart of student success. Events like this remind us all that when we come together #withJOY, we build a stronger, more vibrant community for every child.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this celebration so special!
#BelieveInUs
We are proud to announce the talented students who were selected as winners of our DCPS Holiday Card Contest! Their creativity and artistic skills truly captured the spirit of the holiday season! ❄️
👏 This year’s winners are:
• Hazel Coulbourn – Vienna Elementary
• Marlee Rogers – Vienna Elementary
• Addison Maier – South Dorchester School
• Kiedia Woolford – CSD
We are so proud of these students for sharing their creativity and holiday cheer with our DCPS community #withJOY. Thank you to all who participated, and congratulations to our winners on a job well done! 🎨🎉
#BelieveInUs
🎉We would like to take this moment to recognize Ms. Rebecca Cahall for earning her National Board Certification — one of the highest honors in teaching! This rigorous certification process recognizes educators who demonstrate advanced teaching skills and a deep commitment to student learning. Rebecca’s dedication, expertise, and passion for student success truly shine through in everything she does. We’re proud to have her as part of the DCPS family and are incredibly proud of her for this accomplishment!✨
We were wrapped in warmth, laughter, and community at the Family Ugly Sweater Party, hosted by Sandy Hill, Choptank, Mace’s Lane, and CSD. We were filled #withJOY to see families come together for this celebration that blended fun with purpose.
This gathering marked the second event in a four-part Music and Movement for Mental Health series, thoughtfully presented by our school social workers and community school liaisons. The room was alive with music, movement, and meaningful connection—reminding us that mental wellness grows strongest when families and schools support one another.
Smiles filled the space, laughter echoed throughout the evening, and creativity shined through every wonderfully ugly sweater. More than just a party, the event created a sense of belonging and togetherness that reflects the heart of our Dorchester County school community.
We’re grateful to our schools, families, and community partners for making this night so special—and we can’t wait to continue the journey with the next events in the series. 🎶🧣
#BelieveInUs
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!
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📢 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
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.
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
🔗Gender Gap Survey: https://bit.ly/48AUDja
#BelieveInUs
