Dorchester County Public Schools

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, Maryland will implement revised PreK-8 math standards along with a statewide focus on consistent student support. ➕✖️➗

Join MSDE’s virtual family info sessions this June to learn how to use helpful tools like the Numeracy Development Framework and Family Guides to support your child’s math learning at home.

🗓️ Sessions:
• June 2 | 8–9:30 AM
• June 10 | 12–1:30 PM
• June 18 | 6:30–8 PM
• June 27 | 9:30–11 AM

🔗Register now at forms.office.com/g/CUetyRvnkJ (or scan the QR code below). Links will be sent to registered participants. Don’t forget to submit your questions when you register!

❓Any questions about this event? Email mathematics.msde@maryland.gov.

about 8 hours ago, DCPS

Behind every successful school is a strong facilities team, and we’re looking to grow ours.

Dorchester County Public Schools is now hiring a Tradesman II to help maintain and improve our school buildings with a strong emphasis on HVAC. This role is essential to ensuring our students and staff have safe, welcoming spaces to learn and work every day.

If you’re hands-on, reliable, and take pride in making a difference through your work, we want to hear from you.

💻 Apply today at dcps.schoolspring.com/

#BelieveInUs

about 14 hours ago, DCPS

Our May 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, #withJOY!

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

#BelieveInUs

1 day ago, DCPS

Teacher
NOUN /ˈtēCHər/
A person who educates, inspires, and changes the world one student interaction at a time.

It's #TeacherAppreciationWeek, and we have the BEST at DCPS! Our teachers show up daily #withJOY, determination, creativity, and care, always going above and beyond to help every student succeed. Their commitment and intentionality shapes the future of Dorchester County, and we’re grateful for each of them! 🍎

#ThankATeacher
#BelieveInUs

1 day ago, DCPS

DCPS Celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week

When School Lunch Hero Day meets School Principals' Day, we’re couldn't be more proud to celebrate the dedicated team members who make our schools feel like home every day! ✨

From serving nutritious meals that fuel our students’ success #withJOY, to leading with vision and heart, our lunch heroes and principals play vital roles in shaping the futures of our students!

Thank you for your hard work, passion, and commitment— we appreciate you today and every day! 💙

#BelieveInUs

5 days ago, DCPS

‼️Attention: Out of District PreK4 Enrollment is NOW OPEN!‼️

🗓️Deadline to apply: July 20, 2026
⚠️ Please note: No Out of District PreK3 requests will be considered

Apply now at https://form.jotform.com/261113508954153

#BelieveInUs

5 days ago, DCPS

Out of District PreK4 Enrollment Now Open

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the third and final round of community engagement sessions focused on identifying priorities to guide future school construction projects across the district.

These sessions brought together a diverse group of community members who collaborated with professional planners to develop a comprehensive evaluation rubric. This rubric reflects the values and priorities most important to our community and has been used to assess the condition and needs of each school facility.

The evaluation identified Warwick Elementary School as having the highest level of need. However, the assessment also highlights that all DCPS elementary schools face significant facility challenges that require attention. With this valuable information, DCPS now begins the critical process of determining which school construction project will be submitted first to the state for consideration and funding.

We encourage continued community involvement as we move forward. The full report is available on our district website, dcps.k12.md.us, and community members are invited to share their feedback. Additionally, public input can be provided in person at the DCPS Board of Education meeting on May 21, 2026.

In accordance with state requirements, the DCPS Board of Education will vote on June 18, 2026, to select the school construction project to advance in its formal request to the state. Electronic public feedback will be accepted leading up to this vote. Scan the QR code below or go to bit.ly/4cNettq to share your input on any additional factors you believe the DCPS Board of Education should consider when deciding which elementary school to recommend for replacement first.

We extend our sincerest gratitude to all community members who have participated in this process, contributing their time, insights, and collaboration to help shape the future of our schools.

#BelieveInUs

5 days ago, DCPS

🐎 Registration Round-Up is HERE!

Enrollment for PreK-3, PreK-4, & Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year is NOW OPEN!

🔹 PreK-3: Must be 3 by Sept 1st | Limited spots at Sandy Hill, Maple, Vienna & Hurlock | Proof of income required
🔹 PreK-4: Must be 4 by Sept 1st | Proof of income required
🔹 Kindergarten: Must be 5 by Sept 1st | Attendance is mandatory by Maryland law

📋 All enrollments require:
• Proof of age
• Proof of residency
• Proof of relationship
• Up-to-date immunizations

⏳ PreK spots are limited — don’t wait!
🔗 Find registration information and links at dcps.k12.md.us/article/2828445

#BelieveInUs

6 days ago, DCPS

You may have heard the phrase “School’s in session,” but how about “Schools in Court?” Yesterday, students experienced the judicial system in action thanks to an incredible partnership with The Maryland Judiciary. Judiciary members from across the state brought learning to life through immersive, role-played court scenarios at the Dorchester District Court with students from North Dorchester High School and Cambridge-South Dorchester High School. These experiences gave students a real-world look at how our courts operate, and how their own choices can shape future outcomes. Today, students enrolled in Government classes continued the learning through “Gavel Will Travel” presentations, where local judges shared insights and experiences from the bench. Even our younger learners joined in, with 2nd and 3rd grade students participating in the “Reading in Robes” program. At Choptank Elementary School, Maple Elementary School, and Sandy Hill Elementary School, students had the unique opportunity to connect with judges from across the state—some even meeting a Maryland Supreme Court Justice! We are grateful for this evolving partnership that continues to inspire, educate, and empower students across our district #withJOY! #BelieveInUs

6 days ago, DCPS

REMINDER
Elementary School Modernization Prioritization Study

🗓️April 29, 2026
⏰5:30-6:30 PM
📍Mace's Lane Middle School

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.

7 days ago, DCPS

‼️Attention: Out of District PreK4 Enrollment opens May 1st!‼️

🗓️ Deadline to apply: July 20, 2026
⚠️ Please note: No Out of District PreK3 requests will be considered
🔗Apply beginning May 1st at https://form.jotform.com/261113508954153

#BelieveInUs

7 days ago, DCPS

To all our amazing Dorchester County Public Schools bus drivers— thank you for being the friendly faces that greet our students each morning and safely bring them home each day. Your dedication and care make a huge difference in our community and in the lives of our students. Here’s to the heroes behind the wheel— thank you for all you do, #withJOY! 🚌

#BelieveInUs

8 days ago, DCPS

Relentless focus on student success, strong collaboration, and a community that shows up—this is what makes our DCPS community truly special. Yesterday’s Cruisin’ Into Careers at the Dorchester Career and Technology Center brought it all together, #withJOY! With 65+ businesses and organizations, more than 165 industry and community professionals, a dedicated Career Coaching team, student volunteers, supportive educators, and over 1,000 high school students eager to explore future opportunities, the energy was undeniable. Thank you to everyone who helped create a space where students could connect, discover, and envision their futures. When we come together in support of our learners, we don’t just open doors—we help build the pathways that lead them forward. ✨ #BelieveInUs

11 days ago, DCPS

On Administrative Professionals Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the amazing administrative staff who keep our schools running. Your dedication and kindness make a real difference every day, #withJOY! Your hard work ensures that everything runs smoothly, from handling the unseen to supporting teachers and students alike. We appreciate your commitment, professionalism, and the positive energy you bring to our school community.💙

#BelieveInUs

14 days ago, DCPS

Last week, we were proud to celebrate the Week of the Young Child alongside our educators, families, and community—honoring the joy, creativity, and lasting impact of early learning. 🎨📚 As part of the celebration, Dr. Thompson spent time with our youngest learners and their families at the Judy Center at Sandy Hill Elementary, joining them as a guest reader. Through story time and play, these shared moments highlighted the power of connection and the importance of nurturing a love of learning from the very start. We know that high-quality early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong success, and are grateful for the dedicated professionals who nurture, inspire, and support our children each day, #withJOY! #BelieveInUs

14 days ago, DCPS

📢Attention parents and caregivers of students at Hurlock Elementary, Warwick Elementary, North Dorchester Middle, and North Dorchester High Schools!

Join the FREE 8-week Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) designed to help you strengthen family connections, support mental health, and encourage your child’s success in school, #withJOY!

🗓 When: Every Wednesday, 5:30–7:30 PM, beginning April 22nd
📍 April & June sessions: In person at Hurlock Elementary (301 Charles St., Hurlock, MD 21643)
💻 May sessions: Online via Zoom
🍽 Free dinner & childcare provided during in-person sessions!

🔗Register today at tinyurl.com/PEP-HES

#BelieveInUs

15 days ago, DCPS

🐎 Registration Round-Up is almost here!

Enrollment for PreK-3, PreK-4, & Kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year opens April 30th! The registration link will be forthcoming.

🔹 PreK-3: Must be 3 by Sept 1st | Limited spots at Sandy Hill, Maple, Vienna & Hurlock | Proof of income required
🔹 PreK-4: Must be 4 by Sept 1st | Proof of income required
🔹 Kindergarten: Must be 5 by Sept 1st | Attendance is mandatory by Maryland law

📋 All enrollments require:
• Proof of age
• Proof of residency
• Proof of relationship
• Up-to-date immunizations

⏳ PreK spots are limited — don’t wait! Get your documents ready and register beginning April 30th!

#BelieveInUs

19 days ago, DCPS

26-27 PreK and Kindergarten enrollment opens April 30th

‼️Reminder ‼️

As students across DCPS begin participating in the the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) and/or Advanced Placement exams this Spring, please help us support our students navigate testing season by:

📅 Helping students get to school on testing days, check out our Spring MCAP/AP Calendar here: https://bit.ly/4sdQCZU

💻 Support students in accessing practice test materials before testing here: https://support.mdassessments.com/practice-tests/

🚫 Please remember personal electronic devices are not permitted in the testing environment. This includes any device that can receive or send a message, take or send pictures, etc. including cell phones, airpods, meta glasses or cameras.

#BelieveInUs

21 days ago, DCPS

🎉When passion and celebration collide, DCPS shines brighter than ever! Last night was truly unforgettable as we celebrated excellence at our Awards Gala #withJOY! We had the honor of recognizing 70 finalists across all categories for their influence and dedication, and it was certainly an evening to remember.

We are proud to announce our 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, Ms. Cierra Robinson from Maple Elementary School, and our Early Excellence Educator, Ms. Olivia Gisriel from Choptank Elementary School! We are honored to have both of these outstanding educators represent Dorchester County Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year in their respective categories!

We are also thrilled to announce our 2026 Team Members of the Year in the following categories:
✨ Community Connections – Sarah Hopkins, North Dorchester High School
✨ Impact – Shay Lewis-Sisco, Dorchester Career & Technology Center
✨ Leadership – Natalie Drake, Maple Elementary School
✨ Service Above Self – Crystal Carpenter, North Dorchester Middle School

And a special shoutout to Dorchester Educators Education Support Professional of the Year, Ms. Shay Lewis-Sisco!

It takes an entire community to pull off an event like The Best of DCPS Awards Gala, and we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all our sponsors and supporters whose generosity made this unforgettable evening possible for our finalists and attendees!

Congratulations again to our winners and all our finalists! ✨

#BelieveInUs

25 days ago, DCPS

Due to fog in the area, DCPS will operate on a 2 -hour delay today, Friday, April 10, 2026. Please be safe!

26 days ago, DCPS