Dorchester County Public Schools -

February is Career and Technology Education (CTE) Month! Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing you to a few members of the Class of 2024 who are completing CTE courses at DCTC, let them tell you why they chose their course, and how it is helping them create their future. We start off with C-SD student Jaden Ferguson who will soon be a welding completer thanks to his hard work with teacher Mr. Chris Baker. Through the DCTC cluster, Jaden says he got a taste of a few courses and determined welding was a great fit. He already has his eye on a position with a local company – good luck, Jaden! #CreateYourFutureDCTC #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Here is the revised calendar for the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year. Three of the four designated inclement weather days for this school year have now been used. This means that the last day of school is now June 14, 2024 and that the Tuesday following Spring Break (April 2, 2024) is now a school day. We have one more day remaining as an inclement weather day – Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Thursday before Spring Break. If that is used and more days are still required, DCPS will move to our virtual day plan. Keep those fingers crossed for fine weather! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Announcing the cream of the crop, the top of the heap, the best of the best . . . the finalists for Dorchester County Public Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024-25! Congratulations go to: Elementary Schools • Emma Brant, 3rd grade teacher, Choptank Elementary School • Jennifer Filopovic, Kindergarten teacher, Hurlock Elementary School • Katelyn Robinson, Pre-K teacher, Maple Elementary School • Christy Starling, Pre-K3 teacher, Sandy Hill Elementary School • Christie Carels, 4th grade teacher, South Dorchester School • Heather Rhinehart, 2nd grade teacher, Warwick Elementary School Secondary Schools • Colleen Carney, Social Studies teacher, Cambridge-South Dorchester High School • Anthony Thomas, Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness/Criminal Justice teacher, Dorchester Career and Technology Center • Kaylen Trice, Science teacher, North Dorchester High School • Kierra Farrare, Mathematics teacher, Mace’s Lane Middle School • Crystal Carpenter, Mathematics teacher, North Dorchester Middle School We also congratulate the finalists for Dorchester County Public Schools’ First Class Teacher of the Year Award, the recognition of an exceptionally promising teacher during their first year of teaching: • Jordan Lewis, Pre-K teacher, Choptank Elementary School • Devyn Thompson, Reading and Language Arts teacher, Mace’s Lane Middle School • Haley Wright, 4th grade teacher, Maple Elementary School • Brianna Sann, 1st grade teacher, Sandy Hill Elementary School You’ll be learning more about these exemplary teachers in the weeks leading up to the Teacher of the Year and First Class Teacher of the Year Annual Awards Reception, to be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

February is Black History Month, and Maple Elementary School was quick out of the gate yesterday, inviting guest readers to share books celebrating African-American history and culture! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

These kiddos are here to remind you of the importance of the Board of Education’s Budget Work Session to be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 1, 2024, 4:30 pm, at the Central Office of the Board of Education, 700 Glasgow St., Cambridge. The focus of the meeting will be on the budget for elementary schools. What are your thoughts? What should be the priorities? If you can’t make the meeting, email your comments to comments@dcpsmd.org by 2:00 pm on the day of the meeting. #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

DCPS University has been in session this week because, as a teaching and learning organization, it’s important we practice what we preach. Teachers and many support staff were ‘in class’ yesterday and today, sometimes as teachers, sometimes as learners, but always with the end goal of being better able to serve our students. DCPS staff with specialized expertise or who have simply figured out something that works really well in their classrooms are sharing with colleagues for most sessions, but we have welcomed a few external trainers as well. This afternoon, staff have almost 50 short courses from which to choose, a program put together by Director of Curriculum and Assessment Dr. Jodi Colman and team. We look forward to welcoming OUR students back to the classroom tomorrow (Wednesday, January 31) to try out all this newfound knowledge on THEIR students! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

The Board of Education of Dorchester County will conduct a Budget Work Session with comments from the public on Thursday, February 1, 2024, 4:30 pm, in the Board Room at the Central Office of the Board of Education, 700 Glasgow St., Cambridge. The agenda and related documents can be accessed online via BoardDocs on the Dorchester County Public Schools website at www.dcps.k12.md.us. Anyone unable to attend but who would like to submit public comments electronically to be included in the minutes can email comments@dcpsmd.org by 2:00 pm, Thursday, February 1, 2024. All open Board of Education meetings will be livestreamed at https://townhallstreams.com/towns/dorchesterboe.

The Rotary Club of Cambridge is a long-time friend of Dorchester County Public Schools, and Superintendent Dave Bromwell was invited to bring the Club up to date with new initiatives at its January meeting. Here he is with Club President-Elect Angie Hengst. #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Why is this woman smiling? She’s a retired teacher and she’s surrounded by books – free books, at that! The Dorchester Retired School Personnel Association (DRSPA) has opened The Book Nook inside the new Vintage Venue at 415 Race St. in Cambridge, the former location of the Lutheran Mission store. Here, Ruth Clendaniel, book maven and former DCPS teacher and administrator, delights in some of the children’s books available, and all at no charge. Stop by during opening hours, Wednesday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, to refresh both children’s and grown-ups’ home libraries. The Book Nook also accepts donations of books for children and grown-ups – there’s a receptacle inside the building by The Book Nook to leave books in good condition. Teachers never stop helping you to read, read, and read some more! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Hey Baltimore Ravens, who’s the best quarterback in the NFL? The Huskies of Warwick Elementary School know it’s Great Number 8! Purple Friday has hit Secretary, Maryland (pop. 458) in a big way and we’re looking for a big win this weekend! Go Ravens! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

A reminder: There will be no school for students on Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30, due to teacher report card preparation and professional development for staff. School resumes as usual on Wednesday, January 31! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

More than 30 young people from Cambridge-South Dorchester High School and North Dorchester High School are spending today at a Leadership Academy, organized by Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore and being held at the Packing House in Cambridge. Along with students from Talbot and Queen Anne’s Counties, students are learning from professionals presenting sessions on Innovation and Creativity in the Workplace; Critical Thinking and Communication; Career Self-Reliance; and Networking and Connections. Thank you to JA, their sponsors, and the professionals investing time in helping ensure the next generation is college and career ready! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Congratulations to Izamar Juarez-Tellezgiron, who has been chosen to represent Dorchester County in the 2024 Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program! Izzy is one of 136 students from across the state who will spend two non-consecutive weeks in Annapolis this winter, supporting elected officials as they carry out their duties. A member of North Dorchester High School Class of 2024, Izzy says she was encouraged to apply for the honor by NDHS teacher Mr. Scott Baker. She considers it a good way to show colleges that she’s “able to do anything” and looks forward to “providing a community service”. She also hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how government works, “because it affects everyone”. After graduation, she plans to attend Anne Arundel Community College for two years, then transfer to a four-year college to become a pediatric dietician. Way to go, Izzy – we know you’ll do Dorchester County Public Schools proud! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Bad weather got in the way of the Office of Student Services’ Scholarship Fair earlier this month and it is now rescheduled for Wednesday, January 31, 5:30 to 7:00 pm at DCTC, 2465 Cambridge Beltway, next door to C-SD. While open to all DCPS students and families, it is especially for all graduating Seniors. Meet representatives from local organizations to learn more about scholarship opportunities! The following organizations are confirmed: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. – Kappa Theta Omega Chapter Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. – Delta Omicron Lambda Chapter Auxiliary of Dorchester General Hospital Chesapeake College Office of Financial Aid Children’s Home Foundation Community Foundation of Eastern Shore Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. – Cambridge Alumnae Chapter Dorchester Chamber of Commerce Edythe M. Jolley Memorial Scholarship – Mace’s Lane High School Alumni MidShore Community Foundation Regal Rexnord Corporation St. John’s Chapel Tidewater Farm Club Upper Shore Workforce – Chesapeake College Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Iota Chi Zeta Chapter Does your organization offer scholarships and is interested in being part of this Scholarship Fair? Are you a student or parent with questions? Contact Mrs. LaSina Branch at branchl@dcpsmd.org. #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Dorchester County Public Schools will run on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, January 22, 2024, due to roads freezing overnight. High school families will receive information regarding testing in the morning. Stay safe, everyone!

The Superintendent’s Forum tour continues with upcoming stops at Hurlock Elementary and Warwick Elementary Schools! If you’re interested in finding out more about the future of your child’s school and education, here’s your opportunity to learn more about new initiatives and ask questions of the Superintendent. Mr. Bromwell will be at Hurlock Elementary School on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 6 pm, and at Warwick Elementary School on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 6 pm. Hope to see you! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Dorchester Career and Technology Center was buzzing on Wednesday evening with youngsters discovering from current students and their instructors how they can use courses at DCTC to help shape their futures! #CreateYourFutureDCTC #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS

Due to the threat of inclement weather, Dorchester County Public Schools and offices will be closed today, Friday, January 19, 2024. Be safe!

High school parents, please take note of the following information regarding the Friday, January 19, 2024 school day. Superintendent’s Update: All students should report to their high school at the normal time for a full, regular day of school tomorrow, Friday, January 19, unless we need to adjust the schedule in the morning due to weather. During the past two weeks, we have been in the ‘testing window’ for high schools for certain Semester One courses. We have worked carefully to ensure this testing schedule was well-organized to optimize student performance and, like you, have been frustrated by the need for frequent changes due to the unusual weather of the past two weeks. The state testing assessment window, as set by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), was to close tomorrow, Friday, January 19, for all schools in Maryland; late this afternoon the testing window was extended to Tuesday, January 23. However, the weather forecast for tomorrow indicates inclement weather which may require us to delay school opening times or, in worse circumstances, close schools altogether. We have reluctantly decided to NOT begin the English 10 testing tomorrow due to the risk that a shortened school day will negatively impact students’ completion of their test sessions. This time will be used for makeup testing for missed sections of the already-administered Math, Science, and Government tests. English 10 assessments will now take place next week, with Sessions 1 and 2 on Monday, January 22 and Sessions 3 and 4 on Tuesday, January 23. There will be no opportunity for absent students to make up this test until the Spring testing window opens. High schools only will be on a two-hour delay those days for students who are not taking the test. Thank you for your understanding and patience. W. David Bromwell Superintendent of Schools

Ever wonder how Dorchester County Public Schools makes decisions about weather-related delays and closures? WBOC visited us this morning to get the low-down – you can see the report tomorrow (Friday) on WBOC's morning program between 5 and 7 am and on the WBOC News at Noon! #AllHandsOnDeckDCPS