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
#BelieveInUs
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
📢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
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
🐎 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
‼️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
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
🎉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
Due to fog in the area, DCPS will operate on a 2 -hour delay today, Friday, April 10, 2026. Please be safe!
🧱🪖South Dorchester School recently hosted their inaugural Career Networking Event, where students had the opportunity to connect with local businesses and organizations #withJOY! Our students gained valuable insights and even got a little hands-on experience exploring future career paths.
Thank you to all our community partners for helping inspire the next generation of leaders and professionals! ✨
#BelieveInUs
Students across DCPS will be participating 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
📅 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
On national #APweek2026, we proudly recognize and celebrate our incredible assistant principals—the steady leaders, problem-solvers, and champions for our students, staff, and families.
Thank you for everything you do each day—both the visible wins and the countless behind-the-scenes moments that keep our schools thriving. Your impact reaches far beyond what can be measured.
We are grateful for the heart, dedication, and leadership you bring to our community #withJOY! 💙
#BelieveInUs
🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Summer Career Enrichment Program! 🚨
This FREE program is available to rising 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties.
📍Location: North Dorchester High School, 5875 Cloverdale Road, Hurlock, MD
🍽️ Breakfast, lunch, and transportation provided!
🗓️ Monday - Thursday; 9AM-1PM
Students can register for one or both sessions:
➡️ Session 1: July 6–16, 2026
➡️ Session 2: July 20–30, 2026
Pathways offered:
📌 Animation
📌 App Development/Gaming
📌 Chess
📌 Cyber security
📌 Drones
📌 Media Arts/Video Design
📌 Presentation Design
📌 Robotics
Don’t miss out! Register today at 👉 https://scep.pfccoalition.org/
Our April 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 April District Newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/d19y3
#BelieveInUs
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 April District Newsletter here: https://app.smore.com/n/d19y3
#BelieveInUs
✨ On National #PoisonPreventionWeek (March 16-20), our lucky leprechaun stopped by to share an important message with our students #withJOY!
💚 Leprechaun Safety Tips:
• Don’t taste or touch unknown items
• Medicines are NOT candy
• Always ask a trusted adult first
Just because something looks fun, colorful, or smells good doesn’t mean it’s safe! 🧪🚫
If something might be poisonous, don’t panic—help is just a call away!
☎️ Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
🕒 Available 24/7 | Free | Confidential
Keep our little leprechauns safe by staying smart and asking first! 🍀💚
#BelieveInUs
🎨✨ We're celebrating Youth Art Month #withJOY! Our talented students have shined brightly on stage and beyond this past month. Congratulations to North Dorchester High School for their stunning production of Anastasia and to CSD for their fantastic performance of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. These incredible shows highlight the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of our students and staff.
At DCPS, we believe the arts play a vital role in student growth, building confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. We’re so proud to support and showcase the amazing artistic talents across our schools. Here’s to many more inspiring performances and creative achievements!
#BelieveInUs
We are proud to celebrate Reid Powley as he officially begins his apprenticeship at Atlantic Tractor—an exciting milestone in his career pathway within the Medium/Heavy Truck field! 🚜🔧
This opportunity allows Reid to apply the skills and knowledge he’s developed in the classroom to real-world experiences, setting him up for success in a high-demand industry.
We extend our sincere thanks to Atlantic Tractor for their continued partnership and commitment to providing meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for our students. 🤝
We also recognize Mr. Insley, Reid’s instructor at the Dorchester Career and Technology Center, whose dedication and expertise in the Medium/Heavy Truck program have been instrumental in preparing Reid for this next step.
It was an honor to recently welcome Walter Bond, a former NBA player turned motivational speaker, to our CSD and NDHS campuses! Walter delivered a powerful message about “The Shark Mindset” — a transformative way to turn potential into unstoppable performance by embracing his “Sacred Six” principles.
His words challenged our students to shift their mindset, push beyond limits, and own their future with confidence, purpose, and #withJOY. This wasn’t just motivation — it was a call to action to rise, grind, and achieve greatness every single day.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our presenting sponsor, Whitten Retirement Solutions, and our supporting sponsors — SafeHouse, Prep-Rite Coatings, A-Box, Farm Creek Insurance, and Koski Enterprise — whose generous support made this unforgettable experience possible.
Together, we’re fueling the drive and determination that will shape the leaders of tomorrow. We're keeping the momentum going, because the future is theirs to conquer! 🦈🔥
#BelieveInUs
🎉 Our list of supporters is growing, and we couldn't be more grateful! A huge THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors for supporting our upcoming Best of DCPS Awards Gala on April 9th! Your generosity helps us elevate the experience for our deserving DCPS educators.
We are grateful to:
Hertrich Automotive Group
Data Networks
Mid Shore Graphics
Amick Farms, LLC
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
Dorchester Education Foundation
Bay Country Bakery
Bolton
Cambridge Lions Club
Cambridge Marketplace, LLC
CareFirst
Carpenter Street Saloon
Choptank Electric Cooperative
City of Cambridge
Composite Yacht
Craig's Drug Store
Dorchester Administrators & Supervisors Association (DASA)
Dorchester Educators - ESP
Farm Creek Insurance - Lori Nagel
Frank and Lois Narr
Haddaway’s Service, Inc.
Hair Couture – Courtney Slacum
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Kool Ice and Seafood
McDonalds of Cambridge
MidShore Meals til Monday
National Outdoor Foundation
Pep-Up
Portside Seafood Restaurant
Preston Automotive Group
State Farm Insurance – Megan Holotik
Thomas’s Fine Jewelry
Thomas Funeral Home, P.A.
Victoria's Nails & Spa
Interested in joining this amazing group of supporters? There’s still time to become a sponsor and help us make this event unforgettable for our educators! Reach out to Ms. Lynne Redmer by March 31st at redmerl@dcpsmd.org to learn how you can contribute.
Together, we can celebrate and honor those who inspire our community every day, #withJOY! ✨
#BelieveInUs
We are grateful to:
Hertrich Automotive Group
Data Networks
Mid Shore Graphics
Amick Farms, LLC
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union
Dorchester Education Foundation
Bay Country Bakery
Bolton
Cambridge Lions Club
Cambridge Marketplace, LLC
CareFirst
Carpenter Street Saloon
Choptank Electric Cooperative
City of Cambridge
Composite Yacht
Craig's Drug Store
Dorchester Administrators & Supervisors Association (DASA)
Dorchester Educators - ESP
Farm Creek Insurance - Lori Nagel
Frank and Lois Narr
Haddaway’s Service, Inc.
Hair Couture – Courtney Slacum
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Kool Ice and Seafood
McDonalds of Cambridge
MidShore Meals til Monday
National Outdoor Foundation
Pep-Up
Portside Seafood Restaurant
Preston Automotive Group
State Farm Insurance – Megan Holotik
Thomas’s Fine Jewelry
Thomas Funeral Home, P.A.
Victoria's Nails & Spa
Interested in joining this amazing group of supporters? There’s still time to become a sponsor and help us make this event unforgettable for our educators! Reach out to Ms. Lynne Redmer by March 31st at redmerl@dcpsmd.org to learn how you can contribute.
Together, we can celebrate and honor those who inspire our community every day, #withJOY! ✨
#BelieveInUs
Elementary School Modernization Prioritization Study
🗓️March 31, 2026
⏰5:30-6:30 PM
📍North Dorchester High School Media Center
Learn about the future modernization process for the following elementary schools in Dorchester County.
Hurlock
Maple
Sandy Hill
Vienna
Warwick
Topics to Cover:
Present the revised methodology to prioritize five schools for modernization
Answer clarifying questions
🗓️March 31, 2026
⏰5:30-6:30 PM
📍North Dorchester High School Media Center
Learn about the future modernization process for the following elementary schools in Dorchester County.
Hurlock
Maple
Sandy Hill
Vienna
Warwick
Topics to Cover:
Present the revised methodology to prioritize five schools for modernization
Answer clarifying questions
📢 Attention Families!
We’re excited to announce upcoming STAR Autism Caregiver Trainings happening on April 1st and 2nd! Both sessions cover the same important topic and are offered on two different nights so you can choose the one that works best for you. To register, simply scan the QR code on the attached flyers or use the registration links below 👇
🎯 Topic: Do With, Not For – Teaching Skills Through Functional Routines
🗓️ When: April 1st & April 2nd, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
💻 Where: Virtual (join from anywhere! Register using link or flyer QR)
April 1st caregiver session link: https://starautismsupport.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ht4fJJIvSRWipLfthyUgDg
April 2nd caregiver session link: https://starautismsupport.zoom.us/meeting/register/rOEAslr0R9ihglvmhlFSZA#/registration
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn practical strategies to support!
#withJOY
#BelieveInUs
We were excited to welcome Maryland State Department of Education Student Board Member O’Marie Barnes to Dorchester County Public Schools on Monday, March 16th. Joined by DCPS Student Board Member Izzy Trissell, the two student leaders toured Dorchester Career and Technology Center, where they connected with students and staff to learn more about the incredible work happening across our programs.
Throughout the visit, they heard firsthand about the opportunities CTE provides, as well as areas where students and staff would like to see continued growth and improvement. These conversations are vital as we work together to strengthen pathways for student success.
Building relationships like this is so important for expanding student voice, increasing opportunities, and ensuring that decisions are informed by those most impacted—our students. We appreciate O’Marie’s visit and look forward to continued collaboration!
#withJOY
#BelieveInUs
