🚍🎉 Get ready for Episode 2 of the DCPS Press, airing just in time for National School Bus Safety Week! This week, we’re diving into School Bus Safety with a very special guest — Buster, the friendly neighborhood DCPS bus! 🚌
Last week, Buster stopped by to visit the Choptank Hummingbirds, sharing important safety tips and fun stories that every student and family should know. Don’t miss this engaging episode packed with valuable info to keep our kids safe on the bus, at the bus stop, and on the road!
Tune in at
https://youtu.be/Na9sH83cPGo and join the conversation — because safe rides make happy riders! 🚦✨
📢 Attention DCPS Families!
STAR Autism is excited to invite caregivers to upcoming STAR Autism sessions designed to support you and your child’s learning journey.
📅 Sandy Hill Elementary School – October 29th
📅 Hurlock Elementary School – October 30th
⏰ Both sessions: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Session 1 highlights the importance of using evidence-based practices to support the learning needs of children with autism and related disabilities. Caregivers will learn which strategies have been proven effective and how to collaborate with educators to support their child both at home and at school.
Join STAR for an engaging and informative session focused on practical, proven strategies that truly make a difference.
We encourage all caregivers of students with autism to attend and gain valuable tools to support your child’s success. Together, we can make a difference! ✨
#BelieveInUs
🦀🍽️ On Wednesday, October 15th, Mace’s Lane Middle School hosted a FREE Parent Encouragement Program (PEP) presentation and crab feast, with an emphasis on GOOD food and GREAT conversation! From testimonies, smiles, and laughter, to real, honest conversations about parenting, this event was a game changer for many!
This PEP event was co-sponsored by Moving Dorchester Forward and funded by the MD Community Health Resources Commission and was a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to connect, learn, and enjoy some delicious crabs together.
They came for the food, stayed for the conversation, and left equipped with resources to help their students move forward into success! A huge thank you to our partners for making this incredible PEP event possible!
#BelieveInUs
#withJOY
🧡 Let’s come together, DCPS family! Next Wednesday, October 22nd, join us in wearing ORANGE for National Unity Day 2025 — a powerful way to show our commitment to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
October is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month, and by wearing orange, we send a visible message that our DCPS commUNITY stands united against bullying. Whether you’re a student, staff member, parent, or community partner, your support matters!
📸 Don’t forget to share your orange outfits on social media using #UnityEveryDay and #withJOY to spread the message far and wide, and send your photo to obierc@dcpsmd.org to be featured on our district page!
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, harassment, or intimidation, please speak up. Reports can be made by anyone — students, staff, parents, or community members. Find reporting forms online at www.dcps.k12.md.us under “Important Forms” in the “Especially for Parents/Students” section.
Together, we can build a safer, kinder, and more inclusive community — one small act at a time! 🧡
#BelieveInUs #UnityEveryDay
October is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month, and by wearing orange, we send a visible message that our DCPS commUNITY stands united against bullying. Whether you’re a student, staff member, parent, or community partner, your support matters!
📸 Don’t forget to share your orange outfits on social media using #UnityEveryDay and #withJOY to spread the message far and wide, and send your photo to obierc@dcpsmd.org to be featured on our district page!
If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, harassment, or intimidation, please speak up. Reports can be made by anyone — students, staff, parents, or community members. Find reporting forms online at www.dcps.k12.md.us under “Important Forms” in the “Especially for Parents/Students” section.
Together, we can build a safer, kinder, and more inclusive community — one small act at a time! 🧡
#BelieveInUs #UnityEveryDay
At North Dorchester High School, Mr. Dave Morrissette is showing just how powerful partnerships can be! Last week he teamed up with BJ Miller from Miller Family Athletics and created an amazing opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of strength and conditioning.
Mr. Morrissette understands that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door — it’s about connecting with experts and experiences that inspire and enrich our students’ journeys. This collaboration is a perfect example of how working together #withJOY helps our students grow stronger — in this case, both physically and mentally!
We’re proud to see educators like Mr. Morrissette finding meaningful opportunities for our students to thrive! 💪✨ #BelieveInUs
We want YOU to be a part of our team!
Join us TONIGHT at 6PM at South Dorchester School to see where you can lend your expertise to help us reach the goal of becoming the 15th ranked public school in the state of Maryland!
We'll meet you there! 🤝
“Something good is happening here, and people see that.”
That’s what one community member shared as we kicked off our Community Forums yesterday, Monday, October 6th.
We heard powerful voices from all corners of our community: a dedicated Mom of a DCPS student with autism, a newcomer to Dorchester County, a passionate YoungLife leader and proud DCPS dad, and a committed partner from the Sante group. Each one is ready to roll up their sleeves and be part of the movement propelling Dorchester County Public Schools forward. ➡️
They’ve seen the plan, felt the momentum, and are already finding where their unique lens and expertise fit into the bigger picture. The energy in the room was electric — full of hope, fresh ideas, and a shared belief that together, we can make incredible things happen.
But this is just the beginning. The journey ahead calls for all of us — every voice, every hand — to turn our vision into real, lasting success.
🎯Our goal is universal — to keep the momentum going and build the future our students deserve #withJOY. Join us at 6PM on Wednesday, October 8th at South Dorchester School or Thursday, October 9th at Hurlock Methodist Church to help us continue the progress as we move forward in this journey.
#BelieveInUs
Happening tonight at 6PM! ➡️ A special virtual listening session hosted by the Lower Shore Autism Community (LSAC) featuring Ms. Victoria Rodriguez-Roldan, Coordinator for State Autism Strategy with the Maryland Department of Disabilities.
Topic: "Elopement & Wandering Dangers Around Public Water Areas: Call 911 First Program."
🔗Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84299426930?pwd=oVKF2SbCvlovpUIOTY3UfrUvulde2K.1
Meeting ID: 842 9942 6930
Passcode: 254159
Topic: "Elopement & Wandering Dangers Around Public Water Areas: Call 911 First Program."
🔗Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84299426930?pwd=oVKF2SbCvlovpUIOTY3UfrUvulde2K.1
Meeting ID: 842 9942 6930
Passcode: 254159
📢 Tonight’s the night, DCPS community! Join us at 6PM at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Cambridge for our very first community forum — your chance to dive into our exciting new strategic plan! 🌟
This is YOUR opportunity to learn, ask questions, and see how your unique piece fits into moving Dorchester County Public Schools forward. Together, we can make a difference #withJOY!
Tell a friend! We will meet you there!🧩 #BelieveInUs
This is YOUR opportunity to learn, ask questions, and see how your unique piece fits into moving Dorchester County Public Schools forward. Together, we can make a difference #withJOY!
Tell a friend! We will meet you there!🧩 #BelieveInUs
In partnership with the Dorchester County Health Department, flu shot clinics will be available soon at schools across the DCPS district. These clinics offer a convenient way for students and staff to get vaccinated if they choose. Staying informed helps us all support a healthy school community #withJOY! 🎃
Here's the lineup:
💉Vienna Elementary: October 13th
💉South Dorchester School: October 14th
💉Choptank Elementary: October 15th
💉North Dorchester High School: October 16th
💉Sandy Hill Elementary: October 20th
💉North Dorchester Middle School: October 21st
💉Maple Elementary: October 22nd
💉Mace's Lane: October 23rd
💉Hurlock Elementary: October 27th
💉Warwick Elementary: October 28th
💉CSD / Board of Education: October 29th
Here's the lineup:
💉Vienna Elementary: October 13th
💉South Dorchester School: October 14th
💉Choptank Elementary: October 15th
💉North Dorchester High School: October 16th
💉Sandy Hill Elementary: October 20th
💉North Dorchester Middle School: October 21st
💉Maple Elementary: October 22nd
💉Mace's Lane: October 23rd
💉Hurlock Elementary: October 27th
💉Warwick Elementary: October 28th
💉CSD / Board of Education: October 29th
This time last week, it was all smiles from our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Tanya Travis, as she was recognized at the Maryland State TOY Gala on Friday, September 26th! 🎉✨ We are so proud of Ms. Travis for representing Dorchester County Public Schools with grace, passion, and dedication. Her commitment to our students and community shines bright, inspiring us all #withJOY. Join us in celebrating her incredible achievement! 🍎👏 #BelieveInUs
📸Maryland State Department of Education
Sometimes, the power of music and shared roots brings people together in the most unexpected and joyful ways! 🎶✨
This year at the University of Maryland College Park, William Lake Jr., a proud 2002 CSD graduate and former CSD drum major, returned as a guest speaker for the Mighty Sounds of Maryland Marching Band — a band he once marched with and that Julia Creighton, a 2024 NDHS graduate and current NDHS drum major, is now a part of.
During his talk, William mentioned his high school, CSD, and when Julia shared she was from ND, the connection was instant. Two drum majors from neighboring schools, meeting for the first time, united by their passion for music and their DCPS roots. They couldn’t resist chatting and capturing the moment with a photo! 📸
This is what community looks like — growing, inspiring, and leading #withJOY across generations.
This year at the University of Maryland College Park, William Lake Jr., a proud 2002 CSD graduate and former CSD drum major, returned as a guest speaker for the Mighty Sounds of Maryland Marching Band — a band he once marched with and that Julia Creighton, a 2024 NDHS graduate and current NDHS drum major, is now a part of.
During his talk, William mentioned his high school, CSD, and when Julia shared she was from ND, the connection was instant. Two drum majors from neighboring schools, meeting for the first time, united by their passion for music and their DCPS roots. They couldn’t resist chatting and capturing the moment with a photo! 📸
This is what community looks like — growing, inspiring, and leading #withJOY across generations.
Shoutout to our incredible Dorchester County Public Schools students who took part in the Envision by WorldStrides Junior Leadership Program in DC this summer! 🌟
We’re so proud of Erik Fernandez Aguilar, Mia Macer, Marcus San Juan, and Joselyn Colin for completing this amazing program — where they connected with students from across the country to explore influential figures in American history and social advocacy. 🇺🇸✨
JrNYLC isn’t just about learning — it’s about doing! Through powerful workshops, group activities, and hands-on simulations, our scholars built critical thinking and leadership skills while creating action plans to make a difference. They started strong with a Group Agreement and dove into experiences that brought leadership to life in the most fun and engaging ways.
These students are true leaders in the making, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to inspire and lead #withJOY! 💪 #BelieveInUs
We’re so proud of Erik Fernandez Aguilar, Mia Macer, Marcus San Juan, and Joselyn Colin for completing this amazing program — where they connected with students from across the country to explore influential figures in American history and social advocacy. 🇺🇸✨
JrNYLC isn’t just about learning — it’s about doing! Through powerful workshops, group activities, and hands-on simulations, our scholars built critical thinking and leadership skills while creating action plans to make a difference. They started strong with a Group Agreement and dove into experiences that brought leadership to life in the most fun and engaging ways.
These students are true leaders in the making, and we can’t wait to see how they continue to inspire and lead #withJOY! 💪 #BelieveInUs
To the everyday heroes that keep us going — our amazing custodians! 🧹✨
On #NationalCustodianDay2025, we are shouting a huge THANK YOU for your hard work, dedication, and the care you put into making our schools safe, clean, and welcoming every single day. You go above and beyond by not only maintaining our spaces but also investing in our students #withJOY by building unique relationships with them. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and make all the difference in creating the best environment for our students and staff to learn and grow.
We appreciate you more than words can say! 💙🙌 #BelieveInUs
The moment we have been SO excited to share with you, we are finally introducing the DCPS Press — the official news channel of Dorchester County Public Schools! 🎬✨
We’re excited to launch our very first episode on our YouTube Channel, shining a spotlight on the Vienna Terrapins as they kick off the school year #withJOY! From smiles in the hallways to exciting classroom moments, see how our students and staff are starting strong.
Check out the very first episode at https://youtu.be/F0lqlzOfq6k and stay tuned for more stories celebrating our amazing DCPS community! 🐢
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and #BelieveInUs! 😉
We’re excited to launch our very first episode on our YouTube Channel, shining a spotlight on the Vienna Terrapins as they kick off the school year #withJOY! From smiles in the hallways to exciting classroom moments, see how our students and staff are starting strong.
Check out the very first episode at https://youtu.be/F0lqlzOfq6k and stay tuned for more stories celebrating our amazing DCPS community! 🐢
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and #BelieveInUs! 😉
The Harlem Tricksterz brought pure JOY to our DCPS family over the last couple days! Last night, they got students, staff, and families on the court at CSD, Mace’s Lane, and Choptank Elementary's unforgettable family engagement event — and today, they kept the energy soaring at South Dorchester K-8!✨
These smiles say it all — laughter, connection, and community shining bright! Moments like these emphasize why we #BelieveInUs and encourage us to move forward #withJOY every day. A HUGE thank you goes out to the Harlem Tricksterz for spreading so much happiness across our school community! 💙🙌
📢 Hey DCPS Community! We’re excited to invite YOU to our upcoming community forums where YOUR role matters! Join us to dive into the #BelieveInUs strategic plan and discover exactly where your unique piece of the puzzle fits as we work together to build an even stronger future for our schools. 🧩✨
Mark your calendars and come ready to engage, share, and be part of the movement toward greater success for all! All forums start at 6PM:
📅 Monday, 10/6 @ St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (Cambridge)
📅 Wednesday, 10/8 @ South Dorchester School K-8 (South Dorchester)
📅 Thursday, 10/9 @ Hurlock Methodist Church (Hurlock)
Let’s move forward #withJOY and make a difference together— we'll meet you there! 🤝
In partnership with Campaign for Grade Level Reading, we are proud to introduce resources brought to you by ParentPowered, a platform designed to improve student engagement, attendance, academics, and mental health.🧠
❔What can you expect? Bi-weekly updates straight from DCPS filled with valuable resources and information to support your student’s success both in and out of the classroom.
These resources are thoughtfully aligned with our #BelieveInUs Priority 1: Advancing Academics, and reflect Access as a Core Value in our strategic plan — ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s work together to help every learner reach their full potential!✨
❔What can you expect? Bi-weekly updates straight from DCPS filled with valuable resources and information to support your student’s success both in and out of the classroom.
These resources are thoughtfully aligned with our #BelieveInUs Priority 1: Advancing Academics, and reflect Access as a Core Value in our strategic plan — ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s work together to help every learner reach their full potential!✨
💜 The CSD Vikings went all out in PURPLE this week to show their support for #DorchesterGoesPurple!
The Vikings girls’ soccer, boys’ soccer, and football and cheer teams led the charge, rocking their purple gear with pride during this week’s games. The energy was electric as our athletes showed what it means to stand together for a great caused! ⚽🏈
A big shoutout to the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the Vikes and for handing out informational resources and #DorchesterGoesPurple swag to fans of all ages. It was amazing to see the Cambridge community come together in support and awareness! 🙌 Check out the highlights below of this week's games!
Keep leading #withJOY and intentionality, Vikings!✨
North Dorchester High School brought the energy all week long during their awesome "with JOY!" Spirit Week! 🎉
Here’s how they rocked the fun themes:
🛌 Monday – Pajama Day (comfy vibes all day!)
👯 Tuesday – Twin Day (double the fun!)
🏖️ Wednesday – Beach Day (surf’s up, NDHS!)
🎧 Thursday – 90s Music Day (throwback jams and good vibes!)
🎨 Friday – Class Colors Day (showing off that school pride in style!)
We're proud of you for bringing the spirit, Eagles! Keep shining bright and leading #withJOY every day! 🦅✨
