🌿🐦 This week, the Choptank Elementary School Hummingbirds have been hard at work bringing new life to their school courtyard! Thanks to the generous support of The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Robert F. Schumann Foundation, along with the expertise of JM Landscapes, this outdoor space is being revitalized into a vibrant hub to connect learning and nature.
In collaboration with our community partner ShoreRivers, students and volunteers planted over 500 native Maryland plants to create a thriving habitat for pollinators. Dorchester Career and Technology Center also built brand-new picnic tables and installed a walking path, making the courtyard a perfect spot for outdoor lessons to enhance student learning.
As a certified Maryland Green School, Choptank Elementary continues to lead the way in environmental education, integrating hands-on projects like this courtyard planting into the curriculum.
A special shout out to CES Principal Dr. Gaven Parker for making it all happen, Mr. John Kahl for writing the grant, Ms. Haugh for supporting the space with science ideas, and Mr. Snyder for his long-time care and passion for the courtyard!
We’re so proud of our Hummingbirds and grateful to everyone in our DCPS community who helped bring this project to life! 🌸🐝
Who stole my leaf?! That’s exactly what our young readers at the Rising Star Program were investigating last week as they dove into some fun, fall-related learning activities inspired by the book The Leaf Thief! 🍂
Our students didn’t just read the story—they brought it to life through hands-on activities that helped them make meaningful connections and explore the changing of the season. We were also thrilled to welcome parents and guardians as special guests #withJOY for some of our Rising Star learners, making the experience even more memorable!
And wouldn't you know it, our RSP kiddos figured out it was that pesky fall wind that stole the leaf! Keep shining, Rising Stars! 🌟
🍂Creating opportunities for our older learners to give back to our younger learners – this is what supporting the growth of our students sometimes looks like! Last Friday, October 24th, Dorchester Career and Technology Center warmly welcomed our Maple Elementary Lions for a fun-filled Fall Fest!
Thanks to DCTC’s Teacher Academy of Maryland, our young learners enjoyed enriching hands-on activities that sparked curiosity and creativity. Meanwhile, the Cosmetology students brought extra smiles by treating our littlest learners to fabulous fall-themed face painting designs that were as unique as they were colorful!🎨
It’s inspiring to see our students learning, leading, and lifting each other up across our campuses #withJOY! Here’s to many more moments of connection and growth!
#BelieveInUs
As October comes to an end, we are shouting from the rooftops all of our appreciation for our incredible staff! You nominated, and the selections are in – a huge congratulations goes out to our October Staff of the Month recipients, chosen from the wonderful online submissions by the Dorchester County Public Schools community! 🎉✨ Each recipient was honored with a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication, and seeing their smiles and reactions to this Monday morning surprise will never get old! Our October recipients are:
👏 Katelyn Koch – Teacher of the Month (WES)
👏 Anne Wheeler – Administrator of the Month (Central Office)
👏 Janelle Koski – Specialist of the Month (WES)
👏 Sharnice Harris – Support Personnel of the Month (SHES)
👏 Everett Young, Jr. – People’s Choice Award (C-SD)
We are incredibly grateful for these outstanding employees who truly embody what it means to lead #withJOY every single day! Your passion and commitment inspire us all. Each of you plays a vital role in making Dorchester County Public Schools a place where students and staff thrive, and your efforts do not go unnoticed!
Know a great DCPS employee who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination here: http://bit.ly/4m0MyJ6
Let’s keep celebrating the heart and soul of our schools! 💙
👏 Katelyn Koch – Teacher of the Month (WES)
👏 Anne Wheeler – Administrator of the Month (Central Office)
👏 Janelle Koski – Specialist of the Month (WES)
👏 Sharnice Harris – Support Personnel of the Month (SHES)
👏 Everett Young, Jr. – People’s Choice Award (C-SD)
We are incredibly grateful for these outstanding employees who truly embody what it means to lead #withJOY every single day! Your passion and commitment inspire us all. Each of you plays a vital role in making Dorchester County Public Schools a place where students and staff thrive, and your efforts do not go unnoticed!
Know a great DCPS employee who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination here: http://bit.ly/4m0MyJ6
Let’s keep celebrating the heart and soul of our schools! 💙
It may be spooky season, but it's all treats and no tricks for our students this month! Last night, South Dorchester School hosted their FIRST EVER community Trunk or Treat Event, and it was a monster-mashing success!
Families and community members came together for a night full of fun, candy, and community spirit — a perfect way to celebrate #withJOY! Right on time for School Bus Safety Week, Dr. Thompson even made an appearance as a crossing guard with his bus riders on Bus 15!
But the fun doesn’t stop there! Other DCPS schools are joining in with their own upcoming community Trunk or Treat events:
🎃 Hurlock Elementary School: Friday, October 24th at Hurlock Elementary, 5:30 PM
👻 Vienna Elementary School: Saturday, October 25th at Vienna Elementary, 3–5 PM
🕸️ Choptank, Maple, Sandy Hill, & Mace’s Lane: Thursday, October 30th at Mace’s Lane, 5–7 PM
Bring your costumes, your smiles, and your sweet tooth — we can’t wait to see you there! 🦇
#BelieveInUs
If today was a color, it would be ORANGE! 🟠
Today at Dorchester County Public Schools, we came together #withJOY for
Unity Day to send a clear message: we stand united against bullying! After all, you can't have community without "UNITY"!
Our students and staff proudly wore orange to show their commitment to kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Across all our schools, everyone joined in fun and meaningful activities that help build a community where everyone feels safe and valued.
We’re also excited to share that in an interview with WMDT-47, Ms. Branch and Ms. Cook talked about the importance of Unity Day and how we’re working together to create safe, welcoming spaces for every student, and spreading the word about how important it
is to stand together.
Together, we are making a difference — because kindness is contagious and inclusion starts with us, and we are aiming to live that #UnityEveryDay! 🧡
#BelieveInUs
We are proud to celebrate three amazing DCTC students who have just signed for PAID apprenticeships as teacher aides — yes, you read that right, paid apprenticeships! 💼✨ These paid apprenticeships are an extension of the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) program, and junior and senior students who are part of this program are eligible for this incredible opportunity to earn money while being enrolled!
Congratulations to Camille Padilla, the first CSD student to sign for an apprenticeship this school year, along with Abigail Mills and Alyssa Thompson. Camille and Abigail will be gaining hands-on experience at Maple Elementary School under the inspiring leadership of Principal Myesha Ford, while Alyssa will be making a difference at North Dorchester Middle School with Principal Vaughn Evans.
These talented students are taking incredible steps toward their futures as educators #withJOY, and we couldn’t be prouder! Here’s to the next generation of teachers making an impact — one classroom at a time. 📚🍎
#BelieveInUs
🟠Unity Day reminder!🟠
Tomorrow, 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!
🚍🎉 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.
