Last year, we rallied around the call: “DCPS 23, no more!” — and today, we’re proud to share that our students are CLIMBING THE RANKS in Maryland! Thanks to the hard work of our students, staff, and community, Dorchester has moved up to 19th in the state for English Language Arts and 20th for Math across all student groups. This is a huge step forward on our journey to be in the top 15 among Maryland’s 24 school systems!
Here are some highlights that show just how far we’ve come:
✨ 3rd Grade ELA: 13th in the state, and 2nd on the Eastern Shore!
✨6th Grade ELA: Ranked 17th statewide
✨8th Grade ELA: Ranked 16th statewide
✨Grades 3–8 Combined (ELA): Ranked 17th statewide
✨7th Grade Math: Ranked 15th statewide
✨ 8th Grade Math: 12th statewide — one of our strongest performances yet!
✨Geometry: Ranked 17th statewide
Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson says it best:
“Belief leads to action — and action leads to results. Our students, staff, and community are proving what’s possible when we all believe in us.”
We’re celebrating this progress, but we know the journey isn’t over. Our goal to reach the top 15 is within reach, and we’re more energized than ever to keep climbing — together.
Our Believe in Us: Achieving Our Potential Together plan is driving this success, focusing on early literacy, math readiness, and equity for every student. Stay tuned for more about this new strategic plan during our upcoming community forums in October 2025.
Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in our students and support their success. The best is yet to come!
#BelieveInUs #DCPS23NoMore #InvestInDCPS
🎒✨ What an inspiring moment for Dorchester County Public Schools! At the Board Meeting on Thursday, August 21st, the Dorchester Retired School Personnel Association generously presented clear backpacks to be distributed to each of our elementary and middle schools for the upcoming school year! 🙌
They didn’t just hear our vision behind the new strategic plan—they felt it. Our commitment to advancing every student academically and beyond resonated deeply, and their response was powerful and unwavering: “COUNT US IN!” 💪
This act of kindness goes beyond backpacks—it’s a symbol of hope, support, and belief in our students’ futures. We are profoundly grateful for partnerships like this, where community members see a need and step up with selfless hearts to meet it.
Now, we’re calling on YOU. Will you rise with us? Will you invest in the dreams and potential of DCPS students and staff? Together, we can build a future where every child has the tools to succeed—and proudly say, “Count us in!”
Let’s make a difference. Let’s be the change.
#BelieveInUs #InvestInDCPS
As we wrap up our spotlights for our newly appointed leaders, we want to also highlight the human behind all the creative changes you've seen in the last several weeks! Meet Ms. Casey O’Bier, the new Communications Specialist for Dorchester County Public Schools!🎉
With 12 years of experience in education, she is no stranger to our community. Ms. O'Bier spent 8 incredible years teaching at Cambridge-South Dorchester High School, where she also served as Athletic Director during her last two years as a proud Viking and was also honored as the CSD Vikings’ 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year! 🧪🏆
Ms. O'Bier is beyond excited to bring her creative talents in photography, videography, and graphic design to the forefront — shining a spotlight on the incredible achievements of our students and staff across the district!
We’re thrilled to have her energy, passion, and creativity fueling our stories and celebrations. Welcome to your new role on the team, Ms. O'Bier! Let’s make magic happen! 📸✨
🎉🔥 We're officially BACK, and what an unforgettable day at the Dorchester County Public Schools 2025-2026 County Kickoff!
This year’s theme, #BelieveInUs, wasn’t just a hashtag — it was a powerful movement that filled the room with hope, passion, and unstoppable energy! From the inspiring words of Assistant Superintendents Dr. Jodi Colman and Dr. Michael Collins, to the heartfelt stories shared by Early Excellence Educator of the Year Ms. Robin Dukes and our incredible DCPS Teacher of the Year Ms. Tanya Travis, every moment reminded us why we do what we do.
We were also beyond thrilled to welcome Mr. Chris Wheedleton as he introduced the brand-new Dorchester Education Foundation — a beacon of opportunity and support for our students and staff. And the highlight? The overwhelming joy when Mr. Mike McCaully presented Ms. Tanya Travis with a brand-new set of wheels, generously gifted by Hertrich of Easton, celebrating her dedication, heart, and tireless commitment to our children.
The room was electric with joy, laughter, and tears of pride as we came together to believe in each other, believe in our students, and believe in the bright future of Dorchester County Public Schools. Together, we’re on a mission to reach 15th — and nothing can stop us! 🚀💙
Here’s to a year filled with growth, kindness, and endless possibilities—because WE #BelieveInUs!
Over three amazing days, students from Mace’s Lane, North Dorchester Middle, and South Dorchester K-8 dove into interactive, hands-on activities designed to spark their curiosity and build essential skills. From career scavenger hunts and exploring RIASEC themes to mastering the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, our middle schoolers discovered their unique interests, talents, and strengths while sharpening teamwork and leadership through fun games like The Ultimate Simon Says (with a twist!), Lego building, and Jenga.
Each day wrapped up with students creating inspiring vision boards to map out their futures. We also want to give a huge DCPS thank you to Church Creek Fire Hall for hosting us this week!
Ms. Shay, one of our incredible career coaches, is thrilled about the growth and energy she’s seen and has BIG plans ahead for our students this year. Stay tuned—our middle schoolers are on the path to greatness! 🌟💼🙌
Dorchester County Public Schools is teaming up with the Cambridge Police Department to make our schools and community safer through CPD’s innovative drone program! 🚁
DCPS will be doing their part by posting clear signs about after-hours expectations on district property, while CPD will be using our building rooftops to boost their drone capabilities — enhancing safety and security for our entire community.
Together, we’re creating safer spaces for our students, staff, businesses, and neighbors. Here’s to stronger community partnerships and a safer future! 🤝
Thanks to the outstanding leadership, meticulous planning, and dedication of Dr. Aberg and CSD Vikings' Ms. Thomas, this event was nothing short of a huge success. The energy, collaboration, and learning that filled the room set a new standard and left everyone inspired and eager for the 2nd Annual AVID Conference!
From a warm breakfast kickoff to engaging sessions and thoughtful closing reflections, DCPS truly nailed it. This conference was meaningful, memorable, and a shining example of what’s possible when passionate educators come together.
We can’t wait to see what next year's conference brings! 🚀
In her new role, she is looking for to getting to know our students, families, and staff of Dorchester County Public Schools and learning how she can best serve them!
When she’s not diving into the realm of all things special education, she enjoys watching her kids in all of their activities., walking her dog Kiya, and traveling! She loves a good trip to North Carolina, Cape Cod, Maine, or just day at the beach! Other ways she enjoys spending her free time include watching the Chiefs play football and having a good campfire with her Dad! 🏈✈️🔥
Please join us in giving Ms. McMahon-Vargas a warm welcome as she embarks on this exciting new journey with Dorchester County Public Schools! ✨
A huge THANK YOU to every student who participated in the DCPS Summer Math Challenge. Keep up the great work, and remember: every step forward in learning is a victory! 🎉
📚Let’s keep the momentum going into the 2025-2026 school year!
Just this week, our dedicated leaders were collaborating in inclusive, cross-county teams to bring our brand-new Strategic Plan to life. Together, they’re rolling up their sleeves and turning the DCPS vision into action!
These leaders took a deep dive into powerful conversations about the many lenses through which a leader can view their role—and how those perspectives shape their impact in education. One thing is clear: excellence and equity must always go hand in hand to create the best possible experience for every student.
We’re energized, united, and ready to make this school year the best one yet! 💙📚 Let’s go, DCPS!
In his new role, he’s all about creating a positive, supportive environment where every tiger can roar with success and reach their full academic potential! 📚
Off the clock, you’ll find Mr. Giddens staying active with sports or kicking back with a good movie. And here’s a fun tidbit — his greatest adventure? An unforgettable cruise to Jamaica! 🌴🚢
We’re thrilled to have Mr. Giddens on our team and can’t wait to see all the amazing things he’ll accomplish with our Mace’s Lane Tigers!🐅
Let's give a warm DCPS welcome to the 2025-2026 New Teacher Cohort of Dorchester County Public Schools!
Our newest educators kicked off their journey on Wednesday, August 13th with an inspiring New Teacher Orientation filled with warm welcomes and exciting opportunities. They were greeted by our amazing HR team and treated to special goodies on their way through the door courtesy of the Sante Group—because every great start deserves a little extra sparkle! ✨
Our new teachers heard from incredible leaders including Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson, New Teacher Coordinator Ms. Renee Warfield, and DASA Treasurer Mr. Mark Pages, who shared valuable insights to prepare them for the year ahead.
To top it all off, the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce, represented by Ms. Thornette Lee and Ms. Robin Burton, presented our new teachers with welcome totes packed with thoughtful gifts and community support. 🎁
We’re so excited to have this talented group join the DCPS family and can’t wait to see the amazing impact they’ll make in our classrooms! ✨✏️
If conversations are catalysts, Dorchester County Public Schools is making strides forward for great change!
We’re proud to share that the Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce—one of our longest-standing partners—invited DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson to present the DCPS Strategic Plan to current and prospective business leaders and partners from across Dorchester County and beyond. The presentation occurred at their Dorchester Chamber Business Lunch on Tuesday, August 12th at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Resort & Spa.
The luncheon and Dr. Thompson's corresponding presentation sparked many insightful discussions about how investing in our schools can propel us toward our bold goal of becoming 15th in the state of Maryland! The energy in the room was electric, with businesses eager to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in our community.
Even more exciting? Several businesses committed financial partnerships before the event ended, demonstrating their strong belief in our vision and the power of collaboration.
Together, with community support and shared commitment, we’re building a brighter future for our students and our county. Stay tuned—big things are happening in Dorchester County Public Schools! ✨📈 📚
Ms. Vogler shares with us, “I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge, gained over years of experience, with staff members.” We can’t wait to see the amazing impact she’ll have on our team and students!
When Ms. Vogler isn’t busy inspiring minds, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature and diving into all kinds of outdoor adventures. And here’s a fun fact: this year, she took on her greatest adventure yet — walking the legendary Camino de Santiago! Talk about dedication and spirit! 🌲☀️
Join us in giving Ms. Vogler a warm Sandy Hill welcome! Let’s make this an unforgettable chapter together! 🐝✨
In her new role, she is eager to provide instructional coaching that will help boost student achievement and support our teachers in delivering the best learning experiences possible.
When she’s not inspiring educators and students, Ms. Giddens loves spending quality time with her grandchildren and exploring new places through travel.🌍✈️
Please join us in giving her a warm welcome as she embarks on this exciting journey with Mace's Lane Middle School! 🐅
He shares, "I hope to help continue the growth at NDHS for everyone that lives in the community." We can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make!
When he’s not leading NDHS, Mr. Thompson loves spending time boating and hunting with his family. He also enjoys training his dogs—sometimes solo, sometimes with his kids by his side. 🎣🐶
One of his greatest adventures? Watching his children and nephews experience Disney World, just as he did as a kid. For him, that nostalgic feeling is truly indescribable!
Join us in giving Mr. Thompson a warm welcome to the NDHS family! We know he will have those Eagles soaring to new heights! 🦅💫
With 12 incredible years in education, Ms. Robinson is passionate about creating a warm, inspiring environment. She shares, “I am looking forward to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families — and inspiring every student to BEE the best they can BEE!”
Outside of school, Ms. Robinson loves diving into a good book and spending joyful moments playing with her one-year-old daughter. 📚
Join us in giving a big, buzzing welcome to Ms. Tiana Robinson — we can’t wait to see all the amazing ways she’ll shape Sandy Hill Elementary! 🐝✨
With 5 years of experience in education, Ms. Hayden is passionate about empowering students. She is determined to set our students up for success in every way, sharing with us, "I’m eager to work alongside students, staff, and parents to help our students grow socially, emotionally, and academically."
When she’s not inspiring young minds, you’ll find Ms. Hayden soaking up the sun at the beach with her family. 🌊☀️ One of her most unforgettable adventures? Traveling to Australia and New Zealand, where she got to hold a koala bear and snorkel the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef! 🐨🐠
Join us in giving a warm welcome to Ms. Ashley Hayden — we can’t wait to see the amazing things she’ll accomplish with the Rising Star Program! 🌟
🎉She's new to Dorchester County Public Schools but no stranger to education on the Eastern Shore! This upcoming school year, we are excitedly welcoming Dr. Yolanda Holloway as our new Director of Student Services!
Dr. Holloway comes to us with 25 years of educational experience, and she is looking forward to supporting our district efforts to decrease chronic absenteeism through community engagement!
When she’s not inspiring students and staff, she loves traveling to new places and attending concerts. Her greatest adventure of all? Parenthood — a journey filled with love, growth, and unforgettable moments. 🎶✈️
Join us in giving a warm DCPS welcome to our new Director of Student Services, Dr. Yolanda Holloway! ✨
🎉Dorchester County Public Schools is proud to announce Ms. Natalie Drake as the new Assistant Principal of Maple Elementary School!
Ms. Drake, who brings 10 years of educational experience, is no stranger to the Maple Elementary Lions and is excited to get to know all of the new teachers and staff members at MES!
When she’s not at school, Ms. Drake loves playing pickleball! The greatest adventure she has ever been on was a trip to Hawaii, where she even went on an exciting ATV adventure!
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Drake as she begins this new role with her Maple Elementary family! 🦁🌟
