DCPS Seeks Public Input on a Proposed Update to our Cell Phone Policy
Dorchester County Public Schools invites students, parents, teachers, and community members to provide feedback on a proposed update to our cell phone policy aimed at improving the learning environment in schools.
Over the past year, the district conducted a pilot program in select schools to test various approaches to cell phone use during the school day. The pilot provided valuable insights into what was needed to update the current policy.
THE DRAFTED POLICY https://5il.co/3lzgo outlines guidelines for cell phone use during school hours as well as consequences for misuse. The district hopes the policy will help minimize distractions in the classroom.
The district is requesting your input about the changes by August 15, 2025. Community members can submit their feedback via email to Nancy Harrington at harringtonn@dcpsmd.org.
Stop by between 9 am and 11am to get some activities and a special treat.
RACE & CEDAR STREET- MONDAY, JULY 28TH
BUCKTOWN TRAILER PARK- TUESDAY, JULY 29TH
HENRY & FRANKLIN ST. - WEDNESDAY, JULY 30TH
STONE BOUNDARY & HIBISCUS RD. - THURSDAY, JULY 31ST
DCPS Seeks Public Input on a Proposed Update to our Cell Phone Policy
Dorchester County Public Schools invites students, parents, teachers, and community members to provide feedback on a proposed update to our cell phone policy aimed at improving the learning environment in schools.
Over the past year, the district conducted a pilot program in select schools to test various approaches to cell phone use during the school day. The pilot provided valuable insights into what was needed to update the current policy.
THE DRAFTED POLICY https://5il.co/3lzgo outlines guidelines for cell phone use during school hours as well as consequences for misuse. The district hopes the policy will help minimize distractions in the classroom.
The district is requesting your input about the changes by August 15, 2025. Community members can submit their feedback via email to Nancy Harrington at harringtonn@dcpsmd.org.
One last adventure with Zoey and Sassafras... and this time, YOU get to help write the story!
What magical creature will Zoey and Sassafras meet next? Use your imagination and the descriptive word bank to bring a brand-new creature to life! Will it be furry? Glowing? Shy? Gigantic? We can't wait to see what you come up with!
Drop your story or drawing in the comments or email it to us!
Don't forget - we'll announce the raffle winner later this week. Stay tuned!
Start your week with a smile! Join Mrs. Higgins for Maple Mornings from 9 - 11 AM at her new Monday location - the corner of Race and Cedar Street!
She'll be there with food, hygiene products, and maybe some special guests from the community. It's a great chance to grab some goodies, connect with others, and kick off the week right!
Think about this question as you read: How did Zoey feel when she said goodbye to Marshmallow? Saying goodbye to a magical friend isn't easy. Think about how you would feel in her shoes!
We hope you've enjoyed reading along with us, but the fun isn't over yet! Check back on Monday for an extension activity to keep the magic going!
Don't forget to flip over the blue sheet and complete the Dragons poem activity! Whether it's funny, fierce, or full of fire, we would love to see your creations!
Share your poem with us on Facebook or email it in for a chance to win our raffle!
Question to think about: What does Zoey learn from her second experiment? How do you think this will help her going forward?
Extension Activity: Try some of the fun Bingo activities in the Family Fun Pack! Reda in your pajamas, head to the park for a chapter, or gather the whole family for a story time session.
Don't forget to share your photos and responses - each one is another entry into our end-of-summer drawing!
Keep those photos coming! Not only do they celebrate your child's learning, but they may inspire other families to join in!
Keep an eye out for our next set of questions and activities for Chapters 11 and 12 this afternoon!
Take a look at these questions to help guide you through these chapters while reading:
1. Why do you think Sassafras was with the baby dragon instead of in bed? Have you ever seen a pet help another creature?
2. What is the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals?
3. Do you know of any cold-blooded animals?
Check out the DIY craft on how to make dragon eggs! This fun and magical activity is perfect for creative kids (and adults too!). You only need a few simple materials to bring your dragon egg to life. The link is in the graphic below. Don't forget to share a photo of your finished masterpiece in the comments. We'd love to see what you create!
As you read together as a family, use these guiding questions to spark conversation:
1. Why does Zoey's first hypothesis predict that the baby dragon will eat worms?
2. Have you ever conducted a science experiment? What was it?
3. Why is it important to just change one thing and keep everything else the same in an experiment?
4. What did Zoey learn from her first experiment?
Don't forget to complete the "Trait Detective" activity on the pink sheet! Share a photo or response with us for an entry into the raffle at the end of the book!
Join Mrs. Higgins tomorrow from 9 - 11 AM at Bucktown Trailer Park for a morning full of fun! She'll have an engaging activity, great books to explore, and a special treat for every student who stops by.
She has been joined by wonderful community partners like the Dorchester County Health Department and MidShore Meals til Monday - all coming together to support our Maple families.
We'd love to see even more of our students and families there - come say hi and join the fun!
As you read today, spark some fun conversation with this question: Who do you think the shimmery blue tail that Zoey sees at the barn belongs to? Why? We'd love to hear your guesses - share in the comments!
Don't forget to check out the Family Fun Cards for pages 1 - 44 in your activity packet for even more ways to connect with the story.
Keep those photos and responses coming - we love seeing our Maple Lions reading and thinking like Zoey!
As you're reading today, think about this: How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help? Why do you think she felt that way?
Talk about it with your child and share their thoughts in the comments! A comment on this post is worth 2 entries into the raffle!
Don't forget to check out the extension activities on the BINGO page in your activity pack - they are a fun way to keep the magic going!
Don't forget to check out today's extension activity - make your own paper plate dragon ! All you need is a paper plate and scissors. Let the creativity fly!
Keep sharing your photos and discussion responses with the school - each one earns an entry into our end of book drawing!
Don't forget - each time you share a photo or comment with your child's response to the discussion questions, you'll earn an entry into a special prize drawing at the end of the book!
Reading just a little each day helps build great reading habits. Keep up the great work, students and families - and keep reading!
1. What did Sassafras like to do with bugs?
2. How did Zoey feel about being in charge of the barn and any magical creatures that might need help while her mom was away? Why do you think she felt this way?
3. How would you feel if your grown-up told you that they met a talking frog?
Reminder: Design your own magical creature on the blue “My Magical Animal” sheet! Share a photo or description of your creature with us!
We’d love to see your child’s responses or reading moments. Share pictures or answers by emailing fordm@dcpsmd.org or commenting below.
Each photo or question response will earn your family an entry into a raffle drawing at the end of the reading! The more you participate, the more chances you have to win.
