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.
🎉 A Summer Postcard from NDMS Administration!
Dear NDMS Community,
We have truly been blessed and our efforts have proven to be abundantly successful during the 2024-2025 school year.
We are truly proud of our accomplishments, our students. We appreciate the efforts of our faculty and staff and for our partnership with each and everyone of you.
Thankfully yours,
North Dorchester Middle
School Administration
We acknowledge the Top 5 Successes at NDMS for the 2024-25 School Year:
-Increase in overall student attendance to 93%
-Over 20 clubs & organizations to meet student interest
-Decreased Out of School Suspensions by 48%
-Improved outcomes for all students identified 1 grade level or more below in math and RELA
-Surpassed the Superintendent’s first-year goal for NDMS of moving DCPS from 23 to 15 in Maryland
Be on the lookout for more updates of our 2024-25 successes!
Dear NDMS Community,
We have truly been blessed and our efforts have proven to be abundantly successful during the 2024-2025 school year.
We are truly proud of our accomplishments, our students. We appreciate the efforts of our faculty and staff and for our partnership with each and everyone of you.
Thankfully yours,
North Dorchester Middle
School Administration
We acknowledge the Top 5 Successes at NDMS for the 2024-25 School Year:
-Increase in overall student attendance to 93%
-Over 20 clubs & organizations to meet student interest
-Decreased Out of School Suspensions by 48%
-Improved outcomes for all students identified 1 grade level or more below in math and RELA
-Surpassed the Superintendent’s first-year goal for NDMS of moving DCPS from 23 to 15 in Maryland
Be on the lookout for more updates of our 2024-25 successes!
🍧 Popsicles with Principals! 🍧
Join us on Tuesday, August 19th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at NDMS for a fun afternoon! Come meet Mr. Evans, Ms. Barnes, and Mr. Pages, enjoy a tasty treat, and find out who your homeroom teacher will be this year!
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
Join us on Tuesday, August 19th from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at NDMS for a fun afternoon! Come meet Mr. Evans, Ms. Barnes, and Mr. Pages, enjoy a tasty treat, and find out who your homeroom teacher will be this year!
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
🚨 Backpack Safety Update – NDMS 🚨
To ensure a safe and focused learning environment, North Dorchester Middle School is implementing new safety guidelines for the 2025–2026 school year:
🎒 Only clear bags are allowed on campus.
💧 Only clear plastic bottles with visible contents are permitted — no metal or glass.
🍽️ Outside food and drinks will be disposed of at entry. Delivered food must be eaten in the front office.
🍬 No food, candy, or drinks (except water) in classrooms. Snacks and lunches are only allowed in the cafeteria.
📌 Please note: DCPS will not be providing clear bags or bottles this school year.
Thank you for helping us keep NDMS safe for everyone! 💙
To ensure a safe and focused learning environment, North Dorchester Middle School is implementing new safety guidelines for the 2025–2026 school year:
🎒 Only clear bags are allowed on campus.
💧 Only clear plastic bottles with visible contents are permitted — no metal or glass.
🍽️ Outside food and drinks will be disposed of at entry. Delivered food must be eaten in the front office.
🍬 No food, candy, or drinks (except water) in classrooms. Snacks and lunches are only allowed in the cafeteria.
📌 Please note: DCPS will not be providing clear bags or bottles this school year.
Thank you for helping us keep NDMS safe for everyone! 💙
📚✨ NDMS Back to School Open House is happening on Thursday, August 28th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM!
Come meet the teachers, learn about the school year ahead, and get ready for a fantastic year at NDMS. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉👩🏫👨🏫
#NDMSBackToSchool #WelcomeBack #SchoolYear2024
Come meet the teachers, learn about the school year ahead, and get ready for a fantastic year at NDMS. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉👩🏫👨🏫
#NDMSBackToSchool #WelcomeBack #SchoolYear2024
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.
🧪👩🏫 Welcome to NDMS: Ms. Marissa Mills! 🦉📚
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Marissa Mills, our new Science teacher at North Dorchester Middle School!
Ms. Mills is beginning her first year in the classroom and brings a strong background in science, having earned her Biology degree from Salisbury University. Before stepping into education, she worked in the science field, focusing on aquatic toxicology and animal pharmaceuticals.
Although new to teaching, Ms. Mills is passionate about showing students just how exciting and fascinating science can be. She’s eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact here at NDMS.
Outside of school, you might find her reading, hiking, thrifting, spending time with friends, or hanging out with animals.
We’re so excited to have you join the Owl family, Ms. Mills—welcome aboard! 🧬🌱✨
🎉🏁 Owl Spotlight: Ella Abbott 🏁🎉
Rising 8th grader Ella Abbott represented North Dorchester Middle School with pride this summer at the Soap Box Derby World Championships in Akron, Ohio! Not only did she qualify for the World Championships, but she was also selected to race in the All-Star Race, featuring the top 18 drivers in the country!
Ella wrapped up her incredible season by finishing 1st in regional rally racing points and ranking in the top 10 nationwide. Way to soar, Ella — your NDMS family is so proud of you! 🦉💪🏆
📣 Do you have good news to share about student success this summer? Email pagesm@dcpsmd.org so we can celebrate more amazing Owls!
🌟 Welcome to Our New Grade 8 ELA Teacher! 🌟
We are thrilled to introduce Mrs. Heidi Cohoon, who joins North Dorchester Middle School as our new Grade 8 English Language Arts teacher!
With an impressive 30-year career in DCPS, Mrs. Cohoon brings a wealth of experience as a teacher and literacy coach. Throughout her career, she has taught grades 6-12 English, GT reading, journalism, and AP English Language and Literature. She was also honored as a former DCPS Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Cohoon is passionate about strengthening students’ writing skills to prepare them for the challenges of rigorous high school courses. She holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education, an M.A. in English, post-graduate studies in administration, and National Board Certification in ELA.
Her belief in the unique talents of every student and commitment to student success make her a wonderful addition to our NDMS family.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mrs. Heidi Cohoon to our school community!
We are thrilled to introduce Mrs. Heidi Cohoon, who joins North Dorchester Middle School as our new Grade 8 English Language Arts teacher!
With an impressive 30-year career in DCPS, Mrs. Cohoon brings a wealth of experience as a teacher and literacy coach. Throughout her career, she has taught grades 6-12 English, GT reading, journalism, and AP English Language and Literature. She was also honored as a former DCPS Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Cohoon is passionate about strengthening students’ writing skills to prepare them for the challenges of rigorous high school courses. She holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education, an M.A. in English, post-graduate studies in administration, and National Board Certification in ELA.
Her belief in the unique talents of every student and commitment to student success make her a wonderful addition to our NDMS family.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mrs. Heidi Cohoon to our school community!
We are excited to welcome Mr. Mark Pages as a new Assistant Principal at NDMS! Many may recognize him from his time at the high school across the stadium, while others will be meeting him for the first time. Mr. Pages brings a deep appreciation and respect for the important work our faculty and staff do to support students during this critical stage of their growth and learning.
Before stepping into leadership roles in Dorchester County, Mr. Pages was a dedicated music educator. He began his career teaching Kindergarten through 2nd grade music in Wicomico County. He then focused primarily on high school band instruction at Wicomico High School, with experience teaching various music levels along the way. His most recent teaching role took him near his hometown in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife welcomed their first child. Feeling called back to the Eastern Shore, Mr. Pages and his family returned home, and he joined NDHS. The family now lives in Salisbury with their two boys, Camilo and Antonio.
Throughout his educational journey, Mr. Pages has learned that regardless of a student’s abilities, every child wants to be loved. He believes that with grace, trust, and appropriate guidance, educators can create academic magic.
Mr. Pages is eager to connect with the NDMS community, learn about the heart and rhythm of the school, and hear the unique stories of each staff member. He looks forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mr. Pages to NDMS!
Before stepping into leadership roles in Dorchester County, Mr. Pages was a dedicated music educator. He began his career teaching Kindergarten through 2nd grade music in Wicomico County. He then focused primarily on high school band instruction at Wicomico High School, with experience teaching various music levels along the way. His most recent teaching role took him near his hometown in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife welcomed their first child. Feeling called back to the Eastern Shore, Mr. Pages and his family returned home, and he joined NDHS. The family now lives in Salisbury with their two boys, Camilo and Antonio.
Throughout his educational journey, Mr. Pages has learned that regardless of a student’s abilities, every child wants to be loved. He believes that with grace, trust, and appropriate guidance, educators can create academic magic.
Mr. Pages is eager to connect with the NDMS community, learn about the heart and rhythm of the school, and hear the unique stories of each staff member. He looks forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Please join us in warmly welcoming Mr. Pages to NDMS!
Happy Summer Owls!
Just in case you see some good summer back-to-school sales, we wanted to share our 2025-2026 School Supply Lists with our ND middle families! Click the link below to access. Please note, Alg I students will need a 3 subject spiral notebook. 8th grade math will need two additonal folders (any color)
https://www.dcps.k12.md.us/o/ndorchester/documents/2025-26-supply-lists/826033
🎉 Congratulations to NDMS for achieving the greatest percent attendance increase and being the most improved school for attendance in DCPS! 👏
A special shoutout to the following students for their perfect attendance during the 2024-2025 school year.:
6th Grade
Charlie Cannon
Hunter Evans
Kalel Holmes
Aubrey Marshall
Ava Teagarden
7th Grade
Chloe Abbott
Darci Callahan
Char'lae Cephas
Grant Eberspacher
Kaylee Harper
Alayna Krueger
Ja'Zere Lofland
Domir Savage
8th Grade
Addeline Boyd
Riley Hurley
Anthony O'Neil
Nicolas Paterra
Lilliana Simmons
Baulah Zathang
Your dedication is inspiring! Parents, thank you for making attendance a priority, everyday!
🌟
#AttendanceMatters #23NoMore
🌞 Summer Meals to Go! 🌞
From June 23 to August 21, students can pick up 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches every Tuesday!
📅 When: Tuesdays
⏰ Times & Locations:
11:00–11:30 AM at Beaver Neck Village
12:00–12:30 PM at Gold Rush Lane
📲 Register now using the QR code
Have questions? Contact Jessica Johnson at NDMS.
Let’s keep our kids fueled and ready for summer fun! 🍎🥪
NOTICE OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
DATE: Thursday, June 12, 2025
TIME: 5:00 p.m.
PLACE: The Board Room Central Office of the Board of Education
700 Glasgow Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
The Board of Education of Dorchester County will conduct an Open Session at the date, time, and location indicated above to address business as indicated on the agenda. After the start of the Open session, the Board will meet in Closed in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland to discuss personnel, update on legal issues, and coaching training. At the conclusion of the Closed Session, the Board will reconvene at 6:00 p.m. in the Open Regular Session.
The agenda and related documents can be accessed online via BoardDocs on the Dorchester County Public Schools website at www.dcps.k12.md.us.
Anyone who would like to submit public comments electronically, to be included in the minutes, can email comments@dcpsmd.org by 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Dorchester County Public Schools will be operating on a 2 hour dealy due to fog. Be safe!
8th grade upcoming events!
Last month, all 8th grade students were provided a flyer with dates. Promotional Practice and Picnic will occur Friday. Semi Formal Dance for 8th grade only will occur on Saturday 6-8. Doors open at 5:30. Promotional Ceremony occurs on Monday, doors open for families at 8:30 am.
🎉 IXL and i-Ready Awards Announcement! 🎉 Students who qualify received their invitations yesterday, Wednesday, June 4th. The awards ceremony will be held tonight, June 5th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at NDMS. Invited families, we hope to see you there to celebrate your student’s hard work and achievements! 🌟
8th grade Formal Tickets go on sale TOMORROW during lunch. $5/ticket. Only those eligible to participate in the promotion activities can attend. Admin will be following up with students and families if not eligible.
Due to weather, the 6th grade Blackwater field trip is cancelled. We apologize for the late notice. It will be rescheduled. Thanks.
This is a reminder for 8th graders attending the Holocaust field trip TOMORROW. Dress code still applies and you had to preorder a lunch. Families please pick up at 5 pm.