Superintendent's Update

Dear CCPS Families,

As we welcome spring, I am incredibly proud to share several highlights of student achievement and important updates from across our district. First, I want to extend a heartfelt congratulations to our 2026 Carson Scholar winners. These students have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to both academic excellence and community service, and I invite you to view the recipients featured in the graphics below.

Our students’ talents were also on full display at the State of Maryland Literacy Association Young Authors' Contest in Towson on March 24. A huge congratulations goes to Marcus Hernandez (NEHS) for his 1st place short story, "Brothers in Arms," and to Rachel Von Steuben (RSES) and Chloe Kline (RSHS) for their 2nd place poems, "Lightning Bugs" and "Dandelion Prison," respectively. We are so proud of these writers for representing Cecil County with such distinction; please look for this contest to return for students in grades 1-12 in the Fall of 2026.

As we look toward the remainder of the school year, please be mindful that Marking Period 3 will conclude on April 8. I encourage our students to stay focused and finish the quarter strong.

Additionally, our spring sports season has officially begun, and it is wonderful to see our student-athletes back on the fields. I look forward to seeing our community come out to support them in the weeks ahead.

Thank you for your continued partnership in making CCPS a place where every student can shine.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

For more information on MCAP testing, please visit the Maryland State Department of Education

assessment website at: https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DAAIT/Assessment/index.aspx.

As the blossoms begin to peek through and the days stretch a little longer, there is an unmistakable sense of renewal across our county. Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes a fresh energy that fills our classrooms and neighborhoods alike. This season is all about growth, and in that spirit, we are thrilled to share this month’s community newsletter—your go-to guide for staying connected and supported.

CCES Family Friday

CCES Executive Functioning Skills

CHMS Friends of Rachel Club

KES Cubs Kindness Club

RSHS Career Speaker Series

School Volunteer Information

On March 2, First Lady Dawn Moore launched #ReadMoreMaryland, a statewide literacy month campaign encouraging students, families, and communities to celebrate the power of reading.

In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Children and Maryland State Department of Education, we’re inviting students and families across the state to amplify this initiative by posting photos or videos of themselves reading their favorite books. Together, we can create a visible, statewide culture of reading that supports Maryland’s young people. We appreciate you partnering with us.

Why This Matters:

The Moore-Miller administration is committed to making Maryland’s schools the best in the nation. Under Governor Wes Moore’s leadership, we've made historic investments in K-12 education with a major focus on teacher recruitment and training.

In three years, we have cut the teacher vacancy rate in half and seen graduation rates rise among students. We are proud that Maryland is becoming a national leader in early literacy, jumping twenty slots in national rankings in just two years.

But continued progress requires all of us. Reading builds confidence, strengthens academic success, and opens doors for students who benefit from strong literacy foundations.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgjuNdkgrUM

Calling all young artists! The VFW Auxiliary National is thrilled to invite our local students to participate in this year’s National Art Contest. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity while exploring and celebrating patriotic themes. Entries will be judged on both artistic technique and how well they capture the spirit of our country.

The best part? This contest is open to everyone—neither the student nor the parent needs to be a member of the VFW to apply. Submission deadline is March 31, 2026. If you have any questions or need more details on how to enter, please contact Shiela Malatesta at 443-928-9189. We can't wait to see your talent on display!

Informational Link

3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest Application

Illustrating America Application

Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest Application

$1500 SCHOLARSHIPS

To apply, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Graduated from a Cecil County, Maryland public high school

• Education major

• Entering your junior or senior year of college next year

For information and an application form, check out the CCRSPA website at

http://cecilrspa.org.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by Friday, April 17, 2026.

CCPS is excited to offer a series of free summer camps for students this year! These popular programs fill up quickly, so scan the QR code to secure your spot.

Please note: Students should bring a packed lunch. All other materials and activities are provided.

In celebration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026, the Historical Society of Cecil County invites you to join the "Off the Beaten Path" challenge, a county-wide adventure designed to uncover our local hidden treasures. In collaboration with local preservationists and government officials, the Society has curated a list of 27 historically significant sites—from well-known landmarks to tucked-away gems—to honor our nation's 250th anniversary. To participate, simply pick up a passport at any Cecil County Library branch, the Historical Society, Cecil County Tourism, or the Fair Hill Nature Center. Participants are encouraged to visit these sites and take a selfie at each location or marker as proof of their journey. Before heading out, adventurers are encouraged to check each site’s website for hours and potential entry fees, though all locations have been vetted for safe roadside pull-over areas.

This challenge is a fantastic way for families to engage with local heritage, featuring a special category for younger explorers; children under 14 who complete 14 visits will earn a Junior Historian Certificate and a gift. Completed passports and photo evidence must be submitted to the Historical Society at 135 East Main St., Elkton, by December 1, 2026, to be eligible for a prize. Submissions are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays from 10–4 and the first Saturday of every month from 10–2. Supported by local partners, including Cecil County Tourism and the Public Library, this event promises a year of discovery and community pride. For full details and to start your journey, visit www.cecilhistory.org.

CCPS Public Information Office

Email: pio@ccps.org
Website: www.ccps.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ccpsmd
Twitter: @ccpsmd

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LinkedIn: linkedin.com

Superintendent's Update