Superintendent's Update

In case you missed it the first time around, we wanted to give you a second chance to dive into the February 2026 update of Cecil County Connections! We’re especially excited to share some new information regarding the Prom Boutique hosted by Elkton UMC, as we’re on a mission to make sure every student can enjoy their big night without the heavy financial burden of buying a dress or suit for just a few hours of fun. This Saturday, February 14th, is the last day that they are collecting donations before the dresses are distributed, so if you have any formal wear or accessories looking for a second life, please check out the information in the newsletter—your "old favorite" could be the perfect fit for a local student. Be sure to check back soon since we will provide information on days/times the prom boutique will be open for students once it is released.

Beyond the boutique, we wanted to highlight the Intro to Interviews class at the North East Public Library on February 17th. This is a great, low-pressure way to polish your professional skills, and the library staff would love to see you there! Sign up information is in this edition of the newsletter. Finally, we want to wish our entire community a very Happy Valentine’s Day. We hope your day is filled with warmth and local love.

We want to extend a massive "thank you" and a huge shoutout to our incredible CCPS community! On Wednesday, February 4, 281 students and 36 staff members braved the freezing temperatures to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge.

Thanks to their courage and your generous support, our district raised approximately $42,000! These funds will go directly toward supporting a fantastic cause, proving once again that CCPS has a heart as big as its spirit.

Thank you to everyone who plunged, donated, or cheered from the (much warmer) sidelines. You’ve made a lasting impact!

Please try the new, delicious, and locally caught in the Chesapeake Bay, Blue Catfish Cakes. Featured on our school menus on Friday, February 20th.

Please see our web page with updated information regarding our school calendars.

Registration is now open for the UCSCA Summer Camp.

https://forms.gle/LXjjYfBJHHAZbR9V8

Join us for the Fourth Annual Multilingual Family & Community Fair on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 5:30–7:15 PM.

Celebrate language, culture, and community with families from across the area. Enjoy interactive activities, resources, and performances.

Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this vibrant evening of connection and celebration!

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

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.

Email: pio@ccps.org
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