Bulldog Families,

We are so excited to start the 23-24 school year tomorrow. We are happy to announce our new slogan that we hope spread through the school and through the community "WE ARE...BULLDOGS!" NCHS is an amazing school with a dedicated staff and wonderful students. We also have a community that stands behind us and supports us. It truly take an entire community to rase our children. We are all so proud to be Bulldogs and it is not just a mascot but also an attitude. We Bulldogs can take on any challenge that comes up and we will do it together. When you hear someone yell "WE ARE" I encourage you to respond proudly with "BULLDOGS!"

Please feel free to reach out to teachers, guidance counselors and administration anytime we can assist you or answer a question.

Matt Spiker

NCHS Principal

Important Dates:

September 5th First day of school for students

September 11th 10th and 12th grade class meetings

September 12th 9th and 11th grade class meetings

September 29th NO SCHOOl for students

October 6th Homecoming game

October 7th Homecoming Dance

September 11th:

10th grade 8:00am in Auditorium

12th grade 10:00am in Auditorium

September 12th:

9th grade 8:00am in Auditorium

11th grade 10:00am in Auditorium

An important message about attendance:

Good attendance for your student begins on the first day of the school year. Consider the following facts:

• Chronic absenteeism may prevent children from reaching early milestones.

• Chronically absent students have difficulty keeping up with the pace at which they are expected to learn and grow.

• Students who are absent even a day or two every few weeks fall behind their peers.

• Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.

• Consistent, on-time attendance is a habit that lasts into adulthood.

In addition to wanting the best possible education for your child, we also closely monitor absences because Maryland law requires that children ages 5-18 attend school. Students may be withdrawn if not attending school regularly; students not enrolled or attending will be considered truant.

How Can Parents Encourage Good Attendance?

• Build good attendance habits early so children know that getting to school on time every day is important!

• Set a regular bedtime & morning routine, laying out clothes and backpacks the night before.

• Avoid scheduling appointments & trips when school is in session.

• Don't let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.

• Consider that sometimes a stomach ache or headache is a sign of anxiety. If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to the school about helpful resources.

All Caroline County Public School students may eat breakfast and lunch free of charge this year, with no application needed. CCPS now participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which allows free meals for all students in schools in low-income areas. There will still be a charge for extra items such as snacks. School menus may be found on the Caroline Schools, MD free mobile app and on all CCPS websites.

Student cell phones are not to be used in the classroom and we will be enforcing this starting on the first day of school. Administrators will be contacting parents in the event that a student does not adhere to the expectation. Administrators will follow the county code of conduct for students who continue to use their cell phones during instructional time.

Vapor sensors have been installed in all middle and high school student bathrooms in order to detect vaping and to reduce building damage and destruction in hard to monitor spaces. When smoke or vape clouds are detected or loud noises are occurring, the sensor immediately sends an alert to building administration on designated computers and mobile devices. As always, students found vaping or smoking on school property or destroying school property will be disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct.

The Care Cabinet! Over the summer 5 new NCHS freshmen worked diligently to provide this resource for our school. The Care Cabinet is a resource available to all students at NCHS. It provides students with everyday items, such as personal hygiene products and school supplies. The goal of the care cabinet is to provide students with basic items they need, so they can focus on their education. All students regardless of income, are eligible to use the care cabinet without any cost to them or their family. The care cabinet is located in the Zen room in the Guidance Office.

As you may have heard, marijuana (referred to as cannabis in legislation) possession and use became legal on July 1, 2023 for adults 21 and older, with certain limits and restrictions.

However, nothing has changed for our students in Caroline County Public Schools. Students are still not allowed to use or have cannabis in schools, and there is no plan to change disciplinary practices.

• The CCPS Student Code of Conduct (policy and regulation) states that if a student is found under the influence of drugs or controlled substances, a teacher or administrator will intervene and respond to the situation. Related service providers, such as social workers, psychologists and counselors, are also informed.

• If a student is using or possessing drugs or controlled substances at school, discipline can include anything from intervention by an administrator to suspension to expulsion. School police and related service providers are notified of the situation.

• Those distributing or selling drugs at school can be suspended long-term or expelled. School police and related service providers would be alerted.

Regarding cannabis education in school, the subject is already a part of Maryland’s Comprehensive Health Education Framework and is addressed at multiple grade levels, and lessons vary depending on students’ ages.

Ski mask and gators are not allowed to be worn in school. If your student is concerned about germs they may use a surgical mask only.

Administration:

Mr. Matt Spiker - Principal (12th grade)

Ms. Crystal Drexel - Assistant Principal (9th grade)

Mr. Thomas Jefferson- Assistant Principal (10th grade)

Ms. Chasity Wright - Assistant Principal (11th grade)

Guidance Counselors:

Ms. Tricia Bolduc (9th grade)

Ms. Virginia Belay (A-Gn)

Ms. Jackie Holtzman (Go-Pa)

Ms. Ann Ferkler (Pb-Z)

Caroline County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, and in employment, on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability.

Email: spiker.matthew@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.northcarolinehs.org/
Location: 10990 River Road, Ridgely, Maryland 21660, USA
Phone: (410)-479-2332
Facebook: facebook.com/northcarolinebulldogs