Cecil County Connections

Hello, Spring! 🌸

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.

At the heart of our district’s commitment to family well-being are our 11 dedicated Community Schools. These campuses serve as more than just places of learning; they are vital resource hubs designed to support the "whole child" and their family. We understand that for students to focus and succeed in the classroom, their basic needs must be met at home. To that end, each of our community schools features an outdoor, on-site pantry stocked with nutritious, shelf-stable food and essential hygiene materials—from soap and toothpaste to laundry detergent. These resources are available to any district family as needed, provided in a way that respects your privacy and dignity.

• April 1st ~ End of 3rd Marking Period
• April 2nd ~ 4th Marking Period begins; Early dismissal for all students beginning with secondary followed by elementary
• April 3rd - April 6th ~ Spring Holiday (Reminder: dates were affected by school weather closures.)
• School is open on April 7th and 8th
• April 15th ~ Board of Education Meeting

The following is information about Maryland’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the EarnedIt2026 campaign—a statewide effort to ensure eligible Marylanders claim every dollar they’ve earned.

Why This Matters:

• Thousands of Maryland families qualify for the state EITC but don’t claim it—often because they don’t know it exists, because they do not know how to file or because they think they may owe taxes.
• Taxpayers can qualify for up to $4,000 in credits to help reduce what they owe in taxes or increase their refund. Working Marylanders can use their refund to help cover essentials like childcare, bills, and savings.
• This year, Maryland is launching its first targeted outreach campaign to close the gap and connect residents with free, trusted tax preparation services.

How You Can Help:

Your conversations with taxpayers matter. By sharing accurate, consistent messaging, you can help ensure no eligible Marylander leaves money on the table. Together, we can help Marylanders claim what they’ve earned.

Key Information:

• Find Eligibility Information & Free Tax Help at MarylandComptroller.gov/EarnedIt
• Campaign Tagline: Maryland—You’ve Earned It, Now Claim It!
• Three Steps to Share with Taxpayers:

1. Check Eligibility – Visit MarylandComptroller.gov/EarnedIt or ask a tax preparer to check for you.
2. Claim the Credit – Filing your state tax return is the only way to claim the credit. Request screening for the Maryland EITC.
3. Receive Your Credit – Use your refund for what matters most.

Click the link below to sign up for IEP Refresher and Care Binder workshop so you don't miss out!

Prom should be about making memories, not stressing over a receipt. 💖 Elkton UMC’s Prom Boutique is officially open for the season! We invite all local students to come browse our collection of beautiful formal wear available for loan.

It’s simple: Make an appointment, find your outfit, and borrow it for prom. No cost, no catch—just community.

Help us spread the word! Share this newsletter/email with a student or parent who needs to see this.

Are you having trouble supporting your child when he or she is feeling big emotions? Do you want to connect with some experts and some other families who are dealing with the same types of behaviors in their homes? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Join families from around the county at this free event every Tuesday from April 7th through May 26th.

Prioritizing your mental well-being is a vital step toward a healthier life, yet navigating the maze of available providers can often feel like a daunting task. To simplify your search, we have compiled a comprehensive directory of local mental health professionals—ranging from specialized private practices in North East to multi-service clinical hubs in Elkton—complete with their specialties and accepted insurance plans. Because the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, this guide also highlights two essential community anchors: the Cecil County Health Department’s Core Service Agency and the CATCH (Cecil Addiction Treatment Coordination Hotline). These hubs serve as the county’s most reliable, up-to-the-minute resources, ensuring that whether you are seeking long-term therapy or immediate crisis coordination, you have access to the most current information available in our region.

Comprehensive Outpatient Mental Health Clinics:

Some families prefer smaller scale private practices or independent providers to support their mental health needs. Information about providers throughout the county can be located in the CCPS Community Resources Guide (Spanish available at same link - scroll to bottom of page) or through the Cecil County Hub. For the most current provider availability, new practice openings, or insurance updates, contact these local authorities:

1. Cecil County Health Department (Core Service Agency)

   • Role: Plans and monitors the local public mental health system.

   • Contact: (410) 996-5112

   • Best for: Verifying licensed providers and finding public health resources.

2. CATCH (Cecil Addiction Treatment Coordination Hotline)

• Role: A 24/7 hotline providing peer-led coordination for behavioral health and addiction services.

• Contact: (443) 245-3257

• Best for: Real-time help navigating the system and finding immediate openings.

Live For Thomas Foundation

Den 22 is a part of the Live For Thomas Foundation. It is a safe space for ages 12-24 to decompress, receive peer support, and crisis intervention located in downtown North East, Maryland. All services are free of charge and the Den is open to all. You don't have to live in North East to visit the Den!

Hours:

Monday - Friday from 2:45 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The March Den 22 calendar has something to offer everyone! The second calendar shares a wide range of support group offerings for you aged 12-24. Please share this information with those who you believe could benefit from these supports.

Looking for previous links and information? You can find the previous editions of the Cecil County Connections newsletters linked below.

November 2025

December 2025

January 2026

February 2026

March 2026