Superintendent's Update

Dear CCPS Families -

It’s hard to believe how quickly the fall is progressing, and I want to take a moment to reflect on some recent highlights and share a few important reminders.

I am pleased to report that our Unity Day observance on Wednesday, October 22, was a wonderful success! It was inspiring to see our students and staff demonstrating kindness, inclusion, and a commitment to being a safe and supportive school community.

Today, October 24, our buildings were filled with spirit as we held our annual Pink Out event. Thank you to everyone who participated! Your generosity and enthusiasm have made this a very successful effort to support the fight against breast cancer. It's in moments like these that our community truly shines, demonstrating compassion and commitment to important causes that touch so many lives.

This is a reminder to all families that we only have two weeks left in the first marking period. Please encourage your students to finish strong, check their grades, and communicate with their teachers if they need any support.

Looking ahead, our schools will be holding various activities and events in observance of Veterans Day. These events are a powerful way for our students to learn about and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. Please check your individual school building's newsletters for specific details regarding dates, times, and any opportunities for family involvement.

Thank you again for your continued support in making our schools vibrant and caring learning environments. We look forward to a strong finish to this first marking period!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

The Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS) invites you to a brief 30-minute virtual presentation on the Safe Schools Maryland (SSMD) Anonymous Reporting System on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 7 PM.

This system is a critical tool available to all K-12 schools, and we encourage you to attend.

What You'll Learn:

An overview of the SSMD system and how to use it.
A focus on what should and should not be reported.
Dedicated Question and Answer time for parents to discuss SSMD and other school safety topics.

Register to Attend:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20399306&appointmentType=36637332

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has announced the themes and prizes for its 2025-2026 Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their patriotism and win significant scholarships. The competitions are open to all eligible students; VFW membership is not required.

Contest Details

This year’s shared theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

VFW Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12. The first-place national winner will be awarded a $35,000 scholarship.
VFW Patriot’s Pen is for students in grades 6-8. The first-place national winner will receive $5,000.

Submissions are first judged at the local VFW post, with winners advancing through several levels to the national competition.

How to Enter

All entries must be submitted by October 31, 2025.

Email: Send your entry to Post8185Scholarship@gmail.com. Please note: If you email your essay, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don't, contact the contest coordinator.
Drop-off: You can also drop off your entry at your local VFW Post.

For any questions, please contact Shiela Malatesta at 443-928-9189.

Learn more at https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

We’re excited to share that Ms. Dianna Taylor’s Summer 2026 trip to Ireland, Scotland, and England still has spots available! To make this opportunity even better, families who enroll by September 30th will receive $100 off before the tour price increases.

If you’d like to learn more, Ms. Taylor can be contacted directly at dtaylor@ccps.org.

Enrollment link: https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2834879FK

CCPS Public Information Office

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

Instagram: ccpsmd

LinkedIn: linkedin.com

Superintendent's Update

October 24, 2025

CCPS Public Information Office

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CCPS Unity Day CCPS Unity Day

CCPS Pink Out Day CCPS Pink Out Day

Did You Know? Did You Know?

Counseling Highlights Counseling Highlights

Important Information Important Information

Safe Schools Maryland Virtual Parent Presentation Safe Schools Maryland Virtual Parent Presentation

CCPS Anti-Bullying Poster Contest CCPS Anti-Bullying Poster Contest

Sign Up to Stay Informed! Sign Up to Stay Informed!

Save the Date - Fine Arts Information Save the Date - Fine Arts Information

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Free Immunization Clinics Free Immunization Clinics

Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition Trunk or Treat Drug Free Cecil Youth Coalition Trunk or Treat

VFW Essay Contest VFW Essay Contest

EHS Student Council and Band Fundraiser EHS Student Council and Band Fundraiser

CCST Open House CCST Open House

Middle School Robotics Tournament Middle School Robotics Tournament

PVHS NHS Need Vendors for their Winter Wonderland PVHS NHS Need Vendors for their Winter Wonderland

EF Educational Tours EF Educational Tours

CCPS Public Information Office

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