Cecil County Connections

Going to school every day and arriving on time gives students the best chance to succeed. When children miss school, they lose valuable learning time and quickly fall behind in core subjects like reading and math. Missing just two days of school each month adds up to nearly three weeks of missed class over the course of the year. In fact, missing too many days in kindergarten and first grade can make it much harder for children to read on grade level by third grade. Being present every day gives students the routine they need to stay confident and keep up with their classmates.

Arriving late or leaving early also takes away from a child's learning. Missing even a few minutes at the beginning or end of the day means missing key instructions and main lessons. Beyond individual learning loss, late arrivals and early checkouts create disruptions that affect the whole classroom. These frequent interruptions break the teacher’s lesson flow and make it harder for other classmates to stay focused. Keeping students in class for the full school day protects essential teaching time for your child and the entire school community.

Another great way to support student attendance is by planning family trips around the school calendar. Before booking vacations, check the Cecil County Public Schools Vacation Planner, which outlines long weekends and extended breaks throughout the school year. Planning family travel during these designated times allows your child to enjoy vacation while ensuring they do not miss out on primary instructional time with their teacher.

When a child experiences bullying, family support makes all the difference. While partnering with school administrators and counselors is essential, having practical strategies at home builds your child’s resilience and restores their peace of mind.

Through our partnership with the Cook Center for Human Connection and ParentGuidance.org, families have access to expert, zero-cost resources. We invite you to take the free online course Helping Your Child When They’re Bullied and read Facts About Bullying. Designed specifically for busy adults, this quick guide equips caregivers with an actionable plan to stand by their child and strengthen their circle of security.

For more details and local support, visit the CCPS Bullying Information Page or dive straight into the course at ParentGuidance.org by clikcing on the link below to take you directly to the course.

Supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports.

Maryland’s Youth Digital Playbook

The Governor's Office for Children, in partnership with the Child Mind Institute, has released Maryland's Youth Digital Wellness Playbook, a practical, evidence-based guide that helps young people, families, and educators build healthier habits in a digital world. The Playbook is available in two editions, one for elementary school students and one for teens. It includes skill sheets on mindfulness and cognitive reframing, strategies for managing compulsive digital behaviors, and targeted resources on cyberbullying and online gambling.

As students return to school, we encourage local school systems to share the Playbook with families and school staff. Useful channels include family newsletters and back-to-school communications, PTA and family engagement meetings, school counselors and student services teams, and staff professional development.

Both editions are available at no cost at goc.maryland.gov/Pages/YouthDigitalWellness.aspx.

The Governor's Office for Children is also available to present on the Playbook for your school system, for educators, families, or community partners. Clinicians from the Child Mind Institute may be able to join these sessions when scheduled with advance notice. To request a presentation or to ask questions, contact Patrick Bourke, Senior Policy Fellow, Governor's Office for Children, at patrick.bourke@maryland.gov.

Connecting with the right help in our community is now easier than ever with the Cecil County Community Resource & Support Locator at cecilcountyhealth.findhelp.com. Powered by the national FindHelp organization and in partnership with the Cecil County Health Department, this tailored local platform connects all county residents directly to free and reduced-cost programs right in our neighborhood. Whether you are looking for long-term health services, family assistance, or immediate crisis support, the portal provides dignified, confidential, and quick access to verified local, state, and national resources.

Key Services Available on the Portal

• Housing & Emergency Shelter: If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, the portal links directly to local organizations like Meeting Ground, offering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and coordinated entry assistance.

• Mental Health & Behavioral Health Crisis: Quick access to 24/7 support through the Eastern Shore Crisis Resource Helpline, Optum Maryland, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ensures assistance is always a call or text away.

• Substance Use & Recovery Support: Find dedicated addiction recovery services, including the Cecil Addiction Treatment Coordination Hotline (CATCH), along with free Overdose Response Training and Narcan distribution through the local health department.

• Family & Children's Care: Browse essential support for growing families, including Cecil County WIC, the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP), childcare resources, and enrichment activities for youth.

• Health & Practical Assistance: Locate healthcare providers, medical transportation services, vital records assistance, food pantries, and financial aid for utilities or job training.

How to Get Started

Finding help takes just a few clicks. Visit cecilcountyhealth.findhelp.com, enter your ZIP code (or a nearby town), and browse available categories. You can also take the Cecil County Social Needs Assessment directly on the site to help match you with the exact programs that fit your family’s current needs.

ParentGuidance.org’s October Mental Health Series offers free virtual sessions designed to provide practical tools, expert insight, and real-world support for everyday parenting challenges.

October Session Highlights

• Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being: Gain tools to help manage your child's anxiety, identify signs of emotional dysregulation, address school avoidance, navigate childhood loneliness, and understand crucial suicide prevention strategies.

• Digital Habits & Modern Risks: Learn proactive approaches for managing screen time, protecting your child on social media, addressing vaping prevention, and stopping the cycle of bullying.

• Parenting Dynamics & Boundaries: Explore practical strategies for de-escalating conflict at home, discovering effective parenting styles, establishing healthy boundaries, supporting your LGBTQ+ child, and practicing parental self-compassion.

• Ask a Therapist Live (Oct. 27): Join a live interactive session with Dr. Kevin Skinner on Tuesday, October 27, to ask questions directly and get professional guidance on supporting your child's mental health.

How to Join:

• When: Sessions run Monday through Thursday at 7:00 PM ET and 9:00 PM ET.

• Registration: Attend as many virtual sessions as you like by scanning the QR code on the calendar or visiting parentguidance.org/mhs-catalog.

Supported by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports.