The Lighthouse Ledger

Click below to watch the 2026 Welcome Back Video. We can't wait to see you this school year!

Dear CCPS Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! Across Calvert County Public Schools, our teachers, support staff, administrators, and operations teams have been working throughout the summer to prepare for a strong start, and we are excited to welcome our students back.

This year, our theme is One School System. One Vision. That vision is clear: every student graduates on time, prepared for success in college, career, and life. From high-quality instruction and engaging learning experiences to transportation, nutrition services, safety, student supports, and extracurricular opportunities, every part of CCPS contributes to that shared goal.

Families are essential partners in this work. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our time, attention, and encouragement. A simple conversation, a shared meal, or a few minutes spent reading together can have a lasting impact on a child's confidence and success.

Research from Youth.gov consistently shows that students achieve more when schools and families work together. As we begin the year, I encourage families to:

• Establish consistent routines for bedtime, attendance, homework, and reading.
• Talk with your child each day about what they are learning and experiencing at school.
• Stay connected with teachers and regularly monitor school communications, grades, and assignments.
• Encourage persistence, responsibility, and problem-solving when challenges arise.
• Celebrate effort, growth, and progress, not just grades.

The safety and well-being of our students remain among our highest priorities. We are committed to creating welcoming, supportive learning environments where every student feels valued, respected, and ready to learn.

As a former drum major, I often share the phrase “One Band. One Sound.” Success comes when individuals bring their talents together toward a common goal. The same is true for CCPS. When students, families, educators, staff, and community partners work together, we create extraordinary opportunities for our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership and the trust you place in us. We look forward to a wonderful year and to celebrating the many accomplishments ahead.

Together, we are One School System with One Vision.

CCPS staff kicked off the 2026-2027 school year with an Opening Day celebration centered on the people who inspire our work every day: our students. At each of the three locations, student leaders took center stage as emcees, drum line performers, National Anthem vocalists, NJROTC Color Guard members, and speakers, helping launch the new school year with pride, energy, and optimism.

Student success is made possible by an entire school system working together. From teachers, school counselors, related service providers, educational support professionals, bus drivers and bus assistants, administrators, district staff, and more, every single role contributes to creating the conditions for students to learn, grow, and thrive.

And of course, student success would not be possible without the support and partnerships of our wonderful CCPS families!

As we begin a new school year, we are proud of the dedicated people who serve our students and of the shared purpose that connects our schools, families, and community.

One School System. One Vision. Students at the Center.

The 2026–2027 school year is almost here! To help families prepare, visit the CCPS Back-to-School Hub for quick access to important information, dates, schedules, resources, and frequently used links.

The first day of school for students in grades 1–12 is Tuesday, Aug. 25. The hub also includes details about 6th and 9th grade Student Orientation on Aug. 24, as well as the staggered start schedule for Prekindergarten and Kindergarten students.

As we begin the new year, we are united by One School System. One Vision. We look forward to a year of learning, connection, achievement, and growth for every student!

As we kick off the year, be sure to check the district calendar for important dates, including holidays, professional learning days, and special events. You can view and download the full calendar anytime at: https://www.calvertnet.k12.md.us/calendar

Access the printable calendar here: 2026-2027 District School Year Calendar

CCPS Open House Schedule: Open House Schedule

Bus information, including bus number, bus stop location, and approximate pickup and drop-off times for the 2026-2027 school year, is available in the Home Access Center (HAC).

Bus stop information is based on the guardian's home address unless an alternate transportation address has been approved through your child's school. If any student information is incorrect, please contact your child's school to update the student database.

Please note that routes and stop times may be adjusted during the beginning of the school year as we work to ensure safe and efficient transportation for all students.

Please review the Rules and Regulations for Riding the School Bus:

Rules and Regulations for Riding the School Bus

Need assistance? Visit the Transportation Department Help Center for answers to frequently asked questions or to submit a transportation request.

The Transportation Department Help Center provides families with convenient access to transportation information and support.

Through the Help Center, parents and guardians can:

• Search frequently asked questions and knowledge base articles
• Find information about bus stops, bus routes, alternate transportation requests, and transportation procedures
• Submit transportation-related questions or requests directly to the Transportation Department
• Track the status of submitted requests

Visit the Help Center:

Transportation Department Help Center

Families are encouraged to review the available resources before contacting the department, as many common questions can be answered immediately through our online knowledge base.

Here Comes the Bus (HCTB) is a mobile app that provides real-time school bus information for the bus(es) your child is assigned to ride.

Features include:

• Real-time bus location displayed on a map
• Scheduled and actual arrival times for bus routes
• Push notifications and email alerts when the bus is approaching its stop

For more information about the app, visit:

Here Comes the Bus - Calvert County Public Schools

To create an account, you will need:

• Your child's student ID number
• Calvert County Public Schools activation code: 87557

Please note that transportation information must be loaded into the system before bus assignments become available in the app. At the beginning of the school year, there may be a brief delay between route assignment and visibility within Here Comes the Bus.

Explore Early Childhood Education Opportunities in Calvert County

Calvert County Public Schools is proud to offer a variety of early childhood education programs designed to support our youngest learners and prepare them for lifelong success. Families can apply for Prekindergarten programs serving both 3- and 4-year-olds, with eligibility based on age, income, and other criteria outlined by the Maryland State Department of Education and CCPS.

To be considered for PreK in the 2026–2027 school year:

• Children must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1, 2026.
• Applications are processed in the order received, and placement is based on program availability and eligibility.
• Families selected for enrollment will receive an acceptance email with a registration code to begin the official registration process.

Kindergarten registration is also open for children who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2026. All students must be registered at their designated home school, and documentation must be submitted before enrollment is complete.

To learn more about available programs and begin the application or registration process, visit the CCPS Online Registration Portal.

Recently released 2026 MCAP results highlight strong student achievement across Calvert County Public Schools. CCPS students continued to outperform statewide averages across most grades and subjects, with notable results in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science.

Statewide rankings include:

• #1 in Maryland in English MCAP
• #1 in Grade 5 ELA
• #1 in Algebra II
• #2 in Grade 3 ELA
• #3 rankings in Grades 3, 4, and 5 MCAP

These results reflect the hard work of our students and the collective support of our teachers, staff, families, school leaders, and community. Every day, people across CCPS work together to create learning environments where students can grow, achieve, and succeed.

While no single assessment defines a student or a school system, MCAP results provide one important measure of student learning and help us identify both areas of strength and opportunities for continued growth.

Congratulations to our students and staff on these outstanding results, and thank you to our families and community for your continued partnership and support. 🎉

Beginning this school year, CCPS students may not use personal electronic communications devices during the school day, from the time they enter the building until dismissal. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds, SMART Glasses, and similar devices during arrival, classes, transitions, lunch, recess, assemblies, and dismissal.

For elementary and middle school students, these expectations are largely consistent with current practice. The most significant change is at the high school level: students may no longer use cell phones during lunch.

The districtwide expectations are outlined in CCPS Policy 3175: Cell Phones in Schools and align with Maryland's newly enacted Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which establishes statewide requirements for limiting student use of personal electronic devices throughout the academic school day.

These expectations are designed to reduce distractions, support learning, strengthen face-to-face connections, and create a positive, focused school environment.

If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact your school’s main office. Thank you for partnering with us to help students stay focused, engaged, and connected.

Each year, parents/guardians are required to update their child(ren)’s emergency contact information. Updating this information ensures we can reach you in an emergency. Please be on the lookout for a CCPS SchoolMessenger email regarding the Annual Student Update (ASU).

Parents can complete the ASU online through Home Access Center (HAC) beginning on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. We ask that parents/guardians complete the Annual Student Update no later than Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

If you do not have internet access, please contact your child’s school to request a hard copy to be sent home, and return the completed forms to the school as soon as possible.

CCPS Policy 3170 and the CCPS Code of Student Conduct outline a dress code that shall be followed by all students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Students must wear:

• Shirt or top (all shirts and tops must at least cover the student’s navel).
• Bottom (for example, pants, sweatpants, shorts, skirt, dress, and leggings).
• Shoes (curricular or activity-specific shoes may be required).

Certain body parts must be covered for each student. Clothes must be worn in a way such that the chest, navel, pelvic/groin area and buttocks are covered with material that is not transparent.

Read the full Calvert County Public Schools, Policy 3170 to see what students are and are not permitted to wear.

Students not eligible for free/reduced-price meals will be able to purchase meals at the prices below:

• Elementary Schools – $1.85 breakfast, $3.00 lunch
• Secondary Schools - $1.85 breakfast, $3.25 lunch
• Student Milk - $0.65

Each CCPS school cafeteria has a computerized debit system which allows parents to deposit money on their child’s very own cafeteria account. Students enter their 5-digit ID number at the cashier’s station where meals and à la carte purchases are then subtracted from the student’s account. Cash and check deposits are accepted at every CCPS cafeteria location, although parents may also make deposits online utilizing LINQ Connect. Please include the 5-digit student ID number on checks.

LINQ Connect is an online payment service that provides parents and guardians the ability to securely pay for meals, monitor student cafeteria purchases and receive email notifications for low account balances. Families can create a free account at https://LinqConnect.com to view purchases, track balances, set spending limits, and even transfer funds between siblings at no cost. While there is no fee to sign up or use these monitoring features, please note that a service fee is charged for depositing funds into an account.

All families are encouraged to complete the Free and Reduced Meal Benefit Application for the 2026–2027 school year. It takes about 10 minutes to apply and could help your child qualify for breakfast and lunch at no charge throughout the school year.

Applications are confidential, available in multiple languages, and may be submitted at any time during the school year. Families receiving benefits based on last year's eligibility should submit a new application as soon as possible, as that eligibility ends in early October.

Completing an application can also benefit your school. Application data may help schools qualify for additional programs and resources that support students and families.

To apply online, visit LINQ Connect - Making Schools Stronger, select School Services, and then choose Free & Reduced Meal Applications.

Paper applications are also available at all CCPS schools and may be returned to your child's school.

Need assistance? Contact the Child Nutrition Office at 443-550-8680.

We are excited to announce the new Academic Section for families on our CCPS district website's main page. This section is designed to provide parents and guardians with a clear understanding of the purpose of each of your children's courses. The Academics Section describes:

• what your child will learn in each of their courses this year. This includes specific goals that your child will achieve.

• practical resources to support your child's learning at home.

• content-sponsored county- and community-based events for students.

Visit the Academic tab at the top of the CCPS district main webpage to investigate current and easy-to-navigate information about your child's learning.

CCPS is committed to helping families understand how technology is used to support learning while keeping students safe, focused, and connected. The IT Department, Department of Instruction, and Office of Learning and Innovation have partnered to create the Technology to Support Learning webpage — a centralized resource designed to help families better understand technology and digital learning throughout CCPS. Families can explore information about student devices, digital safety, parent resources, data privacy, artificial intelligence, and other tools and practices that support students at school and at home. We encourage families to explore this resource and return to it throughout the school year whenever questions arise about technology in CCPS. Questions, concerns, or suggestions can be directed to IT Director, Matt Poteet.

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in our schools and community? Volunteering with Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is a rewarding opportunity to support students, teachers, and staff while positively impacting the learning environment. Whether assisting in classrooms, supporting school events, or sharing your expertise, your time and talents make a real difference.

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, all volunteers must complete an annual approval process. Get Started Today: Complete your application and join the many community members helping our schools thrive. Become a Volunteer - Calvert County Public School District

Volunteering with CCPS isn’t just about giving back—it’s about building stronger schools, fostering community connections, and making a lasting impact on the students of Calvert County!

CCPS is always seeking talented, passionate individuals to join our team. From teachers and support staff to administrators and specialists, every role plays a vital part in helping our students succeed.

Explore current opportunities, learn about the benefits of working with CCPS, and start your application today: Employment - Calvert County Public School District

Current employment opportunities: https://calvertnet.schoolspring.com/

Make an impact, grow your career, and help shape the future for our students and our community!

Fall athletics are getting underway across Calvert County Public Schools! High school competition begins September 4, followed by middle school competition on October 5. We invite families, students, alumni, and community members to come out and cheer on our student-athletes throughout the season.

For high school athletic events, tickets may be purchased online through GoFan or by card at the gate; cash is not accepted. Tickets are $7, which includes a $1 ticketing fee being implemented by the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) beginning with the Fall 2026 season. The fee helps support equipment and uniforms, safety and protective gear, facility upkeep, and event operations.

Beginning this fall, CCPS and the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) are partnering with PlayOn Sports and the NFHS Network to provide live and on-demand coverage of events held in the stadiums and gymnasiums at Calvert, Huntingtown, Northern, and Patuxent high schools. Families and fans can follow their favorite schools, watch from anywhere, and revisit recorded events throughout the season.

The NFHS Network provides important benefits for our student-athletes, including:

• Increased exposure for college recruiting and post-secondary opportunities.

• The ability to review game film to support skill development and performance improvement.

• Expanded recognition of individual and team accomplishments within and beyond our community

This service helps expand access to our athletic programs and ensures that those who cannot attend events in person can still support our student-athletes.

Before heading to a game, spectators are encouraged to review event information and school-specific expectations to help us maintain a safe, welcoming, and positive atmosphere for everyone.

Ready to support your team? Use the CCPS Athletics Quick Access Guide to find high school schedules and GoFan ticket links, middle school athletics websites, and NFHS Network information.

Wear your school colors, bring your CCPS pride, and help us make this a great season for our student-athletes!

As another exciting school year begins, Calvert County Public Schools' Visual & Performing Arts programs are preparing for a season filled with performances, exhibitions, festivals, and honor ensemble experiences. Families and community members are invited to celebrate the incredible talents of our student artists, musicians, performers, and creators throughout the fall.

September: A Strong Start

The arts year begins with students returning to classrooms on August 25 and quickly transitioning into a busy season of performances and special events. Not to be overlooked, don’t forget that our High School Marching Bands and Theatre programs have already been hard at work prepping for the start of the year!

Highlights include:

• Premier Ensemble Army Orchestra Quartet Performance (September 14)
  -This learning experience is for 8th-12th grade students enrolled in orchestra and is not open to the public.
• PHS USBands Competition hosted by Patuxent High School (September 19)
  - Open to the public
• CCPS Improv Festival (September 30)
  -This learning experience is for HS Theatre students and is not open to the public.

October: Honor Ensembles & Fall Performances

October showcases opportunities for student musicians to participate in county honor ensembles and perform at high-profile events.

Featured events include:

• Marching Band Showcase @ PHS, 7pm (October 14)
  - Open to the public
• HHS USBands Competition hosted by Huntingtown HS (October 17)
  - Open to the public
• All-County Orchestra Concert @ CHS, 7pm (October 28)
  - Open to the public
• The Annual Winter Card Art Contest begins! (October 30)

Throughout the month, All-County Orchestra and Chorus students will rehearse and prepare for upcoming performances.

The Visual & Performing Arts Department encourages families and community members to support student artists by attending concerts, theatre productions, exhibitions, festivals, and marching band events throughout the year.

Together, we celebrate creativity, collaboration, communication, and artistic excellence across Calvert County Public Schools.

Calvert County Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts Department

Did you know every CCPS middle and high school has a Career Advisor? Career Advisors work alongside school counselors to help students explore their interests, strengths, talents, and goals and connect them to possible career and postsecondary pathways.

Using tools such as Xello and the RIASEC career-interest model, Career Advisors help students learn more about themselves and discover careers and educational opportunities that may be a good fit.

Students also have opportunities to participate in career-focused activities, hear from industry professionals, attend specialized field trips and career fairs, and learn about local career pathways. These experiences help connect classroom learning to the world beyond school and give students greater confidence as they plan for the future.

Families are encouraged to talk with their students about their interests and goals and to connect with their school’s Career Advisor to learn more about available opportunities. Together, we can help students explore their options and prepare for success beyond high school.

Photo of Beach Elementary School entrance lobby

The work of maintaining and improving CCPS schools, facilities, and grounds happens year-round, but summer is an especially busy time for our Building Services, Construction and Facilities teams.

Across 25 school buildings totaling more than 2.4 million square feet, staff deep cleaned classrooms and common areas, refinished floors, maintained grounds and athletic fields, completed painting and repairs, serviced HVAC and other essential building systems, and conducted required safety and regulatory inspections.

This summer, Facilities staff also helped protect future resources by salvaging and storing 14 reusable boiler sections from Sunderland Elementary School, preserving approximately $140,000 in future replacement value. Teams also completed critical water and wastewater system improvements at multiple facilities.

Major projects include:

• Appeal Elementary: Parking lots and the bus loop were resurfaced to improve safety and traffic flow.

• Northern Middle: Construction of the new school continues, with turnover to CCPS expected in Fall 2026.

• Patuxent Elementary: Sound-mitigating walls were installed near the Media Center to reduce noise in adjacent classrooms.

• Huntingtown Elementary: A new fully accessible intermediate playground is now open.

• Sunderland Elementary: Heating and cooling systems are being modernized throughout the school.

• Mary Harrison Center: CCPS received a $2.35 million DoWEA grant for exterior building improvements, with construction planned for Summer 2027.

• Heating and cooling upgrades are also underway at the Brooks Administration Building.

Additional work across the district included parking lot restriping, lighting upgrades, fleet maintenance, and improvements to the system used to track maintenance requests and service delivery.

There is no “off season” when it comes to caring for our schools. We appreciate the year-round work of our Building Services, Construction and Facilities teams to keep CCPS facilities clean, safe and ready for learning.

Community organizations wishing to share flyers or informational materials through CCPS communication channels can now submit requests using the Outside Organization Flyer Approval and Distribution Form in the CCPS Help Center.

Materials may be considered when they provide a specific opportunity, program, activity, service, or resource for CCPS students and/or their parents or guardians.

All materials must be submitted for review and approval before being distributed or shared through CCPS schools or communication channels.

Please note: These events and activities are not sponsored by the Calvert County Board of Education or Calvert County Public Schools. CCPS provides equal opportunities to outside agencies to distribute materials that offer opportunities to students and/or their parents, but that permission should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth programs.

Calvert County Public Schools does not refuse enrollment of a prospective student, expel a current student, or withhold privileges from a current student, or prospective student, or the parent or guardian of a current or prospective student because of an individual’s race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Calvert County Public Schools does not discipline, invoke a penalty against, or take any other retaliatory action against a student or parent or guardian of a student who files a complaint alleging that the program or school discriminated against the student, regardless of the outcome of the complaint.

The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

· Director of Student Services

· Director of Human Resources
443-550-8000

For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights Complaint Assessment System or call 1-800-421-3481.