Superintendent's Update

Dear CCPS Families -

As we approach the end of the 2025 calendar year, I find myself reflecting on an extraordinary week that perfectly captures the spirit of Cecil County Public Schools. We kicked off our celebrations on December 11, when The Foundation of CCPS hosted a spectacular fundraising event at the historic Principio Mansion. It was a truly wonderful evening that brought together a dedicated group of community members, business leaders, and Foundation supporters. The generosity and passion displayed at the mansion remind us that our schools are the heart of this community, and we are deeply grateful for The Foundation’s unwavering commitment to our students.

The momentum continued on December 12 at the site of the new North East Middle/High School for the Final Steel Beam Ceremony. It was truly inspiring to see so many community members, our Leadership Team, the Board of Education, and local County Government leadership come together to support this monumental endeavor. This project is a testament to what we can achieve together and serves as a cornerstone for the bright future we are building for Cecil County.

On December 16, we hosted our third annual Support Staff of the Year (SSOY) Gala at Schaefer's Canal House. This event is one of my favorite traditions because it shines a spotlight on the "unsung heroes" who keep our district running every single day. I want to extend a huge congratulations to our two overall winners: Julia Jackson from Elkton High School and Rita Reddish from the Cecil County School of Technology (CCST). Both Julia and Rita represent the very best of CCPS through their dedication and heart. I also want to congratulate the 24 incredible nominees from across the county; your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are a better district because of your service.

As we wrap up these celebrations and head into our winter break, I want to wish every student, staff member, and family a wonderful holiday season and a restful break. Whether you are traveling or staying close to home, I hope this time is filled with joy and relaxation. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school and to seeing you on Monday, January 5, in the new year.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

The Foundation of CCPS successfully hosted its inaugural Celebration of Giving event at the magnificent Principio Mansion. It was a fantastic opportunity to share the exciting progress of the Foundation and connect with many wonderful community members. We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of generosity shown by all who attended and donated, with special thanks to our major sponsors for their commitment: APG Federal Credit Union (APGFCU), ODEC Wildcat Point, and York Building Products. Together, we are making a significant difference, and the community can find more information about the Foundation and how to donate by visiting our CCPS web page.

Last week, we celebrated a significant step forward in the construction of the new North East Middle and High School with the Final Beam Signing Ceremony.

The event marked the completion of the structural steel phase and served as a powerful testament to community support. It was truly inspiring to see community members, our Leadership Team, members of the Board of Education, and local County Government leadership gather to sign the final structural beam.

This monumental endeavor highlights what we can achieve together. We are excitedly counting down the days until we see this beautiful new building completed!

Cecil County Public Schools is committed to student success through the Community Schools strategy, a proven model that transforms our schools into hubs for healthcare, tutoring, and family engagement. By coordinating these vital services, we bridge the gap for students in lower-income areas and create a massive local impact; research shows that every $1 invested in a community school can yield up to a $15 return to the community.

While we currently have 11 active sites, this strategy only reaches its full potential when local businesses step up to connect classroom learning with real-world application. We are urgently seeking dedicated business partners to adopt Holly Hall Elementary, Elkton Middle, and Elkton High School. As a partner, you serve as a key stakeholder in our collaborative leadership, helping us build a more equitable future for all of Cecil County.

If you would like to learn more about services available in Cecil County, you can access our monthly newsletter HERE to connect with local agencies.

For complete details on the CCPS Inclement Weather Policy, please visit our website: https://www.ccps.org/parentss/inclement-weather-policy

The annual CCLC Young Author Contest invites students across Cecil County to showcase their creativity and writing talents! Participants can submit original works of poetry or short fiction for a chance to be recognized at the county and state levels. This contest encourages students to develop their voice as writers and celebrate the joy of storytelling.

Registration is now open for the UCSCA Summer Camp.

https://forms.gle/LXjjYfBJHHAZbR9V8

Application Information

Public Input for the Cecil County Threats and Hazards Identification (THIRA). This project will serve as a foundational piece for the new five-year cycle of the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The THIRA assessment helps you, your community, and Cecil County identify efforts to prepare, respond to, and recover from a disaster. The survey will also help us determine projects that could improve areas for you and your community. Helping you become better prepared to respond and recover from a disaster. The survey results will serve as data and information to identify known capabilities, those wishing to improve capabilities, known identified gaps, areas for improvement, or challenges that may exist. Cecil County Department of Emergency Services would like your assistance by completing this form.

This survey could take approximately 2-5 minutes to complete. Please scan the QR code or click on this link.

Any specific questions, please contact Cecil County Department of Emergency Services/Emergency Planner Michael Berth at michael.berth@cecilcountymd.gov.

The deadline for this survey will be January 20, 2026.

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

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