Superintendent's Update

Dear CCPS Families,

It has been a remarkably productive and high-energy week across our district, filled with celebrations of excellence and community engagement.

Our annual Teacher of the Year Gala, held on April 21 at Deerfield, was a resounding success, providing a wonderful opportunity to honor the heart of our school system. I want to extend sincere congratulations to our official winner, K. Nicole Walker from Elkton High School, as well as all of our incredible nominees; your dedication to our students and the teaching profession is truly inspiring.

In addition to celebrating our educators, we have been busy hosting the Third Marking Period Award Ceremonies this week. It has been a pleasure to see so many families in our buildings as we recognize our students' hard work and perseverance. A huge congratulations goes out to all of our Honor Roll recipients for their academic achievements this term. I am proud to announce that we had a total of 5,016 Honor Roll recipients, including 2,202 students in our elementary schools and 2,814 students in our secondary schools.

The momentum continues outside the classroom as well, with our spring sports programs now in full swing. It is wonderful to see our student-athletes competing with such passion and sportsmanship.

Furthermore, we are proud to report that the 16th Annual Job Fair held on April 16 at the Cecil County School of Technology (CCST) was a major success. By connecting our students with local career opportunities, we continue to strengthen the bond between our schools and the community.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making these milestones possible.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Congratulations to Ms. K. Nicole Walker from EHS!

We are thrilled to announce that K. Nicole Walker from Elkton High School has been named Cecil County's 2026 Teacher of the Year!

Ms. Walker was honored at Tuesday's Teacher of the Year Gala for her dedication, passion, and commitment to education. Her innovative teaching methods and unwavering support for her students have made a difference.

We also congratulate the 19 nominees for inspiring and shaping our community's future. Each of you is a true champion of education!

Congratulations to the students who were selected for All-State Chorus and Band.

CHMS

EHS

RSHS

RSHS - All-State Band Recipient

Get ready to kick off a vibrant season with the May 2026 edition of Cecil County Community Connections! As we gear up for warmer weather, this issue is packed with essential updates to help your family thrive, from a guide on how to secure $120 in Maryland SUN Bucks for summer groceries to a full breakdown of the high-energy summer camps hosted by Cecil College, the YMCA, and more. We’re also spotlighting the upcoming Children’s Mental Health Matters event at Elkton High School—an empowering day focused on this year's "Magic of Hope" theme—and providing our regular shortcut to Findhelp.org so you can instantly connect with local food, housing, mental, behavioral and physical healthcare resources. Dive in to ensure your students are signed up, supported, and ready for an unforgettable summer!

NEES

NEES Career Day

RSMS Day of Service

BMHS Spring is in the Air

EMS AC Replacement

ASC Building Roof Replacement

BMMHS New Sign

NEMHS Window Installation and Brick Veneer

*Note the following changes:

May 29 - Early Dismissal for All Students
June 10-12 - Last 3 Days of School are Early Dismissal Days
June 12 - Last Day of School for Students
June 15 - Professional Day for Staff

CCST

BMHS

NEHS

RSHS

PHS

EHS

Join the Chamber of Commerce for an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates running for office. These forums are non-partisan, free, and open to the entire public:

Dates: April 29 & May 6
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Elkton High School Auditorium

School Volunteer Information

CCPS is excited to offer a series of free summer camps for students this year! These popular programs fill up quickly, so scan the QR code to secure your spot.

Please note: Students should bring a packed lunch. All other materials and activities are provided.

In celebration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial in 2026, the Historical Society of Cecil County invites you to join the "Off the Beaten Path" challenge, a county-wide adventure designed to uncover our local hidden treasures. In collaboration with local preservationists and government officials, the Society has curated a list of 27 historically significant sites—from well-known landmarks to tucked-away gems—to honor our nation's 250th anniversary. To participate, simply pick up a passport at any Cecil County Library branch, the Historical Society, Cecil County Tourism, or the Fair Hill Nature Center. Participants are encouraged to visit these sites and take a selfie at each location or marker as proof of their journey. Before heading out, adventurers are encouraged to check each site’s website for hours and potential entry fees, though all locations have been vetted for safe roadside pull-over areas.

This challenge is a fantastic way for families to engage with local heritage, featuring a special category for younger explorers; children under 14 who complete 14 visits will earn a Junior Historian Certificate and a gift. Completed passports and photo evidence must be submitted to the Historical Society at 135 East Main St., Elkton, by December 1, 2026, to be eligible for a prize. Submissions are accepted on Mondays and Thursdays from 10–4 and the first Saturday of every month from 10–2. Supported by local partners, including Cecil County Tourism and the Public Library, this event promises a year of discovery and community pride. For full details and to start your journey, visit www.cecilhistory.org.

CCPS Public Information Office

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

Instagram: ccpsmd

LinkedIn: linkedin.com

Superintendent's Update