| Issue 11 | Date: January 18, 2019

MY THOUGHTS...

We have so many amazing things happening in our school system every day and my favorite part of being Superintendent is sharing those stories with whomever will listen. That is why I am so excited about this particular edition of Superintendent's Notes. These two pages contain a number of

positive, uplifting, and downright inspiring spotlights on our students, staff, and their accomplishments.

Be sure to view the video shared to the right produced by Elkton High School students and their teacher, Marie Freisleben. Not only is the video very well-produced, it is also incredibly compelling. Congratulations to Ms. Freisleben and her students for such an accomplishment. On the second page of this newsletter, you will see this year's Step Up! Against Bullying contest winners. The artwork produced by these students will be displayed around the county promoting the message of see something, hear something, say something.

On Monday, our schools and offices will be closed in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we prepare to observe this day and as I watched the video produced by Elkton High students and reflect on the artwork of our poster contest winners, I am reminded of the words of Dr. King, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" I am inspired by our students who are taking on that question and already taking steps to change the world for the better. I hope that we each can follow their lead.

As always, thank you for your support of Cecil County Public Schools

Sincerely,Jeffrey A. Lawson, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schools

Our Mission is to provide an excellent prekindergarten through graduation learning experience that enables ALL students to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for lifelong learning and productive citizenship in an ever-changing global society.

@DrJalawson

ELKTON HIGH SCHOOL'S AMAZING PSA

UPCOMING DATESJanuary 21- Martin Luther King Jr. Day- Schools & offices closedJanuary 25- Third marking period beginsJanuary 30- Board of Education FY20 budget work session (begins at 5:30 p.m.)

CCPS@ccpsmd

CCPS Fine Arts@ccpsfinearts

CCPS@ccpsmd

Dr. Lawson@drjalawson

CCPS@ccpsmd

Dr. Lawson@drjalawson

Marie Freisleben, teacher at Elkton High School, and her students put together this AMAZING video to promote the idea of see something, hear something, say something. This video is an absolute must-see. Please take a few minutes to check out this incredibly powerful video.

Click here to view .

CCPS Public Information Office410-996-5474

Cecil County Public Schools does not discriminate in admissions, access, treatment, or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, gender and gender identity, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disabling condition.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: AVIDDuring the 2018-19 school year, three schools have begun implementation of the AVID program. AVID stands for Advancement VIA Individual Determination and is currently being offered at Elkton Middle School, Cherry Hill Middle School, and Elkton High School.

AVID is a college readiness program and provides participating students the opportunity to develop college readiness skills. The program focuses on the

development of reading and writing skills as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Students hear from guest speakers and participate in field trips that highlight the benefits of higher education and how to make college an accessible goal. Students are currently experiencing a high level of success which will result in positive outcomes for them in the future.

SUCCESS AT MATH COMPETITION

In November, students from Bohemia Manor Middle and North East Middle attended the AMC8 competition at Salisbury University. From CCPS, first place went to Emma Phelps and Holly Adams. Second place went to Barbara Morton, and third place was tied between Tristan Fleischhacker, Gavin Hawley, Brin Khanjar, and Allyson Miklas.

The American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) is a program of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). The mission of the MAA competitions is to increase interest in mathematics and to develop problem solving through a fun competition.

Students learn and achieve through competition with students from their school, from across the State of Maryland, and from surrounding states. These contests are the first in the series that lead to the US team at the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Congratulations to the winners of the CCPS Step Up! Against Bullying poster contest!

Science labs make for GREAT social media posts! Bohemia Manor Middle School shared this video from a lab measuring the mass of various eggs that had been soaked. Check out the post and prepare to be impressed with these students! Fol low Bohemia Manor Middle School here.