FAFSA

The 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Maryland State Financial Aid Application are now available.

To submit a FAFSA, visit studentaid.gov/fafsa-app/ROLES or to submit your MSFAA, visit mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us/. The Office of Student Financial Assistance at the Maryland Higher Education Commission will review the information that you provide on your FAFSA or MSFAA to determine your eligibility for certain state scholarships and grants for the 2023-2024 academic year. The Maryland deadline to submit the FAFSA or MSFAA is March 1.

North Dorchester Middle School

North Dorchester Middle School parents last week received the following message:

“There has been a surge in laptop damage due to students not handling their laptops properly since the beginning of 2023. Parents, please remind your students to use the county-issued laptop sleeve for their laptops’ protection. With your help, we can avoid damage that you will be responsible for. Thank you!”

Mace's Lane Middle School

Mace’s Lane Middle School released the following statement last week:

“We will be ‘tightening up’ on our cellphone policy. Phones are not to be out or used in school, not even to ‘check the time.’ Any phone that is out, whether it’s being used or not, will be taken, put in an envelope with the name and given to administration. All phones will be returned at the end of the day. AirPods as well. Thank you.”

This was followed by the following post from an administrator on Feb. 9:

“This went well today and every parent I had to call because the student refused to give up the phone, supported us 100%! Thank you, parents!!”

Hutchinson scholarship

The application for the 2023-24 Delegate Tom Hutchinson scholarship is now open and can be found online at citizensforhutchinson.com/marylandscholarship. You can also email Tom.Hutchinson@house.state.md.us to receive an application.

Students who live in district 37B and who will attend a Maryland college or university as an undergraduate may apply. The scholarship is open to full-time or part-time students and those at two-year or four-year institutions. Students who have received the award in previous years are encouraged to reapply. Applications for the 2023-24 school year will be accepted until Wednesday, April 19.

Any questions should be directed to Tom.Hutchinson@house.state.md.us or 410-841-3582.

Academic and Seibel Scholarships  

The recipients of the MAEF Academic Scholarship will receive $1,500 in support of their academic achievements and pursuit of a career in agricultural or Extension education. MAEF Academic Scholarships are open to rising junior or senior undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in majors leading to careers in agricultural education or Extension education. Qualified candidates should complete and submit their online application by April 1.

The Seibel Scholarship is open to students pursuing a two-year or four-year degree enrolled in majors leading to careers in agriculture or agriculture education at a qualifying institution. Qualified candidates should complete and submit their online application by April 1.    

Both award announcements will be made by May 1. Application information, the online application, and the full announcements are posted on MAEF’s website at   

maefonline.com/home/student-center/scholarships/.

PBIS top students

Cambridge-South Dorchester High School last week announced PBIS Students of the Month for January. They are: Sydney Marshall (English), Don'Shay Payton (Fine Arts), Izzy Trissell (World Languages), Sanaya Sampson (Social Studies), Ja'Niylah Kimble (Math), Nkole Balli (P.E.), Zy'aye Bell (Science), Nicholas Cristia (Technology), and our Viking Way Student of the Month: Anthony Wright.

C-SD backpacks

Recently, there has been an increase in nontransparent backpacks in Cambridge-South Dorchester High School’s instructional hallways. Only clear or mesh backpacks are allowed in instructional areas. Nontransparent bags are still allowed to be brought into school but must be placed in a locker before students go to their classrooms.

Students who refuse to follow reasonable requests regarding backpack guidelines will be subject to progressive discipline. If a student needs a clear backpack, he or she may ask Mr. Romano. 

Colonel Richardson scholarships

The Town of Preston/The Red Shef Scholarship intend to present one scholarship of $1,000 minimum, to a qualified Colonel Richardson High School graduating senior choosing to further their education at a college or trade (vocational or technical) school.

Applications must be received in the Town Hall office no later than close of business on Friday, April 17. The office closes at 3 p.m.

The Scholarship Committee will review the information provided and select a finalist from Colonel Richardson High School.

Applicants not selected as finalists will be notified by mail. Once final selection has been made, award recipient will be notified and recognized at their Senior Awards night. The recipient will be asked to attend a Town Commissioners Meeting to be awarded their scholarship. Family will be invited as well.

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future

A live meeting will be held at Sandy Hill Elementary, Thursday, Feb. 23.

DCPS closing policy

Any delay in opening on an early dismissal day, such as that caused by icy roads, fog or light overnight snow, will mean the day then becomes a full day of school. Get up to speed on the biggest changes in education in Dorchester County in a generation: http://bit.ly/3P3uEGT.