🎤 Community Connections & Conversations
Join us for an engaging evening of dialogue and updates at the Superintendent's upcoming community engagement forums: "Community Connections & Conversations" — formerly the Somerset County Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC), now open to all families, caregivers, staff and community members! The first event will be held next month:
📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
📍 Washington Academy & High School
🕕 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Come hear directly from the Superintendent and Central Office supervisors as they share system-wide updates and respond to your questions. The event will also include focus group-style activities to gather your input on key priorities for our schools.
Let’s build stronger schools together — your voice matters!
Join us for an engaging evening of dialogue and updates at the Superintendent's upcoming community engagement forums: "Community Connections & Conversations" — formerly the Somerset County Parent Advisory Committee (CPAC), now open to all families, caregivers, staff and community members! The first event will be held next month:
📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
📍 Washington Academy & High School
🕕 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Come hear directly from the Superintendent and Central Office supervisors as they share system-wide updates and respond to your questions. The event will also include focus group-style activities to gather your input on key priorities for our schools.
Let’s build stronger schools together — your voice matters!
✨ First Day Highlights! ✨
Today we welcomed students beginning their first day at new schools for the 2025–2026 school year 🎒📚.
We were also honored to host members of the Maryland State Board of Education — Dr. Joshua Michael and Mr. Chet Chesterfield — along with Dr. Tenette Smith, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer with MSDE’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
Their visit included stops at Somerset Intermediate School, Washington Academy & High School, and Greenwood Elementary, where they connected with students, staff, and school leaders. 💙💛
#SCPS #SteppingIntoExcellence #BackToSchool2025
Today we welcomed students beginning their first day at new schools for the 2025–2026 school year 🎒📚.
We were also honored to host members of the Maryland State Board of Education — Dr. Joshua Michael and Mr. Chet Chesterfield — along with Dr. Tenette Smith, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer with MSDE’s Office of Teaching and Learning.
Their visit included stops at Somerset Intermediate School, Washington Academy & High School, and Greenwood Elementary, where they connected with students, staff, and school leaders. 💙💛
#SCPS #SteppingIntoExcellence #BackToSchool2025
🎉 Welcome Back, SCPS Students, Families & Staff! 🎉
Superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell shares important reminders to help students start the 2025-2026 school year strong, highlighting ways families can support their students and prepare for a successful year ahead.
View the message here: https://youtu.be/aUehNGpiskA?si=-ZhUGOoEL8gMT9GS
🎒✨ Ready. Set. SCHOOL! ✨🎒
Join us for our Back to School Block Party this Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset BOE! 🎉
🍔 Free Food, 🎶 music, 🎪 vendors & family fun—all while our schools host Open Houses (2:30–6 PM). 🚍 Shuttle buses will run from PAES, GES, WHS, CHS & WES Open Houses to the Block Party.
📍 Somerset Board of Education — don’t miss it!
Join us for our Back to School Block Party this Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset BOE! 🎉
🍔 Free Food, 🎶 music, 🎪 vendors & family fun—all while our schools host Open Houses (2:30–6 PM). 🚍 Shuttle buses will run from PAES, GES, WHS, CHS & WES Open Houses to the Block Party.
📍 Somerset Board of Education — don’t miss it!
Emergency Board Meeting CANCELLED
Tonight’s meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 5:30 PM has been cancelled. A new date will be posted soon. Thank you for your understanding.
✨ Opening Meeting 2025–2026 ✨
SCPS kicked off the new school year at Washington High School this morning with energy, inspiration, and a united vision for success! 🎉
🎶 The Washington High School Marching Band set the tone with an incredible performance to open the meeting — thank you for bringing the spirit to our celebration! 💙🤍
🎤 Special thanks to our speakers:
• Tracie Bartemy, Director of Schools
• Christina South, HR Director
• Maryland Senator Mary Beth Carozza
• Kristen Bratcher, 2025–2026 Somerset Teacher of the Year
• Crisfield High School senior TyLia Lane
• Superintendent Dr. Ava Tasker-Mitchell
• Tina Greenwood, Supervisor of Mentoring & Professional Learning
💡 Like a lighthouse guiding ships through turbulent waters, Dr. Tasker-Mitchell is empowering us to navigate forward together — grounded in our call to Serve. Build. Belong.
🌱 Right after the Opening Meeting, our staff heads into the Professional Learning Conference with the theme “Bloom Where You Are Planted” — reminding us that growth and excellence begin right where we stand.
👏 Thank you to every SCPS staff member for your dedication to our students. Here’s to a Small but Mighty year of Stepping into Excellence!
#ServeBuildBelong #SteppingIntoExcellence #SmallButMighty #BackToSchoolSCPS #BloomWhereYouArePlanted
🚌✨ Safe Travels Ahead! ✨🚌
Yesterday, every SCPS school bus underwent its annual Class B inspection to get ready for the 2025–2026 school year. Safety is our top priority, and these thorough inspections help ensure that when your child steps on the bus each morning, they are in good hands. 💛
Here’s to a school year filled with safe rides, friendly drivers, and peace of mind for our families. 💫
#SafeAndSound #TeamSCPS #BackToSchool
Yesterday, every SCPS school bus underwent its annual Class B inspection to get ready for the 2025–2026 school year. Safety is our top priority, and these thorough inspections help ensure that when your child steps on the bus each morning, they are in good hands. 💛
Here’s to a school year filled with safe rides, friendly drivers, and peace of mind for our families. 💫
#SafeAndSound #TeamSCPS #BackToSchool
🌟 Welcome Our 2025–2026 Student Board Representatives! 🌟
At the August 19, 2025 Board of Education meeting, we proudly introduced our new student voices and welcomed a newly appointed Board member:
Amara Hankerson – Student Board Representative, Washington Academy & High School
Trenton Brittingham – Student Board Representative, Crisfield Academy & High School
Jason Elliott – Alternate Student Board Representative, Washington Academy & High School
🗳️ Also, please welcome Mr. John Robertson, newly appointed Board of Education Member (District 5), who joined the Board for his first meeting last night.
👏 Join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders as they help shape the future of SCPS!
#StudentVoice #TeamSCPS #Leadership #SomersetStrong
At the August 19, 2025 Board of Education meeting, we proudly introduced our new student voices and welcomed a newly appointed Board member:
Amara Hankerson – Student Board Representative, Washington Academy & High School
Trenton Brittingham – Student Board Representative, Crisfield Academy & High School
Jason Elliott – Alternate Student Board Representative, Washington Academy & High School
🗳️ Also, please welcome Mr. John Robertson, newly appointed Board of Education Member (District 5), who joined the Board for his first meeting last night.
👏 Join us in congratulating these outstanding leaders as they help shape the future of SCPS!
#StudentVoice #TeamSCPS #Leadership #SomersetStrong
Yesterday, our Food & Nutrition Services team joined a pro learning session led by Mr. David Scott, SCPS Supervisor of Food & Nutrition Services. Focus: menu planning, safety & service—ensuring healthy meals for students daily. 🍎🥗 #TeamSCPS #SchoolNutrition
🌟 Welcome to #TeamSCPS! 🌟 It’s New Teacher Orientation Week, and we’re excited to have our newest educators join us. Thank you for supporting Somerset County students—we’re here to help you grow into the best teachers you can be! 💙📚🍎
Empowering teachers to empower students!
Our educators recently dove into The Science of Learning—exploring how the brain actually learns so they can design more effective, engaging, and lasting learning experiences for every student. They’re eager to bring these research-backed strategies into their classrooms to inspire and support every learner.
#ScienceOfLearning #TeacherTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #Education #LifelongLearners #BrainBasedLearning #EdChat #GrowthMindset
Our educators recently dove into The Science of Learning—exploring how the brain actually learns so they can design more effective, engaging, and lasting learning experiences for every student. They’re eager to bring these research-backed strategies into their classrooms to inspire and support every learner.
#ScienceOfLearning #TeacherTraining #ProfessionalDevelopment #Education #LifelongLearners #BrainBasedLearning #EdChat #GrowthMindset
🎉 Congratulations to our 2025 Stars of Somerset Winners! 🌟
We’re proud to celebrate these SCPS standouts who were recognized by our community in the annual Stars of Somerset Awards:
🏫 Best of Elementary: Princess Anne Elementary (award accepted by Principal, Christa Taylor)
🚌 Bus Driver: Koley Ward
👩💼 School Employee: Stephanie Duer (Central Office)
🎓 School Principal: Dave Arnold (Crisfield Academy & High School)
🍎 Teacher of the Year: Chase Duer
(Crisfield Academy & High School)
Your dedication, talent, and heart make SCPS shine! 💛💙
#StarsOfSomerset #SCPSproud #BestInSomerset
Washington High School Football coaches Alec Meintzer and Tony Morton are all in on building a winning culture for the Jaguars—on and off the field. Their dedication earned them recognition as Preston Automotive’s latest Coaches Who Make a Difference. 🎥 Watch their story: http://bit.ly/47we2Tj
🎒 Ready. Set. SCHOOL!
Join us for our Back-to-School Block Party & Community Resource Fair on Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset County Board of Education in Westover!
🎶 Music, games, family fun, and community resources — plus shuttle service from your child’s Open House!
📍 Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the 2025–2026 school year!
#ReadySetSchool #SCPSBackToSchool #SomersetSchools
Join us for our Back-to-School Block Party & Community Resource Fair on Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset County Board of Education in Westover!
🎶 Music, games, family fun, and community resources — plus shuttle service from your child’s Open House!
📍 Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the 2025–2026 school year!
#ReadySetSchool #SCPSBackToSchool #SomersetSchools
🎒 Ready. Set. SCHOOL!
Join us for our Back-to-School Block Party & Community Resource Fair on Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset County Board of Education in Westover!
🎶 Music, games, family fun, and community resources — plus shuttle service from your child’s Open House!
📍 Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the 2025–2026 school year!
#ReadySetSchool #SCPSBackToSchool #SomersetSchools
Join us for our Back-to-School Block Party & Community Resource Fair on Thursday, August 28 from 12–6 PM at the Somerset County Board of Education in Westover!
🎶 Music, games, family fun, and community resources — plus shuttle service from your child’s Open House!
📍 Don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the 2025–2026 school year!
#ReadySetSchool #SCPSBackToSchool #SomersetSchools
🚨 Now Hiring for 2025-2026! 🚨
Somerset County Public Schools is looking for passionate, dedicated professionals to join #TeamSCPS! Whether you're a teacher, support staff member, or administrator, there's a place for you in our mission to empower every student to thrive.
✨ Explore open positions and apply today:
👉 https://somerset.schoolspring.com/
Be part of something meaningful. #SCPSJobs #JoinOurTeam #NowHiring #MarylandEducation
Somerset County Public Schools is looking for passionate, dedicated professionals to join #TeamSCPS! Whether you're a teacher, support staff member, or administrator, there's a place for you in our mission to empower every student to thrive.
✨ Explore open positions and apply today:
👉 https://somerset.schoolspring.com/
Be part of something meaningful. #SCPSJobs #JoinOurTeam #NowHiring #MarylandEducation
Get ready to LIKE and SHARE! We have partnered with @FFFCUofMD to support #SCPS students and families!
For 24 hours, #FFFCU will donate $1 for every LIKE their Instagram post receives! An additional $1 will be donated for each SHARE on your story using #FFFCULikeForACause. The donations will help our community prepare for a successful school year!
Head to FFFCU's Instagram to learn more or visit: https://www.firstfinancial.org/events/2025-fffculikeforacause/
For 24 hours, #FFFCU will donate $1 for every LIKE their Instagram post receives! An additional $1 will be donated for each SHARE on your story using #FFFCULikeForACause. The donations will help our community prepare for a successful school year!
Head to FFFCU's Instagram to learn more or visit: https://www.firstfinancial.org/events/2025-fffculikeforacause/
🧠💬 Youth Mental Health First Aid Training – Register Now!
Do you work with or care about youth in our community? Learn how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and respond effectively.
📅 Training Dates:
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23 & Thursday, July 24
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM (Must attend both sessions)
💻 Held Virtually – Link provided to participants
👥 Open to school staff, parents, and community members
📩 Register by July 14 – Space is limited to 20 participants!
📞 Call 410-621-6232 or 📧 email rabbott@somerset.k12.md.us
✅ Online pre-work required
💵 Stipends available for school staff
📚 CPD credit offered + can count toward Lauryn’s Law
Let’s break the stigma and support our youth together. #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMHFA #SomersetStrong
Do you work with or care about youth in our community? Learn how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and respond effectively.
📅 Training Dates:
🗓️ Wednesday, July 23 & Thursday, July 24
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:15 PM (Must attend both sessions)
💻 Held Virtually – Link provided to participants
👥 Open to school staff, parents, and community members
📩 Register by July 14 – Space is limited to 20 participants!
📞 Call 410-621-6232 or 📧 email rabbott@somerset.k12.md.us
✅ Online pre-work required
💵 Stipends available for school staff
📚 CPD credit offered + can count toward Lauryn’s Law
Let’s break the stigma and support our youth together. #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMHFA #SomersetStrong
🎆 Reminder: All SCPS schools and offices will be closed July 3 & 4, 2025, in observance of Independence Day.
As we celebrate the birth of our nation, may we reflect on the ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy that continue to shape the American story. Wishing our SCPS community a safe and meaningful Fourth of July!
#IndependenceDay #FourthOfJuly #OneNation
📅 Reminder: All SCPS schools and offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in observance of Juneteenth, a recognized state and federal holiday.
Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and invites us to reflect on the ongoing pursuit of justice, resilience, and freedom—core ideals of the American promise.
#Juneteenth #OneNation #LibertyAndJusticeForAll
