A team from La Plata High School will advance to the Maryland Envirothon after coming in first place at the county’s April 15 competition. Held at Gilbert Run State Park, the Charles County Envirothon caps off a school year of studying aquatics, forestry, soils and wildlife. Students are also quizzed on a fifth topic...
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On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, school administrators at Glymont Middle School were notified that a 13-year-old seventh-grade student was in possession of a handgun. The student had reportedly shown the firearm to another student, who informed additional students. The information was ultimately reported to school administration and a school resource officer. The student was...
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St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) will implement a 2-hour early dismissal for all students tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, in response to continued excessive heat. Our school buildings are equipped with commercial heating and cooling systems that operate differently from residential (home) systems. Most homes can switch between heating and cooling with the touch...
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Governor Wes Moore signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget into law, delivering on key commitments to make Maryland more affordable and competitive while securing historic investments in education and public safety. The budget, which passed with bipartisan support from the Maryland General Assembly, includes no new taxes or fees, maintains the state’s Rainy Day...
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Donal Ryan Reading and Discussion Thursday, April 9, 2 – 3 p.m. La Plata Campus, Community Education (CE Building), Room 101 and online via Zoom Donal Ryan has published seven number one-bestselling novels and a short story collection. He has won several awards for his fiction, including the European Union Prize for Literature, the...
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The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has adopted a new math policy that takes effect next school year, 2026-2027. The policy focuses on strengthening math achievement, ensuring equitable access to high-quality instruction for students and better preparedness for college, career and real-world problem solving. The policy includes several changes including the following. Move...
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The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County (CSMC) began their business meeting with an invocation and the pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The CSMC then presented proclamations in recognition of Fair Housing Month, Maryland Flood Awareness Month, National Public Health Week, National Healthcare Decisions Day, and Work Zone Safety & Roadside Awareness Month. The Commissioners then presented commendations to Raymond...
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Little Flower School invites the community to attend its highly anticipated Afternoon Tea & Bingo on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the school. Tickets are now available, and early reservations are strongly encouraged, as this beloved spring event traditionally sells out. Guests will enjoy an elegant afternoon featuring a delightful selection...
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Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) held the 10th annual History, Industry, Technology and Science Expo, also known as HITS, on March 21 at St. Charles High School. Each year the Expo features student history and science fair projects on display for judging. Science fair project categories included behavioral/medicine and health science, chemistry, Earth and...
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Lovers of piano music in the St. Mary’s College of MD community have two big free events to look forward to in the coming days. Musician-in-Residence Brian Ganz will offer a free PianoTalk on Tuesday, March 31 at 11:20am, and his only full length evening recital on Thursday, April 2 at 7pm.. The PianoTalk, entitled “Chopin’s...
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Games, treats, and family fun will fill the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) La Plata Campus during the Kids and Teen College 40th Anniversary Bash on Saturday, March 28. Kids and Teen College is celebrating 40 years of offering courses that keep kids engaged, learning, and discovering new interests. The free event is open to...
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A review of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office public news release archive is raising questions about how often incidents occurring at local schools are publicly reported. According to the Sheriff’s Office website, the department has published 418 press releases in its online archive. Those releases cover a wide range of incidents across the...
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An exciting new After-School Program in Applied Physics is coming to Arthur Middleton Elementary School thanks to a $4,000 micro-grant awarded to Pure Play Every Day through the Community Impact Awards program by the United Way of Southern Maryland. This 10-session program will run from Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 24, giving students...
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Optimist Club of Calvert-Prince Frederick and the Optimist Club of Solomons recently honored 40 outstanding high school juniors and seniors in Calvert County during Youth Appreciation Week, a program established by Optimist International in 1954. The 2025/2026 honorees were from all four public high schools—Calvert, Huntingtown, Northern, and Patuxent—and were selected based on achievements...
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Plan your next adventure in Calvert County and pick up your copy or download the 2026 Visitors Guide. This guide is designed for residents and visitors alike, listing information on shopping, restaurants and attractions like Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Calvert Marine Museum, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum and many other places of...
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The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) will receive more than $1.7 million in federal funding to support a new Aviation Maintenance Technology Program and a Water and Wastewater Treatment Program. The FY2026 Appropriations Package, signed February 3, includes $1.7 million of Congressionally Directed Spending allocated to CSM for these initiatives. CSM President Dr. Yolanda...
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Several Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) teachers recently earned National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The 14 educators who earned the designation have shown they are effective and accomplished teachers. The following CCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification in December 2025. Teachers are listed by certification area, position...
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Knees were bouncing with anxious jitters and hearts were racing as students waited for their turn to approach the microphone in the middle of Piccowaxen Middle School’s gym Wednesday evening for the 48th annual Charles County Spelling Bee. The top spellers from eight Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) middle schools were represented by a team...
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Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces the 2025-2026 operating calendar adjustments made by the Board of Education at its meeting on March 4, 2026, as follows: Monday, April 6, 2026 (Easter Monday) will be a school day due to an inclement weather make-up day The calendar for the Chesapeake Public Charter School...
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College of Southern Maryland (CSM) engineering students joined local leaders as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties recognized National Engineers Week to raise awareness for an industry working behind the scenes to build a better world. National Engineers Week, or EWeek, is observed Feb. 22 – 28, 2026. Its purpose is to highlight the...
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The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is now offering rapid respiratory testing at its School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs), giving families faster answers during cold and flu season. The SBHCs have added a new testing platform that can detect more than 14 common respiratory viruses and bacteria, with results available in about 15 minutes....
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St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is pleased to announce that registration for 2026 Summer Fun Camps, Sports Camps, Sport Academies and Therapeutic Camps will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. Various camp programs are available this summer between June 22 – August 13, 2026, with options...
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Emily Leedy, a third-grade teacher at J.C. Parks Elementary School, was named the 2026 Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Teacher of the Year during a Feb. 19 ceremony celebrating this year’s nominees. She began her career in Pennsylvania before moving to Maryland and teaching at the Accokeek Academy in Prince George’s County. After earning...
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Engaged couples are invited to discover Southern Maryland’s most picturesque wedding destination at the 15th Annual Wedding Expo at Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC) on Sunday, March 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., held at the HSMC State House overlooking the St. Mary’s River. This free-to-attend event (with pre-registration) brings together dozens of trusted...
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Leadership Maryland, the statewide nonprofit offering professional development programs dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its business and community leaders, announces the 32 individuals selected to participate in the Emerging Leader Program 3rd Class. The class consists of rising stars and high-potential employees from across the state who are...
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