Education

Virtual Academy application opens Jan. 3 for 2023-2034 school year

Virtual Academy application opens Jan. 3 for 2023-2034 school year

High school students currently in Grades 8-11 can apply to attend the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Virtual Academy program for the 2023-2024 school year. The application window opens 7 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, and closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24. Late applications will not be accepted. The program is virtual for students...
Read More »

Department of Emergency Services Encourages Community Members to Prepare for Power Outages and Extreme Cold

Department of Emergency Services Encourages Community Members to Prepare for Power Outages and Extreme Cold

The St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services encourages citizens to prepare for power outages, and to take steps to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. When power outages occur during severe weather, the use of alternative power sources can cause carbon monoxide to build up in a home, garage, or camper, putting the people and...
Read More »

Robert D. Stethem Educational Center School Resource Officer Investigating Possible Overdose, Student is Flown to Hospital

Robert D. Stethem Educational Center School Resource Officer Investigating Possible Overdose, Student is Flown to Hospital

On Monday, December 19, 2022, a student arrived to school at the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center displaying signs of impairment. The school administrators and the School Resource Officer were notified, and the student was transported by helicopter to a hospital. The student remains hospitalized. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to...
Read More »

Groundbreaking Wild Turkey Research Project Set to Begin in Maryland, January 2023

Groundbreaking Wild Turkey Research Project Set to Begin in Maryland, January 2023

This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations. “Wild turkeys are an important game bird in Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The results...
Read More »

VIDEO: Police Remind Citizens of School Bus and Flashing Lights Laws After Child is Nearly Struck by Vehicle Passing Bus

VIDEO: Police Remind Citizens of School Bus and Flashing Lights Laws After Child is Nearly Struck by Vehicle Passing Bus

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office reminds citizens if you see a stopped school bus with its red flashing lights activated, you must stop (IN EITHER DIRECTION) unless there is a physical barrier between you and the oncoming bus – not a painted median. There is NEVER an acceptable excuse to pass a stopped school...
Read More »

Cold-Stunning Threatens Aquatic Wildlife – Marylanders Asked to Help

Cold-Stunning Threatens Aquatic Wildlife – Marylanders Asked to Help

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks visitors to the Chesapeake Bay to be vigilant for marine mammals or sea turtles who show signs of cold-stunning or hypothermia. Cold stunning occurs in late autumn and early winter when the Bay’s water temperatures start to fall. The cold water can cause immediate impacts making some...
Read More »

Calvert County Government Announces 2022 Holiday Schedules

Calvert County Government Announces 2022 Holiday Schedules

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners announces county offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, in observance of the Christmas holiday. County offices will also be closed Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 in observance of New Year’s Day. In addition: The Appeal Solid Waste Facility, which includes the landfill and transfer station, and...
Read More »

DNR Sponsors National Archery In The Schools Program in Maryland

DNR Sponsors National Archery In The Schools Program in Maryland

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) will once again be sponsored by the department’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. This in-school offering will be an integral part of the department’s larger educational programming and its Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) program. NASP is...
Read More »

Board recognizes students for academic and personal achievements

Board recognizes students for academic and personal achievements

The Charles County Board of Education at its Dec. 13 meeting honored four Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students. School principals annually select one student and staff member for Board recognition. Students are honored for accomplishments in the areas of academic achievement, career readiness and personal responsibility. Honored at the meeting were Sayda Elgamar...
Read More »

Charles County Board of Education Honors Outstanding Educators

Charles County Board of Education Honors Outstanding Educators

The Board of Education of Charles County at its Dec. 13 meeting honored five Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) staff members for their commitment to the school system and student success. Each month, the Board honors staff members chosen by their school principals for recognition who demonstrate their dedication to teaching and learning. Honored...
Read More »

Governor Hogan Announces Preliminary FY24 Budget Plan, Transformative Health Care Investments For Rural and Vulnerable Communities

Governor Hogan Announces Preliminary FY24 Budget Plan, Transformative Health Care Investments For Rural and Vulnerable Communities

Governor Larry Hogan today announced preliminary recommendations for the state’s Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) budget, a plan that supports continued economic growth and community revitalization, strong fiscal responsibility and budget sustainability, and key investments in critical areas—including expanding access to health care for rural and vulnerable communities. “I pledged to bring fiscal responsibility and...
Read More »

16-Year-Old Wanted for Shooting at Suitland High School in Custody, Victim Remains in Hospital with Non-life-threatening Injuries

16-Year-Old Wanted for Shooting at Suitland High School in Custody, Victim Remains in Hospital with Non-life-threatening Injuries

UPDATE 12/15/2022: The Prince George’s County Police Department charged a 16-year-old student in connection with a non-fatal shooting outside of Suitland High School last Thursday. The suspect turned himself in on Tuesday. He is charged as an adult. The 14-year-old victim remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. On December 8, 2022, at approximately 10:00 am,...
Read More »

Calvert County 911 Center Launches Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

Calvert County 911 Center Launches Automated Secure Alarm Protocol

As part of continuing efforts to enhance 911 system technology, the Calvert County Emergency Communications Center (ECC) recently implemented the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). ASAP provides direct communication between the ECC’s computer-aided dispatch system and the alarm system monitoring company. This connection automates 911 notification during an alarm activation and reduces the time...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Government Operations for the Christmas & New Year Holiday 2022

St. Mary’s County Government Operations for the Christmas & New Year Holiday 2022

In observance of the upcoming holidays, all St. Mary’s County Government administrative offices will be closed Friday – Monday, Dec. 23-26, 2022, and Friday – Monday, Dec. 30, 2022 – Jan. 2, 2023. Program specific hours are outlined below. December 23, 2022 – December 26, 2022 Friday, Dec. 23 Saturday, Dec. 24 Sunday, Dec....
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – December 13, 2022

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – December 13, 2022

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held their regular business meeting in the Chesapeake Building Tuesday, December 13, 2022, with the invocation and pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda The Commissioners began by presenting two commendations celebrating the dedicated service of two retiring county employees, Clifford Fuller and James Lacey. The Commissioners...
Read More »

Maryland Fifth Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters for 2023

Maryland Fifth Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters for 2023

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invite all Maryland fifth graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. The theme for 2023 is: “Trees Are Terrific…and Cool our Communities!” All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service office by...
Read More »

Ryken High School Teacher Stephanie Bolin Named 2022 Archdiocese of Washington Veteran Teacher of the Year

Ryken High School Teacher Stephanie Bolin Named 2022 Archdiocese of Washington Veteran Teacher of the Year

Our 2022 Archdiocese of Washington Veteran Teacher of the Year is Stephanie Bolin, as selected by the faculty and staff of St. Mary’s Ryken. Mrs. Bolin, who leads the English department, is in her eighth year as a teacher at St. Mary’s Ryken and is a 2010 SMR graduate. She was also our Novice...
Read More »

Project Restore: Governor Hogan Announces Awards for 376 Businesses in 23 Counties to Revitalize Downtowns and Main Streets

Project Restore: Governor Hogan Announces Awards for 376 Businesses in 23 Counties to Revitalize Downtowns and Main Streets

Governor Larry Hogan announced awards for 376 businesses through Project Restore, an economic recovery initiative that provides financial incentives for small businesses to revitalize vacant retail and commercial spaces. A total of 376 businesses in all 23 counties and Baltimore City will receive $24.5 million through the initiative—including $8.8 million in property assistance grants and $15.7 million in business operations grants. View the full list...
Read More »

Piccowaxen Middle School Resource Officer Recovers Knife from 14-Year-Old Student

Piccowaxen Middle School Resource Officer Recovers Knife from 14-Year-Old Student

On Thursday, December 8, 2022, a student at Piccowaxen Middle School reported to a staff member that another student was in possession of a knife. The staff member notified the School Resource Officer, who made contact with the student and recovered the knife. The student, a 14-year-old, will be charged on a Juvenile Offense...
Read More »

Calvert County Public Schools Students Selected for the Maryland General Assembly Page Program

Calvert County Public Schools Students Selected for the Maryland General Assembly Page Program

For a consecutive year in a row, Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) high school students were selected to serve as pages for the 2023 Maryland General Assembly (MGA) in Annapolis. Hayden Kelly, Huntingtown High School senior, and Aidan Herche, Calvert High School senior, will represent Calvert County during the legislative session from January 11,...
Read More »

Maryland Humanities Awards $10,000 in General Operating Grants to Ten Non-Profit Organizations Across Southern Maryland

Maryland Humanities Awards $10,000 in General Operating Grants to Ten Non-Profit Organizations Across Southern Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD – December 5, 2022 – Maryland Humanities announces a total of $500,000 in general operating funding for 50 Maryland nonprofit organizations ($10,000 per organization). Recipients of a grant from the organization’s SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) Program include museums, historic sites, preservation & historical societies, and community &...
Read More »

16-Year-Old Student Placed in Custody for Being in Possession of Loaded Ghost Gun at Central High School

16-Year-Old Student Placed in Custody for Being in Possession of Loaded Ghost Gun at Central High School

The Prince George’s County Police Department arrested a student this morning at Central High School for being in possession of a handgun on school property. The school is located in the 200 block of Cabin Branch Road in Capitol Heights. Shortly after 10:00 am, the School Resource Officer and Prince George’s County Public Schools...
Read More »

Charles County Police Investigating Fight at Westlake High School Where Student Produced Handgun

Charles County Police Investigating Fight at Westlake High School Where Student Produced Handgun

On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at approximately 12:20 p.m., two students at Westlake High School began fighting during dismissal. During the fight, which was captured on school security cameras, one of the students produced what appeared to be a handgun. A third student got involved, forcibly took the handgun away, and fled the school...
Read More »

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – December 6, 2022

St. Mary’s County Commissioner Meeting Rollup – December 6, 2022

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County held their regular business meeting in the Chesapeake Building Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, with the invocation and pledge, followed by approval of the consent agenda. The Commissioners began by accepting the report of the Independent Auditor on the Financial Statements of the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County for...
Read More »

Taylor Guitars Find Your Fit Event Returns to Southern Maryland on Saturday, December 10, 2022

Taylor Guitars Find Your Fit Event Returns to Southern Maryland on Saturday, December 10, 2022

Attention acoustic guitar fans in the Mid-Atlantic!  If you’ve been dreaming of purchasing a Taylor Guitar to put under the tree this holiday season, now is the PERFECT time.  Island Music Company in La Plata, MD is bringing Taylor Guitar’s District Sales Manager, Don Rodrigues, to the shop on Saturday, December 10th from 11...
Read More »