Graduates are Prepared to make a Difference! Worcester County Public Schools and the Board of Education salute the graduating class of 2013
from Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Stephen Decatur High Schools and Cedar Chapel Special School. The 490 seniors who received their Maryland High School Diplomas were offered a total of approximately $14.7 million in merit-based scholarships, and over 80 percent of them will be continuing their education in college or a specialized training school.
"Graduates: Live the dreams and goals you have set for yourselves," said
Superintendent Dr. Jerry Wilson at commencement ceremonies. "The future is ours to create."
Wilson also extended gratitude to educators who provided graduates with school experiences which helped them develop academically, socially, athletically, artistically, and emotionally. "Our principals, teachers, and staff members have invested their minds and hearts in your education," said Wilson. "They are my heroes."
The school system has established a Twitter account to share county-wide information with stakeholders. The username is Worcester Schools MD @bmwitherow. Click the link Twitter and become a "follower" today!
Also on Twitter is Superintendent Dr. Jerry Wilson, found at Jerry Wilson @JbwilsonJerry.
At the start of the 2013-2014 school year, 13 school security officers will be stationed at each school site in the Worcester County Public School System. All school security officers will be fully-trained and armed and fall under the jurisdiction of the Worcester County Sheriff's Department.
"We are deeply grateful to Sheriff Mason and the Worcester County Sheriff's Department for their efforts in stressing the importance of having an officer at each school site," said Dr. Wilson. "We commend our Board of Education and County Commissioners for their commitment to making our schools safer. Even though school safety requires layers of protection, we believe that having a fully-trained and armed security officer in our schools is the single greatest protection for our students and staff."
The Worcester County Board of Education is scheduled to pass the FY 2014 Operating Budget at their June 18 meeting. The proposed budget will provide a pay raise that includes a step for eligible employees and a one-percent
increase for employees who are beyond the step scale. "Every improvement we make in student achievement is reliant upon our teachers and staff," said Wilson. "We need to recognize the importance of our highly qualified and dedicated workforce." Bus contractors will also receive a 1.5 percent wage increase.
Several new one-time items will be funded in FY 2014:
"Schools are the lifeblood of our community," said Wilson. "We believe that this budget reflects expectations for a transforming school system -- from excellent to exceptional."
To review a June 5 press release on the FY 2014 Operating Budget, please click on the link: FY 2014 Budget
The Baltimore Ravens' Pep Rally squad stopped by Buckingham Elementary School on their way to Ocean City on May 31. The squad, complete with cheerleaders, marching band members, and Ravens' mascot Poe, spent 20 minutes with students in the gym.
Please review the latest information on the Common Core State Standards, produced by the Maryland State Department of Education:
Website Last Updated on: 6/18/2013
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