Tracking word counts and books, creating incentives and continually encouraging students is building a true love of reading at Rock Hall Elementary School. As of last month, Rock Hall Elementary School fifth graders were quickly closing in on having read 5 million words, with 109 books completed, as reported through the Reading Counts program. 

Mia Cranford has been appointed the new Director of Development at For All Seasons. Her previous positions included the Director of Development at Talbot Hospice and roles at What's Up Media and Taylor Haywood Media.

Kent County Middle School has launched a new tutoring program to help students get ahead in core content classes.    The free After-School Tutoring Academy launched last month for middle school students, providing tutoring and extra skill-building time in English language arts, math, science and social studies. The academy is offered from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. every Thursday at the school.

Benedictine celebrated milestones in service for 50 of its dedicated staff members in early December. The awards were presented to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30, 45, and 55 years of service. Phyllis Young celebrated 55 years with Benedictine.

An annual holiday tradition at Kent County High School returns this week as retired science teacher Dennis Herrmann presents the Planetarium Christmas Show. This is the 37th year for the Planetarium Christmas Show, which is being produced by the high school's radio station 90.5 WKHS. Admission is free and seasonal refreshments will be served.

Haven Harbour Marina Resorts Technical Lead Erik Lostrom was  appointed the newest member of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland Board of Directors during  the organization's annual winter meeting and holiday party. Erik will serve his term by helping guide the  organization — particularly in matters of workforce development. 

A signature event for sophomore Next Generation Scholars students, the Career Tour of Kent County connects high schoolers to businesses in their backyard. On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the 2023 Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) Career Tour hosted 27 Next Generation Scholars students from the 10th grade.

The Benedictine Foundation raised over $100,000.00 on Giving Tuesday. The gifts included a generous match from a grandparent. Giving Tuesday, which is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

The Historical Society of Kent County is pleased to announce the appointment of Maria Wood as its new Executive Director. Wood, a local Chestertown resident with deep Eastern Shore roots, brings a wealth of relevant experience to the Society. 

University of Maryland Shore Regional Health is launching an in-person, one session course titled “Healthy Holiday Habits” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, at UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, 100 Brown St. Led by Sandra Wilson-Hypes, Health Educator for University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, the Healthy Holiday Habits course will provide tips and strategies for maintaining healthy habits during the holiday season.