Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) just made receiving school system news, emergency closings and delay information a lot easier. CCPS has launched a mobile App that puts school system information in one easy to use location. Called CCPS On the Go (OTG), the App makes it easy for parents, students, teachers and community members to access information while on the go, from the device of their choice.
App users can enjoy custom feeds to the CCPS calendar, news, contacts, CCPS Television, transportation, My Payments Plus, meal menus and more.

The news feed provides personalized, on-demand access to news and alerts for parents, students, staff and community members.

Additionally, parents and students can now easily access their Blackboard/Edline accounts and their personalized activity feeds, grades and calendars.

The App is a free download through the Apple iTunes and Google Play App stores. To download the App:

On your iPhone or other Apple device (iPad, iMac)

  • Launch the App Store on your device.
  • Use the search function and type in CCPS or Charles County Public Schools. A four-color CCPS icon followed by the initials CCPS OTG will appear. Click on the word free to initiate the install process. Your device may prompt you for your Apple iTunes account information in order to verify the App download. Click install.

On your Android or Samsung device

  • Go to the Google Play Store and search for CCPS. Look for the four-square CCPS icon and select install.

Once the App installation is complete, your device will ask you to turn off or allow push notifications. Push notifications require an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection and firewalls and proxy servers may affect your ability to receive notifications. CCPS will only push important notifications like emergency alerts, school closures or early releases. Check the settings tab on your cell phone or portable device to get push notifications.

Once your App is installed, press the three bars to the left of the CCPS icon for a drop down menu of available information. The App is free; however, standard data rates through cell phone carriers apply. Visit http://www.ccboe.com/ccpsotg/ for more App information.

CCPS is also using an updated notification system this school year that allows anyone in the community to sign up for free email and/or text message notification when schools are closed, delayed or closing early due to inclement weather. The Charles County Citizen Notification System (CNS) is a free service that allows community members to receive timely notifications about events and activities throughout the county. Participation with CNS is voluntary, and users must subscribe to receive email and/or text message notifications. Standard text message rates through cell phone carriers apply.

CNS is being offered through a partnership with the Charles County Government, which recently replaced the system to provide enhanced communications. The text message feature was removed from the old system more than a year ago. As of Oct. 20, all CNS notifications will be delivered from the new system.

Registrations from the old system will not be transferred. Parents, staff and community members who were originally signed up for CCPS notifications through CNS will need to register for the new system. Text messages from CCPS will only be sent from CNS when the school schedule changes due to inclement weather or in other crisis situations.

The CNS service is in addition to the standard school system notifications for closings or delays. CCPS will continue to provide closing and delay information on its 24-hour information line, 301-934-7410/301-932-6656, on the school system website at www.ccboe.com, through Twitter and television and radio stations listed on page 10 of the 2014-15 Parent Handbook/Calendar. Closing information will also be delivered to CCPS App users with enabled push notifications.

Participation with CNS is voluntary, and users must subscribe to receive email and/or text message notification. Standard text message rates through cell phone carriers apply. Visit www.ccboe.com and click on the CNS logo featured at the bottom of the home page to access the new system. Select the register for a new account link to subscribe.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,500 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Patricia Vaira, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Pamela K. Murphy, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.