Talbot County Public Schools
Update/Actualización | Issue: #20 | 2-5-2021
Upcoming Dates
February 8-12: TCPS continues Hybrid Learning Model
February 12: Early dismissal, PM Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 15: Presidents Day, Schools Closed
February 17: Board of Education Meeting
From Superintendent Kelly Griffith, Ed.D.
Dear TCPS Families,
Although this week didn’t quite start out the way we had hoped due to weather conditions, we were very happy to welcome our B Day in person students “back to school” on Thursday. We look forward to seeing our A Day students next week as we continue with our Hybrid learning model.
As of this week 88% of our staff who requested COVID-19 vaccines will have received their first dose, and some will have begun receiving second doses. We hope to schedule all of the remaining requested vaccines next week.
Our staff and students have settled right back into their routine of following CDC Guidelines and safety protocols in our schools, including temperature checks upon arrival, wearing face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing. Our custodial team is performing intensified cleaning procedures, and our food services staff is very happy to be once again providing nutritious meals for our children.
The return to in-person athletics will begin with the Fall Sports season on February 13. Details about guidelines for practices and competitions are being worked out now, as well as plans for other extra-curricular activities.
Although it’s early February, I am already seeing signs of brighter, lighter days ahead and I am excited to see what this new semester will bring for teaching and learning in our schools. Thank you all for your continued patience and support, and please stay safe, stay healthy, stay hopeful and stay tuned!
Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
St Michaels Middle High is also coordinating the "Black History Fact of the Day"video series. Students, TCPS staff and community members are presenting local and national black history facts each day of February. SMMHS is sharing the videos on their social media channels. EHS senior and B.E.S.T. (Brothers Entering Success Together)
President Tyler Redman presented this week on Nathaniel "Uncle Nace" Hopkins in the video embedded below. The full playlist is linked below. Special thanks to Mr. John Strickland for this FANTASTIC PROJECT!
February is Career and Technical Education month!
THANK YOU to our TCPS Counselors for all they do for our students and families!
- Cara Hughes - CDES
- Heather Plutschak - EES
- Caroline Gopaul - EES
- Tara Blades - EES
- Tammy Nies - WMES
- Cara Breeding - SMES
- Jessica Baker - TES/EHS
- Kindel Kimball - EMS
- Ann Nilsen - EMS
- Kerry Brigerman - EMS
- Rachael Kerr - SMMHS
- JR Burkhardt - SMMHS
- Holly Smith - EHS
- Melissa Rochester - EHS
- Emilie Seneff - EHS
- Connie Allen - EHS
Bayside Athletic Conference Announces Fall and Spring Sports Seasons
With the return to the Hybrid learning model on February 1st, Talbot County Public Schools has now announced the Fall and Spring sports schedules. The current MPSSAA approved dates for Fall and Spring sports are as follows:
Fall Sports - first practice February 13; first play date March 5; last play date April 17th.
Spring Sports - first practice April 17; first play date May 7, and last play date June 19.
The Bayside Athletic Conference previously announced the cancellation of 2020-2021 Winter competition season in January, due to Virtual Learning continuing for all member counties at that time.
“We look forward to seeing our student athletes back on our fields,” said Bill Keswick, Talbot County Athletic Director. “We appreciate the efforts of the Bayside Conference throughout the pandemic on behalf of all of our athletic teams.”
Talbot County Public Schools invites you to a webinar entitled: "What Parents Need To Know About Teen Drinking" on Thursday, February 25, at 3:00 p.m.
Pre-registration is required. Once registration is complete, a zoom link will be sent to your email. Use this link to register: Webinar Registration
Please join us for the opportunity to learn about:
- - Facts and myths about teen drinking
- - Negative impact on teen brain development
- - Dangers of pregaming
- - Risk factors for teens developing a drinking problem
- - Warning signs of a drinking problem
- - Prevention strategies
- - Tips on talking with your teen
Guest Speaker from the Talbot County Health Department:
Beth Williams - Prevention Consultant
If you have any questions, please contact:
Madison Elliott, B.S.W.
Addictions Interventionist
madison.elliott@talbotschools.org
Talbot County Public Schools
LAST CALL to Nominate the 2021 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year!
Talbot County Public Schools is excited to announce that the process to select the 2021 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year has begun! Is there a teacher or member of the TCPS support staff who is truly outstanding, has made a significant impact on your family, and/or goes above and beyond in their commitment as a professional? The Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year programs are a fantastic way to recognize educators who exemplify excellence.
Any individual within the school system or any member of the community may nominate a candidate to apply to be Talbot’s Teacher of the Year or Support Staff of the Year. The nomination forms are linked below. Nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year are due by Friday, February 5, 2021.
Please note: nominations from family members will not be considered.
Teacher of the Year Nomination Form
Formulario de nominación de maestro del año
Support Staff of the Year Nomination Form
Meals Update
TCPS meal distribution resumed this week. Meal pick up is offered at all locations except Easton High School on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. for all children ages 2-18.