January 9, 2025
TCPS Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S JANUARY 9, 2025 UPDATE
Hello, TCPS families, and happy New Year!
What a way to start 2025! I love seeing the pictures of our families playing in the snow, and I hope you all have enjoyed what has turned into a very long winter break. I want to thank our plant ops crew and our custodial staff for clearing the paths of our parking lots, getting our schools and offices ready, and clearing all of the snow. So thank you for what you do. Now we're really looking forward to getting back into full swing and making the most of this brand new year.
The Board of Education will hold a work session on Monday, January 13th and the regular meeting on Wednesday, January 15th. The public is encouraged to attend either in person or by watching the live stream, which is linked in this update.
On Tuesday the 14th, we'll hold our second meeting of the Strategic Planning Working Group. I look forward to seeing the results of their efforts as it will inform our work on behalf of Talbot County Children next school year and beyond. Have a great weekend. Be safe and remember it's always a great day for success at TCPS!
Registration Deadlines for Parks & Recreation Winter Programming Approaching
Ice Skating Programs for All Skill Levels
Discover the joys of skating with a diverse array of winter ice programs at the Talbot County Community Center. Whether for beginners or advanced skaters, there’s a class tailored to every skill level:
- Learn to Skate: Introduces foundational skating skills in a supportive environment.
- Adult Ice Skating Lessons: It’s never too late to learn the basic skills of ice skating! Adult ice skating lessons are designed for beginners and include six 30-minute sessions.
- Jamie Webb Ice Hockey: Offers aspiring hockey players expert instruction and practice opportunities.
- Power Hockey Skate: Focuses on enhancing speed, strength, and control for intermediate skaters.
- Power and Edge Skate: Helps advanced skaters refine edge work and technique.
For more details on skating programs, visit talbotparks.com/programs/ice-skating.
Dance Through the Winter Season
Engage in creative movement and build confidence with winter dance classes. These sessions are tailored to nurture imagination and physical fitness:
- Tiny Toes / Preschool Ballet: Designed for ages 2-3, this class encourages motor skill development through music and dance with instructor Bri Garland from To the Pointe Dance Company.
- Hip Hop, Ballet Stories, and More: Winter sessions include fairytale ballet featuring Disney princesses, “Disney Grooves” Hip Hop, “Fairies” Ballet Stories, and “Disney Channel Favorites” Hip Hop, with classes available for ages 4-12.
For full class descriptions and registration details, visit talbotparks.com/programs/dance.
Drop-In Indoor Pickleball
For those seeking a fun, fast-paced activity this winter, drop-in indoor pickleball is the perfect choice. All skill levels are welcome, and no registration is required.
Pickleball sessions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For a full schedule and details, visit talbotparks.com/programs/pickleball.
Talbot County Public Schools neither endorses nor sponsors the organization(s) or activity(ies) contained herein. The views contained herein are those of the author and are not necessarily shared by Talbot County Public Schools. The availability of this material is provided as a community service.
EASTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CELL PHONE POUCH PILOT PROGRAM
District Electronic Device and Magnetic Pouch Guidelines
Pilot Program at Easton Middle School
At TCPS, we are dedicated to creating a safe and conducive learning environment for our students while also ensuring the best possible conditions for our staff to support them. Following the successful implementation of an updated cell phone policy in 2022, we are excited to launch a next-step approach at Easton Middle School. Starting Monday, December 2, 2024, EMS began a pilot program with the Yondr Pouches. This pilot program was presented to the TCPS Board of Education during their October 14, 2024, work session.
During school hours, students will be required to secure all personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds, in locked Yondr pouches. Pouches will be numbered and assigned to all EMS students. Each student will be responsible for keeping their pouch in their possession (iPad case) throughout the day. At dismissal time, students will have access to unlocking magnets in order to unlock their pouches to retrieve their devices. Students will take their pouches home along with their iPads and cases.
Students are only allowed to possess or use personal electronic devices on school property or at school-sponsored events according to the following guidelines:
- Before school until the beginning of the school day and/or building entry.
- After school, after the student has exited the building.
- For medical purposes, supported by appropriate documentation provided to the school nurse.
In the event of a situation requiring communication from families to students or students to families, the school phones will be used. (410-822-2910) Our school staff will promptly assist students, parents, or other responsible adults with relaying important information.
In the case of a school emergency, our school administration and selected staff will have the ability to unlock student pouches using handheld portable magnets.
We know families will have many questions. The EMS Administrative Team is committed to continuous communication regarding the Yondr program. More information will be provided via our emailed communication, the EMS Gazette, and our daily morning announcements. Thank you for your continued support.
This year TCPS is going “cashless” for tickets for all of our athletic events using GoFan. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the gate using a credit or debit card. GoFan accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate using Apple Pay and Google Pay. Admission to all events at the Easton High and St. Michaels High Stadiums and Gymnasiums is $6 (children 6 and under are free). Cash payment will not be accepted at the gate.
Tickets can be purchased using the following links:
