April 25, 2024

April:

• Autism Awareness Month

April 21-27: Administrative Professionals Week

April 23: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

April 25: Tilghman Community Listening Session

April 26: Community Partner Recognition Breakfast

April 27: SMMHS Prom

May 7: Talbot County Public Budget Hearing

May 13: Board of Ed Public Work Session- 5:30PM

May 14: Schools Closed- Primary Election

May 15: Board of Ed Meeting 6:30PM

May 18: EHS prom

May 27: Memorial Day Schools Closed

May 29: SMMHS Graduation

May 30: EHS Graduation

June 5: Last Day of School for Pre-K

June 10: Early Dismissal for Students

June 11: LAST DAY- Early Dismissal for Students

Community Listening Sessions are informal discussions with TCPS Superintendent Dr. Sharon Pepukayi and Talbot County Board of Education Members. The sessions provide the opportunity for advocacy and sharing of feedback about our school system.

It's that time of year again - prom season is upon us! We are giving a shoutout to Talbot Goes Purple for teaming up with TCPS to bring the Arrive Alive Driving Simulator to Easton and St. Michaels Middle High. The program lets students step into the shoes of someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol by wearing special goggles. Thanks to Talbot Goes Purple, and TCPS Substance Abuse Intervention & Prevention Specialist Madison Elliott for coordinating the program and delivering the important message of safety and sobriety.

Photos: Brianna Crow, SMMHS Senior and Communications Intern

The Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (MAEOE) is pleased to announce that Easton High School is recognized as a 2024 Maryland Green School. Maryland Green Schools are part of a global community of sustainable green schools. There are 654 active Maryland Green Schools, 34% of all Maryland schools.

Easton High received certification as a Maryland Green School after demonstrating and documenting a continuous effort to integrate sustainable environmental management practices, environmental education curriculum, professional development opportunities, and community engagement into our daily operations. The award signifies their commitment to developing stewards of the earth and reducing the school’s impact.

“Maryland students are becoming better stewards of our Earth’s resources and are developing a better understanding of their own local environment. We know that Green School practices such as outdoor learning support interdisciplinary curriculum standards and student engagement, and school greening efforts support school district climate and sustainability goals,’ said Laura Johnson Collard, MAEOE executive director.”

These schools are models within our state and in the U.S. Students want to participate, whether it is part of classwork or they initiate a project in a green club. Students are encouraging others to make a difference.

MAEOE will celebrate with Green Schools, Green Centers and schools that are interested in knowing more about the program at the Annual Maryland Green School Youth Summit in May at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.

About MAEOE: MAEOE is a non-profit organization. MAEOEs mission is to encourage, engage and empower the community to understand, responsibly use and promote the natural world. MAEOE's Maryland Green Schools Program celebrates 25 years in 2024. For a complete listing of Green Schools and Green Centers visit www.maeoe.org .

Congratulations Marvin Brown, our Easton High Applebees Support Staff Award Winner!

Congratualtions to Melanie Sauter our St. Michales Elementary ACME Teacher of the Month!

April 23 was National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Thanks to our FANTASTIC Transportation Team!

The Spotlight is on Kari Farnell!

Kari graduated from Lighthouse Academy, which was housed in the Easton Church of God (still IN Talbot County). She has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Secondary Degree in Music Performance.

How many years have you worked for TCPS? I’m finishing my 4th year.

What are your favorite things about your job?

Believe it or not, I don’t mind paperwork. The people I work with would be my favorite things though.

How long have you been in your current position?

I'm finishing my 4th year as Special Education Secretary for Chapel District and White Marsh Elementary Schools.

What is something most people don’t know about your job?

It takes a lot of patience as I often have to schedule and reschedule and sometimes reschedule again the same meeting. You have to be organized as well to be sure Federal deadlines are met and papers are completed and filed as they should be.

What is something most people would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 51 years and wear an insulin pump. Also, I taught at a private school for 20 years.

What are your favorite things to do when you are not working?

I am very into genealogy/family history and photography.

What would you like to share about your family?

I have the best family in the world. I have three grown children with 3 great in-laws, and 3 grandchildren and have been married to the same wonderful man for 36 years. I come from a long line of educators. My two daughters are educators as well. One works at EES.

"Kari is an integral part of our special education teams and without her we would truly be lost! Kari is organized, dedicated, and always goes above and beyond for our students, staff, and families. She is timely with her special education paperwork, deadlines, and consistently communicates with all our families to schedule meetings in a positive and productive manner. While the special education secretary is a behind the scenes job, it is vital to both our schools' success. Kari is a team player and is willing to help wherever needed, and we cannot begin to thank her for the incredible job Kari Farnell does every single day!" ~ Dr. Kari Clow, CDES Principal & Kim Seidel, WMES Principal

Please be advised that the last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year will be Tuesday, June 11, 2024 and will be an early dismissal. Per the board-approved calendar, Monday, June 10 will also be an early dismissal day. The last day for Pre-Kindergarten will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024, and will be a full day. Conferences for Pre-K families will be held on June 6 - June 11.

As a reminder, Tuesday, April 23 is a full day of school. Schools are closed on Tuesday, May 14 for primary elections.

TCPS is hiring an Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Systems, and Strategies! Help us spread the word! For more information, job description and application visit: https://tcps.k12.md.us/job-opening-assistant-superintendent-of-administrative-services-systems-and-strategies/

Attention TCPS Families! Have you ever considered becoming a bus driver? Do you have a clean driving record and a desire to serve your community? Talbot County Public Schools is excited to announce our FREE Learn to Drive training program! This is a great opportunity to earn extra income and positively impact the lives of students in our community. Training spots are limited, so don't wait to sign up. Contact Gina Pierce, TCPS Transportation Supervisor, to learn more! Email: Eugenia.pierce@talbotschools.org or call 410-822-0330

• Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Systems, and Strategies
• Secondary Math Teacher
• Secondary Science Teacher
• Early Childhood Education Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Elementary Teacher
• ESOL Teacher
• Reading Teacher
• Spanish Teacher
• Band/Music Teacher Elementary, Middle & High Levels
• School Social Worker
• Occupational Therapist (MSSEC)

• Fall Coach SMMHS
• Fall Coach EHS
• School Bus Driver | salary range: $20 -$27.07 per hour
• School Bus Assistant | $15.18 - $20.73 per hour
• Instructional Assistant
• Substitute Teacher
• Custodian

The Talbot County Board of Education has approved the 2024-25 school calendar for Talbot County Public Schools. The calendar was developed with input from parents, teachers, staff, and the community and aims to provide a positive and productive learning experience for all students.

The 2024-25 school calendar includes 180 days of instruction, beginning on Monday, August 26, 2024, and ending on Friday, June 12, 2025, with 4 inclement weather days built in. The calendar includes four marking periods, as well as holidays and breaks for Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring. In addition, there are early dismissal days scheduled throughout the year for professional development and parent-teacher conferences.

Talbot County Public Schools Announces School Year 2024-2025 Registration for students living in Talbot County not currently enrolled in TCPS (PK, K, and all other grade levels).

Registration will take place during school hours. Please call the school to schedule an appointment.

When: May 2nd

Where:

Easton Elementary: 410-822-0550

Easton Middle School: 410-822-2910

Chapel Elementary: 410-822-2391

Easton High School: 410-822-4180

St. Michaels Elementary: 410-745-2882

St. Michaels Middle High: 410-745-2852

Tilghman Elementary: 410-886-2391

White Marsh Elementary: 410-476-3144

*Bring the following:

1. Up-to-date immunization record 6. Proof of Current Grade (if transferring

2. Birth Certificate from another school)

3. Social Security Card 7. Income verification (Pre-K only)

4. Parent with ID 8. Proof of Residency (signed

5. Proof of custody if applicable lease/deed and two utility bills).

Details can be found on:

https://tcps.k12.md.us/students-and-families/enrollment/

The Talbot Swim Club is a recreational swim team for swimmers ages 6-18 who reside on the Eastern Shore. We emphasize improvements of strokes, endurance, and fun. Come and compete with swimmers from all over the Delmarva Peninsula. Practices begin Tuesday, May 28th at the George Murphy Community Pool and are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Younger swimmers (10 and under) practice from 6:00-7:00 and the older swimmers (11-18) practice from 7:00-8:30. Swim meets are held on Monday and Thursday evenings. Registration is now open! Be a Part of the Tsunamis Wave!

For more information and to register, visit us online at

http://talbotswim.org

* Scholarships are available. See team website for details.

**We will host tryouts on our first day of practice at 6 pm.

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.

2024 Youth Sports Programs for Perkins Family and Easton Family YMCA

FC Tred Avon Fall Soccer: Ages 2-13

· Season Runs August 26-October 26 with one weeknight practice and Saturday games

· Early Bird Registration runs April 1 - June 30: $75 Members / $100 Participants

· Standard Registration runs July 1 - August 1: $85 Members / $110 Participants

· Sponsors and Coaches needed. Discount may apply to registration fee with coaching commitment

Youth Basketball: Ages 3-12

· Season Runs October 21 - December 21 with one weeknight practice and Saturday games

· Early Bird Registration runs August 1 - September 8: $75 Members / $100 Participants

· Standard Registration runs September 9 - October 6: $85 Members / $110 Participants

· Sponsors and Coaches needed. Discount may apply to registration fee with coaching commitment

Indoor Soccer: Ages 2-11

· Season Runs January 11, 2025 - March 1, 2025 with Saturday practices and games

· Early Bird Registration runs October 7 - November 17: $75 Members / $100 Participants

· Standard Registration runs November 18 - December 18: $85 Members / $110 Participants

· Sponsors and Coaches needed. Discount may apply to registration fee with coaching commitment

Contact:

Perkins Family YMCA Programs:

Tracy Eutsler - teutsler@ymcachesapeake.org or Jennifer Dean - perkinssports@ymcachesapeake.org

Easton Family YMCA Programs: Bunky Murray - jmurray@ymcachesapeake.org

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

The 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.

Free Swim Lessons are available at the Bay Hundred Community Pool in St. Michaels and the George Murphy Pool in Easton.

Check out Spring and Summer Programs and Activities from Talbot County parks & Rec!

For more information:

TALBOT COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER

10028 OCEAN GATEWAY, EASTON, MD 21601

TALBOTPARKS.ORG

410-770-8050 OR PARKS@TALBGOV.ORG

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:

Easton High

St. Michaels Middle High

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. For more information and to apply visit: https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Join the 70+ teachers, administrators, and support staff that have already enrolled in the TCPS SafeTime registration drive. This all-new app is designed to both empower us all with a super easy social media integrated tool to alert the proper authorities if we see something suspicious, AND to raise student self-esteem via the creation and exposure to fun, positive messaging.