October 24, 2024

October

• Disability History and Awareness Month
• National Principals Month
• National Bullying Prevention Month

October 21 - 25 - National School Bus Safety Week

October 29 - FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (error on printed calendar reflects early dismissal)

October 30 - End of Quarter

November

• Native American Heritage Month

November 1 - Early Dismissal - PM Teacher Grading
November 5 - Election Day; Schools closed for students

November 7 - Early dismissal- Elementary Conferences /Secondary Teacher In-Service

November 8 - Schools Closed

November 11- 15 - National School Psychology Week

November 10 - 22 - American Education Week

November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break

Hello TCPS Families!

I am back at TCEC, (the Talbot County Education Center) for this update. As we close out the end of our first quarter of the school year, I was able to visit all of our buildings at various times during the week with members of the Board of Education. We saw things like our visual arts programs, AP courses, and interventions that are taking place across the district. We love seeing our teachers and our leaders in action and our students fully engaged.

I also continued the fall roundtables at Chapel District Elementary School. Roundtables are a valuable opportunity for me to connect with our teachers and school leaders, hear any feedback they have, share an update on our priorities and listen to the bright spots.

Please be on the lookout for the printed calendars in your child's backpack or at their school. Many thanks to Sodexo, our food Services partner, for sponsoring our calendar again this year. Please note that next Tuesday, October 29th, is NOT an early dismissal day. Again, October 29th is not an early dismissal day. That is a misprint on our calendar.

Have a great weekend and remember, it’s always a great day for success at TCPS.

Please note, next Tuesday, October 29th, is NOT an early dismissal day as our new calendar indicates. This is a misprint. We are so sorry for any confusion this may have caused!

SAINT School Spirit was alive and well for Homecoming 2024! Students and staff enthusiastically participated in the the week's activities and celebrations!

(Left to Right) Corey Devaric, Tilghman Elememtary; Kim Seidel, White Marsh Elementary; Kari Clow, Ed.D., Chapel District Elementary; Theresa Vener, St. Michaels Middle High; Indra Bullock, Ed.D., St. Michaels Elementary; Lisa Devaric, Ed.D., Easton Elementary; Kelly Murdoch, Easton Middle; Sherry Spurry, Easton High.

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 will begin our 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.

A community veterans celebration remembering those who served!

When: November 6th, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Where: EHS Auditorium

Talbot County Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball League for boys & girls grades 1st - 8th. Practices begin the week of January 6th. Games begin January 11th. Registration - $85 per player. Scholarships are available. Register by December 5th.

October is Disability History and Awareness Month. Different abilities. One Community.

2024 - 2025 Youth Sports Programs for Perkins Family and Easton Family YMCA

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.

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), Faith & Blue, and the Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) are collaborating on a new initiative. The program provides free medical equipment to residents of Maryland who are facing financial constraints. The available equipment includes wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, canes, lift chairs, and toilet seats.

Details:

• Free Equipment Available: Wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, crutches, canes, lift chairs, and toilet seats

• Free Delivery: Within Maryland, depending on distance

• No Cost to Recipients

• Simple Application Process

Contact Information:

• Special Education Teacher
• Behavior Counselor

• School Bus Driver | salary range: $23.51 - $31.77 per hour
• Alternative School Vehicle (Van) Driver
• School Bus Aide
• Instructional Assistant

With the new school year approaching, now is a great time to think abut safety. Join the 350 parents, teachers, and students who have already made the important decision to enroll in SafeTime. The 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.

Shore Legal Access connects Eastern Shore individuals and families in need of legal representation with volunteer attorneys to ensure that justice truly is for all.

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