December 5, 2024
TCPS Weekly Update
Upcoming Dates
December 16 - Board of Education Work Session - 5:30 p.m.
December 18 - Board of Education Regular Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
December 23 - 31 - Winter Break - Schools Closed
January
- School Board Appreciation Month
January 1-3 - Winter Break - Schools Closed
January 6 - Schools Reopen
January 9 - National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday - Schools Closed
January 23 - End of Quarter
January 24 - Schools Closed for Students - AM Teacher In-Service/PM Teacher Grading
January 29 - Lunar New Year
Dr. Pepukayi's Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S DECEMBER 5 UPDATE
Hello TCPS Families!
It’s Winter Concert season! I’m recording this week’s update at the Talbot County Auditorium at Easton High, where many of our schools will hold their concerts throughout the month. The concert schedule is posted on our website and included in this week’s update. We invite you to come out and enjoy our students’ wonderful talent, whether they're singing in the choir, have a speaking part, or are playing an instrument in the band. Speaking of the bands, don’t miss our amazing TCPS bands when they perform in the Annual Easton Holiday Parade this Saturday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.
This week the State Board of Education issued the state, district, and school -level results for the 2024 Maryland School Report Card. School star ratings are based on multiple indicators, including non-academic measures. Schools earn between one and five stars based on the percentage of points earned across indicators. This year’s results will inform our work and our continued focus on our strategic priorities. You can find more information about the Maryland School Report Card on the MSDE School Report Website, which is linked in this update.
Have a wonderful weekend, and remember, it’s always a great day for success at TCPS!
Biomedical Science Students Explore Shock Trauma Center
On November 13th, students in the Biomedical Science Pathway from EHS and SMMHS visited R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore, Maryland, thanks to a grant written by Damaris Bourland from the Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center. Students participated in a trauma prevention program called Minds of the Future, a walking tour of the hospital, and got hands-on experience in a patient simulation lab that hospital staff use for continuing education.
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.
SANTA IS COMING TO THE PERKINS YMCA THIS SUNDAY!
- Free Family Event for the Entire Community!
- Sunday, December 8th; 11:30am – 1 pm
- Pool opens at 11 am - open swim 11-11:30 am
This special event begins with “Reindeer Games” for ages 2-8 promptly at 11:30 am.
Santa makes his appearance at 12 pm - swim with Santa until 12:30pm
After swim time concludes at 12:30, we’ll have cookies and cocoa and will play a short animated holiday classic.
To participate, please contact the Perkins Family YMCA at 410.745.5963 and register all members of your family who will be attending. Please RSVP by December 7th.
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.
Registration Deadlines for Parks & Recreation Winter Programming Approaching
Youth Basketball League
The Talbot Youth Basketball League is open to boys and girls in grades 1st-8th. The 1st & 2nd grade league is coed, while the other age groups are separate by gender. Teams will practice once a week, with games on Saturdays for 8 weeks.
Registration for the league closes on Monday, December 9th, 2024. Player evaluations will take place on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, and practices will begin the week of January 6th, 2025. Games will start on Saturday, January 11th, 2025.
More information can be found at talbotparks.com/programs/basketball/
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.
Registration Deadlines
All program registration deadlines are in early January, and spots fill up quickly. Early registration not only secures a place but also makes for a thoughtful holiday gift that keeps children active and smiling well into the new year.
“Winter programs offer a wonderful opportunity to stay active and try something new during the colder months,” said Emily Gilmer, Parks and Recreation Director. “From skating to dancing, and even pickleball, these activities are designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and bring the community together.”
To sign up or learn more, visit www.TalbotParks.com or call (410) 770-8050.
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.
Talbot County Parks and Recreation Youth Basketball
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.
TALBOT COUNTY YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS – YMCA of the Chesapeake
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
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.
Important Tax Credit Information from the Maryland Higher Education Commission
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the approaching tax season. Please take a moment to review important messages from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding federal tax credits that can significantly benefit individuals and families.
ARE YOU TALBOT READY?
Cashless Ticketing for Athletic Events
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:
Free Medical Equipment Assistance in MD!
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:
TCPS is Hiring!
Certified Staff Openings
Join the 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
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.