April 3, 2025

April

• Asian Pacific Heritage Month

• Autism Awareness Month

April 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day

April 6 - National Student Athlete Day

April 7 - 11 - Assistant Principals Week

April 8 - Community Listening Session - Chapel District Elementary - 5:30 p.m.

April 10 - New Student Registration Day

April 16 - 22 - Spring Break - Schools Closed

April 21 - 25 - Administrative Professionals Week

April 21 - 25 - Volunteer Recognition Week

April 22 - Earth Day

April 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day

May 8 - Community Listening Session - St. Michaels Campus - 5:30 p.m.

This is the time of year when we can expect occasional delayed openings due to inclement weather or fog. The delay opening schedule can be found under the About - Schools tab on the TCPS website and is linked below.

Hello TCPS families, it's been another very busy week! How about the summer temperatures and the sunshine? I am loving it and I hope you are too!

Last night we held our annual ‘Talbot Stars’ Celebration honoring all of our finalists for our 2025-2026 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year. It was an awesome night of recognition for some of our best and brightest educators! Congratulations to the winners, Ms. Lauren Rose, Easton High music teacher and band director, and Ms. Giovanni Wynn, family service coordinator at the Judy Center of Saint Michaels. I know they will both represent our district very well.

Our next community listening session is Tuesday, April 8th at Chapel District Elementary School. I encourage you to attend any of our listening sessions, regardless of which schools your children attend, and share your feedback with me and the members of the Board of Education. All of the dates for the remaining listening sessions are posted on the TCPS website.

The Board of Education will meet Monday, April 7th at 5:30 for our work session, and they'll hold the regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9th at 6 p.m. These meetings are a week earlier than usual this month due to spring break, which I probably don't have to remind you begins Wednesday, April 16th. We're all looking forward to rest and relaxation.

Have a great weekend and remember, it's always a great day for success at TCPS!

All Talbot County Board of Education Meetings are held at the Talbot County Education Center, 12 Magnolia Street, Easton MD 21601. Open meetings are held in Conference Room #1.

The Talbot County Board of Education holds monthly Work Session Meetings, as indicated under the "Upcoming Meetings" section on the right side of the the TCPS Diligent Community Home Page linked below. Work Session meetings begin at 5:30 p.m., on the dates indicated. The public may livestream meetings by choosing the video "Livestream" camera icon. Video coverage of past meetings can be viewed by selecting the video camera icon next to the correct meeting date under the "Recent Meetings" category on the right side of the page.

The Talbot County Board of Education holds Regular Board Meetings on a monthly basis at the Talbot County Education Center. The Board begins Regular Monthly Meetings at 5:00 p.m., only for the purpose of voting to close the meeting pursuant to the State Government article (Section 3-305 (b)) (1) (to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals to discuss the superintendent contract; and (Section 3-305 (b)) (7) and (8), to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice on legal matters and consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation).

The open portion of the Regular Board Meeting begins at approximately 6:00 p.m. The public may attend in person or view the meeting via livestream by choosing the "Livestream" video camera icon on the TCPS Diligent Community Home page. Video coverage of past meetings may be accessed by selecting the video camera icon next to the proper meeting date under the "Recent Meetings" category.

Requests to speak at a Regular Board Meeting may be submitted online, prior to the start time of the regular Board meeting, using the following link: Request to Speak or by choosing this icon on the Diligent Community Home page.

For more information about the Talbot County Board of Education, please contact Faith M. Brundige, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, by emailing Faith.Brundige@TalbotSchools.org. Thank you!

We held our TCPS Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Gala, Talbot Stars, on Wednesday evening! Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Lauren Rose, Easton High Music Teacher and Band Director, and Support Staff of the Year, Mrs. Giovanni Wynn, Family Service Coordinator at the Judy Center Early Learning Hub at St. Michaels Elementary. It was an awesome night celebrating outstanding TCPS Educators! Congratulations to all of our finalists! Many thanks to our sponsors, Hertrich Chevrolet GMC, Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, and the TCPS Education Foundation!

Are you a TCPS Alum?

No I'm not. I graduated from Pocomoke High School in '98.

How many years have you worked for TCPS?

17 years

Anything else you would like to share about your educational background (certifications, licenses, etc.)

I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing and Masters in Business Admin. from Salisbury University, as well as a Masters in Teaching from UMES. I am also Tech Ed. certified, and trained in 6 PLTW classes.

What are your favorite things about your job?

Being able to teach material/curriculum that students are interested in. Generally speaking, the students that take CTE classes have more of a vested interest in the topics/overall industry/curriculum. This Really allows for making genuine relationships and knowing that you are making a difference in their futures.

How long have you been in your current position?

I have been at EHS for 5 years. The last 3 years I have been teaching both the Marketing-Business Completer program (3 classes), and the upper-level PLTW Engineering program classes (3 classes).

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

Probably the amount of work behind the scenes that goes into making what students see in lessons and the classroom. That, and how much effort it takes to switch between a "business marketing" mind-set and a STEM Engineering problem-solving/trouble-shooting mind set. That is something I didn't realize was as taxing as it is until I began doing it.

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

I like to cook, and that I know my way around the kitchen pretty well.

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

• binge watching new shows with my wife Robin.
• playing soccer with Nicholas
• playing grocery store with Addie
• exercising
• home improvements

What would you like to share about your family?

That they are the BESTEST family! My wife Robin and I met as new teachers. We have 2 kids ages 9 & 4. We plan to move to Hawaii after our 30 years with TCPS!

The ACE Mentor Program presented Mr. Werner with the ACE Community Award at their 21st Annual Awards Program last month. "Mr. Werner embeds real-world learning and experiences in the business marketing and engineering courses he teaches. His creativity and collaboration enhance our programs and support our students. I value his insight and feedback and am thankful to have him as a part of our CTE team." ~ Carolanne Burkhardt, Ed.D., Supervisor, Career and Technical Education

Our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sharon Pepukayi and members of the Board of Education, invite the TCPS community to participate in the upcoming Community Listening Session at Chapel District Elementary on Tuesday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m and the St. Michaels campus on Thursday, May 8 at 5:30 p.m.

We are excited to feature this month’s TCEC lobby artwork by EHS students under the instruction of Visual Arts Teachers Matt Ghrist and Chase Nepert!

Talbot Arts supports access to the arts for all citizens and visitors to Talbot County. Art is integral and essential for a healthy, vibrant, and equitable community. Talbot Arts has a particular interest in supporting the underserved, including people in healthcare settings, seniors, racial/ethnic minority groups, economically disadvantaged, and those with special needs. Learn more about Talbot Arts at https://www.talbotarts.org/.

An opportunity to grieve and heal for children in grades 1-8 on the Mid-Shore

When: Saturday, May 17, 9am–3:00pm

Sunday, May 18, 9am–2:00pm

Where: Talbot Agriculture and Education Center

10659 Hiners Lane

Easton, MD 21601

Why: Children need an outlet for their grief, just as adults do. Children express themselves through play and peer support, so camp is the perfect mix of work and fun!

For more information, contact:

Judy Gunn, Grief & Spiritual Care Chaplain

410-822-6681 ext. 116

jgunn@talbothospice.org

talbothospice.org

The Talbot County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce the launch of its 2025 Citizens Police Academy, an educational program designed to provide Talbot County residents with an in-depth understanding of law enforcement practices and the role of citizens in ensuring community safety.

The Citizens Police Academy is open to all Talbot County residents aged 18 and older. The program offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with members of the Sheriff's Office, gaining insight into various law enforcement procedures and community policing efforts. The academy will consist of a 10-week course beginning on April 8, 2025, and concluding with a graduation on June 10, 2025. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Course Details

• Academy Start Date: April 8, 2025
• Graduation Date: June 10, 2025
• Duration: 10 weeks (Tuesday evenings, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
• Location: Talbot County Sheriff's Office
• Limited to 20 participants
• Participants may not miss more than two classes to graduate
• Background check required for all applicants

This program will cover topics such as criminal law, emergency response procedures, and community engagement strategies. It is designed to foster a better understanding of law enforcement operations and strengthen the relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the community.

The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy funded this project under subaward CGPF-2025-0021. All points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of any State or Federal Agency.

Registration Information

Interested individuals can apply online here. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025.

Register Online

Talbot County Public Schools in partnership with People for Change Coalition is offering the Summer Career Enrichment Program (SCEP)- a FREE hands-on experience designed to spark interest in high-demand career fields!

Students will explore:

• Animation

• App Development/Gaming

• Careers in Health Care

• Chess

• Cybersecurity

• Drones

• Media Arts

• Presentation/Video Design

• Robotics

Location: Easton High School

Transportation Available from SMMHS, EES, WMES, and Cordova Firehouse

Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Two Sessions Available:

Session 1: July 7-July 17, 2025 (Mon-Thurs, 9 -1 PM)

Session 2: July 21-July 31, 2025 (Mon-Thurs, 9 -1 PM)

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore future careers in a fun and engaging environment!

Visit https://pfccoalition.org/scep.asp for registration details!

Talbot County Parks and Recreation summer camp registration opened this week. There is a scholarship program that reduces the fee to $180 for qualifying families. Here is the link to register! Talbot County Parks & Recreation: Summer Camp 2025

Registration for students living in Talbot County not currently enrolled in TCPS (PK, K, and all other grade levels) will be held on March 14th, April 10th, May 6.

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

Easton Elementary: 410-822-0550

Chapel District Elementary: 410-822-2391

St. Michaels Elementary: 410-745-2882

Tilghman Elementary: 410-886-2391

White Marsh Elementary: 410-476-3144

Easton Middle: 410-822-2910

Easton High: 410-822-4180

St. Michaels Middle High: 410-745-2852

For information about needed documents and other requirements for registering, click on the link below.

Join the TCPS Team! We have many certificated and support positions available! Use the link below for more information and to apply!

This guide provides a comprehensive list of behavioral health resources across Queen Anne's, Kent, Caroline, Talbot, and Dorchester counties.

Come Explore with Us! ITCH (Introduction to Careers in Healthcare), a free program that introduces healthcare possibilities and pathways, is offering a new season of its FREE programming for middle and high schoolers with opportunities in Easton.

• Career Exploration
• Experiential Hands On
• Pathways to Success
• Internships
• Jobs
• Scholarships
• Careers

For more information and to register: https://www.itchmed.org/itch-in-action.

Space is limited!

Universty of Maryland Shore Health System Locations:

UM Shore Regional Health at Dorchester

UM Shore Medical Center at Chestertown

UM Shore Medical Center at Easton

Third Thursday of each Month:

January 16 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

February 20 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

March 20 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

April 17 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

May 15 - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

June 19 - Culminating Tour - Chesapeake College Health Science Simulation Center

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.

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

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.

Safe Schools Maryland - an ANONYMOUS and FREE reporting system available to students, teachers, school staff members, parents, and the general public to report any school or student safety ​concerns, including mental health concerns. Safe Schools Maryland operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Your anonymous report can be submitted by calling the tip line (1-833-MD-B-SAFE / 1-833-632-7233), completing an online form (below), or downloading the free Safe Schools Maryland app from the App Store or Google Play.​

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.

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: