April 4, 2024

April:

• Autism Awareness Month

April 1-5 : National Assistant Principals Week

April 4: School Librarian Appreciation Day

April 6: National Student Athlete Day

April 8: Solar Eclipse!

April 14-20: Volunteer Recognition Week

April 15: Board of Education Public Work Session 5:30 PM

April 17: Board of Education Meeting 6:30 PM

April 21-27: Administrative Professionals Week

April 22: Earth Day

April 25: Tilghman Community Listening Session

April 23: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

April 26: Community Partner Recognition Breakfast

On Monday, April 8th, 2024, Talbot County will experience a solar eclipse. The eclipse will reach its max around 3:21 p.m., which is during afternoon dismissal for some schools. While this offers a unique educational experience for everyone, TCPS wants to stress the importance of protecting your eyes and safe driving practices.

Specialized solar viewing glasses or pinhole projectors are essential to protect your eyes from the sun's harmful rays during an eclipse. These glasses should be certified to meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as this can cause permanent eye damage. For more information about the Solar Eclipse please visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Additionally, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Tips for Safety has provided the following safety information for traveling during the Eclipse.

● Don’t stop along the road or park on the shoulder during the event.

● Exit the highway to a safe location to view or photograph the eclipse.

● Don’t take photographs while driving – keep your attention on the road ahead.

● Don’t try to wear opaque eclipse glasses while operating a vehicle.

● Turn on your headlights during the eclipse.

● Use extra caution if your travels take you through a work zone during the eclipse.

● Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists. People may be randomly parking and walking alongside the roadside during the time of the eclipse to get a good view.

● Prepare for extra congestion, especially on the roadways the day before, the day of, and the day after the eclipse.

● Avoid travel during the eclipse or in an area with expected eclipse viewers.

Witnessing a solar eclipse provides a unique chance to explore various scientific concepts, including Earth and Space and Physical Science. It's an opportunity to learn about the mechanics of our solar system and the significance of celestial events. To make the most of this experience, we encourage you to take precautions to safely observe the eclipse.

Talbot County Public Schools is recommending a new math curriculum for Kindergarten - 8th Grade. The Public will have the opportunity to review the materials and provide feedback to inform the Board’s decision on implementing the program. The materials are available for review at the Talbot County Education Center through Monday, April 22nd . The Maryland Leads Grant will fully fund the new program, so it will not impact the local budget.

Recommended Grades k-6 Curriculum:

Reveal Math McGraw Hill

Recommended Grades 7-8 Curriculum

enVision Mathematics

SAVVAS Learning Company

Please send any feedback to

Helga Einhorn, Ph.D., TCPS Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Leading

heinhorn@talbotschools.org

Happy School Librarian Appreciation Day to our amazing TCPS School Library Staff who go above and beyond to help support learning in our classrooms and beyond! Special shoutouts to Kathryne Middleton from WMES, Ray Remesch from TES, Lisa Callaghan from SMMHS, Milena Smith from SMES, Cara O’Reilly from EMS, Marina Merrick from EHS, Ray Ellen Horner and Theresa Ward from EES, and Lindsay Cahall from CDES. Thank you for all that you do!

(From Top Left) SMES: Susie Shafer; EMS: Todd Stoker, Carolanne Burkhardt, Ashley Quicke; EES: Lindsey Higginbottom, Catessa Cain, Annie Mewborne, John Tomey; EHS: Bridget Harper, TJ Thompson, Nicole Sherrod-Hill ; CDES: Krystal Taylor; WMES: Jordan Fairbank and SMMHS: Rebecca Mielke-Mann

We are incredibly proud of all our TCPS musicians who recently participated in the ESBDA (Eastern Shore Band Directors Association) Solo and Ensemble Festival at Centreville Middle School. Students who received a Superior rating qualify for the Maryland State Solo & Ensemble Festival!

Students were evaluated in the following categories:

TONE (beauty, characteristic timbre, control), INTONATION, TECHNIQUE (articulation, embouchure, facility, precision, rhythm, INTERPRETATION (expression, phrasing, style, tempo), MUSICAL EFFECT (artistry, fluency), OTHER FACTORS (choice of music, stage presence, and appearance)

Easton Middle

Superior Rating:

Jose Garcia Arrivillaga, Jeffry Ayala Hernandez, Max Vaccari - Brass trio

Evan Caldwell, Tyler Svehla - Percussion Duet

Violet Masone - Marimba Solo

Easton High

Superior Rating:

Merceyde Wolf and Claire Adelman

Excellent Rating:

Alexander Harding, Eduardo Diaz-Chavero, and Julian Hutchison,

Emma McCracken, Kate Adelman, and John Payne,

Riley Pederson and Matthew Craig

St. Michaels Middle High

Superior Rating:

Zoey Saia

Excellent Rating :

Ryley Beers

Matthew Coale

Marty Fullerton

Hannah Willis

Congratulations to our 2024 SECAC Award Winners and special thanks to our Award Sponsors :

• The Whalen Co.
• Haddaway's Service, Inc.
• TCPS Education Foundation

EES

Kyle Hanes - Special Education Teacher, EES

Katie Martin – Teacher, EES

Anne Miller – Special Education Teacher, EES

Leslie Jefferson – Speech Pathologist, EES

Deborah Phipps – Special Education Instructional Assistant, EES

Gloria Farrare – Special Education Instructional Assistant, EES

Susannah McPhelim – Kindergarten Teacher, EES

Danielle Follett – Instructional Assistant, EES

Tasha Aikens – Instructional Assistant, EES

Alyson Whitman – Instructional Assistant, EES

Kelsey Famularo – Special Education Teacher, EES

Melissa Prendergast – Special Education Teacher, EES

Kirstin Miller – Special Education Teacher, EES

Terri Sutphin – Special Education Teacher, EES

Vonita Barnett – Instructional Assistant, EES

Heather Plutschak – Guidance Counselor, EES

Suzanne Wieland – Speech Therapist, EES

SMES

Rebecca Johnston – Special Education Teacher, SMES

Rachel Jones – Special Education Teacher, SMES

CDES Staff

Amanda Starsoneck – Special Education Teacher, CDES

Rebecca Cullings – Kindergarten Teacher, CDES

Nicole Fant – Instructional Assistant, CDES

Cara Hughes – Guidance Counselor, CDES

EMS

Melissa Johnson – Social Worker, EMS

Donna Barnhart – Special Education Teacher

Crystal Tripp – Math Teacher

Julie Hawley – Music Teacher

Lindsay Matthews – Social Studies Teacher

Sandra Stinson – English Teacher

Emily Ford – Science Teacher

EHS

Jessica Wagner – Special Education Teacher

Debbie Swann – Instructional Assistant, EHS

Brandy Bedo – Instructional Assistant, EHS

Sherry Spurry – Principal, EHS

Transportation

Jerry Stewart – Bus Driver, Contract L&S

Sonya McGee – Bus Assistant, 219

Consortium

Emily Johnston – Occupational Therapist

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.

Work Session: Monday April 15th, 5:30 PM

Meeting: Wednesday April 17th, 6:30 PM

VIEW MEETING AGENDA, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND LIVE STREAM LINK

The Board will meet in Open Session before meeting in Closed Session, in accordance with Section 3-305 of the General Provisions Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. The Board will reconvene for the Open Work Session and Regular Meeting.

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: April 12th, & 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/

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.