November 21, 2024

November

• Native American Heritage Month

November 22 - CarePacks Meal Distribution at Easton Elementary - 4:30-5:30

November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break - Schools Closed

December 23 - 31 - Winter Break - Schools Closed

Hello TCPS Families!

This week, we honor the incredible educators, students, and families who make teaching and learning possible. It serves as a reminder of the power of education to shape our future, break down barriers, and inspire growth.

On November 20, we celebrated the dedication of our support staff, including administrative professionals, instructional assistants, custodians, bus drivers, and others. They ensure a safe, welcoming, supportive environment for our students, and are the backbone of TCPS!

The Board of Education recognized current students who achieved the status of Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar through their performance on AP exams as of the end of the 2023-2024 school year during their November meeting. AP exams are scored on a 5-point scale, with many colleges and universities granting credits for scores of 3, 4 or 5. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam indicates that a student is considered “qualified” for college credit and capable of being successful in a college level introductory course in the particular content area.

Congratulations to the following members of the class of 2025!

Easton High School: Sophia Bullock, Brody Byrnes, Isaac Davis, Patricia Dongarra, Liam Edgell, Yael Gaspar-Cruz, Shane Gunshenan, Gabriella Hamsher, Laillah Janes, Katheryne Kelsey, Kirn Khan, Joseph Lavezzo, Regan Lewis, Mia Mazzeo, Avery Mead, Bradley Mellor, Finnegan Merrick, Sam Mielke, Viviana Morris, William Orndoff, Adam Rinehart, Gavyn Stebbins, Sofia Stecher-Roberts, Bree Stevens, Gabriella Streaker, Lavinia Tindall, Charley Webb, Annie Whelan

St. Michaels Middle High School: Karina Mazur, Madelynne Plog, Alexandria Rockwell, Aine Taylor, Tom Weller

Congratulations to Eric Manley, St. Michaels Middle High’s School Security Officer and Applebee's Support Staff Award recipient!

CarePacks Family Meal Distribution - This Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. while supplies last. Meals are available to any TCPS Family and will include meats, fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry staples. Park in the EES parking lot and walk in through the cafeteria doors. Children do not need to be present. Questions? Call Katie Fox, Community School Manager at (410)822-0686 or carepackstc@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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