November 14, 2024

November

• Native American Heritage Month

November 11 - 15 - National School Psychology Week

November 15 - TCPS Education Foundation - Mission Possible

November 18 - Board of Education Work Session - 5:30 p.m.

November 18 - 22 - American Education Week

November 19 - Apprenticeship Information Night- 6:00-7:00 p.m. at SMMHS Library

November 20 - Board of Education - Regular Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

November 20 - Apprenticeship Information Night- 6:30-7:30 p.m. at EHS Cafeteria

November 27 - 29 - Thanksgiving Break

Hello TCPS Families!

I’m recording this week’s update from the Talbot County Education Center.

The Board of Education will meet on Monday November 18th 5:30 p.m. for a work session, and Wednesday November 20th at 6:00 p.m. for their Regular Meeting here at TCEC. The public is always welcome and encouraged to attend!

Next week is American Education Week, a week-long celebration of public education. Schools are celebrating in various ways, highlighting our students and educators, so keep an eye out for information from your child’s school.

Would you like to learn more about Apprenticeship Opportunities for your student or your business? Apprenticeship information nights will be held Tuesday, November 19th at St. Michaels Middle High and Wednesday, November 20th at Easton High. Details can be found in this update.

Next week is also National School Psychologists’ Week! I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing school psychologists, Mrs. Chrissy Haddaway and Ms. Tara Haddaway. They play a crucial role in helping students reach their potential by supporting their emotional and mental well-being.

Congratulations to our class of 2024 Distinguished Alumni, who will be recognized by the Education Foundation at their annual fundraising event! We are excited to celebrate, Ms. Keasha Haythe, Ms. JoAnn Murray and Dr. Ludy Eglseder tomorrow evening at the Oxford Community Center.

Have a wonderful 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!

The TCPS Education Foundation is very excited to announce the sixth annual “Mission Possible – Celebrating TCPS Alumni and Supporting Teachers” fundraiser, to be held on Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center. The purpose of the event is to recognize distinguished alumni, celebrate public education in Talbot County, and raise funds, awareness, and support for the Education Foundation. Congratulations to the Class of 2024 Distinguished Alumni!

We want to express our sincere gratitude to our wonderful school psychologists, Mrs. Chrissy Haddaway and Ms. Tara Haddaway.

Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Time: 6-7 p.m.

Partners attending include iFrog, Campbell Boatyard, C. Albert Matthews, and Talbot County Emergency Services. There will be current and former apprentices to share their experience.

Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Partners include Critchlow Adkins Children Center, C. Albert Matthews, Campbell Boatyard, iFrog. There will be current and former apprentices to share their experience.

Congratulations to Colleen Kaufman, 4th grade Math and Science teacher at White Marsh Elementary, our ACME Teacher of the Month!

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.

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 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