December 19, 2024
TCPS Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S DECEMBER 19 UPDATE
Hello TCPS families!
I’m recording my last Weekly Update of 2024 here at the Talbot County Education Center. I hope our students and staff are excited and ready for their well-deserved Winter Break!
The Board of Education held its regular meeting here last evening. We welcomed our three new Board Members, Mrs. Karla Wieland-Cherry, Mrs. Ann O’Connor and Mrs. Cynthia Jurrius, who were sworn in at the Work Session on Monday.
The Board recognized the Easton High Field Hockey Team for winning the Regional Championship, and Mrs. Kim Gibbons-Neff, who was honored as Bayside Coach of the Year! They also thanked Giant Food for generously supporting our students through their Nourishing our Youth Program.
The agenda included electing new Board Officers, a presentation about the MD School Report Card, as well as reports from Board Advisory Committees and the School Year 2025-2026 Calendar Committee.
The full recording of the meeting can be found on the TCPS website and is linked in this update.
On Tuesday evening, we held the first meeting for the Strategic Planning Work Group, which includes members of the TCPS and Talbot County Community. I want to thank them all for their commitment to this important work.
As a reminder, schools are closed from December 23 through January 3. Our next Weekly Update will be on Thursday, January 9, 2025!
Have a wonderful winter break, make the most of your time, and remember, it’s always a great day for success at TCPS!
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.
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.
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:
