Talbot County Public Schools

February 14: Valentine's Day

February 15: Presidents Day, Schools Closed

February 16-19: TCPS continues Hybrid Learning Model

February 17: Board of Education Meeting

Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students.

Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards. This year, four finalists have been selected from the nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.

TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.

Teacher of the Year Finalists:

Lauren Greer - Science, Biomedical Science and Project Lead the Way Teacher, St. Michaels Middle High School

Kimberly Keech - 8th Grade Science Teacher, Easton Middle School

Kathleen Kelly - 2nd Grade Teacher, Chapel District Elementary School

Katherine Spies - Kindergarten Teacher, Easton Elementary School

Support Staff of the Year Finalists:

Heather Goddard – Instructional Assistant, Special Education, St. Michaels Middle

High School

Ayonna Hayman – Instructional Assistant, Media, St. Michaels Elementary School

Berenice Orellana – School Interpreter, Easton High School

Rebecca Shaw – Instructional Assistant, Kindergarten, Chapel District Elementary

“In a year filled with so many challenges for our students and educators, this recognition is especially significant,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent. “Every member of the TCPS Team has gone above and beyond to continue to inspire our students, even during these unprecedented times. I congratulate all of these amazing individuals on this well-deserved honor.”

The 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced on April 1, 2021.

TCPS is recognizing and celebrating Black History Month in our classrooms across the county.

St Michaels Middle High coordinated the "Black History Fact of the Day"video series. Students, TCPS staff and community members are presenting local and national black history facts each day of February. SMMHS is sharing the videos on their social media channels. Below is teh link to today's video and a link to the playlist follows. It is powerful to see our community come together to educate and celebrate black history.

The Arc Maryland, in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Maryland Department of Disabilities recently held “Together We’re Better” Inclusive Education Drawing Contest.

Easton High School senior Maddie Morrell, was awarded 3rd place in the high school contest where the art will be used to create a coloring book for younger children. Maddie will receive a $25 gift card, and Easton High School, will receive a $100 gift award.

TCPS is very proud of the CTE opportunities that our students are provided everyday through our programs. We will be celebrating our students and teachers throughout the month by highlighting each of our programs.

This week we are recognizing the Agriculture Science Program for #CTEmonth! Mr. Ernie Burns is the instructor at Easton High School. Mr. Burns has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Maryland. He is also a former full time farmer and now splits his time between teaching and farming part time. The Agriculture Science Program follows the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) program of study. Students who successfully complete the program are well prepared for possible careers as plant breeders and geneticists, soil and water specialists, botanists, greenhouse managers and agricultural educators. Students also have an opportunity to obtain college credits through the University of Maryland College Park (College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute of Applied Agriculture) and articulated college credit from Chesapeake College. In the photo are the 2019-2020 student members of the Future Farmers of America club at EHS.

Talbot County Public Schools invites you to a webinar entitled: "What Parents Need To Know About Teen Drinking" on Thursday, February 25, at 3:00 p.m.

Pre-registration is required. Once registration is complete, a zoom link will be sent to your email. Use this link to register: Webinar Registration

Please join us for the opportunity to learn about:

• - Facts and myths about teen drinking
• - Negative impact on teen brain development
• - Dangers of pregaming
• - Risk factors for teens developing a drinking problem
• - Warning signs of a drinking problem
• - Prevention strategies
• - Tips on talking with your teen

Guest Speaker from the Talbot County Health Department:
Beth Williams - Prevention Consultant

If you have any questions, please contact:
Madison Elliott, B.S.W.
Addictions Interventionist
madison.elliott@talbotschools.org
Talbot County Public Schools

The years between birth and kindergarten are such an important time for child

development. They are growing, playing, learning, and getting ready for school and later

success in life—all at a faster rate than any other time. While all children develop at different rates, some young children experience delays in their development. Families are critical to children’s development and know their children best. If you’re having any concerns about how your child is interacting with others,learning, and participating in daily activities or using appropriate behaviors for getting needs met– don’t wait.

Take the first step to determine if your child qualifies for services. Text CHILD to 818818.

All local Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education programs are open and conducting evaluations and providing services. All services are provided at no cost to your family. By starting early, you can make a big difference in helping your child reach his potential.

Find more information at www.marylandlearninglinks.org/what-do-i-do-next.

TCPS meal distribution resumed this week. Meal pick up is offered at all locations except Easton High School on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. for all children ages 2-18.