Talbot County Public Schools

Update /Actualización | Issue: #16 | 1-8-2021

Upcoming Dates

January 11-15: TCPS continues remote learning for all students

January 13: TCPS announces learning model for the week of January 18th

January 18: Martin Luther King Day- Schools Closed

January 20: Board of Education Meeting and Public Budget Hearing at 5:30 PM

January 29: End of Quarter/Semester

FY22 Public Budget Hearing

Superintendent Kelly Griffith, Ed.D. presented the proposed TCPS FY22 Budget to the Board of Education at the December 16th meeting. The Board will hold a Public Budget Hearing on January 20, 2021 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be virtual and live streamed. To submit written comment on the FY22 Budget or schedule to speak at the Public Budget Hearing contact Charlene Gould, cgould@talbotschools.org, by January 19th at 12PM.

TCPS FY22 Proposed Budget

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It's Time to Nominate the 2021 Teacher and Support Staff of the Year!

Talbot County Public Schools is excited to announce that the process to select the 2021 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year has begun! Is there a teacher or member of the TCPS support staff who is truly outstanding, has made a significant impact on your family, and/or goes above and beyond in their commitment as a professional? The Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year programs are a fantastic way to recognize educators who exemplify excellence.

Any individual within the school system or any member of the community may nominate a candidate to apply to be Talbot’s Teacher of the Year or Support Staff of the Year. The nomination forms are linked below. Nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year are due by Friday, February 5, 2021.

Please note: nominations from family members will not be considered.

Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

Formulario de nominación de maestro del año

Support Staff of the Year Nomination Form

Formulario de nominación del personal de apoyo del año

From Left: Amy Palmer, Administrative Intern, Dr. Kari Clow, Principal, Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent TCPS, Cathy Cannon, Secretary, Karen Glass, Member

CDES Thanks the Cordova Firemen's Association Ladies Auxiliary

Dr. Kari Clow, CDES Principal, Amy Palmer, CDES Administrative Intern and Dr. Kelly Griffith, TCPS Superintendent recognized the Ladies Auxiliary of the Cordova Firemens Association for their support of Chapel District Elemenary. The Ladies Auxiliary donated hand made masks for students and over $1,200 for the Giving Tree program that provided CDES families gifts and needed supplies during the holidays. They also have dropped off treats and baked goods to our staff!

Little Rascals Coat Drive!

Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to make great things happen! After Susan Langfitt, TCPS volunteer and former parent, and Kari Kullman, owner of Little Rascals Consignment Shop discussed their shared concern that many children in Talbot County did not have winter coats, Kari took action! She put out the call to her customers and consignors for donations, and the response was outstanding! Susan has since delivered dozens of coats to TCPS for children who need them. Many thanks to Susan, Kari and all of the members of our community who supported the Little Rascals Coat Drive. Donations are still being accepted!

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From TCPS Mental Health Coordinator Rob Schmidt

As our community strives to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and to protect our most vulnerable populations, the mental health and emotional implications will not have a vaccination to provide a quick solution. Schools remain on the front lines and are well positioned to identify the social, emotional, and mental health needs of our youth. However, there’s no greater substitute for the role parent/guardians play in their child’s development and advocacy to access the necessary supports when needed. As a community, we can all work towards the early identification of mental health needs and to assist with reducing the national epidemic of youth suicide. Talbot County Public Schools has social workers on staff in addition to three mental health service providers for students and families should additional supports be needed.

The chief risk factor associated with suicide is the noticeable symptoms of depression. These may include feeling socially isolated, becoming withdrawn, loss of interest, increase in sleep, loss of energy, feeling hopeless, changes in appetite, feeling more sad than happy, changes in behavior (including irritableness or becoming more tearful), increase in risk taking behaviors (including experimentation with drugs/alcohol), and loss of previously enjoyed activities (this is not a complete list of symptoms).

If your child or family is struggling with any of the symptoms noted above, please do not hesitate to “Ask-4-Help” (Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program). Should you have questions or need more information, please call Dr. Rob Schmidt, Mental Health Coordinator for Talbot County Public Schools at 410-822-0330.

RESOURCES

1. If Urgent Crisis call 911/Urgent 24/7

2. 24/7 Mobile Crisis Response 1-888-407-8018

3. Eastern Shore Psychological Services 410-822-5007

4. Bridges Behavioral Health 410-758-8750

5. Peace of Mind 410-690-8181

6. Maryland Helpline Call 211 then press 1

7. National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

8. For All Seasons 410-822-1018

9. Sun Behavioral Health (DE) -24-hour Assistance: (302) 604 - 5606

Email: rschmidt@talbotschools.org

Meals Update

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.