Talbot County Public Schools -

Dear TCPS Families,

Due to dropping temperatures and potential icy road conditions in the morning, all Talbot County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule on Tuesday, February 24, to allow additional time for student and staff travel. Employees will follow code green.

Adverse road and sidewalk conditions still exist, so we encourage families to use caution when traveling and when making decisions about student drivers. Some buses may still need to take alternate routes or avoid certain areas due to continued hazards.

Thank you for your support. Please be safe!

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Dear TCPS Families,

Due to the weather conditions, TCPS will move to virtual instruction for Monday, February 23, 2026. All Talbot County Public Schools buildings and offices will be closed.

Devices were sent home with all students in grades 1-12, and learning packets were sent home with PreK and Kindergarten students on Friday, February 20.

Teachers in Grades 1-12 will provide synchronous instruction, assignments, and support through our online learning platforms. All synchronous virtual instruction will begin at 8:00 a.m. The 2025-2026 Virtual Instruction Day Plan is linked below. It includes specific schedules and instructions for accessing the learning management system.

For grades 1-12, attendance will be taken, and students are expected to engage in virtual learning. PreK and Kindergarten students will be asynchronous and are asked to complete their learning packets. Please look for communications from your child’s school and/or their teacher.

TCPS Virtual Day Instruction Plan

The Technology Team will be available to provide remote support during days designated for virtual instruction. If you have questions or need help, please contact support using the email for your building provided below. The emails will be monitored between 7:15 AM and 3:15 PM on designated virtual instruction days.

Below is the Tech Support Email for each building:

Easton High EHSSupport@talbotschools.org
Easton Elementary EESSupport@talbotschools.org
Easton Middle EMSSupport@talbotschools.org
St. Michaels Middle High SMMHSSupport@talbotschools.org
St. Michaels Elementary SMESSupport@talbotschools.org
White Marsh Elementary WMESSupport@talbotschools.org
Chapel District Elementary CDESSupport@talbotschools.org
Tilghman Elementary TESSupport@talbotschools.org

Thank you for your support. Please be safe!

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

At TCPS, the BEST (Brothers Entering Success Together) and GOLD (Girls Obtaining Legendary Dreams) programs are centered on empowerment, mentorship, and helping students grow into confident, successful leaders.

In celebration of Black History Month, our BEST and GOLD students from EHS presented on historic black leaders and changemakers to elementary students across the district. It was inspiring to see our high school students step into leadership roles, serving as role models and demonstrating what is possible for our younger learners. #TCPSproud #TransformingAndPerforingInEveryWay

We are monitoring a winter storm forecasted to impact our area this weekend (February 21-22, 2026). TCPS will watch conditions closely and keep you informed of any changes. Weather-related updates will be provided through the TCPS app, social media platforms, email, phone system, and website. At this time, no decision has been made about school closure.

We have already used all of the built-in inclement weather days in our school calendar. Should the weather conditions lead to closing schools on Monday, February 23, we will implement our Virtual Day Instruction Plan, which is attached. Devices will be sent home with all students in grades 1-5 today, Friday, February 20 so we have the option to move to virtual instruction if needed.

We appreciate your support as we navigate the uncertainty of this weather event and make the necessary decisions to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

Virtual Day Instruction Plan - English
Virtual Day Instruction Plan - Spanish

Congratulations to Mr. Eric Manley, Security Guard at St. Michaels Middle High School, on being honored with the TCPS Education Foundation Support Staff of the Month Award! Mr. Manley goes above and beyond the expectations of his role. While he does an excellent job maintaining safety and accountability, what truly distinguishes him is the care and support he provides our students each day. He takes time to check in with students, offering guidance, advice, and a listening ear when it matters most. Students know he cares deeply about them and their success. In addition to his work with students, Mr. Manley is an invaluable support to staff and administration. He readily steps in to support teachers and administrators in ways that extend well beyond his assigned responsibilities. He contributes to planning and organization, strengthens systems and processes, and helps ensure that operations run smoothly and efficiently.

His dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the SMMHS community make him truly deserving of this recognition!

Clarification regarding the board-approved SY 25-26 Calendar, as outlined during the February 11 Board of Education meeting:

In January 2025, the Board approved a school-year calendar with four built-in inclement weather days. Two of those days were at the end of the school year, June 11 and June 12. Schools were scheduled to be closed on March 12 and March 13, with those days as additional “possible” inclement weather days.

In August 2025, the board revised the calendar, unrelated to the inclement weather days. This revision was inadvertently made on a prior draft, which included the four built-in days at the end of the year, as well as the possible days in March. This clerical error was discovered earlier this month, and the correct calendars were posted on the TCPS website.

During the February 11 regular meeting, the Board of Education confirmed that the approved SY 25-26 calendar should reflect the following:

- At this time, we have been closed for four days due to inclement weather, using all of the built-in days.
- Schools will BE OPEN on March 12 and March 13.
-The projected last day of school is June 12, but this will likely not be confirmed until the April Board of Education meeting.

The amended calendars are linked below. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion caused by the error.

25-26 Approved Calendar.2.13.26

25-26 Approved Calendar - Spanish.2.13.26

Talbot County Board of Education Meetings
Public Budget Hearing/Work Session - Monday, February 9 at 5:00 p.m. (Budget Hearing) and 5:30 p.m.
(Work Session)
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m.

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 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 5:30 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 7:00 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 linked here: https://tcpsk12.diligent.community/portal/

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.

CarePacks Family Meal Distribution tomorrow, Friday (2/6/26), at the Easton Elementary School Cafeteria - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. while supplies last! Meals are available for any TCPS family.

Dear TCPS Families,

Based on the conditions of the roads as of this evening, all Talbot County Public Schools and offices are planning to open on time on Wednesday, February 4.  If conditions change, we will re-evaluate tomorrow morning.

Thank you!

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent

Dear TCPS Families,

Due to continued extreme temperatures and icy road conditions, all Talbot County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay schedule on Tuesday, February 3, to allow additional time for student and staff travel. Employees will follow code green.

Adverse road and sidewalk conditions still exist, so families and staff are urged to exercise caution and patience. We encourage families of students who normally walk to school to provide extra supervision of students on walking routes, or consider transporting students to and from school if possible. Please also use caution when making decisions about student drivers. Some buses may still need to take alternate routes or avoid certain areas due to continued hazards.

Please be safe!

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent