

Are you (or do you have) a student in grades K–8 who loves to draw, paint, or create in some way? We want to publish the work!
We’re accepting submissions for our publication, The Buoy, through March 13–this is a wonderful opportunity for our young artists to showcase their creativity and talent.
submit here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdv4LXqKZKjHA6r4AracMrAJsXmwotisBeoIc9ctctGVq5ozw/viewform
Rules and Guidelines:
-All work must be original - made by you!
-Short stories must be three pages or less.
-We cannot publish work that goes against the TCPS code of conduct.
-Poorly photographed artwork is hard to publish–physical or digital art is welcome!
-Students may submit up to 1 piece of artwork and 1 piece of writing.


Left to right, top row: Maniya Dockins- EMS, Keonia Greene- EES, EHS, Jacqueline Bush- EES, Gabrielle McCracken- SMES, Amy Harris- EHS
bottom row: Gail Schmidt- WMES, Keontae Murray- EES, EMS, EHS, SMMHS, Sheenay Adams Saunders- EHS, Samantha Rivera- TES, Melissa Johnson- EMS
Not pictured: Logan Blake- CDES, Dawn Wirtz- SMMHS
We are so thankful for the compassion, dedication, and advocacy you bring to your work each day, and we are grateful to have you at TCPS!!

The Yellow Brick Road is leading straight to Easton High School as more than 65 student performers bring the magical world of The Wizard of Oz to life this March.
The Easton High School Theatre Department proudly presents the beloved classic musical The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy Gale as she is swept away from her Kansas home by a tornado and transported to the colorful Land of Oz. Along the way, she meets unforgettable friends — the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion — who join her on a journey to find the mysterious Wizard while discovering that the courage, heart, and wisdom they seek may have been within them all along.
This year’s production features over 65 student performers from 2nd grade through 12th grade, creating one of the largest productions in recent years. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the show’s iconic songs, vibrant characters, and theatrical surprises along the Yellow Brick Road.
Adding to the magic, Toto will be portrayed by professionally trained dogs from William Berloni Theatrical Animals, the renowned company responsible for animals in numerous Broadway productions, including Annie. Flying effects provided by ZFX Flying Effects — the same company known for the flying effects in Broadway’s Wicked — will also help bring the wonders of Oz to life on stage.
Filled with heart, humor, and timeless music, The Wizard of Oz is a magical adventure for the whole family and a celebration of friendship, bravery, and the reminder that there truly is “no place like home.”
The artistic team includes Richard A. Vitanovec (Director), Amber L. Vitanovec (Assistant Director), Julie Hawley (Music Director), and Erinne Lewis (Choreographer).
The Easton High School Theatre Department thanks its generous sponsors: the TCPS Education Foundation, Crashbox Theatre, Bluepoint Hospitality, and an Anonymous Donor.
Performances will be held Thursday, March 13 at 7 pm, Friday, March 14 at 7 pm, Saturday, March 15 at 2pm, Thursday, March 20 at 7 pm, and Friday, March 21 at 7 pm at the Easton High School Auditorium at 723 Mecklenburg Ave, Easton. Tickets are available online at https://gofan.co/app/school/MD14183?activity=Musical. Cash or checks will not be accepted. Online or credit card payments only.
The Wizard of Oz is based upon the classic motion picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed by Warner Bros. Theatrical rights worldwide are granted by Concord Theatricals. Music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg with background music by Herbert Stothart. Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com.
It's School Social Worker Week! School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy. We are grateful for our dedicated team of school social workers at TCPS!

Ms. Stevens embraces all resources within the curriculum to deliver meaningful instruction to her 5th grade students. She recognizes each student’s unique strengths while holding them to high expectations, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth. Through the time and care she invests in building strong relationships, her students are motivated to meet—and exceed—their goals.
Thank you so much, Alison, for your tremendous dedication to every student. We are incredibly lucky to have you at SMES!




Attention TCPS Families with students riding buses!
Effective Friday, February 27, the Here Comes the Bus App will no longer be available!
As previously announced, TCPS will be using our new parent app, Stopfinder, beginning Monday, March 2.
Stopfinder can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play, but it requires an invite and registration prior to accessing your student’s transportation schedule.
Please check for your Stopfinder invitation, which was sent by email from no-reply@stopfinder.com on February 9. This email was sent to your primary email address currently on your student's record in PowerSchool. If your email address has recently changed, please contact the school to update your student's record.
If you have any questions, please send an email to TCPSTransportation@talbotschools.org.

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



We are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and dedication. Thank you for all you do to protect and support our school community!

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!



