TCPS to Pilot Weapons Detection Screening at Fall Athletic Events

Talbot County Public Schools is committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, families, and community members attending school events.

Beginning with the 2026 fall athletic season, TCPS will implement a weapons detection screening pilot at all home varsity football games at Easton High School and all varsity soccer games at St. Michaels Middle High School.

As part of this enhanced safety measure, all spectators will be subject to security screening prior to entering the venue. By entering, guests consent to the screening process, which includes passing through a walk-through weapons detection system. If the system identifies an item requiring additional review, a handheld security wand may be used as a secondary screening measure.

The screening process will be in effect for the first home event on Friday, August 21. It has been designed to be quick, efficient, and respectful while helping to ensure the safety of everyone attending our events. Student spectators are not permitted to bring backpacks, book bags, or other large bags into the venue. Bags carried by adult spectators are permitted but are subject to security screening and inspection. 

“We are committed to creating an environment where students can compete, families can cheer, and our community can gather with confidence,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, TCPS Superintendent. “These proactive measures reflect our ongoing commitment to school safety while maintaining a positive experience for everyone attending our athletic events.”

To help expedite entry, spectators are encouraged to:

·      Arrive early to allow time for screening.
·      Limit the number of personal items brought into the venue 
·      Follow directions provided by event staff and security personnel.
·      Inform staff of medical devices or medically necessary items that may require accommodation.

TCPS appreciates the patience and cooperation of our families and community as we implement this pilot. Working together, we can continue to provide safe and enjoyable experiences for everyone who attends our school events.

For additional information regarding event entry procedures, please contact Sherry Spurry, Coordinator of School Safety and Security, at the Talbot County Education Center at (410) 822-0330 or sherry.spurry@talbotschools.org.

TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 8/13/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.

Dear TCPS Families,

As we approach the beginning of the school year, we want to inform you of some important revisions to our Student Attendance Administrative Regulation 10.2 to comply with Maryland Law. These changes were also presented at the June Board of Education meeting.

1 - TCPS will no longer have an internal code or approval process for family vacations. In accordance with Maryland Law (COMAR 13A.08.01.03-.04), these absences can only be coded as unexcused.

2 - The state has instituted a new absence code for students participating in civic engagement. These absences will be excused with prior authorization by school administration.

3 - TCPS will no longer count six tardies as one unexcused absence. This practice inflated student absenteeism and was not equitable, since a tardy could range from a few minutes to over an hour per Maryland law.

4 - The state does not recognize tardies as excused or unexcused, so we will not code those as such. They will simply be coded as a tardy.

5 - If a student has a chronic illness, absences will no longer be classified as CHIPS (Chronic Health Impairment for Students). Families will need to talk to their school counselor and complete the Home/Hospital process for intermittent services. This will ensure that students suffering from chronic health issues continue to receive educational services.

Please carefully review the updated Student Attendance Administrative Regulation linked here: Policy Code 10.2 AR.

While Maryland Law necessitates these revisions, we also believe these practices are in the best interest of our students. Thank you for your support!

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

We are teaming up with the Talbot County Free Library again this year for Popsicles in the Park! Join us for stories, activities, free books, and fun! Enjoy ice-cold popsicles while Dr. Pepukayi reads a story! We will be at Idlewild Park in Easton on today (8/11/26) from 5-6:30 p.m.

Talbot County Board of Education Meetings - August 2026
Work Session - Monday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.

NOTE: Regular Meetings of the Board will be held on the second Wednesday of the month effective in August, 2026. Work Session Meetings will be held on the Monday before the Regular Meeting. All meetings will begin promptly at 5:30 pm.

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: https://tcpsk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/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.

TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 8/6/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.

We are teaming up with the Talbot County Free Library again this year for Popsicles in the Park! Join us for stories, activities, free books, and fun! Enjoy ice-cold popsicles while Dr. Pepukayi reads a story! We will be in St. Michaels at Muskrat Park on Tuesday, July 14, from 5 - 6 p.m., and at Idlewild Park in Easton on Tuesday, August 11 (new date) from 5-6:30 p.m.

Dear TCPS Families,

Talbot County Public Schools will provide summer meal pick-up for children ages 3-18 once a week, from June 25 through August 13, 2026. Each meal packet will contain a week's worth of breakfast and lunch. Pick-up days will be on Thursdays at Easton Elementary from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Adults may pick up meals for children under their care ONLY.

REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED USING THIS LINK:
Summer Meal Registration 2026

The link is also available on the TCPS website.

If you wish to pick up meals, please register by Wednesday, June 17, so that we can ensure that enough meals are available. Meals will be reserved for families who register.

Pick-up dates are as follows:
June 25
July 2
July 9
July 16
July 23
July 30
August 6
August 13

There will be a checklist for those who have registered, and meals will be reserved for those families. There will be a separate sign-in sheet for those who did not register. You will need to provide your child's name, age, and school for those who are school-aged. You will also be required to sign a document confirming that you are picking up only for children in your care. Please understand that if you do not register, we cannot guarantee that we will have meals available.

TCPS Food Service

Applications are open for the following positions at Talbot County Public Schools:
Supervisor of Information Technology
Community School Program Manager ~ Easton Elementary
Human Resources Licensure Specialist
Physical Therapist
School Counselor
Bus Driver 26/27 SY

Positions will be filled on a continuing basis following the original deadline, unless specified by a separate posting. All applicants must submit an application via this link: https://tcps.schoolspring.com/

Following a screening process, selected candidates will be interviewed.
Affirming equal opportunity in principle and practice.

Applications are open for the following CERTIFICATED positions:

School Counselor - Easton High
CNA Teacher - Easton High
Science Teacher - Secondary
Math Teacher - Secondary
Spanish Teacher
Elementary Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Art Teacher - Easton Middle
Speech Therapist
Occupational Therapist

Applicants must have a valid Maryland Teacher's Professional Certificate in the field of assignment (or be eligible). If interested, please submit an application online using this link: https://tcps.schoolspring.com/

Congratulations to Susannah McPhelim, Kindergarten teacher at Easton Elementary, for being honored with the TCPS Education Foundation Teacher of the Month Award!
Susannah is a truly deserving kindergarten teacher whose dedication, patience, and love for her students shine through each and every day. She creates a welcoming classroom environment where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Through her kindness, creativity, and commitment, she helps build a strong foundation for our youngest learners both academically and socially. She consistently goes above and beyond for her students, making sure every moment is an opportunity for learning.
We are grateful for all that she does at EES and are proud to recognize her as Teacher of the Month!! #Transformingandperformingineveryway

Attention 5th Grade Families: On June 9th we will have our Easton Elementary 5th Grade Promotion Ceremonies. Please see the times below for your students homeroom classroom. Families will line up outside the cafeteria doors, and be allowed in prior to the start of each ceremony. Please do not bring in noise makers or balloons. We'll see you on Tuesday, June 9th!

9:15 - White/Cassell

1:15 - Bell/Harding

2:15 - Bishop/Donohue

Dear TCPS Families:

Talbot County Public Schools will continue to use the by-request-only process for school bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year. This process was implemented last year to improve routing efficiency and better support our transportation operations. Please note: families will need to complete a new opt-in/opt-out form each school year. The process for this will be as follows:

• During the first week of June, you should receive an email from noreply@transfinder.com requesting that you complete an opt-in/opt-out form for your students’ transportation for the upcoming school year. 

• The form must be completed by July 31, 2026.

• You will receive an email for each student enrolled in TCPS.  

• Please fill out a form for each of your children who attend TCPS to either opt out, if your child does NOT need bus transportation, or opt in if your child DOES need Bus Transportation for the 26-27 school year.

We have implemented this process for several reasons:

• Bus Routing Efficiency -  With a transportation “opt-in,” we can more efficiently route students across the county.  When families opt out, the Transportation department can remove unneeded stops from routes, which will help support reduced ride times for all students.  

• Driver Shortages - There continues to be a national shortage of school bus drivers.  An additional benefit to completing the opt-in/opt-out form is that the information will allow for the potential consolidation of bus routes, which may reduce the number of drivers needed. 

If you do not receive the opt-in/opt-out email for your student(s) in June, please call the school to ensure that your contact information is correct in PowerSchool. For families who do not have an email address, it is important that you make your school aware of this so that information can be distributed through alternative means.

Thank you in advance for your help with this initiative.

Sincerely,
TCPS Transportation Department