Work Session - Monday, March 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Regular Meeting - Wednesday, March 18 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: https://tcpsk12.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/CitizenEngagement.aspx
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.

Calendar Reminder!
Since we have used all four inclement weather days built into our 25-26 school calendar, schools are now OPEN on Thursday, March 12, and Friday, March 13.


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.





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 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

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




Kelly is highly deserving of this recognition for her unwavering dedication and thoughtful approach to supporting students and helping them succeed. She works tirelessly to improve systems while intentionally designing instruction to meet the specific needs of each learner. She sees the unique strengths in every student and genuinely believes in their abilities—empowering them to grow in both confidence and achievement. Kelly is not only kind and supportive to her students, but also highly collaborative with her colleagues, making her a true asset to EMS.
Well done, Kelly, and thank you for the impact you make every day!!

Left to right: Kindel Kimball (EMS), Cara Easter (CDES), Shelly Armiger (EHS), JR Burkhardt (SMMH), Caroline Gopaul (WMES), Heather Plutchak (EES), Carly Baysinger (EES), Sara Davis (EHS), Tara Blades (EES), Jessica Marth (EHS), Jessica Pippin (EHS).
Not pictured - Rachael Kerr (EMS), Ann Nilsen (EMS), Valerie Bromwell (SMES), Kerry Asbell (SMMH)

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.


The American Heart Challenge through the American Heart Association begins tomorrow and will run until February 27th.
Students are NOT required to fundraise.
For more information, visit heart.org/schools


