Welcome to the Summer 2026 Edition of The TCPS Blueprint Buzz! This newsletter provides key updates on how Talbot County Public Schools is implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. Our goal is to ensure our entire school community remains informed and engaged as we move this important work forward. https://app.smore.com/n/pahvq

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 Grading Policy Updates 2026-2027

Over the past year, TCPS has conducted a comprehensive review of its grading practices in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and families. Informed by district data, research, community feedback, and grading simulations, TCPS will implement the following new grading practices for the 2026-2027 school year to make grading more accurate, consistent, and transparent.

Key Shifts in Elementary (PreK-5th Grade)

Competency-based standards (SP / DP / AP / EM / NM) will be used for ALL grades PreK-5. Previously, grades 3-5 received traditional letter grades.
Why: Competency standards are clusters of related skills within a subject that are assessed together and reported using a four-level scale instead of a single letter grade. This model creates one consistent reporting model across every elementary grade. A proficiency scale shows what a student can actually do, rather than compressing that into a single letter — giving a clearer, more accurate picture of learning and growth for young learners.

Parents/guardians will be able to see progress on individual assignments and observations throughout the marking period, not just at report card time.
Why: Increases transparency and keeps families informed in real time, so concerns can be addressed early rather than coming as a surprise at the end of the marking period.

Progress is evaluated as both academic and developmental, using work samples, performance-based tasks, observational data, and classroom curriculum assessments.
Why: Reflects that early learning includes developmental growth alongside academics, and ensures grading is based on multiple, well-rounded sources of evidence rather than a single test or assignment.

Competency Standards Proficiency Scale (PreK-5)
SP — Surpassing Proficiency: skills and understanding exceed grade-level expectations in this area.
DP — Demonstrating Proficiency: skills and understanding meet grade-level expectations in this area.
AP — Approaching Proficiency: skills and understanding are approaching grade-level expectations.
EM — Emerging: skills and understanding are just beginning to develop in this area.
NM — Not Measured: this skill has not yet been taught or assessed in this marking period.

Key Shifts in Grades 6-12

Grading Weight
- Formative weight: previously 30% of the reported grade, now 40% of the reported grade.
- Summative weight: previously 70% of the reported grade, now 60% of the reported grade.

Grading Scale (6-12)

Grades 6-12 use a hybrid model: traditional letter grades (A+ through F, including I and M for incomplete or missing), paired with a 4-point quality scale, with no artificial floor on individual assignment scores (minimum “50% as the floor grading” is eliminated).

Other Key Changes

Every unit must include formative assessment(s) before the related summative, covering all the same learning outcomes, with adequate time for feedback and reteaching first.
Why: Ensures students have practiced and received feedback on a skill before being formally evaluated on a summative assessment.

Teachers must keep gradebooks current, entering grades within 5 school days of submission (up to 8 school days for lengthy summatives like major projects, labs, or essays, if communicated in advance).
Why: Keeps grade information current so students and families can respond quickly, and sets a consistent, predictable timeline for feedback across all teachers and schools.

Grades cannot be disproportionately entered near the end of a marking period in a way that significantly changes a student's grade, without prior documentation and communication with the family.
Why: Avoids last-minute grade surprises and keeps families informed early enough to provide support.

Missing or incomplete formative work can be submitted for full credit if completed before the related summative. Students present on a summative's due date must complete it that day or within 5 school days, unless the teacher approves an exception. However, tests must be completed on the day of administration if the student is present.
Why: Encourages students to complete practice while still holding a firm, fair line on summative timeliness so grades reflect actual mastery.

Reteaching/reassessment applies to formative work only: mandatory for a D+ or below, available upon request for a C- or above. It must happen before the related summative, within the same marking period. Summative assessments and final exams are not eligible for reassessment, except for verified extenuating circumstances or principal approval.
Why: Gives every student a path to mastery while a skill is still being built, without opening the door to endless retakes on final assessments — preserving the integrity of summative grades.

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.

New for 2026-2027: No Cell. Bell to Bell.

Dear TCPS Families,

At Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS), we are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment and the best possible conditions for our staff to support students in achieving their full potential.

When TCPS welcomes students back on August 24, an important change will take effect regarding students' possession of cell phones in school. Starting this year, TCPS will follow a “no cell, bell to bell” model. Students in all grade levels will not be permitted to use cell phones, smartwatches, headphones, earbuds, or other personal communication devices during the school day.

This change is in response to the Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act, which was passed during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. This legislation requires all Maryland public school systems to implement policies governing the use of personal communication devices beginning with the 2027-28 school year. In support of a smooth transition, the Talbot County Board of Education is choosing to begin adhering to these expectations during the 2026-27 school year.

The Board of Education authorized a pilot program for Easton Middle School utilizing the Yondr cell phone pouches in 2024-2025. This was expanded to St. Michaels Middle School in 2025-2026. Initial data and administrator feedback indicate this has had a positive impact on student behavior and learning. Across the country, schools where phone-free policies have been implemented have noted many improved outcomes, including less distraction, less cyberbullying, fewer fights, increased engagement, improved attendance, and healthier school environments overall.

We recognize this will be an adjustment for students and families at the high school level. Please note that exceptions may be made, including for documented medical needs or approved accommodations. As is the case at Easton Middle and St. Michaels Middle schools, consequences for non-compliance without approved exceptions are as follows:

- First Offense- phone is taken to the office, and the student can pick it up at the end of the day
- Second Offense- phone is taken to the office, and the parent has to pick it up
- Third Offense- Office referral, and the parent has to pick the phone up.
- Fourth Offense- Office referral. Students are required to turn in their phones to the office daily for the remainder of the quarter.

This is aligned with the TCPS Student Code of Conduct. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to discuss digital device expectations and review the TCPS Student Code of Conduct with students before the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

We appreciate your support and partnership with these new expectations.

Sharon Pepukayi, Ed.D.
Superintendent

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

TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 7/30/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.

Families who received the Transportation Opt-In/Opt-Out email should complete and submit it by July 31. Families who did not receive the email should visit the TCPS website and complete the 2026–2027 Online Transportation Request Form. Timely submission of transportation requests will help ensure bus routes are finalized before the start of the school year.

TCPS free Summer meal pick-up is today (Thursday, 7/23/26) from 3-6 p.m. inside the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School.

A message from Talbot County Health Department- We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, please read our Summer School Health Newsletter!

https://app.smore.com/n/z8u4k

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.

The TCPS and Talbot County Free Library Popsicles in the Park event scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at 5:00 pm, in Idlewild Park has been postponed due to the forecasted rainy weather. We will share a new date when it becomes available! you can still catch us at Muskrat Park in St. Michaels on July 14th at 5:00 p.m.