The EMS Gazette
Updates and Information
Good Evening EMS Families!
Our first month of school is almost over. The midway point for the 1st quarter is here and we are completing our first round of MCAP testing. Wow!
Here are a few updates to keep you informed.
Interim Reports & Parent Conference Day
The end of the quarter 1 interim period is Thursday, September 23rd. Interim reports will be delivered electronically on Wednesday, September 29th.
Parent Conference day is Friday, October 1st. Conferences will be held from 12:30-2:55. Since middle school teachers have over 100 students on their rosters, they are not able to meet with all families. Teachers will be contacting families if they feel the need to have a parent conference. If a parent would like to meet with a parent on parent conference day, you can contact the guidance office to schedule a conference with that teacher.
COVID Parent Notification
- If a student is considered a close contact with an individual with a positive test result, the student's guardian will receive a call from the school about coming to pick up their child and receive information about quarantining. For your reference, I am including the Talbot County Health Department quarantining protocol below.
- If a student is in a class with an individual with a positive test result but NOT a close contact, the student's family will receive an email letting them know that there was a positive case at the school.
- Basically, no news is good news! That means that your student was not a close contact or in class, on the bus, at lunch, or at a club with any individual that had a positive test result.
We are working very hard to keep everyone safe and informed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school.
To Send or Not To Send?
If your student is exhibiting any signs of an illness, we ask that you do not send your child to school. We have to err on the side of caution these days. It is better to be safe than sorry.
There are 3 options for families if their child is showing any signs of an illness:
- Stay home for 10 days, may return with no fever for 24 hours and resolution of symptoms
- Get tested, return with proof of negative test results and resolution of symptoms
- See a doctor and get a differential diagnosis and have no fever for 24 hours and resolution of symptoms
Click the picture for a morning checklist to help families determine if their child should come to school or not.
TikTok Challenges
Because of this challenge, we have had many issues with the equipment in the bathroom. Students have ripped off the soap dispensers from the walls and have tried to take toilet seats. We are struggling to keep our bathrooms stocked with necessary supplies as well as in a clean and usable state.
We are monitoring the cameras outside of the bathrooms very closely. If a student is caught stealing anything or vandalizing the bathroom in any way, we will be pressing charges with the police. Please talk with your student about this challenge and let them know the consequences are not worth it.
We just want our students to have a decent bathroom in working condition stocked with the supplies they need. We appreciate your support.
Water Fountains
Students should have a water bottle for school each day. Our water fountains are outfitted with bottle fillers. The part of the water fountain that allows students to get a drink directly from the spigot has been disabled for safety reasons. You can only access water with the bottle filling feature. We don't want any dehydrated students.
Cell Phones & Social Media
We have to be fairly strict with the cell phone policy because students are using their cell phones to be on social media. Unfortunately, there is a lot of drama between students on social media that can interfere with the school day. We are seeing an increase in peer conflict and physical aggression all revolving around social media. Parents should monitor their child's social media accounts and text messages to ensure that their child is not engaging in negative conversations with peers or dangerous interactions with strangers. It is better to be overprotective when technology is concerned.
EHS Football
Just a reminder that if your student wants to attend a football game, he/she must be accompanied by an adult. The cost for admission is $2.00 and no bookbags are allowed in the stadium.
Don't Forget to Charge!
This is just a reminder that students should be charging their devices every night. Make it part of your evening routine. The Ipads and computers will be used throughout the day and teachers have minimal outlets in their room for charging.
Helpful Information
Pill Disposal System
Addiction Services Pamphlet
Addiction Services Pamphlet Spanish
Easton Middle School
Assistant Principal - Carolanne Burkhardt
Assistant Principal - Alison Strickland
Administrative Intern - Todd Stoker
Email: jcolman@talbotschools.org
Website: www.tcps.k12.md.us/schools/EMS
Location: 201 Peachblossom Road, Easton, MD, USA
Phone: 410-822-2910
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EMSpantherpage