March 19: Crazy Sock Day to celebrate World Downs Syndrome Awareness Day

March 25: Green Day for Cerebral Palsy Awareness

April 1: End of Quarter and Early Dismissal

April 1: Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Announcement

April 2-9: Spring Break

April 12: School re-opens

Easton Elementary principal Dr. Lisa Devaric presented a video on how EES is teaching related arts. She said, "Classes such as media, physical education art, music, band, and chorus offer the opportunity for students to shine and be successful in a different way. This video highlights related arts teachers and gives a little taste of what our students experience. All of the classes are virtual with the exception of PE. Students have connected with special area teachers during their asynchronous time, which has helped students to stay connected with the school. I would like to commend the related arts teachers for their creativity and flexibility during these challenging times."

Dr. Helga Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction shared an update on the Maryland State Board of Education’s decisions regarding the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) with the Talbot County Board of Education at their March meeting.

There had been concern regarding administering mandated state testing given current limitations for in person learning. This included losing already limited instructional time to assessments, scheduling assessments given COVID safety protocols, and administering tests to virtual students. The school district has received notification of changes for administering assessments for the 2021-2022 school year from the State Board, which include the following.

• The English Language Arts and Math MCAP for grades 3-8 will not be administered this spring. These assessments will be postponed until fall 2021.
• The English 10, Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry assessments are still open for spring 2021. This is to accommodate the fact that some school districts had started testing students in these subjects prior to the March 4 State Board decision. These assessments will also be available for administration in the fall 2021. Since TCPS had not yet started testing, we will be opting to administer the assessments to students in these subjects in the fall.
• Alternative Assessments in math, ELA, and science in grades 3-8 and high school will not be administered this spring and will also be deferred until the fall.

The assessments administered in the fall will be of shorter duration and will have a quick turnaround time for scoring which would allow the data to be used for instructional planning. In addition to these changes, TCPS follow will the State Board’s consideration of shifting the current graduation exit assessments in Algebra, English, science, and government to end of course assessments that would be accounted for in students’ final course grades. This has gone out for public comment and Dr. Einhorn will continue to update the Talbot County Board as the State Board continues to deliberate that possible change.

“I do want to assure you that even though we are not administering MCAP this spring, we are continuing to administer our local assessments in all courses and grade levels,” said Dr. Einhorn. “This data is essential for helping teachers monitor student progress in meeting grade level and course standards as well as in the planning of instruction that supports student learning.”

While TCPS will not be administering MCAP this spring, they are proceeding with the ACCESS 2.0 administration this spring. TCPS is also moving forward with Advanced Placement testing and Career and Technology industry standard assessments and have administered the SAT and PSAT.

You are invited to attend a zoom webinar on teen substance-use prevention. Q&A at the end. Pre-registration is required. After registering, a zoom link will be sent to your email.

Please join us for the opportunity to learn about:

• Young children and teen substance use
• Recognizing signs
• Primary prevention tips/strategies
• What to do if you suspect or know
• Local resources

Guest Speakers from the Health Department:

Beth Williams - Prevention Consultant

Logan Harris - Community Health Educator

If you any questions, please contact:

Madison Elliott

Addictions Interventionist

madison.elliott@talbotschools.org

Talbot County Public Schools

TO REGISTER: https://talbotschools.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z7ZFOKV_RyelSwa7fpXpiA

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD! YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services were mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 8, 2021. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage-paid envelope by May 21, 2021. The survey may also be completed online. Parent feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in your local school system. Your voice can make a real difference for your child and many other children across the state of Maryland. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com

New patients are always welcome! Please call your school to join the Choptank Health Program!

TCPS meal distribution continues this week. Meal pick up is offered at all locations except Easton High School on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. for all children ages 2-18.