Talbot County Public Schools
Superintendent's Update | April 10, 2020
Dear TCPS Families,
As we conclude our first week of Continuity of Learning, I am amazed and proud of all that we have accomplished as a community in response to the previously unimaginable conditions that have been imposed on us as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are a testimony to the technological infrastructure that was already in place, as well as the fierce determination of the TCPS Team. Some of our rapid adjustments include:
- Distributing more than 1700 iPads to K-5 students
- Increased hotspots at schools and throughout the community
- Establishing a technology helpdesk at EHS and SMES
- Performing updates to FROG, necessary to handle the increased volume
- Providing needed access and equipment to staff
- Using google classroom tools
- Working around the clock to reach ALL children which included distributing over 800 packets to students who do not have adequate internet access at home
- Writing grants to obtain hot spots (Thank you Talbot Family Network)
While we realize that the current situation is imperfect, we are grateful to be able to reconnect with our students to the extent that we have, and look forward to continued progress in the coming weeks.
In preparation for week two of Continuity of Learning, we would like to share the following procedures for our Virtual IT Help Desk. VIRTUAL HELP DESK PROCEDURES
To address some of the many questions we know parents have had, we have prepared the following Q&A’s (FAQ’s) for your review and information. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or school administration with any questions or concerns. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DURING COVID-19 CLOSURE
The current situation also presents potential challenges with regard to the safety and well-being of students. With families now isolated at home, students may also be facing new and diverse mental health challenges.
Please remember the Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line is an anonymous reporting system used to report threats to the safety and/or well-being of students. Be sure to take a look at the additional resources linked below.
I hope you all are able to find new ways to enjoy family time this weekend while still adhering to Governor Hogan’s Stay at Home Directive imposed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to continue to serve as your Superintendent of Schools and work with such an amazing team!
Stay tuned, stay hopeful, and stay healthy!
Join the TCPS Virtual Community Choir!
Over 800 Learning Packets Assembled and Mailed!
The Technology Help Desk is open!
How The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Impacting Kids’ Mental Health, NBC Nightly News
Cyber-bullying Facts – Top 10 Forms of Cyber Bullying, Kaspersky
Shout out to our Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Finalists!
Congratulations to All!
Each year, Talbot County Public Schools honors teachers and support staff through the Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year Program. This provides the opportunity to recognize outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students. Any member of the community may nominate teachers or support staff for these prestigious awards.
Five finalists have been selected from the nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year. TCPS is pleased to recognize these outstanding educators.
Teacher of the Year Finalists:
Leslie Beveridge – 1st Grade Teacher, CDES
Daniel Brundige - 6th-8th Grade Social Studies and Language Arts Teacher, EMS
David Cherry - Mathematics Teacher, EHS
Jennifer Childress - 3rd Grade Teacher, CDES
Heather Orr – 2nd Grade Teacher, EES
Support Staff of the Year Finalists:
Tasha Aikens - Instructional Assistant – Special Education, EHS
Theressa Hoskin - Instructional Assistant - Kindergarten, WMES
Tina Morris - Drop-Out Prevention and Re-engagement Specialist, Student Services.
Susan Redmond - Instructional Assistant, Pre-Kindergarten, WMES
Diane Vodak, Instructional Assistant - P3, EES-D
The 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the year winners will be announced at the annual celebration which will be held at a date yet to be determined due to the closure of schools.