Tilghman Tiger Talk
January 21, 2022 Principal Update
2021-2022 School Year
Dear Tilghman Families,
Here are a few updates and reminders to keep you informed.
Please note that Quarter 2 ended Thursday, January 20th. Quarter 3 begins January 24th. Quarter 2 Report Cards will be issued electronically January 28th. You may also log-in to Power School at any time to view your child's grades.
Please be advised that our breakfast and lunch menus may change slightly in upcoming weeks as schools are also being impacted by the food shortages and supply chain issues across the country. Ms. Bonnita, our amazing cafeteria manager, takes good care of us and will continue to make nutritious meals!
The TCPS BOE approved calendar changes at the January 19th BOE meeting to address the snow days we've had thus far. As of now the plan is to have school on the following days: Presidents' Day (2/21), 4/18, 6/9, and 6/10. Currently, June 10th would be the last day for students.
Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding our current hold on having volunteers in the building. We have seen a dramatic increase of COVID cases in the county and in our schools. While I acknowledge the importance of volunteers and know they are vital for TES, student and staff safety must take priority. I am pleased that TES continues to have relatively low numbers and I believe it is due to the precautions we have in place and the vigilance of our families. I will continue to consult our school nurse, the other principals and the county numbers so that we can open the school to volunteers as soon as possible.
If you have specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!
#smallbutmighty #herecomesthesun
Ms. Kelly Murdoch, Proud TES Principal
Potential Virtual Days
While there is no plan to move to virtual instruction across the district, at some point there may be a need to have virtual instruction for a short period of time for a smaller subset of students, such as a classroom, grade level, or a school building. The decision to move to a short-term virtual situation will be announced in advance by the superintendent and the school administration so that families have a bit of time to prepare.
The schools have been tasked with ensuring that students have their devices and know where to go on a teacher's FROG page in the event of a virtual day(s). Teachers have been updating their pages and virtual meeting links. If your family would need a hotspot to access instruction, please contact the school.
Please note that teachers would take attendance for virtual days just as they do for regular school days. If a student is unable to log in for a virtual day, the student or family would need to email the teacher requesting work so that the teacher knows the student is still engaging.
Again, there is no plan to move to virtual at this time.
Updated Guidelines for COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine- 1/6/22
Dear TCPS Families,
The CDC has released updated recommendations for Isolation and Quarantine for COVID-19. Beginning Thursday January 6, 2022, TCPS will follow a modified process for students and staff.
If a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status they must:
- Stay home for 5 days following the positive test result.
- If after 5 days, an individual has had no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication AND symptoms are resolving, they may return to school on day 6.
- They must continue to wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.
COVID CASES IN SCHOOL
In school settings where all students and staff are masked:
- TCPS will contact families if there is a positive COVID-19 case in their child’s class.
- Vaccinated students and staff will not be required to quarantine from school.
- Students and staff who are unvaccinated and are identified as having been in close proximity to the individual who has tested positive will be required to participate in test-to-stay (test every other day, total of 3 tests) or quarantine for five days.
In school settings where students and staff are not masked:
- TCPS will notify families of any students who are identified as close contacts of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 while not wearing a mask (such as during meals).
- Vaccinated students and staff will not be required to quarantine from school.
- Students and staff who are unvaccinated and are identified as having been in close proximity to the individual who has tested positive will be required to quarantine at home for 5 days from the last date of known exposure.
- Students may return to school on day 6 as long as they remain without symptoms after 5 days.
If at any time a student develops symptoms of COVID-19 regardless of known exposure, they MUST stay home to quarantine and get tested immediately. Please do not send students to school if they are unwell.
TCPS encourages all eligible children to be vaccinated and boosted. Please continue to wear masks in public spaces and be mindful of the three-foot rule to the extent possible.
Parents should ensure their email address and phone number are current with the school and check their email regularly.
Thank you for your support!
Kelly L. Griffith, Ed.D.
Superintendent
2022-2023 TCPS Registration Days
PTO NEWS
2022 Tremendous Tiger Nominations
The start of 2022 is the perfect time to return to the Tremendous Tiger Recognition.
We are looking for parents, teachers, and community members to nominate a TES teacher or staff member for the Tremendous Tiger Award. This is the perfect opportunity to recognize the amazing work of our staff. Click on the link to submit a nomination.
At the end of the month, nominated staff members will be entered into a drawing for a special treat sponsored by the TES PTO.
Nomination Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lEB3_tdhTKlnzxRk3IrRg6t_YJzxthQvXPwlppXTnoA/edit
TES PBIS PAWS
TES Highlights
Social Emotional Learning at TES- Week of January 24- Other People Matter
Each day our teachers spend 10-15 minutes teaching social emotional learning. We focus on 24 character strengths and work to empower our students to build positive, inclusive relationships. This coming week, students and staff will focus on Other People Matter- Supporting Others When They Struggle.
Superintendent's Update- Issue #20
TCPS Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Nominations
Talbot County Public Schools is excited to announce that the process to select the 2022 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year has begun! Is there a teacher or member of the TCPS support staff who is truly outstanding, has made a significant impact on your family, and/or goes above and beyond in their commitment as a professional? The Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year programs are a fantastic way to recognize educators who exemplify excellence.
Any individual within the school system or any member of the community may nominate a candidate to apply to be Talbot’s Teacher of the Year or Support Staff of the Year. The nomination forms are linked below. Nominations for both Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year are due by Friday, February 4, 2022.
Please note: nominations from family members will not be considered.
ALL TCPS STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH FOR THE ENTIRE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR!
TES January Menu
Important Upcoming Dates
January
- 1/20-End of Term 2
- 1/21- No School for Students- Transition Day, Half day for staff
- 1/24-Third Marking Period Begins
- 1/28-Report Cards Issued
FEBRUARY
- 2/3- Virtual PTO meeting
- 2/7-2/11- National School Counselor Week
- 2/18- Early Dismissal for Students and Staff
- 2/21- Presidents' Day- TCPS Schools Open (Make-up day)
- 2/24- Q3 Interim Ends
Tilghman Elementary School
Email: kmurdoch@talbotschools.org
Website: https://tcps.k12.md.us/
Location: 21374 Foster Rd, Tilghman, MD 21671, USA
Phone: 410-886-2391
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tilghmanelementary