October 29, 2026
Superintendent's Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S UPDATE - October 29, 2026
Hello TCPS Families!
It's the end of the first quarter. I'm so proud of all of our students and staff for their many achievements and their outstanding start to the school year.
Congratulations to our TCPS clay teams. The St. Michaels Saints clay team had a fantastic inaugural season, finishing third place in the Maryland State High School Clay Target League Conference. We look forward to seeing the team continue their success. The Easton High team continued their winning record with another first place in the conference. I also want to give a shout out to the Easton Warrior Marching Band. They wrapped up their official season competing at the Maryland Regional Competition at Wicomico High School in Salisbury. They placed first in the Showband division and I hear they performed a really great show.
The Maryland State Department of Education released state, district and school level results for the 2026 Maryland Report Card today. School star ratings are based on multiple indicators, including nonacademic measures and schools earned between 1 and 5 stars based on the percentage of points earned across those indicators. I am very proud to share that three of our eight schools improved their star ratings. All of our schools remain at three stars or higher, and five of the eight have earned ratings of four stars or higher. You can check out all of these results in detail on the Maryland Report Card website, which is linked in this update.
Our community school bus was on the move earlier this week, making stops in the Easton neighborhoods. Teachers and community school staff rode along and brought reading and math resources and games for students and families. It was a terrific evening.
As a reminder, Friday, October 30th is an early dismissal day for all TCPS students with PM teacher grading. All schools are closed for students on Tuesday, November 3rd, which is Election Day. If you're eligible, I hope you will exercise your right to vote.
Have a great weekend and remember, it's always a great day for success at TCPS!
Cook Center for Human Connection - ParentGuidance.org Mental Health Newsletter - October Issue
The Facts About Bullying
October is Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is harmful, intimidating, or coercing someone perceived as vulnerable, including physical, relational, verbal, and cyberbullying. While schools address it, parents are key to prevention. Take action by notifying the school, documenting incidents, monitoring emotional health, and escalating concerns if bullying is severe, regular, or affects education.
Check out this month's ParentGuidance.org Newsletter for more information about types of bullying and strategies to prevent or address it.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Dear TCPS Famlies,
School hearing and vision screenings are beginning at your child’s school. In accordance with Maryland law, students entering the Talbot County school system for the first time, entering first grade and eighth grade are screened for potential vision or hearing difficulties unless there is written documentation of testing within the past year. Screenings can also be performed on a referral basis for students if there is a concern noted. Parents/Guardians will receive written notification of your child’s screening results if there is a concern identified during the screening.
Vision screening does not replace a complete eye exam by an eye care specialist. Childhood vision problems that are detected and treated early can in many cases, improve outcomes. Left untreated, vision problems can decrease the potential of the child’s learning and have long-term health implications.
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s vision, a follow up with a vision care specialist is recommended. If you would like a screening to be completed at school please contact the school nurse. Likewise, if you do not wish your student to be tested, please make your school nurse aware. Please note that a screening will not diagnose your child with a visual impairment but may identify a potential problem.
Please see the schedule below for when screening will be completed at your child’s school.
Best Regards-
Wendy Sauca, BSN, RN
School Health Supervisor
Hearing and Vision Schedule
2026-2027 School Year
Easton Elementary School- October- 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
Saint Michaels Elementary School- November - 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
Saint Michaels Middle/High School- November - 18, 19, 20, 23, 24
Easton Middle School- December- Wed, Thur, Fri- Dec 2,3,4, 9,10,11, 16, 17, 18
Easton High School- February - 3, 4, 5, 10, 11
Tilghman Elementary School- January- 19, 20
The 2026 Mid Shore Behavioral Health, Inc. Resource Guide is now available!
This guide provides a comprehensive list of behavioral health resources across Queen Anne's, Kent, Caroline, Talbot, and Dorchester counties.
