October 8, 2026
Superintendent's Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S UPDATE - October 8, 2026
Hello TCPS Families!
October is National Principals Month, and I want to recognize the eight outstanding Administrators who lead our schools. Our Principals do more than handle daily school operations. They act as mentors, coaches, and advocates for students and teachers, and they build safe and positive learning environments. They bring wisdom, adaptability, and creativity to even the most challenging situations. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of them over the past few years, and I could not be more grateful for this outstanding team. Take a moment to thank a principal this month!
I want to circle back to the second component of our district theme for this year, Value Celebrate Empower. I already shared our definition of “Value” as it relates to our students, teachers, and staff, so what does “Celebrate” mean in this context? Our leadership team has defined Celebrate as recognizing positive contributions and successes no matter how BIG or small!
I believe we should look for every opportunity to acknowledge the unique talents, accomplishments, and progress our students, teachers, and staff make throughout the year. Sometimes that’s a major milestone like graduation, and sometimes it’s as simple as a shout-out, a note of appreciation, or a positive call home. I want to encourage our whole TCPS Community to look for new ways to celebrate our children, families, and neighbors; you just might be surprised by what that does for you!
The Board of Education will hold a Work Session on Monday, October 12, at 5:30 p.m. and a Regular Meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. As always, the meetings are open to the public; the regular meetings are live-streamed; and the recordings can be viewed on the TCPS Website. All Board meeting information is also linked in this update.
I hope you have a great weekend, and remember it’s always a great day for success at TCPS!
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
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.
Your Newsletter from Aramark Student Nutrition
No Tricks, Just Flavor: October Menu & More
October is here, and there’s a lot to look forward to—from National School Lunch Week to a little Halloween fun along the way. It’s also a great time to celebrate the meals that help keep your students energized and ready for the day.
All month long, we’re serving up a mix of familiar favorites and new options your students will actually look forward to—making mealtime one less thing on your plate. Here’s to a fun and flavorful October!
What's on the menu? Click here to find out
October’s Limited-Time Offer!
October is here—and so is a new limited-time favorite! Meet the Southwest Crunch Burger, a hearty option packed with bold flavor. It features a seasoned beef patty topped with a cheesy blend of roasted onions and peppers, plus warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic. Finished with a crunchy layer of Tostitos® tortilla chips, it’s a fun twist your students won’t want to miss.
Food That Feels Good
School meals are about more than just what’s on the plate—they’re made to help power the potential of your students throughout the day.
We keep things simple with wholesome ingredients, without added dyes or commonly questioned ingredients. Our meals follow USDA guidelines, with a balance of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy—while keeping sugar and salt in check. Whenever we can, we cook from scratch, and when we use prepared items, we partner with brands families know and trust.
2026–2027 MEAL PRICES:
Breakfast: FREE FOR ALL TCPS STUDENTS!
Elementary Lunch: $2.85
Middle/High Lunch: $3.10
Menus are available here:
Free meals are available for eligible students through the Free & Reduced Meals Program.
QUESTIONS?
FIND MORE INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE AT:
https://www.tcps.k12.md.us/page/food-service
or contact us at:
Lamar Braxton – Food Service Director
640-258-6452
TCPS is “cashless” for tickets for all of our athletic events using GoFan. You can purchase tickets ahead of time online or at the gate using a credit or debit card. GoFan accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate using Apple Pay and Google Pay. Admission to all events at the Easton High and St. Michaels High Stadiums and Gymnasiums is $6 (children 6 and under are free). Cash payment will not be accepted at the gate.
Tickets can be purchased using the following links:
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.
