October 15, 2026
Superintendent's Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S UPDATE - October 15, 2026
Hello TCPS Families!
It's National School Lunch Week, an annual celebration that highlights the importance of healthy school lunches and the federal National School Lunch program. I had the opportunity to work alongside our food services team to serve lunch at Easton Elementary last week, and I have a whole new appreciation for the work that they do to provide nutritious meals for our students. And I want to thank all of our nutrition workers that are out there doing the job.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a campaign that encourages us to join together to raise awareness and help keep children safe at school, online and in the community. Next Wednesday, October 21st, join us for Unity Day as we wear orange to unite for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
The Board of Education held a work session on Monday and its regular meeting on Wednesday this week. They heard a presentation and update from the TCPS Education Foundation, and had an initial discussion about the fiscal year 28 budget. They also shared feedback about the implementation of our new grading policy and administrative regulation. I want to thank our staff, students and families for their support as we navigate this important transition. Doctor Einhorn provided a report on the first quarter baseline student assessment data, and Mr. Schafer shared an update on student transportation. The full recordings of both meetings are available on the TCPS website.
This weekend is homecoming for the St. Michaels Saints. I wish them big wins on the field on Friday and a fun and safe dance on Saturday. Once a saint, always a saint. 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
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.
