November 5, 2026
Superintendent's Weekly Update
FULL TEXT OF DR. PEPUKAYI'S UPDATE - November 5, 2026
Hello, TCPS families!
I'm recording my update in downtown Easton, where our community will host the 55th annual Waterfowl Festival next week, and I'm standing here in front of the Waterfowl Building. This unique event celebrates the art, culture, sporting traditions, and natural resources of the Eastern Shore. Whether you volunteer, view the exhibits, or sample delicious food, I hope you can participate in some way. The fall colors are nearing their peak and this is a beautiful time in our region.
The second quarter has begun and first quarter report cards will be issued on Monday, November 9th. Please note that principals will be sending guidance for parents to reference as they review the first report card with the revised grading system.
I want to thank everyone for their support and patience as we continue to navigate the bus driver shortage. We are still actively recruiting, and our transportation department is developing strategies to consolidate routes for more long term efficiency.
As a reminder, all schools are closed next Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th per our board-approved school year calendar. On November 12th, our staff will be participating in professional learning. Our next weekly update will be on Thursday, November 19th.
Have a great weekend! Enjoy the short week next week and remember, it's always a great day for success at TCPS!
Your newsletter from Aramark Student Nutrition—November 2026
November Menus & Holiday Fun
November is here, and we’re thankful to be serving up something exciting - from cozy fall flavors to a little pre-holiday 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 comforting classics and exciting new options your students will actually love and can help them Power Their Potential. We are truly grateful for the privilege of feeding your students every day, and we wish everyone a wonderful and delicious November!
What’s on the menu?
Click Here to find out.
November’s Limited-Time Offer!
This November, we are featuring the Pepperoni Calzone & Pizza-Ranch in the cafeteria—a flavorful twist expected to be popular among students, featuring flaky biscuit dough filled with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings, served with a side of pizza ranch. Each month, we introduce Limited-Time Offerings (LTOs) based on trends, seasonal ingredients, and student feedback to keep the menu fresh and exciting. Don't miss out; this special is available for a limited time.
November is Good Nutrition Month
November is Good Nutrition Month, and it’s a wonderful time to highlight how we bring fresh, wholesome choices to the cafeteria table every single day. Fruits and vegetables sit right at the center of the school plate. Every school breakfast and lunch includes a vibrant variety of options—from crisp green veggies and rich red and orange vegetables to wholesome legumes and delicious fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits. Thanks to national school meal standards, students enjoy a wider variety, larger portions, and are encouraged to build healthy habits by taking at least a half-cup of fruits or veggies with every meal. Here’s to a nutritious and energizing November of Powering Potential!
Parent Corner
Discover how healthy eating can be both delicious and simple!
Check out these expert-backed selections developed by professional chefs and dietitians to help you and your family make nutritious, great-tasting meals effortlessly every day.
Cook Center for Human Connection - ParentGuidance.org Mental Health Newsletter - November Issue
Every parent wants to show up fully for their child, but constant caregiving can take a toll. Learn the signs of compassion fatigue and how self-care makes you a better, more present parent.
Check out this month's ParentGuidance.org Newsletter for more information about Compassion Fatigue.
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.
