Left to Right Mrs. Valcik – Curriculum Supervisor, Social Studies K-12 and Gifted and Talented. Ms. Smith – Supervisor of Special Education, and Dr. Burkhardt, Curriculum Supervisor – Career and Technical Education and Math 9-12

Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent of Schools has announced new administrative appointments effective July 1, 2024. Carolanne Burkhardt, Ed.D. has been appointed as Curriculum Supervisor, Career and Technical Education and Math 9-12.  Mrs. Jaclyn Valcik has been named Curriculum Supervisor, Social Studies K-12 and Gifted and Talented, and Ms. Julia Smith has been promoted to Supervisor of Special Education.

Dr. Burkhardt earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Reading from East Stroudsburg University, a Masters in Educational Administration from University of Massachusetts Lowell, and a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University.  She began her career at Talbot County Public Schools in 2004 as an elementary school teacher, and has been Assistant Principal at Easton Middle School since 2018.

Dr. Burkhardt is a certified Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trainer, a Restorative Practices Trainer, and a Life and Engagement Coach.  She has also served as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coach, a Teacher Mentor, a Cooperating Teacher for Salisbury University Student Teachers, as well as a Teaching Assistant at Johns Hopkins University.  

Mrs. Valcik holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Towson University and a Master’s in Administration and Supervision I from Loyola University.  She has Maryland Advanced Professional Certification in Elementary Grades 1 – 8 and Administration & Supervision I and II.  Since joining the TCPS team in 2003, she has been an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and principal.  She has served as a New Teacher Mentor since 2022.

Selected as Talbot County Teacher of the Year for 2010 – 2011, Mrs. Valcik has led professional learning in topics such as Universal Design for Learning, effective CFIP meetings/data discussions, Equity and CARE Team Leadership and Analyzing Student Data.  She has served on School Improvement and Career Ladder Committees, and well as Reading Leadership and Teacher Advisory.

Ms. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and a Master of Education in Special Education from Loyola University.  She joined Talbot County Public Schools in 2021 as the Access, Equity & Progress Coordinator. Since joining TCPS, she has developed and implemented professional learning for staff, including a Community of Practice for Universal Design for Learning, as well as a self-advocacy program for students. Ms. Smith has also mentored new teachers and served as both Nonpublic Liaison and ALT Facilitator. 

Ms. Smith’s prior professional experience includes serving as a Special Education Teacher for Howard County Public Schools, Adjunct Faculty at Howard Community College, and a Coordinator and Professional Learning Trainer for San Martin de Porres, a private school system in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. 

“These proven leaders will be a great addition to the Teaching and Learning Team,” said Dr. Pepukayi.  “I look forward to seeing the insights that they will bring to their new roles, as we begin this new school year focused on Transforming and Performing Together.”

Easton High Senior Jakob Barnhart fulfilled requirements as a Maintenance Apprentice at The Inn at Perry Cabin and is a Culinary Pathway completer.  Classmate Jed Smith completed a Marketing Apprenticeship at iFrog Marketing Solutions and is a Marketing Pathway completer.  Peyton Spies, also a graduating senior, was a Cook Apprentice at The Inn at Perry Cabin and a Culinary Pathway completer.

Four members of the Talbot County Public Schools Class of 2024 have recently completed apprenticeships through the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship Program.

Billy Massaro, a senior at St. Michaels Middle High School, fulfilled requirements as a Marine Tradesperson Apprentice at Richardson’s Marine Services in McDaniel, and is a Carpentry Pathway completer. Jakob Barnhart, Easton High School (EHS) senior, served as the first Maintenance Apprentice at The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels and is a Culinary Pathway completer. Jed Smith, a senior at EHS has been a Marketing Apprentice at iFrog Marketing Solutions in Easton and is a Marketing Pathway completer. Peyton Spies, also an EHS Senior, was a Cook Apprentice at The Inn at Perry Cabin and is a Culinary Pathway completer.

“We are so grateful for our partnerships with these local employers, who provide quality apprenticeship opportunities for our students,” said Mrs. Danielle Haley, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator. “The program has grown due to their commitment to the Apprenticeship Maryland program and to building our future workforce. So far this year, 12 students have had apprenticeship opportunities, with a 13^th signing in the coming weeks.”

The Apprenticeship Maryland Program is a collaboration between the Maryland Department of Labor, the Maryland State Department of Education, participating school systems, and community business and educational partners.  The program is intended to allow high school juniors and seniors to develop valuable job skills and get a head start on future careers.   At the same time, the goal is to support Maryland businesses by training talented, highly skilled workers, a much-needed resource.  “The Maryland Youth Apprenticeship program provides Eastern Shore students the opportunity to work with professionals in their area of interest to help guide them as they begin to make future career and educational choices,” explains Robin Werner, TCPS Career and Technical Education Supervisor.

Students complete related classroom instruction and a minimum of 450 hours of work-based training under the supervision of an eligible employer.  The students can begin working with a state-approved employer during their junior year in high school.  School systems coordinate student placements with local businesses.  Talbot County students who are interested in becoming an apprentice and employers wishing to participate in the program may contact Danielle Haley, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator at [email protected] to learn more.

St. Michaels Middle High School students and staff have been working extremely hard to prepare their production of FROZEN JR, which will be presented on February 23rd and 24th, and March 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Tickets are on sale now at GOFAN. Tickets are $7.00 for senior citizens (62+) and students, and $12.00 for adults (there is a $1.00 surcharge per ticket).  Seats are general admission on a first come first served basis. See the links below to purchase tickets ahead of time, and then just show your phone at the door. If tickets do not sell out in advance, the remaining tickets will be on sale at the door using a credit card or Apple Pay. Hope to see you at the show!

DOORS OPEN 1/2 hour before show time.

2/23-7:00pm-Frozen Jr. 2/23/2004
2/24-7:00pm-Frozen Jr. 2/24/2024
3/1-7:00pm – Frozen Jr. 3/1/2024
3/2-7:00pm –  Frozen Jr. 3/2/2024
3/3- 2:00pm – Frozen Jr. 3/3/2024

Talbot County Public Schools welcomes Mrs. Anna Howie as the newest member of the Talbot County Board of Education.  Mrs. Howie was appointed by Governor Moore to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Mrs. Susan Delean-Botkin from District 5. 

Mrs. Anna Howie is the Curriculum Supervisor of Career and Technical Education for Dorchester County Public Schools and Interim Principal at Mace’s Lane Middle School. She is a dedicated educator with 21 years of experience in K-12 education. She has served in the capacity of teacher, instructional mathematics coach, Assistant Human Resources Administrator, Local Accountability Coordinator, Curriculum Supervisor of Mathematics, and Principal. 

A native of Talbot County, Mrs. Howie resides in Easton with her husband, Kirk Howie. Their daughter, Jaylen, graduated from Easton High School and is currently an elementary school teacher. Their other two children, KJ and Teagan attend Talbot County Public Schools. Her grandfather, Willis Scott, Sr., was an industrial arts teacher at Moton High School and Easton High School. 

Mrs. Howie is an active member of community organizations that promote education, leadership in students, and community service. She received her Bachelor of Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Supervision and Administration from the University of Phoenix, and she is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

A highly respected leader, Mrs. Howie was endorsed by the Talbot County Education Association (TCEA).  “We submit this recommendation without reservation and with our heartfelt belief that she is an ideal candidate who will serve our community well,” said Mr. Andrew Burke, TCEA President, in a letter to Governor Moore.

Mrs. Howie was sworn in at the Talbot County Education Center on Monday, 

October 16, 2023, 5:30 PM and will serve until a successor is elected and qualifies at the next congressional election.  

Colin Smith (EHS, left) and Nathan Henckel (SMMHS, right) were sworn in to represent their schools as Student Board of Education Members at the September Meeting.

Easton High Senior Colin Smith and St. Michaels Middle High Senior Nathan Henckel will represent their schools as student members of the Talbot County Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year.  They were chosen following an application and interview process, and were officially sworn in during the September Board of Education Meeting.

Nathan Henckel will represent St. Michaels Middle High School.  Nathan is very involved in his school and community, holding leadership positions in the Student Government Association, Students Helping Other People, SMMHS Band, and Talbot County Summer STEM Camp.  Nathan is also a member of the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society, Debate Club and Destination Imagination. “I am very honored and excited to work with the TCPS Board of Education for the 2023-2024 school year,” Nathan said. “I have a deep pride for my school, and I am so happy that I get to share all of the wonderful events and student achievements that St. Michaels has to offer.”

Colin Smith will represent Easton High School.  Colin is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities.  He runs cross country and competes in track, and is a member of various clubs including It’s Academic, The ACE Mentor Program, and Math Club. He is also a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and the National Honor Society, and has held several leadership positions. In addition, he served as the Junior Class President, and is a volunteer for the Easton Elementary School Exceptional Unified Sports program. When asked about his appointment Colin said, “I am honored to have been chosen for this position and I look forward to working with the school board in order to share a unique student perspective.”

“We are very excited to have these student leaders represent their schools this year,” said Dr. Sharon Pepukayi, Superintendent. “The Board enjoys hearing updates from their respective communities, and values their input and feedback about important issues in our district. Congratulations to Nathan and Colin on their appointments to this important role.”

The Talbot County Board of Education has approved the appointment of Mrs. Rebecca Mann to the position of Assistant Principal at St. Michaels Middle High School effective immediately.  She will replace Mr. John Strickland, who has accepted a position out of the county. 

Originally from St. Michaels, Mrs. Mann earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Chesapeake College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with Concentrations in Biology, English and Political Science, as well as a Masters of Teaching from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware.  She has Administrative Certification I from Salisbury University.  

She began her career as an educator with Caroline County Public Schools in 2013 teaching 7th grade Science.  She was appointed Assistant Principal at Lockerman Middle School in March 2022.  While working in Caroline County, she served on the School Improvement, Equity and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Teams.  Other leadership includes being Chair of the National Junior Honor Society, a New Teacher Mentor and Environmental Club Advisor.

“I am looking forward to working with Mrs. Mann, someone who knows our community well,” says Mrs. Theresa Vener, Principal.  “She brings different perspectives and educational experiences, which will be very valuable as we continue to work collaboratively to ensure all students graduate college and career ready.”

Mrs. Mann is quickly settling into her new role. “I am excited to be joining the staff at St. Michaels Middle High,” adds Mrs. Mann.  “It feels like coming home.”