Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Schools, reported final graduation and drop-out rates for the Class of 2020 at the March Board of Education meeting.
The report reflected dramatic improvement in both the drop-out rate and the graduation rate for the school district. For the class of 2016 TCPS had reported a dropout rate of 10.23% as compared with 1.58% for the class of 2020.
“This progress is largely attributed to the Dropout Prevention/Reengagement Specialist position that we were able to add through grant funding,” Dr. Griffith explained. “Fortunately, we have been able to maintain this funding and position for four years, and have just received notice that it will be funded again for the 2021-2022 school year.”
The graduation rate has increased substantially, from 85.51% for the class of 2016 to 95.79% for the class 2020. While this is due in part to the efforts of the Dropout Prevention/Reengagement Specialist, it is also a result of the persistent and strategic efforts of school counselors, student services workers, and school social workers. In addition, TCPS has implemented an online learning program that has been of great assistance to students who have needed credit recovery in order to stay on track for graduation.
Dr. Griffith explained that it is also noteworthy that the data is showing an increase in graduation rates across demographic subgroups as well, which has been a strategic focus of TCPS. For example, the graduation rate for African American students was 78.85% for the class of 2016, and +95% for the class of 2020. The district has also seen great progress in the Hispanic population, progressing from 64.52% for the class of 2016 to 87.76% for the class of 2020. “We are very pleased to see this progress, thanks to the perseverance of our students and our amazing TCPS staff,” Dr. Griffith concluded.
Registration is now open for week-long summer camps at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., which begin June 28 and continue through Aug. 20. In age-appropriate Chesapeake-themed sessions for ages 4–15, campers will explore the magic of the Chesapeake Bay’s people, animals, traditions, and environment, with an emphasis on creating a fun, hands-on learning environment that includes on-the-water and environmental activities, stories, games, crafts, and other creative projects.
Talbot County Public Schools announced the 2021-2022 Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year with a surprise presentation at each winner’s school. The Teacher and Support Staff of the Year Program recognizes outstanding educators who have innovative ideas, focus positive attention on education, and demonstrate superior commitment to students.
Ms. Ayonna Hayman has been chosen as the 2021-2022 Support Staff of the Year. An alumnus of St. Michaels Middle High School, Ms. Hayman has served as a Media Center Instructional Assistant at St. Michaels Elementary School since 2019. In that role, she creates and executes lessons for students in grades Pre-K through 5 in literature and media. Her work with students extends into the community, as she is also a Dance Teacher at the Perkins Family YMCA and has previously taught dance at the Academy of the Arts. An accomplished photographer, she seeks to “inspire greatness in others” through her work in the arts.
“This generous contribution from the Prager Family will help Chesapeake Forum fulfill its vision to make lifelong learning an integral part of Maryland’s Eastern Shore Culture,” said Glory Aiken, Chesapeake Forum President. “Their generosity is in keeping with our mission to provide courses and discussion on a wide variety of topics for people of all ages and backgrounds where ideas are shared with civility and mutual respect. The Prager’s gift will also help keep the cost of our courses as affordable as possible for our growing numbers of Eastern Shore Lifelong Learners. It will also enable our goals of expanding our reach to young adults.”
Students from the Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) secondary band programs recently auditioned for the Eastern Shore Band Director’s Association (ESBDA) Junior and Senior All-Shore Bands. Students from every county on the Eastern Shore of Maryland compete for limited spots. In order to audition virtually this year, each student submitted a video of a chromatic scale and a prepared solo. The performances were adjudicated by a member of the ESBDA, and students were assessed on tone, rhythm, dynamics, tempo, articulations and accidentals.
Easton High, directed by Mr. EJ Oesterle – Senior All Shore
St. Michaels Middle High, directed by Mr. Christopher Flaherty – Senior All Shore