Talbot County Public Schools began celebrating and thanking their Community Partners at an annual breakfast prepared by the Easton High Culinary Arts Program in 2016. A District Community Partner of the Year is recognized, as well as a partner of the year for each school and one for the Internship Program. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Dr. Griffith and school Administrators continued the recognition by visiting each recipient personally to deliver awards and breakfast baskets prepared by culinary students in lieu of hosting the large gathering. During the visits, TCPS leaders share testimonials about how the partnerships make a difference in the lives of students and staff. This tradition continued this year with visits and presentations throughout the month of May.

“We could not do what we do for the children of Talbot County without the support of our generous community,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent.“Now more than ever, our community partners give so much to our students and staff. Every year we like to take this opportunity to give back, and thank them for their partnership.”

The Talbot County Public Schools Community Partners of the Year for 2022 are:

Choptank Community Health System, Inc.- District Community Partner of the Year

Talbot County Chamber of Commerce- Internship

Carrion Electric- Chapel District Elementary

For All Seasons, Inc. – Easton Elementary

Avalon Foundation- Easton Middle

Lowe’s Home Improvement, Easton- Easton High

St. Michaels Police Department- St. Michaels Elementary

Ed and Debbie Trumbull- St. Michaels Middle High

Brackish Life- Tilghman Elementary

Walmart, Easton- White Marsh Elementary

The Easton High School Class of 2022 included 271 diploma recipients.

Easton High and Saint Michaels Middle High schools have announced preliminary achievement results for the graduating class of 2022. A total of 333 students received diplomas or certificates, 276 from Easton High and 57 from St. Michaels Middle High.  Of the students receiving diplomas, the school district reports that224 plan to enter a two- or four-year college or technical school,87 will enter directly into the workforce and a record high 17 will serve our country in the military.

Of the TCPS Class of 2022 diploma graduates:

• 177 (54%) completed at least one Advanced Placement course before graduating.
• 76 (23%) students earned credit for at least one dual enrollment course at the community college level.
• 129 (39%) seniors fulfilled requirements for at least one Career and Technology Education Completer program, with 14 student students completing more than one.
• The composite SAT score was 1051 for math and critical reading.
• TCPS graduates were awarded a total of $18,862,603in scholarships, with $861,948 in local scholarships.
• The preliminary graduation rate for TCPS high schools is 97.03% with a drop-out rate of just.60%.

“These graduates have persevered through a very challenging time for students and educators.” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, TCPS Superintendent.“Their successes are a direct result of their talent, determination, and resilience, and the dedication and support of our staff. I congratulate the class of 2022 for their outstanding results. I am very proud of them all and wish them continued success in their next endeavor in college, career or military service.”

The Saint Michaels Middle High School Class of 2022 included 57 graduates receiving diplomas.

The list of colleges and universities to which TCPS students were accepted includes highly competitive colleges and universities focused on liberal arts and science and technology, military academies, and art, culinary and technical institutes.  The complete list is as follows:

Albion College
Alfred University
Allegheny College
Appalachian State
Arcadia University
Auburn University
Automotive Training Center(ATC)
Bates College
Belmont University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowie State University
Bradley University
Bridgewater College
Butler University
Capitol Technology University
Catholic University
Catholic University of America
Cedarville University
Champlain College
Chesapeake and Regent University
Chesapeake College
Christopher Newport University
Clark Atlanta University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of Notre Dame
College of William and Mary
Colorado State University
Converse University
Delaware Valley University
Drexel University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
Edinboro University
Elizabethtown College
Elon University
Emory and Henry College
Endicott College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Frostburg State University
Furman University
Gannon University
Gardner- Webb University
Geneva College
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgia Tech
Goucher College
Hampton University
High Point University
Hofstra University
Hood College
Howard University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Iowa State University
James Madison University.
Juniata College
Kansas University
Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Liberty University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University of Maryland
Marist College
Maryland Institute College of Art
Marymount University
McDaniel College
MD State Police Cadet Program
Mercyhurst University
Methodist University
Miami University
Michigan State University
Millersville University
Morgan State University
Mount St Mary’s University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology
Newman University
North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina State University
Northwestern University
Norwich University
Notre Dame of MD
Nova Southeastern University
Ohio University
Old Dominion University
Pace University
Palm Beach University
Penn State Mont Alto
Penn State University
Penn State- University Park
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Purdue University
Quinnipac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
Salisbury University
Savannah College of Art and Design
Seton Hall
Shepherd University
Shippensburg University
Slippery Rock
South Carolina University
St. Johns College
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
State University of New York (SUNY)
Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevenson University
Stony Brook University
Susquehanna University
Temple University
Texas Christian U
Towson University
Transylvania University
Universal Technical Institute (UTI)
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Colorado, Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dallas
University of Dallas – Arlington
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Lynchburg
University of Maine
University of Maryland Baltimore County
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Boston
University of Massachusetts
University of Miami
University of Mississippi
University of Montana
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
University of New Mexico
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina Charlotte
University of North Carolina Greensboro
University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Florida
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island
University of Scranton
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Vermont
University of West Florida
University of Wyoming
Ursinus College
Utah State University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Tech
Virginia Wesleyan University
Washington College
Washington University in St. Louis
Waynesburg University
West Chester University
West Virginia University
Western Carolina University
Widener University
Wilson college
Winthrop University
Xavier University
York College of Pennsylvania

What do you get when you combine watermelon, a “story stroll”, 600 Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten students, and a librarian? Pure Joy! That is what happened in Talbot County during the month of Maywhenfive public elementary schools held Raising A Reader Blue Bag Bashes. All PreK and Kindergarten students participated in a program called Raising A Reader, an evidence-based family engagement literacy program designed specifically for young children and their developing brains. The program aims to substantially increase the number of families who frequently and routinely share picture books and stories with their children. Each week young learners take home red bags containing four high-quality diverse books. Loving adults “book-cuddle” with children to encourage development of early language and literacy skills that are critical for academic and life success.

“Our family loves the Raise a Reader program. Our daughter Jordan is so excited to get new books to read every week. We put all the books out and read each title and then let Jordan decide which one she wants to read first. After we read all the books Jordan will grab two books and ask us which one we want to read.” says one Easton parent, highlighting the importance of fostering intrinsic reading motivation. “Children are more likely to enjoy something that they see their families enjoying. Bonding over books encourages young children to form positive associations with books and reading now that will carry through later in life,” says Katie Fox, a program co-coordinator.

“Usually, at the end of the school year, PreK students celebrate the program’s culmination by taking a field trip to the library. They receive their library card, a blue library book bag to keep, tour the library, listen to a story, and check out books. It’s so exciting and meaningful. Supporting families in enhancing or establishing home-based literacy routines is the most important part of this program. The library is the cornerstone of that.” explained Amy Walstrum, the other program co-coordinator. “But COVID made us think differently about providing access to the program and to the library. Our current Kindergarteners missed out completely last year. We felt compelled to include them somehow in the program. I mentioned it at a Talbot Early Childhood Advisory Council (TECAC) meeting. Our Judy Centers jumped on the opportunity to provide the classic red bag rotation for our Kindergarten students in Easton and St. Michaels and local funds were prioritized for our three other schools. We more than doubled the number of families engaged in the program. We also expanded the program at Critchlow Adkins Childcare Centers to include two and three year-old’s! It was a very productive TECAC meeting.” The site coordinator of the St. Michaels Judy Center, Genevra Farrare adds, “Our kids and their families have missed out on so much. Stepping up to expand this literacy program is everything The Judy Center stands for. Partnering in this way is the least we can do to support our children and their families.”

For most of the year field trips were not allowed due to the pandemic, so Fox and Walstrum worked to bring the library celebration to the schools. Students rotated between three read-aloud stations including a “story stroll”, a snack, and blue bag presentations by the librarians. “It was so fun. The kids were so engaged. It was amazing to see them so happy about receiving their blue bags and library cards.” says Sue Tucker, a Kindergarten teacher at White Marsh Elementary.

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) staff processed over 400 Library cards! “We designed a specific bi-lingual library card application. 80% of our PreK and K students now have their very own library cards along with their very own blue library book bag,” says Fox. “It’s nothing short of amazing and speaks volumes to the dedication TCFL has to our young readers and their families.”

The program was a massive success due to the collaboration among many community partners; The Judy Centers of Easton and St. Michaels, University of Maryland Extension Office SNAP-Ed, Chapel District PTO, Tilghman Area Youth Association, The Talbot Family Network, and of course the Talbot County Free Library.

“We dedicated May as Blue Bag Month. Families started showing up at the library immediately after the first bash.” Says Laura Powell, the TCFL’s Children’s Librarian. “The children are so excited to complete the scavenger hunt, choose a prize, register for our summer reading program, and most importantly, check out books!”

A St. Michaels parent sums up the incredible impact of this program, “I knew how much my older son enjoyed Raise a Reader when he was in PreK, so I was thrilled to have Sadie experience it this year in Kindergarten. We love visiting the library as a family and she was so excited to receive her own library card. Her blue bag hangs proudly in our entryway at home!”

The Easton Middle School Chapter of The National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) held a ceremony to induct new members for the 2021-2022 school year.

NJHS recognizes outstanding middle school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) officially established NJHS in 1929, eight years after it founded National Honor Society for high school students.

Students who qualify must submit an application and essay, and are selected based on the five criteria.  Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through
active involvement in school activities and community service.

The current officers of the Easton Middle School Chapter of NJHS are Addison Eader, President; Samantha Townsend, Vice President; Lily Secrist, Secretary; My’A Johnson, Treasurer; Mary Claire O’Connor, Historian.  Mrs. Lindsay Matthews, Social Studies Teacher, serves as Advisor for the club.

The 2021-2022 inductees are as follows:

Fall Inductees

8^th Grade

Madelyn Abbatiello, Ella Ball, Kali Gregory, Megan Kirby, Miranda Stup, Gemma Vogel

Spring Inductees

8th Grade

Cayce Allen, Ali Bahar, Dustin Blue, Annalyn Crist, Jada Drummond, Eliot Hunter-Watts, Briana Ocampo-Serrano, Destiny Strawberry, Ryan Tate, Serenity Velez, Toren Willis

7th Grade

Claire Adelman, Paige Bodle, Miles Chaney, Hunter Colombo, Charlotte Cordeiro, Carolyn Crist, Sean Curry, Hannah Dahlen, Austin Eader, Caroline Fink, Corey Fisher, Emmett Fox, Finley Golden, Shiza Gondal, Cassidy Gwin, Samantha Haas, Ella Hines, Landon Hollingsworth, Jordan Horsey, Chandan Hosamani, KJ Howie, Christopher Jackson, Cruze Janes, Abigail Jobeck, Morgan Kelly, Maddie Knight, Alexander Knopp, Addison Knox, Nicholas Lesher, Oliver Lloyd, Paige Marion, Anthony Melendez-Martinez, Nergiz Mentese, Adeline Moore, Jonah Morris, Cole Murphy, Heaven Murray, Luke Myers, Charlotte Newman, Penelope Nowak, Alison Ocampo-Serrano, Riley Pedersen, Stella Petrichenko, Benjamin Phillips, Nicole Phillips, Brooklyn Pierce, Ryann Quicke, John Seymour, Kyleigh Simpkins, Daniel Smith, Gabby Smith, Maxwell Smith, Georgia Spies, Avery Stamerro, Annie Straczewski, Chloe Swartz, Elena Szwaja, Ava Thomas, Ava Timms, Sterling Washington, Jordyn Wilson-Colbert, Kylee Zajac

The Talbot County Board of Education approved several administrative appointments for the 2022-2023 school year at a special meeting held on May 31.

Ms. Kelly Murdoch

Ms. Kelly Murdoch will become Principal of Easton Middle School, as Dr. Jodi Colman has accepted a position out of the county.  Ms. Murdoch has served as Principal of Tilghman Elementary School since 2019. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and a Master of Arts in English (ESOL) from Salisbury University, and she is certified at the Administrator II level.  She began her career in education at Fort Worth Independent School district where she taught first grade.  She joined TCPS in 1999 as a teacher at White Marsh Elementary, where she remained until 2014.  She held the role of Administrative Intern at both White Marsh and Chapel District Elementary and was Assistant Principal at Easton Elementary.

Mr. Corey Devaric

Mr. Corey Devaric has been promoted to Principal of Tilghman Elementary School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from York College, a Master of Arts in School Leadership from Wilmington University, and is certified at the Administrator II level. After coming to Talbot County in 1998, Mr. Devarictaught multiple grades at Chapel District Elementary, Easton Elementary and White Marsh Elementary. He has served as an administrator at Easton Middle, Chapel District Elementary and Easton High.

Ms. Nicole Sherrod-Hill

Ms. Nicole Sherrod-Hill will replace Mr. Devaric as Assistant Principal of Easton High School. Ms. Sherrod-Hill earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Carlow University, a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Administration from McDaniel College, and holds a Maryland Advanced Professional License, Administrator II.  She has more than 15 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Maryland school districts, including teaching third grade at White Marsh Elementary. She gained leadership experience in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in Charlotte, North Carolina as a School Wide Academic Facilitator, Project Lead the Way Administrator, Instructional Coach and Grade Level Administrator.

Ms. Ashley Quicke

Ms. Ashley Quicke will assume the role of  Administrative Intern at Easton Middle School. Ms. Quicke has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education: Liberal Arts and Technology from Stevenson University, a Master of Science in Education: Mathematics K-6 from Walden University, and she is currently pursuing Administrative Certification.  She was an elementary classroom teacher and Dean of Students for Dorchester County Public Schools from 2006 – 2020. She joined the TCPS team as a 7^th grade mathematics teacher at Easton Middle for the 2020-2021 school year.

“These experienced leaders will have a tremendous impact on the learning environment, and overall school culture and community,” said Dr. Kelly Griffith, Superintendent of Schools.  “Their enthusiasm and commitment to our mission will be an asset in these essential leadership positions.”