Students head back to school in Talbot County

EASTON — Easton Elementary School was lit up with colorful backpacks and beaming smiles as students returned to campus Monday morning, ready for a new school year.

Teachers were welcoming the students back from summer break, as was principal Lisa Devaric, who greeted students as they streamed in.

"We have been preparing for this day for weeks," Devaric said, "actually since the last day of school. What goes into class lists, and transportation and cleaning the building, new teachers. I am proud to say that we are fully staffed, all certified positions. There are 189 people on staff."

She added enthusiasm to the effort.

"I am so excited and energized. This is why we do what we do to see these sweet little faces coming through our building every day. It is a happy day," Devaric said.

Superintendent of Talbot County Schools Sharon Pepukayi had a welcome sign and was waving to families as they arrived.

"Our theme this year is transforming and performing together. After two years, going into my third, we realized we are better together," Pepukayi said, referring to the amount of time she has served as superintendent.

Getting ready does not start on the first day of school, she said.

"We have been working hard this summer with a lot of professional development we put it in place based on feedback we have received from staff but also internal data," Pepukayi said.

These efforts included training and preparations to accommodate multilingual learners.

"The school district is not an isolated entity. The whole community comes together for our families. I want the kids to walk in feeling confident, walking in with a sense of belonging, that they can use their voice to ask for what they need instead of being afraid," she said.

Amy Dodson, the Talbot County Board of Education School Board member for District 3, dropped off her three kids at Easton Elementary Monday morning.

"As a mom you are always a little anxious the first day, but they are in great hands," she said. "The took off. They are going to do great."

This article has been updated to correct a name spelling.