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News from Baltimore County Public Schools
An AVID celebration: Students, staff, supporters gather for recognition of program completion
When students elect to participate in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, they are making a significant commitment. 
 
AVID is designed to accelerate academic progress and prepare students for success in college.
 
So we were thrilled to celebrate 514 seniors from 22 BCPS high schools for completing the AVID program May 17 at Morgan State University. Many proud principals, teachers, and supporters shared photos from the event. You can see of them in our Deliberate Excellence recap. 
 
Following their passions: Students share projects at Independent Research Symposium 
One by one, high school students shared projects they had been working for months as part of the 5th annual BCPS Student Independent Research Symposium at Pikesville High. 
 
We observed presentations by four students inside the Pikesville HIgh Maker Lab. Learn more about Pikesville High's Munisa Makhmudova, Randallstown High's Jordan Davis, Western School of Technology's Aidan Shipperley, and Parkville High's Annalea Cascio in our blog post. 
Video of the Week: The Mystery of the Phone Booth at Rodgers Forge Elementary
For this week's video, we have a special treat.

Helping BCPS-TV with the recap of this successful musical performance at Rodgers Forge Elementary is Nova, a Grade 2 student, who serves as reporter for the event. She asked excellent questions! 

Rodgers Forge Musical,
Rodgers Forge Musical, "The Mystery of the Phone Booth"
Mission Moment
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools
At our recent Celebrating Excellence breakfast, we recognized so many people as ambassadors to The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools. 

This year's Meritorious Service Award went to our friends at BCPS-TV, who are always there to help us chronicle what is happening with the foundation.

This year's Innovation in Education Award went to the BCPS Department of Innovative Learning and the BCPS Office of Transportation for their efforts making the Mobile Innovation Lab a reality. 

In our latest blog post, we share more details about these awards. 
Parenting Tip of the Week: 

Summer will be here before you know it, so check out student learning opportunities 
What are students doing this summer? Well, with just a few weeks remaining in the 2016-17 school year, it's time to consider the many options available for summer learning. 
 
Among them: The Construction Technology Academy, happening July 5-28 at Perry Hall High School. This equal opportunity pilot program is for 15 students entering Grades 11 and 12 and recent BCPS high school graduates. All applications are due no later than Friday, May 26. Contact Michelle Butt at 443-742-6125 for more details about the program. 

We have more options for you via BCPS Parent University online. Be sure to check them out! 
Photo of the Week -- from Oregon Ridge Lodge
Four student leaders were sworn in for their elected roles in 2017-18 with the Baltimore County Student Councils Friday at Oregon Ridge Lodge. They are (from left): Samantha Warfel (2nd Vice President), Noureen Badwi (Public Relations Director), Angela Qian (1st Vice President), and Jake Turner (President). 
Correspond- DANCE
A weekly memo from the superintendent

In case you missed it, almost 200 of our middle and high school students earned national ranking on this year's French, Japanese, and Spanish tests, including eight gold medal winners. World language acquisition is key to global competitiveness, and I'm so proud of our students and teachers for this accomplishment.

I was honored to give greetings at the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) celebration, which honored 514 seniors representing 22 high schools who completed the program.
 
Last week, a packed house gave input at the public hearing on the Victory Villa Elementary School boundary study . The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the boundary at its meeting on Tuesday, June 13.
 
Continuing our year-round budget cycle , I presented the 2017-2018 operating budget to the Baltimore County Council last week. They are scheduled to vote on the budget this week.
 
Public input into our decisions is so critical. This Wednesday, the Board of Education will hold a public hearing about the capital budget for the 2018-2019 school year. 

Take care,
Dr. Dance
Happening This Week...

05/23     Board of Education of Baltimore County meeting at Greenwood 
05/23     Primary Arts night at Chatsworth School 
05/24     FY 2019 capital budget public hearing at Greenwood
05/25     Parent Expo at Baltimore County Public Library -- Essex branch
05/25     Juried Art Exhibition at Goucher College
 
Visit here to learn more about these and many other events this week.

  
  

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