Friday, April 19, 2024

Previous editions of the BCPS Staff Bulletin are archived and available for viewing on the BCPS website.

Announcing the BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Team BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year, who were named at yesterday evening's Champions for Children Celebration. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Gerhold, ESOL Teacher, Woodlawn Middle School

Principal of the Year: Melissa Lingenfelder, Sandalwood Elementary School

Assistant Principal of the Year: Dorian Barnes, Deer Park Middle Magnet School

A variety of additional Champions for Children were also recognized during the event:

Rising Star Teacher of the Year: Meaghan Doyle, Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, Glenmar Elementary School

Supervisory Leader of the Year: MiVida Parham, technical programs supervisor, Office of Career and Technical Education

Supporting Services Employee of the Year: Ceaira Isaac, paraeducator, Meadowood Education Center

Community School Facilitator of the Year: Courtney Warlick, Battle Grove Elementary School

Transportation Champion: Terrilyn Millen, bus driver, Rosedale Bus Lot

AFSCME Employee of the Year: Thelma Thomas, custodial trainer, Department of Facilities Management and Strategic Planning

Volunteer Champion: Karen Nelson, Milbrook Elementary

Business Partner Champion: Eric Church, CEO, First Financial Federal Credit Union

FEATURED VIDEO:

Milford Mill senior shares Starlab artwork with Johnnycake Elementary students

In early March, Milford Mill Academy senior Damone Upchurch traveled from his high school to nearby Johnnycake Elementary School. The occasion? A presentation to students about the artwork he created to accompany the school system’s Starlab curriculum. Learn more in a BCPS blog post.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Highlights from the Superintendent's April 16 press conference

Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability on Tuesday to discuss the FY2025 operating budget, BCPS' graduation rate, the 2024 Summer Food Service Program, safety and security, and share information on upcoming events. More information is available in a BCPS community message.

• Professional development day on Friday, May 17

May 17 is an asynchronous learning day for all students and a systemwide professional development day for teachers and school staff. Schools and offices will close 3 hours early.

Professional development will be systemic content and additional information will be forthcoming about topics, format, and locations. Teachers in high-needs schools and special educators are not required to participate in planned professional learning. Any professional learning offered in a virtual format will be recorded for later use.

• Application open for BCPS online learning program

The application for the 2024-2025 BCPS Online Learning Program is now available on the Department of Academic Programs and Options (DAPO) website. Applications must be submitted by 1 p.m. on May 3, 2024. Students must be entering Grades 4-12 in the 24-25 school year. Current Virtual Learning Program students do NOT need to re-apply. Enrollment in the BCPS Online Learning Program is limited to students eligible for enrollment in BCPS as defined in Board of Education Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 5150. All applicants are selected for placement through a centralized random lottery process. More information, including a brochure, can be found on the DAPO website.

• Professional learning participation form

The Professional Learning Participation Form survey is to be completed by all teachers and instructional staff by April 30. The survey is intended for all teachers as well as school-based administrators and instructional staff to provide BCPS leadership with information on grade-level engagement in professional learning opportunities for required registration courses, as well as how professional development opportunities are aligned with teaching and learning. School principals will schedule time for teachers and instructional staff to participate in the survey, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete. The survey results provide important information to support our priority areas of mathematics, literacy, ESOL, and special education. Questions? Contact Kevin Connelly.

• Baltimore Music Educators Wind Symphony concert benefitting Kids Helping Hopkins - April 27

The BCPS community is invited to join us at Carver Center at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. The concert is free to the public and any donations collected directly benefit Kids Helping Hopkins.

This year marks the 21st year of the Baltimore Music Educators Wind Symphony and partnership with Kids Helping Hopkins. The ensemble consists of current and retired BCPS educators and community members and is conducted by Dr. Shane Jensen, BCPS music education specialist, and Dr. Brian Schneckenburger, BCPS music education supervisor.

The performance will feature works by Ticheli, Standridge, Barnett, Sousa, and others, including two composers with strong BCPS ties. The ensemble will perform "Contraption" by Catonsville graduate and published composer, Adrian Sims. Additionally, the ensemble will premiere a new work for band by Woodlawn High School student Sean Marshall.

• Materials Review

Any BCPS staff member, student, parent/guardian may provide feedback concerning proposed books, curricula, and materials for student use in English language arts and English for Speakers of Other Languages by completing the Citizens Review of Instructional Materials.

• University Partnerships Fair to take place on April 29

The Department of Teacher Development is hosting a BCPS University Partnerships Fair on Monday, April 29, from 4-6 p.m. at Cockeysville Middle School.

BCPS works with local universities to provide tuition reimbursement and additional support at the undergraduate and graduate levels for individuals seeking teacher certification, continuing professional development, or pursuing career advancement opportunities. During this event, local universities will share higher education options.

Interested participants should register for the information sessions by completing an online form. A session agenda is included for your review. Please note that advanced sign-up for sessions is required and space is limited. Questions? Contact Charlene DiMino.

• Aspire BCPS 2024-2025 - Apply by May 1

The Department of Employee Training and Development is seeking participants for the ASPIRE BCPS program for the 2024-2025 school year. ASPIRE BCPS provides a variety of professional development experiences that build the personal and professional skills, abilities, and leadership capacity of staff members seeking growth, change, or career advancement within BCPS. Participation in ASPIRE BCPS is open to non-represented staff and staff members represented by AFSCME, ESPBC, and OPE.

Administrative Professionals Week - April 22-26

In recognition of Administrative Professionals Week, please join us in thanking and celebrating our hardworking administrative professionals for their diligence and dedication to Team BCPS. Don't forget, Wednesday, April 25, is Administrative Professionals Day!

Lansdowne Middle celebrates opening of new STEM Center made possible by Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Exelon, BGE

On April 11, we celebrated the opening of Lansdowne Middle School’s new STEM Center! The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Exelon, and BGE selected Lansdowne Middle for the initiative, bringing new equipment and resources to the school to create interactive STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) opportunities for students. Baltimore’s "Iron Man" Cal Ripken Jr. was on site to commemorate the occasion and honor the legacy of his father. Photos from the event are available in a BCPS Flickr album.

Students, parents, caregivers, and stakeholders invited to explore BCPS curriculum at April 30 event

On Tuesday, April 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. BCPS students, families, and stakeholders are invited to join us at Dulaney High School for Curriculum Night! This is a great opportunity to connect with elementary and secondary content area experts and discover more about what students are learning.

Registration open for BCPSfest vendors

Registration is now open for offices/departments and organizations to participate in BCPSfest 2024, the school system's annual back-to-school festival. The event will be held at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (938 York Road, Towson 21204) on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Saturday, Aug. 24, is the tentative rain date.)

If your office, department, or organization is interested in participating, please complete the online registration form and submit it by Friday, May 10. If you have any questions about the event or this form, please contact Diana Spencer or Jill Stephenson.

BCPS celebrates the Class of 2024 with graduating senior profiles

We are celebrating our 2024 graduating seniors by presenting a profile of one student from each high school, selected by the school principals.

In the past week, the series has recognized:

• Evan Wasser, Catonsville High School

• Kevin Ramos Perez, Sparrows Point High School

• Desiree Miranda Dardon, Franklin High School

• Christopher Kelly, Hereford High School

• Samuel Thornton, Kenwood High School

Follow along on Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram, and stay tuned for more!

Things to Know About the April 16 Board of Education Meeting

1) Superintendent Rogers provided updates on the FY 2025 operating budget, recruitment and staffing, college and career readiness, and safety and climate.

2) The Board voted to approve Bilingual Global Citizens Public Charter School’s application. The Board denied Puzzle Pieces Learning Academy Public Charter School’s application. Bilingual Global Citizens Public Charter School will open in the fall of 2025.

3) The Board received a report on the inclement weather plan for 2024-2025.

4) The Board received an update on the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future in BCPS.

5) The Board received a report on social studies and science curriculum.

6) The Board of Education approved 26 administrative appointments.

Summer food service program begins June 20

Food and Nutrition Services will offer summer meals starting on Thursday, June 20. There will be several ways to access meals, so please visit the BCPS Food and Nutrition website to learn more and share this flyer throughout the community.

We are seeking summer programs to register as program sites, and we are seeking suggested community (public) meal service sites. Please note, there is no need to register summer school programs, only for additional summer programs. If you have any questions, please contact 443-809-7855 or SFSP@bcps.org.

It's time for Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten registration!

Please help us spread the word!

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Schools and offices are invited to send brief highlights and photos of their partnerships with businesses and community organizations to communications@bcps.org. This information might be featured in the monthly BCPS Partnership Spotlight Newsletter.

FOR EDUCATORS

BCPS educators encouraged to complete the Maryland School Survey

The Maryland School Survey is an annual survey administered by the Maryland State Department of Education that collects information about relationships, engagement, the school environment, and safety. Information from this survey is reported on MD Report Card and contributes to a school’s Star Rating as part of the School Quality and Student Success ESSA Indicator.

Who takes the Maryland School Survey?

All students in Grades 5–11 and all educators are invited to take the Maryland School Survey in the spring of each year. For 2023–2024, the Maryland School Survey opened on February 20, 2024, and will close on Friday, April 19, 2024.

FOR EDUCATORS

Teacher Leader University

Are you a teacher or teacher leader interested in developing leadership skills that will help you grow professionally and personally? Then Teacher Leader University is for you! The Office of Teacher Leadership is offering asynchronous Teacher Leader University (TLU) CPD courses in summer 2024. Registration for the TLU CPD courses will be available in the BCPS Registration System beginning Friday, May 3. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR 10-MONTH TABCO-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

2024-2025 Extended Pay Option Program

BCPS will continue to provide 10-month TABCO represented employees the Extended Pay Option Program to spread their pay over 12 months during the 2024-2025 school year. Your current participation in the Extended Pay Option Program will automatically roll over for the 2024-2025 school year. Therefore, no action is necessary if you wish to continue your current participation or non-participation.

Please submit the 2024-2025 Payroll Election Form, if:

• You are not currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but would like to participate for the 2024-2025 school year.

OR

• You are currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but do not wish to participate for the 2024-2025 school year.

The enrollment/change period is April 2 to May 3. A memorandum and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the details of the Extended Pay Option Program can be found on the payroll website at "12 Month Pay Program."

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Payroll staff at 443-809-4240 or twelvemonthpay@bcps.org.

Upcoming Board and advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m.

Deep Creek Middle School library, 1000 S. Marlyn Ave., Baltimore 21221

Topic: “Gangs and Gang-Related Activities”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m.

BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, Building E, 6901 N. Charles St., Towson 21204

Information about attending and making public comments at meetings can be found on the Board’s website.

Community meeting about Towson High School capital improvement project

Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m.      

Towson High School, auditorium, 69 Cedar Ave., Towson 21286

The design team working on the Towson High School capital improvement project will provide updates on the project design and overall schedule. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity for Q&A.  

PTA General Meeting, Council Elections

Thursday, April 25

Meeting details

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Jill Stephenson, Program Assistant, Department of Communications and Community Outreach

Submitted by Diana Spencer, Communications Officer, Department of Communications and Community Outreach

"Jill is the quiet force behind so many of the Department of Communications and Community Outreach projects and accomplishments. As the department's program assistant, Jill supports special events such as the Champions for Children Celebration and BCPSfest, co-coordinates the annual haiku contest, manages translation services for the school system, issues news releases, and much more. We can depend on her to always be a calm voice of reason, to find more efficient ways to get things done, and to be an enthusiastic collaborator. She is an excellent researcher, editor, and organizer. But most of all, Jill is a positive, generous spirit who is a joy to work with."

You may submit a shoutout for a variety of reasons. For example, you may want to offer a pat on the back to a colleague for helping out, recognize a staff member or student achievement, or welcome a new employee. When your shoutout appears in The Staff Bulletin, your name and school/location will be included.

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

National Occupational Therapy Month - April

School Library Month - April

World Autism Month - April

International Haiku Day - April 17

Administrative Professionals Week - April 22 - 26

Earth Day - April 22

Administrative Professionals Day - April 24

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May

Better Speech & Hearing Month - May

National Physical Education and Sports Week - May 1 - 7

BCPS College & Career Decision Day - May 1

National Principals Day - May 1

School Lunch Hero Day - May 3

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - May 5 - 11

Teacher Appreciation Week - May 6 - 10

Teacher Appreciation Day - May 7

National Nurses Week - May 6 - 12

National Nurses Day - May 6

School Nurse Day - May 8

Pupil Personnel Worker Week - May 13 - 17

Memorial Day - May 27

BCPS Salute to Custodians, Groundskeepers, Maintenance Personnel & Logistics Personnel - May 31

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org