Thursday, March 7, 2024

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

BCPS Curriculum Nights and Community Conversations begin next week

Team BCPS students, families, and stakeholders are invited to participate in upcoming community meetings.

Curriculum Nights will provide opportunities to learn more about BCPS curriculum and system efforts to improve instruction in a variety of key content areas.

• Tuesday, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m. at Woodlawn High School (Livestream)

• Tuesday, April 30, 6-7:30 p.m. at Dulaney High School

At Community Conversations, Superintendent Dr. Rogers will share information about BCPS priorities, hear from community members, and answer questions.

• Thursday, March 14, 6-7 p.m. at Owings Mills High School

• Wednesday, April 3, 6-7 p.m. at Eastern Technical High School (Livestream)

• Wednesday, April 10, 6-7 p.m. at Loch Raven Technical Academy

Spanish interpretation will be available at all sessions. Interpreting services for other languages upon request (443-809-1250).

FEATURED VIDEO:

BCPS, local leaders, join Red House Run Elementary community to officially cut ribbon for new building

BCPS-TV was on the scene last week as we celebrated the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new replacement Red House Run Elementary School, which opened to students in January. The $66.2 million project expands the school’s state-rated capacity from 486 seats to 775. Photos from the event are available in a BCPS Flickr album.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Upcoming solar eclipse and eye protection

On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

While Maryland will not fall under the direct path of the eclipse, the state will experience a partial solar eclipse beginning at approximately 2:05 p.m. and peaking around 3:20 p.m.

If you are interested in having students observe the partial solar eclipse, a limited number of eye protection glasses, called Eclipse Shades, can be found in the Grade 1 “X Marks the Spot” kits. Prior to using the Eclipse Shades, it is critical that instructions and warnings are read and followed. After use, the Eclipse Shades must be returned to the “X Marks the Spot” kit as they are a crucial piece of equipment for the unit. Eclipse Shades are SAFE FOR DIRECT SOLAR VIEWING.

• School-based summer employment application information

The BCPS school-based and central-based summer program employee interest form will be available on the All-Apps portal of Microsoft 365 through Friday, April 19.

Employees should review both the Summer Program School Pairings document and the Summer Staff & Program Information prior to submitting their interest form. Both documents can also be accessed directly from the FY 24 summer program interest form. Questions regarding this information should be directed to summerschool@bcps.org.

• Service-Learning Recognition deadline

Each year, the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) issues recognition materials to schools for students in Grades 8 and 12 who have achieved high levels of service-learning engagement.

• Middle schools will receive certificates for their top five Grade 8 students who have achieved 75+ independent service-learning hours.
• High schools will receive certificates and cords for their top ten Grade 12 students who have achieved 150+ independent service-learning hours.

Please have hours entered by COB Wednesday, April 10. Hours entered after this date will not be considered for recognition as the office needs time to process and mail recognition packets. FACE will provide the student service-learning hours coordinators with the names of students who are receiving recognition shortly after the deadline. These updates and more are being shared within the Service-Learning Coordinator Schoology group (XD28-9MDJ-RVNGK). Principals should confirm that service-learning coordinators have access to FOCUS via Staff Access Management and are members the Schoology group to receive the latest updates. Questions regarding this information should be directed to Stacey Wade at 443-809-4496.

• School Resource Officer of the Year nominations open through Friday, April 19

In collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department, BCPS will recognize outstanding school resource officers at each level (elementary, middle, and high) for the 2023-2024 school year. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, April 19. Please email the SRO of the Year Nomination 2023-2024 form to Sergeant Eric Knox, or mail to 9600 Pulaski Park Dr., Suite 118, Baltimore 21220.

Questions? Contact Monica Jones.

• MSDE to adopt new kindergarten assessment for school readiness

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will move away from the current Kindergarten Readiness Assessment after results from an independent analysis indicated potential bias in the current assessment against bilingual or multilingual learners. More information is available in an online news release.

• School counseling award nominations open through March 11

The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development invites BCPS employees, parents, and students to nominate school counselors and school counseling advocates for recognition through the association’s annual awards program. All nominations are due by Monday, March 11.

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

• Rookie School Counselor of the Year (less than five years experience)

• School Counselor of the Year (at least five years experience)

• School Counseling Advocate of the Year

Celebrating our amazing Team BCPS school social workers

To celebrate National School Social Work Week, March 3-9, BCPS presents brief profiles of five of its many talented and dedicated school social workers! Please take a moment to thank our amazing Team BCPS social workers for everything they do.

Mind Over Matters event set for Saturday, March 9, at Carver Center

Students, parents, and caregivers are invited to join us at Carver Center from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 for our Mental Health Matters Month Kick Off Event. The event will include student performances, a keynote speaker, and breakout sessions. There will also be vendors, free promotional items, giveaways, face-painting, and more! Transportation will be provided from every high school.

March 8 is International Women's Day

We celebrate the brilliant, inspiring women of Team BCPS who make a tremendous impact every day as educators, staff, and students. Let's continue to empower, uplift, and support each other in our pursuit of knowledge and progress.

ICYMI: Forward with Oracle ERP update

We are pleased to provide an update on the Oracle Cloud ERP human resources and fiscal services implementation project. This is a significant project for our school system that will elevate our systems, streamline processes, and enhance overall efficiency. More information about the project is available in a March 4 staff message.

BCPS, Loyola University launch new Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program (BTAP) is a one-year teacher preparation program that provides apprentices with training with a cohort of peers and guidance from experienced teacher mentors. Apprentices will complete graduate coursework to earn a master’s degree in education or special education. While working toward certification, apprentices will be assigned as BCPS Teacher Fellows and maintain active employment, compensation, and benefits. Participants will receive structured training and support throughout the program as well as beyond graduation.

Last chance: Climate Survey open through Friday, March 8

The 2024 BCPS Climate Survey has fewer questions and questions are focused on school climate and engagement. The survey is open to students in Grades 3–12, parents/caregivers, community members, and all staff.

Questions? Contact Dr. Christine Koth.

Things to know about the March 5 Board of Education meeting

1) Dr. Rogers provided an update on elementary literacy achievement, shared information on PreKindergarten expansion efforts and the 2024 summer programs plan,and highlighted upcoming system events.

2) The Board approved new attendance zones for six BCPS elementary schools in the northwest area. The updated boundary zones will go into effect in fall 2024.

3) The Board received a report on the new special education strategic plan. The plan identifies new priorities and performance measures that will transform the way BCPS provides special education services and ensure that students and families have a range of comprehensive supports and resources for growth and achievement.

4) The Board approved one administrative appointment.

Spread the word! Registration has begun for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten. More information is available on the BCPS Parents webpage.

Resources are available on the FACE SharePoint site to share with families. Additional resources are also available on Parent University. Questions? Contact Sue Hahn.

In honor of Women's History Month, BCPS will present a series of profiles of BCPS alumna succeeding in their professions and making a difference in their communities. First up is Dana (Poist) Sicko, a Dulaney High School graduate and founder of Gundalow Designs & Gourmet.

Save the Date: Third annual Let's Play Ball! event set for Saturday, June 1

More information about this year's event is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

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 HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

High school principals asked to nominate graduating seniors for profile series

Each year, each BCPS high school principal is asked to identify one graduating senior to be featured in a series of blog posts from April through May. The student can be a high-achiever or star athlete, but the Department of Communications and Community Outreach is also interested in unsung heroes and students with unique interests and stories.

For high schools that are not separate public day schools, the school is asked to complete an online form, and to share a link with the selected student so they can complete additional questions. Separate public day schools that would like to celebrate a graduating senior should complete a form answering questions about the student.

The deadline for all information is 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 15. Please direct any questions or concerns to Diana Spencer.

FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND FRONT OFFICE STAFF

Preschool, PreKindergarten, and Kindergarten roundup dates

To encourage families to enroll students, BCPS requires that all elementary schools host a PreKindergarten and Kindergarten roundup. Roundups are an opportunity for families to enroll children for the 2024-2025 school year.

Schools should schedule their roundup events in mid-April and May. Schools are required to place their roundup event dates in FOCUS. School administrators should collaborate with front office staff and use the link to access instructions on how to input the roundup dates in FOCUS. Please complete the form no later than Monday, March 18.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR ASPIRING SCHOOL-BASED LEADERS

Leadership information sessions

The Department of Organizational Development and Leadership is hosting a networking event for BCPS staff interested in learning about leadership opportunities in our system. Those who aspire to school-based leadership positions are invited to learn about leadership development programs, prerequisites, and pathways to achieving their goals.

• Option 1: Wednesday, April 3, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Rossville Elementary School

• Option 2: Thursday, April 11, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Lyons Mill Elementary School

• Option 3: April 22, 4:30 – 6 p.m., George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

During this event participants will explore Team BCPS growth opportunities in alignment with the Superintendent’s theme of Engage, Empower, Excel and the 4 Priorities. The primary focus will be on Priority 4: Highly Effective Teachers, Leaders, and Staff - Refining efforts to recruit and retain a highly-effective and diverse teacher, support staff, and leadership workforce.

Interested participants must register for the workshop by Monday, March 18, by completing this form. The session agenda is also available for review. Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot. Questions? Contact Heather Lageman, Executive Director.

FOR AFSCME-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

New UKG Ready Time and Attendance System "go live" date changed to April 6

The UKG Ready Time and Attendance System go live date for AFSCME employees has been changed to Saturday, April 6, for the pay period of April 6-19, with a check date of Friday, May 3. At this time, employees should continue to swipe in and out each day and submit time off request forms using the UKG Ready Time and Attendance System clock or a BCPS issued device. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

BCPS/CCBC College Fair 2024 to take place next week: attendees encouraged to register online

Co-hosted by BCPS and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), this free event connects BCPS students with a wide range of colleges and universities from across the country.

Details:

Tuesday, March 12, from 6-8 p.m.

CCBC Catonsville

Wellness Center – Parking lot 5

800 S Rolling Rd., Catonsville 21228

Wednesday, March 13, from 6-8 p.m.

CCBC Essex

Wellness Center – Parking lot 3

7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore 21237

Online registration is open now.

FOR GRADE 4 TEACHERS

Maryland Municipal League "If I Were Mayor, I Would..." Writing Contest

Each year, the Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Mayors' Association invite Grade 4 students throughout Maryland to participate in an essay contest: "If I Were Mayor, I Would..." This year's contest theme is "Inspiring Leadership in Your City/Town/Community.”

Each teacher must submit a digital entry form with all essays combined into a single file before Friday, March 8. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR EDUCATORS

Upcoming Restorative Practices training and workshops

The following Restorative Practices trainings and workshops are available for registration: ​​​​​

Restorative Circles 101 (Virtual)

Wednesday, March 13, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Planning for Community Circles (1 Hour - Virtual)

Wednesday, April 17, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Stipends are available for eligible employees who attend outside of their regular work hours. Additional opportunities are available in May. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Upcoming Board and advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Joint meeting of Central and Northwest area education advisory councils

Monday, March 11, at 6 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “New Superintendent, New Organizational Structure – Where are we now?”

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, March 11, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Risk Management”

PTA Council of Baltimore County Reflections Awards Ceremony

Sunday, March 17, from 2-4 p.m.

Event details

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, March 18, at 7 p.m.

Sandy Plains Elementary School library, 8330 Kavanagh Rd., Dundalk 21222

Topic: “Food & Nutrition”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, March 19, 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. 

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Deborah Giangrandi of Woodlawn Middle School named

Maryland School Nurse of the Year

Maryland School Nurse of the Year

On Monday, March 4, Deborah Giangrandi received a troop of unexpected visitors to her health office at Woodlawn Middle School. Representatives of the Baltimore County Public Schools Office of Health Services and school administrators surprised her with the news that she has been named Maryland School Nurse of the Year.

“I nominated Ms. Giangrandi not only because I observed her energy, passion, and caring nature as a nurse, but also because I witnessed firsthand her vast knowledge and problem-solving skills,” said Robert Mehl, supervisor of the BCPS Office of Health Services. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Edwin Pérez, Spanish Teacher at Parkville High School, to receive 2024 Latinx Educator of the Year award from Latinx Education Collaborative

Edwin Pérez, a Spanish teacher at Parkville High School, will be honored as the 2024 Latinx Educator of the Year by the Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC). The award will be presented during the Latinx Educator Awards Reception to be held on Friday, March 8, in Kansas City, Mo.

Pérez said, "Thank you, LEC, for creating this opportunity to highlight and honor Latinx educators for their advocacy work both in and outside the classroom. To my students, family, friends, colleagues, and community partners, I can’t thank you all enough for all the to me you’ve invested to help me grow as a person and educator. I feel extremely lucky to be able to learn from all of you. I appreciate all that you have done for me.” More information is available in a BCPS news release.

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.

Our new friends at Bikram Yoga Works are offering all BCPS staff 10 classes for $10*. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, they are also offering all BCPS staff 50% off a single studio membership with BYW-Baltimore Studio (after redeeming the 10 for $10 pass). The promo code to redeem the special pricing is: NEWYEAR2024.

*The offer is a long-standing promotion exclusively for Baltimore County Public Schools.

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

Women's History Month - March

National Athletic Training Month - March

Music in Our Schools Month - March

Youth Art Month - March

Middle Level Education Month - March

National School Social Work Week - Through March 9

International Women's Day - March 8

Maryland Day - March 25

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org