Thursday, February 29, 2024

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

Board of Education approves $2.58 billion operating budget request for Fiscal Year 2025

The Board of Education voted on February 27 to approve a $2.58 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The Board’s budget request will now go to the Baltimore County Executive for review and consideration for his April budget proposal, followed by the County Council’s vote to adopt the budget in May.

The proposed budget request, which includes a modest increase of $42.3 million over the FY 2024 general fund budget, will allow BCPS to fast forward student achievement and ensure students are learning at high levels, have access to innovative programs, and receive comprehensive supports and services. More information is available in a BCPS news release. Additional information about the BCPS budget process is available on our Budget 101 webpage.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Pikesville High School students enjoy Negro League baseball exhibit

In celebration of Black History Month, The Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro League Baseball made a stop at Pikesville High School so students could learn about the history of the Negro Leagues.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Inspiring Wellness Awards - "The Best Decision I Ever Made"

Submitted by Patty Cook, Office of Payroll: "My story started in 2020 when Covid was at an all-time high, and I was feeling low. We were working from home; my daughter was learning virtually along with the majority of the world, and I was becoming depressed. The walls were closing in and I needed to make a change.

"I got a part-time job at Lowe's and decided that I was going to pay off my credit card debt. I wrote down all of my balances, researched the best budgeting method, and decided to do the avalanche method.

"Each check I received I rounded to the nearest dollar and paid that amount to my highest credit card balance. I continued doing this for 8 months, and in the end, my debt was paid off by simply working a second job to earn extra money and NOT doing debt consolidation. It was the best decision I ever made.

"Today, three and a half years later I am still credit card debt-free!"

The Employee Wellness Program invites employees to share their wellness success stories. Each month, the wellness team will choose one inspiring story to highlight, encouraging others to make the necessary changes to achieve lasting health and happiness. To submit your story, please email empwellness@bcps.org.

• PreK and Kindergarten registration resources

As registration for PreK and Kindergarten approaches, resources are available on the FACE SharePoint site to share with families. Additional resources are also available on Parent University. Questions? Contact Sue Hahn.

• 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

• Multilingual Family Engagement - Mobile ESOL Welcome Center

The Office of ESOL is excited to announce that the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center will be available by request for family engagement events. The Mobile ESOL Welcome Center can be used to host small parent events inside the bus (up to 10 people) or larger parent events outside the bus under the awning.

Please complete the online form if you would like to request the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Applications open for Little Free Library Read in Color grants

Schools can apply until Friday, March 15, to be one of 10 new Little Free Library Read in Color grant recipients from The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc. Selected recipients will be responsible for planting their Little Free Libraries and celebrating Read in Color by holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on or before June 14, and promoting receipt of the grant on their social media platforms. The Read in Color initiative aims to make more accessible books that celebrate diversity in all forms. Each grant recipient will receive one Little Free Library, a box of 25 diverse books, and an official Little Free Library charter number plaque. The charter number officially registers the library on the Little Free Library world map and enables others to find and visit the library. The Education Foundation will provide unlimited books to keep their Little Free Libraries stocked.

• Last Chance - Education Support Professional of the Year nominations

Education support professionals provide invaluable skills and contributions that support BCPS students and staff. The Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County Paraeducator and/or Office Professional of the Year Awards recognize the contributions made by education support professionals to their schools, communities, and their profession.

The job titles eligible for this recognition include, but are not limited to, health assistant, interpreter, office professional, paraeducator, or computer technician.

The nomination deadline is Friday, March 8. Please visit the ESPBC website for specific information.

Superintendent Dr. Rogers holds February 29 media availability

This morning, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability to provide updates on the Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget, review changes to transportation services for the 2024-2025 school year, share information on several upcoming events, and answer questions from members of the press. A recording of the event is available for viewing online.

BCPS to host Curriculum Nights and Community Conversations in March and April

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).

Haiku due Monday,

Will your student win this year?

Please remind poets!

The 2024 Team BCPS Haiku Contest will accept entries through 4:45 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post and in a BCPS news release.

BCPS students, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, are encouraged to enter. Students are asked to write works inspired by a piece of student artwork selected from among 10 pieces. Haiku must be submitted using an online form.

Your voice matters! Climate Survey open through March 8

The new 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.

How will your school/office recognize Women's History Month?

March is Women's History Month! If your school/office has special events, activities, or programs planned, please contact us at communications@bcps.org.

Things to Know About the February 27 Board of Education Meeting

1) The Board voted to approve a $2.58 billion Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget request. The Board’s budget request will now go to the Baltimore County Executive and Council for review and consideration.

2) The Board received an update on mathematics instruction and the ongoing implementation of the Bridges curriculum in BCPS.

3) The Board received a report on the central area elementary school capacity relief boundary recommendation. The Board will hold a public hearing on the boundary recommendation on March 6 at Loch Raven High School.

4) The Board approved one administrative appointment.

Thank you for following along with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter as we honored BCPS graduates in celebration of Black History Month!

In the past week, we have spotlighted:

• Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Owings Mills grad and award-winning theatre, television, and film actress

• Jamal Oakman, Towson grad and Master of Public Policy candidate, University of Maryland Fellows Program

• Iris Miller-Powell, Sparrows Point grad and author & playwright

• Chiamaka Nnah, Western Tech grad and founder & psychiatric nurse practitioner, Serenity Wellness Mental Health Center, LLC

• Dr. Donnette Deigh, Chesapeake grad and assistant professor for Alliant International University's online clinical counseling program

• Sephora Dikabou, Pikesville grad and senior child advocacy specialist, CASA of Travis County (Texas)

• Amyah Davis, Kenwood grad and biochemistry student at the University of Maryland

• Noah Cutwright, Lansdowne grad and award-winning cartoonist and director

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 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 for AFSCME employees has been changed to April 6, for the pay period of April 6-19, with a check date of 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 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 a statewide 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 HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Registration is officially open for College Fair 2024!

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 SPECIAL EDUCATION AND CTE TEACHERS

Consulting Teacher employment opportunity for special education and career and technical education teachers

Special education and career and technical education teachers who aspire to become consulting teachers in the Peer Assistance and Review Program are encouraged to apply for the Consulting Teacher Candidate Pool. Both job postings are open through Sunday, March 17, to be considered for the April interview process. 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 and will take place throughout February and March: ​​​​​

Making "Affective Statements" More Effective in Restorative Practices (Virtual)

February 21, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Restorative Circles 101 (Virtual)

February 22, from 9 – 10 a.m.

Restorative Practices Days 1 and 2: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively (2 full days- In person)

February 29 and March 1, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Greenwood, Building E, Room 114

Restorative Practices Refresher for Educators (Asynchronous)

March 6, from 5 - 7 p.m.

Restorative Circles 101 (Virtual)

March 13, 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 April and May. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Transportation will be provided from every high school. More information is available on the BCPS website.

Upcoming Board and advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) meeting

Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Upcoming SECAC leadership transition”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, March 5, 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. 

Board Public Hearing for the Central Elementary School Boundary Study 

Wednesday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. 

Loch Raven High School auditorium, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

More information can be found on the Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study webpage.

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Speaker: Anthony Vargas, director, Advanced Academics and Gifted/Talented Programs, Maryland State Department of Education

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Erin Kempa, Middle School Resource Teacher, Meadowood Education Center

Submitted by Shanee Monroe-Rice, Reading Teacher, Meadowood Education Center

"Erin goes above and beyond for the students and staff at Meadowood. She is always there to step in and help when needed. She helps teachers and prepares lessons for them, too.

"Erin is in graduate school, working on another degree, while being an active soccer mom and mother of three. She does it all with a smile. She assists with testing and behavior at our school and whatever else she is asked. She manages to push through personal challenges and make it all look easy. Hats off to Erin Kempa!"

Meredith Adams, Speech Language Pathology Team Leader, Mays Chapel Elementary School, Related Services Team

Submitted by Karen Waganer, Speech Language Pathologist, Prettyboy Elementary School

"Meredith is an amazing speech language pathology team leader. Although her position has changed a bit this year, over the past few years she has been an excellent team leader. She is also a true collaborator on challenging cases.

"Meredith is always willing to listen to what the provider is seeing daily in the therapy room and classroom and consider what the data says as she helps collaborate on the best evidence-based practice to support the child. She truly cares about the students and their needs as well as the speech language pathology team. When I am collaborating with her, I feel seen, appreciated, and more confident in my abilities as a provider. I commend Meredith for her support to speech language pathologists and appreciate all she does for children. BCPS is lucky to have her."

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 - March 3-9

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