BCPS Staff Bulletin -- Padonia International Elementary teacher Jaime Harpster recognized as Ravens Touchdown for Teachers award recipient

Thursday, May 16, 2024

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

Padonia International Elementary teacher Jaime Harpster recognized as Ravens Touchdown for Teachers award recipient

On Tuesday, May 13, Jaime Harpster, a Grade 4 teacher at Padonia International Elementary School, received a star-studded surprise led by Baltimore Ravens mascot Poe and outside linebacker Odafe Oweh! As the 2024 Touchdown for Teachers award recipient, Harpster received a $5,000 grant for the school and a custom "Harpster" Ravens jersey! Photos from the event are available in a BCPS Flickr album.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Spring Equity Symposium

The Department of Equity & Cultural Proficiency presented its 2024 Spring Symposium on April 17 at the Loyola Graduate Center.

This conference-style event was designated for school and central office equity liaisons to engage in professional learning to understand their roles and responsibilities as collaborative partners and leaders in their workspaces.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• May 17 Asynchronous Half-Day

Friday, May 17, is an asynchronous half-day for students and a systemwide professional learning half-day for teachers. A clarification document has been developed to provide additional information regarding expectations for instruction and detailing support from Curriculum and Instruction. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post. Questions? Contact Megan Shay.

• Just FOIA - Maryland Public Information Act Software Target Launch Date - July 1

The Office of Law will be launching JustFOIA, a new Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) request management software system. The target launch date is July 1.

What is new?

The public will be able to make requests through the JustFOIA portal.
Staff members will receive an email directly from JustFOIA, including reminders when action is required.
Staff will have access to their specific requests and be able to review the request’s details.
Staff will be able to upload responsive records directly into the JustFOIA software.
All internal communication for each MPIA request will be found in JustFOIA.

The law office will share more information about the software system and upcoming training opportunities soon.

• Decommissioned Software for the 2024-25 School Year

The digital tools and databases included in a BCPS News Hub post will be decommissioned for the 2024-25 school year. Recommendations for alternative BCPS-approved tools and linked support resources are also included in this document.

• Online Learning Program

As has been shared, eLearning and VLP will be combined into the BCPS Online Learning Program for SY 2024-25 and has accepted applications for a limited number of seats that will be offered based on a random lottery process. Since the lottery is available to any Baltimore County resident in Grades 4-12, it is unlikely that any school will have a significant number of students transfer into the program.

Lottery results will be released to families on Friday, May 24. It has been shared with applicants that students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504, who have been offered a seat, will need to have a team at their home school discuss how the student’s needs can best be met in a full-time virtual environment. A staff member from the Online Learning Program must be invited to participate in the team.

• End-of-Year Employee Evaluation Guidance Documents and Training

End-of-year guidance documents have been created to assist supervisors and employees with the end-of-year evaluation process. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

The Department of Employee Training and Development is partnering with the Department of Staff Relations to offer Employee Evaluation Training for Central Office supervisors. Participants will review the evaluation process and timelines specified in the respective master agreements, as well as review requirements and best practices for evaluating employees. Additionally, participants will engage in an interactive overview of the Evaluation System (Perform) to utilize the system meaningfully and effectively. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub Post.

Farewell to Golden Ring Middle School

Friday, May 17, from 12:30-4:30 p.m.

Golden Ring Middle School, 6700 Kenwood Ave., Rosedale 21237

In May 2023, the Board of Education of Baltimore County voted to close Golden Ring Middle School at the end of the 2023-2024 academic school year. During this farewell event, the Golden Ring Middle School community will celebrate the school’s history and impact. The event will include school tours, music, games, displays of student artwork and other projects, free summer reading books, a BCPS resource session, archived yearbooks and treasures, and community partners including the Volunteer Fire Department, Rosedale branch of Baltimore County Public Library, and the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.

Patapsco High principal, Cockeysville Middle student to speak at national AVID Summer Institutes

Dr. Scott Rodriguez-Hobbs is the first Team BCPS principal ever selected as an AVID national educator speaker! In addition, Cockeysville Middle School Grade 8 student Jayden Yancey will be the featured student speaker at the AVID Summer Institute in Baltimore, August 5-7. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Happy Pupil Personnel Worker Week (May 13-17)

Please join us in expressing appreciation to our Team BCPS pupil personnel workers for the pivotal role they play in supporting students and families and providing a bridge between home and school.

Lansdowne High graduating senior Haylee Beard named 2024 Baltimore County Young Woman of the Year

Haylee Beard, a graduating senior at Lansdowne High School, has been named Baltimore County's Young Woman of the Year by the Baltimore County Commission for Women.

In nominating her, Lansdowne High Principal Allison Seymour wrote: “What sets Haylee apart is not just her impressive list of achievements but also her character. She is a young woman of integrity, resilience, and compassion."

Beyond her academic achievements, Beard has earned recognition as an Eagle Scout, the pinnacle of Boy Scout honors; participated in high school athletics and theatre; and placed into the All-County Orchestra and All-County Jazz Ensemble. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

2024 BCPS Mental Health Mile set for May 25-27

The third annual BCPS Mental Health Mile is a culminating event promoting mental health awareness during National Mental Health Awareness Month. We encourage everyone to engage in physical activity, for example, walking, running, swimming, or rollerblading on Saturday, May 25, Sunday, May 26, and/or Monday, May 27. You can participate individually, or with family, friends, or colleagues. If you take photos of your participation, please tag @MentalHealth_CB on Twitter and use the hashtag #BCPSCares.

Visit the "Art is for Everyone" exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art

For the 36th time, the Baltimore Museum of Art is hosting the annual countywide student exhibition, "Art is for Everyone," presenting artwork by BCPS students from PreKindergarten through Grade 12. The exhibition concludes with a meet-and-greet event on Sunday, May 19, from 1-4 p.m. Museum admission is free!

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:

• Aisha Olufayo, Western Tech

• Azeezat Odutola, Loch Raven High School

• Jayden Wheatley, Parkville High School

• Chloe Elizabeth Collins, Ridge Ruxton School

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

BCPS graduations to begin soon

More than 7,000 students will graduate from BCPS this spring. While in-person seating will be limited at upcoming high school graduations, friends, extended family, and community members are invited to witness these milestone events via livestream. All graduations will be held at Towson University’s TU Arena, unless otherwise noted.

BCPS invites students, parents, and staff to submit their favorite 2024 commencement snapshots on social media using #bcpsgrad or via email to communications@bcps.org. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month! Please join us in recognizing our amazing

Team BCPS speech-language pathologists and audiologists.

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

National Board Certification Pre-Launch Session

Teachers interested in earning National Board Certification have been invited to a pre-launch session on May 22, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. Staff are encouraged to attend this session to receive valuable information on the National Board Certification process and application logistics required for receiving funding, as this continues to be a one-of-a-kind professional development experience that has proven to increase teacher capacity resulting in higher student achievement.

Interested teachers are encouraged to register for the NBC pre-launch by using the course number: 19363 or by searching for “National Board Certification Pre-Launch Session: Getting Started with National Board Certification” in the Registration System.

FOR EDUCATORS

AVID Summer Academy

The AVID Summer Academy is an opportunity for BCPS educators to attend up to three AVID Professional Learning Workshops (APLWs) with colleagues from around the county. Several APLWs will be offered throughout the day on Thursday, June 20, at Ridgely Middle School and are listed in the Online Registration Catalog in the “AVID Professional Learning Workshops (APLW)” course. Teachers in AVID schools are encouraged to collaborate with their school’s AVID site coordinator to determine APLWs that best align with schoolwide goals, their instructional practice, and how to become certified as “AVID-Trained” and earn an MSDE CPD credit after completion of six APLWs.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Spread the word! Graduating seniors offered opportunity to say farewell

BCPS invites all interested graduating seniors to share a few parting words with the BCPS community. Seniors are invited to share (in no more than two sentences) their favorite BCPS memories OR words of advice for younger students. Those interested in participating can send their messages and a photo of themselves to communications@bcps.org.

Messages and photos should be submitted by Monday, May 20. Selected messages will be shared on social media. Please note that messages must be accompanied by photos of the students. The student should be the only person in the photo. Messages will be edited for length and clarity if needed. Please include your first and last name and the name of the high school from which you are graduating.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

MSDE recommends strategies to help graduating seniors and families their complete college financial aid forms

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has released strategies to assist local school districts with helping more students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The recommended strategies for school districts and leaders include the following:

Dedicate time during academic periods for high school seniors to work on completing the FAFSA.
Partner with local community colleges and college access groups to provide support and follow-up assistance.
Work with school counselors to identify students with incomplete forms. Provide one-on-one support to take them through the process, step by step.
Facilitate lunchtime or advisory group sessions with students to offer guidance and assistance.
Communicate the importance of FAFSA completion through direct outreach to high school seniors, families, and parent groups.

The U.S. Department of Education has also created resources to assist students and families, including a toolkit, how-to videos and pro tips for completing the 2024-25 FAFSA form.

FOR BOOKKEEPERS

Operating Budget Management for Schools

The Office of Budget and Reporting is offering a series of four training courses titled "Operating Budget Management for Schools." The courses are mandatory for new bookkeepers. Current school fiscals may take the courses as a refresher.

In the series, the school fiscal will learn (1) operating budget and account string basics, (2) how to select the correct account strings, (3) how to run and interpret financial reports, and (4) how to manage and reconcile a tracking workbook.

Registration for courses 1-4 is open for May. Each course in the series is scheduled for two hours. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Summer Youth Employment Program

Exciting news! For the seventh consecutive year, the Division of Information Technology has hired 25 talented BCPS students to work side by side with professionally trained technicians over the summer. Students will focus on device repairs and providing support on the help desk. These technology services support all schools and offices including students, parents, staff, and community members. Please contact Melody Ashburne-Payton for more information.

New this year, we're proud to announce our partnership with DALY Computers, extending valuable job opportunities to more than 80 high school students.

DALY Computers is seeking amazing interns and awesome summer assistants to join its technical team in Rosedale.

Tasks may include, but are not limited to:

Device triage, diagnostics, and repairs
Audiovisual installations/deployments
Office and logistics related duties

The start date and hours are flexible to fit students' schedules. Applicants are required to have an active driver's license and reliable transportation. More information is available on the DALY computers website.

CALENDAR REMINDER

May 17 (F) - Asynchronous learning day for all students - Planning and professional development day for teachers and school staff, schools and offices close three hours early

May 24 (F) - Last day for seniors

May 27 (M) - Memorial Day observed - Schools and offices closed

May 28-31 (T-F) - Commencement exercises

Calendar for the 2023-2024 School Year

BCPS events for May 2024

Upcoming Board and advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, May 20, at 7 p.m.

Oliver Beach Elementary School library, 12912 Cunninghill Cove Rd., Baltimore 21220

Topic: “English for Speakers of Other Languages”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, May 21, 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

Darya Miller, Functional and Academic Learning Support Teacher, Deep Creek Middle School

Submitted by Carrie Goetzke, Purchasing Representative, Office of Purchasing

"Mrs. Miller is retiring this year and will be extremely missed. She is very special to a lot of peers, students, and their parents. She is kind, loving, smart, beautiful, animated, and advocates for her students. She cares for her students as if they are her own.

"When my son started at Deep Creek 3 years ago, I was a nervous wreck. Once I met her, all my fears went away. We have had many texts and phones calls all hours of the day and weekends. She has been a guiding light for me and my son. My son loves her and her Best Buddies Club. I just cannot express how much she means to us. Mrs. Miller, I hope your next journey brings you all the happiness and love you deserve. You have made a huge difference in so many lives. We will never forget you and hope to see you after this current journey ends.

Arrrrr Matey!

Best wishes,

Carrie & Mason"

The Education Foundation earns $15,000 grant through the United Way's Changemaker Challenge as Associate Director Dr. Heather Wooldridge successfully pitches "Yoga for SEL" program

The grant will be used to implement, in partnership with Breathe for Change, a “Yoga for SEL” (social-emotional learning) program in BCPS. With the funding, the foundation will support 12 BCPS educators in completing the Breathe for Change “200-hour Mindfulness, Yoga and Social-Emotional Learning Certified Facilitator” training. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Shoutout Submission Form

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.

Submit news to the Staff Bulletin

Please use the form below to submit news to the BCPS Staff Bulletin. If you have trouble using the form, please contact communications@bcps.org.

Staff Bulletin News Submission Form

BCPS News Hub

BCPS news is posted each day to the BCPS News Hub.

Be sure to click "Latest news" at the top left and then “See all” at the top right to view all items. For ease of access, bookmark this site for daily reference. The link to the BCPS News Hub can also be found on the BCPS Staff webpage.