Thursday, April 11, 2024

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

Please Note: Next week's Staff Bulletin will be sent on Friday, April 19.

Who will be the BCPS Teacher of the Year?

The BCPS Champions for Children Celebration gala is set for 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 18! Tune in live as we name the 2024-2025 BCPS Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year.

In addition to these schoolhouse champions, the event will also celebrate a variety of other all-star school supporters, including a "Rising Star" Teacher of the Year, Supervisory Leader of the Year, Supporting Services Employee of the Year, Community School Facilitator of the Year, Transportation Champion, AFSCME Employee of the Year, Volunteer Champion, and Business Partner Champion. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Spanish language talk show Televisión BCPS welcomes Perry Hall senior Aisha Batista

In the latest edition of Televisión BCPS, Bilingual Senior Communications Officer Gevene Alarcón de Harden is joined by Perry Hall senior Aisha Batista for a conversation en español. Aisha discusses her experience representing Perry Hall in the Oustanding Young Women Leaders program in partnership with Towson University and shares how she is making her dream of attending college come true.

TONIGHT! Parents, staff, and caregivers are invited to the BCPS Special Education Resource Fair from 6-8 p.m. at Riverview Elementary School.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Equity and Cultural Proficiency Spring Symposium

The Department of Equity & Cultural Proficiency will be hosting its 2024 Spring Symposium in April. This conference style event is for designated 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.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Loyola Graduate Center (2034 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093).

Morning Session: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Afternoon Session 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Attendees must select the morning or afternoon session and register for all 3 related courses (Opening & Keynote, Breakout Session, and Closing Presentation) for your selected session.

• 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 Questions? Contact Kevin Connelly.

• Last chance - Inclement weather survey closes Sunday, April 14

Maryland public school systems can use virtual learning days after they have used all the inclement weather days built into the school year calendar. The 2024-2025 BCPS school calendar includes three inclement weather days. As we plan for winter weather for next year, we would like to know your preferences. Please complete an online survey by Sunday, April 14. Input gathered will be used to inform our virtual instruction day plan.

• School Resource Officer of the Year Award - Nomination deadline approaching

In collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Public Schools will recognize outstanding school resource officers at each level (elementary, middle, and high) for the 2023-2024 school year. Nominations for this award will be accepted through Friday, April 19, 2024.

Please email the SRO of the Year Nomination 2023-2024 form to Sergeant Eric Knox, assistant safe schools’ facilitator, or mail to 9600 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 118, Baltimore, Maryland 21220.

• 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.

• BCPS Art is for Everyone! exhibition at The Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art will host the Baltimore County Public Schools "Art is for Everyone!" Exhibit showcasing artwork from BCPS students, Grades PreK-12. The exhibit will be open from Tuesday, May 14, to Sunday, May 19. A meet-and-greet and certificate distribution will occur on Sunday May 19, from 1-4 p.m., led by the BCPS Visual Arts Office.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators are all invited to this special event. A formal invitation will be shared with schools prior to the show’s opening.

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.

The series began today, recognizing Woodlawn High School senior Leah Duffy, who plans to study broadcast journalism at Temple University.

“These representative students reflect the amazing diversity and outstanding accomplishments of the Class of 2024,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers. “I encourage Team BCPS members to enjoy these profiles. Our seniors impress us every day with their intellectual curiosity and their dedication to their interests and their communities."

County Executive Olszewski’s FY 2025 Operating Budget Proposal Fully Funds BCPS Budget Request, Plus Adds Funds for More Teachers, Bus Drivers, and Community College Access

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today (4/11) submitted a Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget proposal to the County Council that includes nearly $2.6 billion for Baltimore County Public Schools. The proposal provides $41 million above state-required Maintenance of Effort (MOE), ensuring BCPS can prioritize investments in areas of greatest need. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Summer food service program begins June 20

Food and Nutrition Services will offer summer meals starting on 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.

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

BCPS students select Western Tech junior Ugonma Chike-Kalu as next SMOB

On April 4, more than 9,700 BCPS middle and high school students voted to select the 2024-2025 Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). On Friday, April 5, Ugonma Chike-Kalu, a junior at Western School of Technology was announced at the winner. Her one-year term will begin on July 1. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

BCPS music education program lauded for 19th consecutive year

BCPS has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.  

“The continued recognition of excellence in our BCPS music program is a testament to the incredible music educators in our district and the power of music education to foster community and belonging,” said Sherri Fisher, BCPS director of Career and Technical Education and Fine Arts. “This award represents the continued hard work, collaboration, dedication, and creativity of students, families, teachers, and school system and community leaders. I am grateful to the staff in the Office of Performing Arts.”

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.

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 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.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

College and Career Platform: Introduction to Xello

On Wednesday, April 10, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., the Office of School Counseling will offer a virtual introduction to the new college and career platform, Xello, that will replace Naviance for the 2024-2025 school year. This optional training will be a high-level overview of the use of Xello’s college and career platform for all high school staff. Highlights will include review of portfolios, resources for assignments, search tools, and assessments. This session will be recorded. Additional training will be offered this spring and in fall 2024.

Questions? Contact MaatenRe Ramin.

FOR ALL SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATORS

Use of Facilities training

To ensure all school-based administrators are equipped with the tools and information necessary to accurately complete Use of Facilities requests and maintain compliance with Policies 1300 and 3160, the Office of Facilities Operations is providing training throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

The purpose of this training is to assist all new and current administrators with the process of:

• securing facilities in a manner that does not breach policies 1300 and 3160.
• accessing your assigned Use of Facilities portal.
• providing tools to easily navigate the Use of Facilities system.
• assisting with the responsibility and coordination of events.
• managing responsibilities that follow when acting on pending requests.
• identifying items that an assigned administrator should look for.
• coordinating with their onsite staff prior to denying or approving requests to move into the workflow.

Interested participants must register for the session by visiting the Registration System. In the Course Search box, search for course number 12729. Once you have located the course, click on "Register," and then click on "Next" to finalize your registration. Participants only need to sign up for one of the available times in the Registration System.

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

Jane Price, Administrative Secretary & Candyce Matthews, Office Secretary, Prettyboy Elementary School

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

"Jane always has the interests of the students and teachers at the forefront. If she notices something that could benefit a teacher, she reaches out to let them know. Even when doing the not-so-little things, such as ordering food for the staff, she makes sure she changes it up and includes vegetarian options, again, looking out for the entire staff. Jane has been a part of our school for many, many years, as a parent, a substitute, and as part of our office staff. She has her finger on the pulse of Prettyboy! Prettyboy staff and students are lucky to have her."

"Candyce is an efficient person who always makes sure all the deadlines are met. She has found systems to help keep IEP [Individualized Education Program] team documents delivered in a timely manner. She is always willing to get supplies needed for teachers and help with anything. I’m grateful she is patient because she helps me with computer problems frequently. Candyce is helpful and knowledgeable, and if she doesn’t know the answer, she’ll find it quickly. She is a thoughtful person and makes the best homemade marshmallows around! Prettyboy is lucky to have Candyce!

"Jane & Candyce are part of a terrific team who keep our school running smoothly. They each know every student in the building by name and give each student a 'hello' when they enter the office."

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

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org