Monday, February 2, 2026

Annual Climate Survey begins today

Stakeholders encouraged to participate

The annual BCPS Climate Survey will be available from Monday, February 2, through Friday, March 6. The survey focuses on school climate and engagement and is for all stakeholders: students in Grades 3-12, parents/guardians, community members, and all staff.

The survey is for all stakeholders: students in Grades 3–12, parents/guardians, community members, and all staff and focuses on school climate and engagement. It takes three minutes or less to complete and is anonymous. 

Participation in the 2025 Climate Survey was the highest on record and included more than 68,000 student responses. However, parent/guardian participation was under 12,000. For all voices to be represented, BCPS encourages more parent/guardian participation in 2026.

Previous Climate Survey reports are available on the BCPS website; the annual reports may be found on the Key Reports page, and data displays are available on the Climate Survey public dashboard. 

Celebrating National School Counseling Week 2026

In honor of National School Counseling Week 2026, BCPS asked a handful of school counselors to answer a few questions about the work they do to support students.

A new BCPS blog post features responses from:

Stephanie Finney

Perry Hall High School

Kendra Foster

Logan Elementary School

Rasheena Johnson

Catonsville Elementary School

Haley Reed

Kenwood High School

Christopher Rhone

New Town High School

Nancy Schlenoff

Cockeysville Middle School

Let us entertain you: Join us for upcoming countywide student performances

The 25^th Annual BCPS Student Choreography Showcase

Thursday, February 5, and Friday, February 6, from 4:15-5:30 p.m.

CCBC Essex – Romadka College Center, F. Scott Black Theatre, 7201 Rossville Blvd., Baltimore 21237

The 25th Annual Student Choreography Showcase, presented in collaboration with ClancyWorks Dance Company – a local dance organization, features student choreographers and dancers as they engage in a movement workshop class and receive valuable feedback on their choreographic works from ClancyWorks artists, culminating in a showcase performance. The performance is open to the public and will be live-streamed by BCPS-TV, starting at 4:15 p.m. 

All-County Jazz Concert

Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. (The inclement weather date is Thursday, February 19)

Dulaney High School auditorium, 255 Padonia Rd., Timonium 21093

The 2025-2026 BCPS All-County Jazz Concert is the culmination of a rehearsal process that brings together 44 students from 15 high schools in Baltimore County. The participating high schools are Catonsville, Dulaney, Franklin, Carver Center, Hereford, Kenwood, Milford Mill Academy, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson, Western Tech, and Woodlawn. The guest conductors are Staff Sergeant Melinda Rodriguez from The U.S. Army Blues for the High School Vocal Jazz portion and Sergeant First Class Dustin Mollick from The U.S. Army Blues for the High School Instrumental Jazz portion. The 75-minute concert is free and open to the public. 

Students from 14 schools participated in 3rd Annual BCPS Theatre Festival

The 3rd Annual BCPS Theatre Festival was held on January 15 at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Catonsville campus. Students prepared work and received feedback and adjudication in the following categories: One Act Play, Solo Monologue, Technical Theatre Portfolio, and Musical Song.  

Participating schools and teachers:

• Catonsville High School (Gregory Hill)
• Dundalk High School (Kara Bauer)
• Franklin High School (Ellen Manuel)
• Franklin Middle School (Karis “Elizabeth” Clark)
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (Paul Diem)
• Kenwood High School (Jessica Taylor)
• Loch Raven Technical Academy (Ann Prizzi)
• Milford Mill Academy (Arinita Crawford)
• Nottingham Middle School (James “Jim” Donahue)
• Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts (Gabriel Lewin and Molly Mayne)
• Pikesville Middle School (Landra Simpson)
• Randallstown High School (Lydia West)
• Sudbrook Magnet Middle School (Colleen Esposito and Nicholas Huber)
• Towson High School (Andrew Worthington)

The BCPS Theatre Festival featured performances of 95 monologues, 50 musical songs, 25 technical portfolios, 16 short scenes, and two one-act plays. Students engaged in workshops and masterclasses with teaching artists from the Hippodrome Foundation, Inc., CCBC Theatre Department, Noble Blades, and University of Maryland Baltimore County, and with other Maryland-, Virginia-, and Washington, D.C.-based teaching artists.  

Baltimore County Student Councils host MASC Legislative Session

On Saturday, January 24, the Baltimore County Student Councils hosted the Maryland Association of Student Councils' (MASC) annual Legislation Session at Loch Raven High School in Towson. The event welcomed more than 400 students, advisors, and guests from across the state for a day of civic engagement, collaboration, and learning.

Participants came together to discuss proposed legislative bills, debate key education issues, and vote on official legislative stances that will guide MASC’s advocacy efforts for the year. Workshops on writing, passing, and debating legislation were provided to offer a wide range of opportunities for students to strengthen their advocacy skills, critical thinking, and communication skills, in order to confidently engage in policy discussions. Students also took part in the important process of selecting the final two nominees for the State Student Member of the Maryland Board of Education, whose applications will be sent to Governor Wes Moore for a final decision.

We are proud to announce that Abiola David Arowolo, a junior from Eastern Technical High School, was chosen as one of the finalists. His nomination highlighted Baltimore County’s strong student leadership and commitment to elevating student voice at the state level.

The Legislation Session served as a powerful reminder of the impact students can have when they unite to shape policy and represent their peers across Maryland.

A special thanks to Brookside Market, Chick-fil-A at Towson Place, and the Education Foundation for sponsoring the event's Advisor Hospitality Room.

SNOW-M-G! What a week!

First and foremost, please join us in sharing a Team BCPS "Thank you!" to the facilities and maintenance staff members who have worked diligently to address this week's historic winter weather event.

As a reminder, BCPS has now exhausted all three traditional inclement weather days for the 2025-26 school year. For the remainder of the winter season, schools will transition to virtual learning, operating on a 2-hour delay schedule, during inclement weather days. More information is available on the Virtual Day Plan webpage.

Additionally, the BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach invited students, staff, and community members to share their favorite snow day photos for the "SNOW-M-G Photo Contest." All submissions are available for viewing in a BCPS Flickr album. Some of the team's favorite contributions will be used in future inclement weather announcements on social media.

High school students encouraged to register for CCBC/BCPS Student Career Expo

High school students can register now for the 2026 CCBC/BCPS Student Career Expo to take place on Wednesday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center.

Participants will learn about internships, career opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development initiatives, and will meet employers and CCBC representatives.

Transportation will be provided for high school students. To attend, students should register with their school's career navigator. The snow date for the event is Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The career expo is presented by CCBC, BCPS, and the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

recent honors

Franklin High junior Naomi Beyene earns $40,000 College Board scholarship

When Franklin High School junior Naomi Beyene walked into her Advanced Placement English class on January 22, she had no idea that she’d be leaving with a $40,000 BigFuture Scholarship from the College Board.

The College Board awards two monthly $40,000 scholarships and hundreds of $500 scholarships to students nationally for completing key college and career planning steps using BigFuture, a free, online resource.

Learn more in a BCPS news release and see more photos from the award presentation on Flickr.

New Town High School student magazine earns national award

"Titan Tenacity" from New Town High School has been recognized as a Superior magazine by the National Council of Teachers of English's Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Program.

This is the fifth consecutive year that "Titan Tenacity" has been nationally recognized in the REALM program, but the first year it reached the Superior level. The magazine's advisor is English teacher Karen Butler. She gives all credit to her scholars, the magazine staff.

This year, high schools, middle schools, and colleges in 44 states, Washington, D.C., and six countries nominated 456 student magazines.

New Town High student Alanah Caruth to compete in Baltimore Youth Grand Slam

Alanah Caruth, a New Town High School student, has been selected by DewMore as one of only 12 poets to compete in the Youth Grand Slam 2026. Judges will award the top five scoring youth poets with the honor of representing Baltimore City in the international youth poetry festival, Brave New Voices, as well as with cash prizes. Participating youth will also be invited to be a part of weekly workshops, paid performance opportunities, and a greater connection to the local and national spoken word scene. The slam will take place at Red Emma’s Bookstore Coffeehouse (3128 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore 21218) on Wednesday, February 25, from 6-8 p.m. Free tickets are required.

Perry Hall High wrestler Victor Mark-Jenkins profiled in Baltimore Sun article

Perry Hall High School senior Victor Mark-Jenkins appears to be on the path to his third consecutive Class 4A/3A state championship title in wrestling.

Currently on a 135-match winning streak, he has only lost one match in his four years on the mat.

A recent Baltimore Sun article includes a Q&A with Mark-Jenkins, who is committed to George Mason University in the fall.

Student submission for Black History Month Writing Contest due February 11

In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of English Language Arts and the Office of Social Studies are co-sponsoring a writing contest for all students in Grades K-12. A winner will be selected in each of the following grade level bands: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Prizes for winners are generously provided by The Education Foundation of BCPS. 

Student writers are invited to respond to the following prompt: 

2026 marks 100 years of national Black History commemorations! When Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the first official observance of Black history, he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. In recognition of 100 years of celebrating Black history, students of BCPS are invited to reflect on the power of remembrance and the importance of telling accurate and inclusive histories of African Americans. Choose an African American activist, artist, athlete, author, musician, scientist, or other public figure to spotlight. In what ways does highlighting their story contribute to an accurate and inclusive history? What part(s) of their story has left an imprint on you, and how will this shape your future contributions to your community? 

All entries must be submitted to a teacher, reading specialist, or department chair by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11. For questions, contact klochary@bcps.org. 

Team BCPS Day participants honored for "going blue"

For its enthusiastic participation by both students and staff in Team BCPS Day, Scotts Branch Elementary School was honored with a Little Free Library and collection of diverse books by The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc.

In addition, more than a dozen awards were given for most creative and spirited photo entries, including the Best Blue Bunny, Best True-Blue School Counselors, and Best Custom Headwear.

Also, this year, for the first time ever, area businesses contributed generous raffle prizes, which were awarded for participation. Team BCPS Day supporters were:

• Always Ice Cream
• The Education Foundation of BCPS
• First Watch
• Stone Mill Bakery
• Stonebridge Restaurant Group (Barrett's Grill, Glyndon Grill, and Barrett's on the Pike)
• Tony’s of N.Y. Pizza, Timonium
• Towson Hot Bagels
• Towson University Athletics

More details and the full list of award winners are available in a BCPS news release.

Share your Black History Month plans with us!

How will your school/office recognize Black History Month this February? The Department of Communications and Community Outreach seeks information regarding upcoming activities and celebrations.



Please complete this brief form by Friday, February 13, to share your plans with us.

Apply for the 2026 APGFCU Annual Scholarship Competition to help with the cost of your education - Applications due by February 15

Eligibility:

• High school students anticipating Spring 2026 graduation
• Continuing students of a college, trade school, or certificate program
• Adults returning to a college, trade school, or certificate program
• Full-time or part-time status

To apply, participants may respond to the following topic:

Financial literacy is a lifelong journey. At APGFCU, we believe in guiding our members toward smart, responsible decisions that enrich their lives.

Share a moment when you learned an important financial lesson. How did it shape your habits or mindset, and how do you plan to use that knowledge to build a better future—for yourself and your community?

Participants can respond in one of three ways:

• By original written essay (400 words maximum)
• By original 60-second video
• By original photo with caption

Additional information is available on the APGFCU website.

Register now for Parent University workshops in February

"An Introduction to Education Savings with the Maryland College Investment Plan"

Tuesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m.

In this virtual workshop, Michelle Winner, director of marketing from the State Treasurer’s Office – Maryland 529, will give a presentation on the Maryland College Investment Plan. Registration required.

"Easy, Cheap, and Healthy Meal Planning"

Friday, February 6, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop, presented by the Center for Family Success, will share easy, inexpensive, and healthy meal planning ideas. Registration required.

"Sleep Tight: Powering Up with the American Heart Association"

Wednesday, February 11, at 12:30 p.m.

Kate Poole of the American Heart Association will lead an engaging Parent University virtual session focused on one of the most important and often overlooked pillars of health: sleep. Discover why prioritizing sleep matters for both adults and children, how it impacts heart health, mood, and learning, and what a healthy bedtime routine looks like. Registration required.

"Service Learning in BCPS"

Friday, February 13, at 12:30 p.m.

The BCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement will lead this virtual session designed to help families understand what service learning is and why it is a BCPS graduation requirement. This session will explain how service learning connects classroom learning to real-world impact and offer practical ways families can support students in completing meaningful service-learning experiences. This session is best for families of students in Grades 3-12. Registration required.

"Service Learning in BCPS"

Thursday, February 19, at 6:30 p.m.

See description above

"Here For It! Supporting Strong Attendance"

Thursday, February 26, at 12:30 p.m.

Emily Caster, coordinator, BCPS Department of Student Support Services, will share resources and strategies for supporting strong attendance levels in elementary, middle, and high school students.

Registration required.

"Bullying in the Age of Social Media"

Friday, February 27, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual presentation, led by Amanda Tennant, LMSW, Thrive Behavioral Health, provides an overview of how social media has changed what bullying looks like, how it affects students, and what we can do to address it. Registration required.

for your viewing pleasure

"Polar Bear Fishing" by Berklin G., Grade 2, Padonia International Elementary School. This artwork is part of the BCPS Winter Art Exhibition. The entire exhibition of more than 220 submitted works can be viewed online.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Scholarships available from The Education Foundation

Applications open through April

Part of the mission-driven work of the foundation is to partner with private philanthropic donors to provide graduating seniors with scholarships to further their post-secondary education and training. All scholarship applications are available to BCPS students via Xello through April.  

Through support from our community partners, the following scholarship opportunities have been made possible:

Last school year, The Education Foundation was proud to award 129 scholarships totaling nearly $40,000 in funding to graduating seniors. A new Mission Moment blog post includes more information, including how to establish or support a scholarship.

The Education Foundation celebrates redesign of Exchangeree Windsor Mill

A new Mission Moment blog post details the recent redesign, from first steps to the grand reopening, of the Education Foundation's Exchangeree Windsor Mill. The new space is perfect for professional development, experiential learning training, and free yoga classes for BCPS employees!

a word from Dr. Rogers

February 2, 2026

Dear Reader:

During the January 13 meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County, I presented a $2.49 billion operating budget proposal for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027. The budget process will continue with a Board of Education work session on Monday, February 2. The Board is scheduled to adopt its budget at its Tuesday, February 10, meeting at 6:30 p.m. We encourage all stakeholders to remain fully engaged and involved in the process.

One way to be involved is to participate in Baltimore County's budget town hall meetings. These in-person and livestreamed meetings invite public input. More information about the town hall meetings is available on the Baltimore County Government website.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming Board and advisory committee meetings

All are welcome to attend

Board of Education meeting

Monday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m. (This meeting was rescheduled from January 27.)

BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building, E, Room 114, Towson 21204

Special Education Citizens' Advisory Committee

Monday, February 2, at 7 p.m.

Virtual Meeting

Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission meeting

Tuesday, February 3, at 6 p.m.

BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building, E, Room 114, Towson 21204

Board of Education semi-annual joint meeting with area education advisory council members

Wednesday, February 4, at 6 p.m.

BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building, E, Room 114, Towson 21204