Monday, February 23, 2026

BCPS 2026 Haiku Contest now accepting entries

BCPS students, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, are encouraged to enter. Students will be asked to write works inspired by a piece of student artwork selected from among 10 pieces. Entries for the annual BCPS Haiku Poetry Contest will be accepted online through 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 6.

A winning haiku will be chosen at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 17, International Haiku Day. Winners will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and special gift basket provided by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools Inc., a $25 gift card from The Ivy Bookshop, and a framed print of their haiku and the artwork that inspired it.

Haiku is a form of poetry that originated in Japan. A haiku consists of three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second line has seven syllables, and the third line has five syllables. BCPS uses the How Many Syllables website to check syllable counts. Each student may enter only one haiku, and it must be an original poem. Haiku found to be plagiarized will be disqualified. Students are encouraged to be creative in their use of imagery and vocabulary.



As in prior years, the winning poems and additional selected haiku will be compiled into an online book with student artwork. Each school library will receive a print copy.

Prompt 1

by Sean Olumuyiwa, Grade 12, George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, art teacher: Anne Talman

Prompt 2

by Cristina Gonzalez, Grade 11, Kenwood High School, art teacher: Ginger Cain

Prompt 3

by Bryan Sule, Grade 5, Victory Villa Elementary School, art teacher: Laura Dutton

Prompt 4

by Lacey Langkam, Grade 12, Dundalk High School, art teacher: Sarah Rogan

Prompt 5

by Seren Rogers, Grade 5, White Oak School, art teacher: Marissa Chang

Prompt 6

by Bella'Zara J., Grade 5, Seneca Elementary School

Prompt 7

by Rohan Patel, Grade 11, Eastern Technical High School, art teacher: Becky Meiller

Prompt 8

by Anna Shultz, Grade 12,

Loch Raven High School, art teacher: Emily Hall

Prompt 9

by Eve Oluwasesan, Grade 11, Milford Mill Academy, art teacher: Megan Gerstenberg-Kline

Prompt 10

by Hope Kornhaus, Grade 1, Sparks Elementary School, art teacher: Stephanie Chaney

Celebrating Black male principals in BCPS

Leaders, educators, mentors

BCPS is taking the opportunity of Black History Month to highlight our 11 Black male principals.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Black men account for just 2% of school principals nationwide; in Baltimore County, Black men make up slightly more than 6% of all BCPS school principals. However, research shows that schools with Black principals generally have higher student performance for all students (but especially for students of color), higher percentages of and better retention of Black teachers, and increased enrollment of Black students in gifted and talented programs.

The Thurgood Marshall Institute notes that "students of all races, including white students, benefit significantly from racially diverse educational settings through improved social-emotional learning during their formative years and enhanced cognitive and interpersonal skills during adolescence and beyond."

In a new blog post, meet several of the Black male principals in BCPS who are making a positive difference in the lives of our students, educators, and communities. The names of the featured principals are listed below in bold.

Hillcrest Elementary School students engage in Black History Month quilt activity

Led by STEAM teacher Mary Beth Capka, students at Hillcrest Elementary School recognized Black History Month by learning about the significance of quilts in the Underground Railroad and then designing their own quilt squares Each grade level was assigned a different prompt to inspire their work. (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.)

Honor students' hard work at Black Excellence Program systemwide celebration

Images from the 2025 Black Excellence Program systemwide celebration

Please join us for the Black Excellence Program's systemwide celebration on Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Loch Raven High School, cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Baltimore 21286.

The BCPS Black Excellence program supports students over the course of several months as they learn about the people, places, and events of the Black experience. This year’s research prompt is: “Agents of Progress: How have individuals and events challenged injustice to inspire lasting change?” At this culminating event, students will share their research and learning through a variety of formats, including art exhibitions, recorded interviews with historians, tri-fold displays, and multimedia presentations. Community members, families, and other students will have the opportunity to ask students about their presentations.

Registration begins this Wednesday for BCPS fine arts summer enrichment programs

Families encouraged to register promptly

Registration for BCPS summer fine arts camps will open on Wednesday, February 25, at 7:30 a.m. Registration for the camps usually fills very quickly; interested families are encouraged to register promptly.

This summer, the school system will offer camps in visual arts, dance, instrumental music, and musical theatre, and each camp will introduce students to related career fields. Enrollment priority will be given to current BCPS students and children of BCPS staff. All camps will cost $185 per student, which includes a camp t-shirt or tote bag and bus transportation (if needed). Fee waivers are available for students who do not have permanent or adequate housing. Financial assistance and payment plans can be requested. Translated camp information will be available on the summer camp websites.

Summer Art Enrichment Camp

• Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10, and Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244.
• Open to students in Grades 3-12
• Summer Art Enrichment Camp registration form

Summer Dance Intensive

• Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244.
• Open to students in Grades 5-12.
• Summer Dance Intensive registration form

Summer Music Camp

• Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall 21236
• Open to students in Grades 5-12 who are enrolled in their school’s music program.
• Summer Music Camp registration form

BCPS Broadway Theatre Connection (offered in partnership with Broadway Theatre Connection)

• Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204
• Open to students in Grades 5-12
• BCPS Broadway Theatre Connection registration form

Deziree "Dezi" McDonald-Singh, Grade 12, Chesapeake High School

Shaping her future through the Baltimore County Emergency Services Training Program

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, a time to celebrate the wide array of opportunities offered for students to prepare for success in higher education and/or a rewarding career.

This school year, approximately 1,800 Team BCPS students are diving into exciting work-based learning opportunities, including Dezi McDonald-Singh, a senior at Chesapeake High School. 

Dezi, who initially began her high school journey in the culinary arts magnet program at Sollers Point Technical High School, later discovered the Baltimore County Emergency Services Training program. Open to high school juniors and seniors, participants can earn Emergency Medical Technician and/or firefighting certifications at no cost. The program application for the 2026-27 school year is open through March 2.

Learn more about Dezi, her journey, and her plans in a new BCPS Close-Up blog post.

Hereford Middle School Spanish teacher Diana Blevins shares the inspiration behind her career

Annual Climate Survey continues

Stakeholders encouraged to participate

The annual BCPS Climate Survey is open through Friday, March 6. Focusing on school climate and engagement, the survey is for all stakeholders: students in Grades 3–12, parents/guardians, community members, and all staff. 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. 

recent honors

Dulaney High's Christina Donall Lebovitz named a Maryland Outstanding Music Educator of the Year

The Maryland Music Educators Association has selected Christina Donall Lebovitz, a music teacher at Dulaney High School, as one of six Outstanding Music Educators of the Year. The award was presented during the 2026 MMEA Annual Conference on February 21.

At Dulaney, Donall, a National Board Certified Teacher, is the marching band director, advisor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and the Music Production Club, technology liaison, and a track & field coach. She has been a drum major clinician since 2017 and serves as vice president of the Maryland Marching Band Association. 

Two BCPS students named semi-finalists in National Honor Society scholarship program

Seniors Alex Steele of George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology and Gracie Berquist of Hereford High School were named semi-finalists in the 2026 National Honor Society Scholarships program, coordinated by The National Association of Secondary School Principals. Each received a $3,200 scholarship.

Pamela Chaney of Catonsville Middle School and Westchester Elementary School named Baltimore County School Psychologist of the Year

The Baltimore County School Psychologists’ Association has selected Pamela Chaney as the 2026 School Psychologist of the Year.

Chaney, who currently serves students at Catonsville Middle School and Westchester Elementary School, has worked in elementary schools in the Catonsville Middle School feeder pattern for the past eight years.

An active member of the Baltimore County School Psychology Association and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Chaney is also a member of the BCPS Office of Psychological Services leadership core.

2026 BCPS Student Career Expo connects students to opportunities and possibilities

Hundreds of BCPS high school students participated in the BCPS Student Career Expo, held on February 18 at CCBC Essex. At the event, students learned more about vocational careers and apprenticeship programs available in the area. The expo was sponsored by BCPS and its offices of Career and Technical Education and School Counseling, as well as the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development and CCBC. More photos from the event can be found on Flickr.

for parents/caregivers

from BCPS Parent University

Have a graduating senior in your family? Have you completed the FAFSA?

It's a first step toward securing financial aid!

The Maryland Higher Education Commission recommends that any student interested in financial aid for college should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (commonly known as the FAFSA).

Completing the FAFSA is a first step toward securing state or federal financial aid programs as well as financial aid from colleges and universities.

The deadline is March 1 to receive full consideration for state grants. Apply now or visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission's website for more information.

for your viewing pleasure

"Toman" by Thomas B., Grade 8, Sudbrook Magnet Middle School. This artwork is part of the 2025-2026 Superintendent's Gallery Online Exhibition. The entire exhibition of more than 280 submitted works can be viewed online.

Artist Statement:

My self-portrait titled “Toman” was made using charcoal materials, as well as chalk to get lighter values. At first, I was not extremely familiar with charcoal, but by the end, I actually enjoyed it. In this piece, my background is a whiteboard that I have in my room. One of the drawings in the background I actually drew with my friend when he came over. This represents the love for my friends as well as my love for art. This also leads to the reason I named my piece “Toman.” A group of my friends at school call me Toman. It has stuck since 7th grade. Considering my friends call me Toman, and this piece includes a drawing that I did with my friend, I thought it would be a good name for my self-portrait. All in all, I had a fun time with this piece, and I am very proud of it.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Measuring The Education Foundation's impact

The latest Mission Moment blog post reviews some of the many tangible ways that The Education Foundation carries out its mission-driven work of ensuring that every student, educator, and school community has the resources necessary to reach their full potential.

Through advocacy, fundraising, and programming, the foundation provides scholarships for graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education and career training, grants for special projects that enhance the regular curricula, and support for school/office-based projects.

The Education Foundation also operates two educator resource centers, the Exchangerees, in partnership with Merritt Companies, and furnished by American Design Associates and Douron. BCPS educators come to these centers, year-round, to shop for school supplies and classroom materials at no cost to themselves. All in all, nearly $4.5 million in materials have been distributed to BCPS school communities.

a word from Dr. Rogers

February 23, 2026

Dear Reader:

I want to continue to keep you updated on our progress with the BCPS operating budget for FY 2027.

The Board will vote on the proposed budget on Tuesday, February 24. Once the Board adopts its budget request, the budget will then be submitted to the County Executive and County Council for approval.

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. Some have already taken place, but the following meetings are upcoming:

Wednesday, March 4

District 7 Town Hall

Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center, 323 Sollers Point Rd., Dundalk 21222

Wednesday, March 11

District 3 Town Hall

Dulaney High School, 255 E Padonia Rd, Timonium 21093

Wednesday, March 18

District 4 Town Hall

Randallstown Community Center, 3505 Resource Dr., Randallstown 21133

More information about the town hall meetings is available on the Baltimore County Government website.

 Learn more about the budget process on the BCPS Budget 101 webpage.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming Board and advisory committee meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, February 23, at 7 p.m.

Colgate Elementary School, library, 7735 Gough St., Baltimore 21224

Topic: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, February 24

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