BCPS Green Schools Summit empowers educators -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, November 20, 2023

7th annual BCPS Green Schools Summit empowers educators to cultivate environmental stewardship

Educators from across Baltimore County gathered at George Washington Carver Center for Art and Technology for the 7th annual BCPS Green Schools Summit earlier this school year. At the summit, educators learned more about the Green Schools certification process and various sustainability initiatives, met with local vendors, and participated in sessions on the Maryland Environmental Literacy Framework.

90 BCPS high school students practice networking, develop leadership skills at Junior Achievement event

Ninety students from Kenwood and Woodlawn high schools and Milford Mill Academy participated in the Junior Achievement's Leading Ladies event on November 1 at the Stanley Black and Decker Innovation Center. Participants experienced corporate networking with area business leaders, learned how to use artificial intelligence in workforce development, and studied how to use social media to support entrepreneurship.

Amr Almehdar, Grade 12 student, Perry Hall High School

by Habiba Lam, Chesapeake High School senior and BCPS communications apprentice

Have you ever wondered what it's like to work behind the scenes in your school? Well, meet Amr Almehdar, a senior at Perry Hall High School. Amr is a humble tech wiz who enjoys the ins and outs of technology. However, what sets Amr apart is not his list of accomplishments, but his humble attitude and unstoppable work ethic. While juggling clubs and activities, he's also an unsung hero, working behind the scenes to ensure that the technology at Perry Hall, and across BCPS, runs smoothly. Over the summer, Amr served as an intern with the BCPS Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This school year, Amr is continuing his work with DoIT, working as an apprentice through the Apprenticeship Maryland program.

The story continues in a new Face of the Week blog post.

Northwest Area Elementary School Boundary Study survey open through Sunday, December 3

The Northwest Area Elementary School Boundary study affects students currently attending Bedford, Fort Garrison, Milbrook, Scotts Branch, Summit Park, and Wellwood International elementary schools as well as Campfield Early Learning Center.

Stakeholder feedback is a vital part of the BCPS boundary study process.

Through Sunday, December 3, community members are invited to complete an online survey and share their opinions about four draft options for new school boundaries. The survey is available in several languages.

Lyric Baltimore Youth Theater is seeking youth who are actors, storytellers, comics, singers, visual artists, videographers, puppeteers, photographers, poets, and playwrights. To apply and sign up for an audition, please complete an online form. Auditions will be held on Thursday, January 4, and Saturday, January 6. Those accepted into the free program will participate in workshops from late January to early June in preparation for a final production in June at the Lyric Baltimore. For more information, email education@mdlyric.org.

Baltimore County’s new northeast middle school needs a name!

BCPS invites the public to submit names for the new middle school currently under construction in the northeast area of Baltimore County. Name nominations will be accepted through Monday, November 20. Nominations are open to all BCPS staff, students, parents, and community members, and nominators may submit more than one name suggestion.

Details on what types of names are eligible for consideration and the next steps in the selection process can be found in a recent news release.

Stakeholders invited to take survey about special education staffing

The BCPS Department of Special Education is conducting a brief survey about the staffing of services and supports for BCPS students receiving special education services. This information will be used in developing the Special Education Staffing Plan for next school year. Please take a moment to offer your feedback. The survey closes Friday, December 1.

Woodlawn High School to host financial aid workshop for parents

Parents are invited to bring their laptops and get prepared for the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The workshop will explore creating a FAFSA "PIN," navigating the FAFSA website, and understanding the federal financial aid process.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

"Eating Healthy on a Budget"

Wednesday, December 6, at 12:30 p.m.

"Can You Hear Me Now? When Your Questions to Your Children Go Unanswered and Your Worries Grow Bigger"

Friday, December 8, at 12:30 p.m.

Parents often ask their children questions in an effort to understand them better only to be met by short or vague answers. Learn the brain research to explain this frustrating challenge as well as strategies to lower stress, build connection, and increase the likelihood that children will share more information. Register online.

"How to Handle the Holidays Without Your Loved Ones"

Friday, December 15, at 12:30 p.m.

Looking for more ideas and information? Please sign up for the Parent University newsletter! It is designed specifically for parents and caregivers and offers ideas, information, resources, and opportunities.

for your viewing pleasure

"Cylburn Landscape June 2023" by Sarah Deacon, visual arts teacher, Perry Hall Middle School. Work featured in the annual BCPS Teacher as Artist Exhibition.

To see more artwork by BCPS students, teachers, and other members of the BCPS community, please visit the Office of Visual Arts gallery webpage.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant recipients announced

The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., is pleased to announce the 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant Recipients for 2023-2024. Congratulations to the following schools:

Battle Monument School – “Let’s Put Some ‘Fun’ in Functional Learning”
Catonsville Elementary School – “Subsisting Agriculture Classroom”
Catonsville High School – “Shape Your World: A 3D Printing Initiative for Students”
Catonsville Middle School – “Achievement on the Activity Bus – Providing Equitable Access to Extracurricular Education”
Dogwood Elementary School – “Maddie the Musical: A Dogwood Spin on Matilda”
General John Stricker Middle School – “Using Mentoring to Facilitate Improved Culture, Climate, and a Sense of Shared Cultural History”
Golden Ring Middle School – “North Bay Legacy Program”
Hernwood Elementary School – “Sensory Learning Lab in the Library Media Center"
Holabird STEM/Middle School – “Holabird Courtyard Expansion Project”
Johnnycake Elementary School – “Communicating Clearly”
Meadowood Education Center – “Family Game Night”
Norwood Elementary School – “Springfest at HOLAWOOD: Embracing 21^st Century Cultures”
Owings Mills High School – “Student-Run Fabrication Lab and School Store: hOMade”
Pine Grove Middle School – “Becoming Kings Mentoring”
Ridge Ruxton School – “Maiden Choice and Ridge Ruxton Run Clubs and Accessible Track Meets”
Riverview Elementary School – “From Bystanders to Upstanders, Safe School Ambassadors Bullying Prevention Program”
Sparks Elementary School – “Written Words, Painted Sounds”
Sparrows Point Middle School – “SPMS Robotics”
Western School of Technology and Environmental Science – “Never Again: The Holocaust”
Woodholme Elementary School – “National Museum of African American History and Culture Field Trip”

A new Mission Moment blog post includes details about this year's program.

A word from Dr. Rogers (Yarbrough)

November 20, 2023

Dear Reader:

This week, BCPS schools and offices will close from Wednesday, November 22, through Friday, November 24, as we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I wish, for every member of the Team BCPS family, a joyous Thanksgiving with family and friends and time to reflect on the good things in our lives and our boundless potential for positive change and growth.

I am personally thankful for my own family, the Team BCPS family, and the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community.

In partnership,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent