Thursday, December 5, 2024

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

20 BCPS schools receive 5-Star Rating on 2024 MD School Report Card

On December 3, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released new accountability information for each public school system in the state, including the Star Ratings for individual schools. These new Star Ratings are calculated using 2023-2024 school year accountability data. The data for Baltimore County Public Schools show significant improvement, with 38 BCPS schools seeing an increase in their overall Star Rating. According to state data, BCPS has the greatest number of 5 Star schools in the state.

Out of 163 BCPS schools with accountability data as outlined by MSDE:

• 20 schools earned a Star Rating of 5

• 44 schools earned a Star Rating of 4

• 66 schools earned a Star Rating of 3

• 32 schools earned a Star Rating of 2

• 1 school earned a Star Rating of 1

More information is available in a BCPS community message.

As we head into the winter months, we want to share important information about our Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2024-2025 school year.

After three full-day closures, when inclement weather is forecasted, families will be notified if BCPS will transition to virtual learning for that day. Students will be reminded to bring devices, chargers, and other instructional materials home. Staff will also be asked to prepare lessons and materials.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Stay informed: How are inclement weather decisions made?

We encourage the Team BCPS community to review important information on our school closing and emergency procedures. As a reminder, decisions regarding school operations are made by 5:30 a.m.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Important Notice - BCPS to shift to pay in arrears for all employees

During the 2023-24 school year, BCPS announced that the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (which replaces the current payroll system) would be implemented on July 1, 2025. BCPS’ transition to the new ERP system includes a shift to pay in arrears for all employees.

Pay in arrears is a standard practice in Maryland and nationally. Payment is transacted after a good or service is provided. Presently, all BCPS hourly employees (AFSCME, ESPBC) are paid in arrears, but all salaried employees (CASE, OPE, TABCO, and salaried non-represented) are not.

The move to pay in arrears will occur for 12-month employees on the July 11, 2025, pay day and on the September 5, 2025, pay date for 10-month employees. The current pay schedules are still in place for the 2024-2025 school year. The last pay-to-date pay will occur on June 20, 2025.

In early December, we will provide options for receiving a pay advance to offset the three-week gap caused by the transition of BCPS’ salaried employees from the current system to pay in arrears.

• 2024-25 school year essential and essential-as-needed designations

Employees will not be receiving individual notifications of their essential or essential-as-needed designation for the 2024-25 school year. Employees will continue with their current designations as previously notified and in accordance with their position classification. Department leadership may use acknowledgement forms to notify new or update any current employee regarding their obligation to work when schools and/or offices are closed during adverse weather conditions or any other emergency. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• School Psychologist of the Year nominations open through December 20

The Baltimore County School Psychologist Association would like to recognize practicing school psychologists who have made impactful contributions to the profession with its annual School Psychologist of the Year (SPOTY) award. SPOTY nominees must be BCPS school psychologists. Any BCPS employee can nominate a school psychologist for this recognition. Winners of the SPOTY award may be nominated for consideration for the Maryland School Psychologist Associations’ School Psychologist of the Year. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate Training - Dec 11 & 12

SchoolMessenger Communicate live training sessions are available for new users who will send broadcasts (phone calls, text messages, and emails). Pre-registration is required. Both sessions will be held from 3:15-4:15 p.m. If you are unable to attend, you may sign-up to have a recording of the training made available to you. Registration closes at noon on Monday, December 9. Training login information will be sent on Tuesday, December 10.

The agenda will cover logging in, updating accounts, sending messages, saving lists, saving messages, and generating reports.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Jill Stephenson.

Jane Lichter selected as chair of Board of Education of Baltimore County; Robin Harvey selected as vice chair

On December 3, Jane Lichter was selected to serve as Board chair while Robin Harvey was selected as vice chair. Both officers will serve a one-year term. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Celebrating Inclusive Schools Week

December 2-6 is Inclusive Schools Week! BCPS is proud to reiterate its commitment to ensuring equity and access in all areas of academic programs, social-emotional supports, and business operations.

Application for 2025-2026 Student Member of the Board Now Open

Each BCPS high school principal can nominate up to two candidates to apply for Student Member of the Board. Selected students must submit their completed application by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 24. Questions? Contact Stacey Wade, (443-809-4496).

Calling all principals - Teacher of the Year nominations due December 6

All BCPS principals are asked to nominate one outstanding teacher as their school's Teacher of the Year for 2025-26. These nominees will then participate in next spring's BCPS Teacher of the Year competition and celebration.

The annual program is a great opportunity to recognize an excellent educator as well as to honor all teachers. Nominations are due no later than the end of the business day on Friday, December 6.

Spread the word: We're hiring!

We’re hiring in a variety of positions! Interested applicants are invited to join us at an upcoming recruitment event or apply online today.

2025-2026 FAFSA form now available for families interested in financial aid for higher education

Spread the word! The 2025–26 FAFSA form is now live.

Federal student aid webinar - December 10

Parents/caregivers and students are invited to register for a free online session to learn about how to complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

5 Things to Know About the December 3 Board of Education Meeting

1) The Board elected Jane Lichter as chair of the Board of Education and Robin Harvey was elected vice chair. Both officers will serve a one-year term.

2) Dr. Rogers provided an update on the FY 2026 Operating Budget process and shared highlights of stakeholder responses for the budget priorities survey. Dr. Rogers also highlighted the system’s performance on the 2024 MD Report Card. BCPS has the greatest number of 5-Star schools in the state.

3) The Board received a report on the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 County Capital Budget request. The Board is scheduled to vote on the Capital Budget request on January 14, 2025.

4) The Board received a report on the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

5) The Board approved one administrative appointment.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

The annual BCPS United Way Campaign is underway!

The 2024 BCPS campaign for the United Way of Central Maryland is underway and will extend through Friday, Dec. 20. The United Way has actively supported BCPS schools and students for years with a variety of programs and assistance, and many Baltimore County families are in need of the support that BCPS giving to United Way can provide. If employees wish to donate using payroll deduction, they must do so no later than Tuesday, December 10.

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland 18 Under 18 nominations due by December 16

Do you know an extraordinary student? Nominate them for the next class of Junior Achievement (JA) 18 Under 18! Tell us about a young person you know who is reshaping the world through their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership. and service to their communities. They could be our next JA 18 Under 18 honorees! Honorees will be featured in the May 2025 issue of Baltimore magazine and at an event in May 2025. The deadline to nominate is Monday, December 16.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS

Outstanding Young Women Leaders Program Cohort - Nominations due December 15

We are seeking one outstanding Grade 11 student leader from each high school to participate in the sixth cohort of the Outstanding Young Women Leaders Program. This program is part of the Towson University Women’s Leadership Collective and is co-sponsored by the First Financial Federal Credit Union. High school principals are encouraged to nominate one young woman for the 2025 Outstanding Young Women Leaders cohort. Young women leaders may also self-nominate. Nominees should currently hold a leadership role in their school. The nomination deadline is Sunday, December 15.

Both the Principal Nominating Form and student application must be submitted by December 15. An email template is available to share with your student nominee. Questions? Contact Dr. Megan Shay, Director of Educator Development

FOR EDUCATORS

Upcoming Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Trainings and Workshops

Are you ready to strengthen your classroom connections and practices? Join us for exciting training programs that will delve into effective strategies, classroom management, and innovative approaches to learning in positive and productive environments. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your techniques and enhance your impact in the classroom. Secure your spot today! Some of the offerings include:

• Introduction to Conscious Discipline in Elementary Schools
• CHAMPS: An Evidence-Based Approach to Creating Positive and Predictable Conditions for Student Learning
• Zones of Regulation: Integrating SEL Practices to Strengthen Self-Regulation
• ACES and Resilience
• Restorative Practices Days 1 and 2

Please see the winter flyer for more information. Interested participants must register in the registration system.

Please note that courses may not be visible in the catalog if the staff member is not the intended audience for the course. If this is believed to be an error, contact Caryn Mouring.

Baltimore County Vision Zero Action Plan

Want to make Baltimore County safer for driving, rolling, and walking?

Baltimore County is developing Vison Zero Action Plans to identify priorities for roadway safety. County residents are encouraged to take a brief online survey by Monday, December 9, to help the government identify problem areas on our roads.

FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES AND VISUAL ARTS TEACHERS

2025 Maryland Council on Economic Education Poster Contest

The Maryland Council on Economic Education (MCEE) publishes a calendar with economic and personal finance concepts. These calendars are created following a poster contest held by MCEE each year. Each month represents an economic topic students have learned in our social studies curriculum. This is an excellent opportunity for cross-curricular instruction, and we cordially invite your school to participate. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 can demonstrate their understanding of economic concepts through the “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” 2025 poster contest. All teachers may participate. We hope you will support your students’ participation in this inclusive contest for the 2024–25 school year.

Entries must be submitted and postmarked by Saturday, March 1, 2025, to the Maryland Council on Economic Education, 8000 York Rd., Towson, Maryland, 21252. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Upcoming Board and boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, December 17, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Northwest Elementary School Boundary Study #2 Meeting 6 (if needed)

Wednesday, December 18, from 6-8 p.m.

Milford Mill Academy cafeteria, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Desiree Werner, Staff Development Teacher, Battle Monument School

Submitted by Danielle Carlos, Community School Facilitator, Battle Monument School

"Battle Monument employees have the distinct joy of educating special needs students aged 3 -21. Teachers are challenged with modifying the curriculum and coming up with multi-modal strategies in all subject areas. Desiree Werner, our Staff Development Teacher, is a light on the path of our teachers.

"She goes above and beyond to find and model research-based strategies for our teachers to implement. Desiree works to make sure that our curriculum meets the needs of our students. She assists in all student-related tasks and volunteers her time for the local community as well. Desiree is indispensable to our staff, and we are beyond grateful to have her!"

Sam Melkonian, Special Education Teacher, Sollers Point Technical High School

Submitted by Catherine Lindemann, Staff Development Teacher and Science Department Chair, Sollers Point Technical High School

"A huge shoutout to Sam Melkonian, a truly dedicated and compassionate special education teacher! Sam goes above and beyond by offering her lunch breaks, planning periods, and time before and after school to assist students with coach class.

"Her unwavering commitment to student success is matched only by her ability to forge positive relationships with both students and staff. Always smiling and radiating positivity, Sam is a genuine person who makes an incredible impact on our school and community. She also ensures open and effective communication with parents, further demonstrating her care and professionalism. We are so lucky to have her on our team!"

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

Inclusive Schools Week - through December 6

Team BCPS Day - January 9

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org