Thursday, November 9, 2023

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

BCPS celebrates American Education Week!

Baltimore County Public Schools will observe American Education Week 2023 from Tuesday, Nov. 14, through Friday, Nov. 17, with countywide and school-based activities. Monday, Nov. 13, is a professional development day for BCPS staff, and schools are closed for students.

During the week, many schools will set aside specific times for parents and caregivers to visit their children’s classrooms and may host special events. The Team BCPS community is encouraged to tweet photos of the activities or their support for our schools using the hashtag #bcpsAEW.

Among the recognitions taking place during American Education Week are two special observances celebrating BCPS staff. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, the school system will recognize Education Support Professionals Day, and on Friday, Nov. 17, Substitute Educators Day.

More information is available in a BCPS news release.

American Education Week Resources

Resources for American Education Week can be found on Parent University. To access additional handouts, visit the FACE SharePoint site and search by AEW. Questions regarding this information should be directed to Susan Hahn.

FEATURED VIDEO:

National Apprenticeship Week

November 13 - 19 is National Apprenticeship Week. This year, 170 BCPS students are reaching new heights, gaining valuable experience working with a variety of local businesses from Timber Industries to the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund — and some are even working for BCPS!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Safe Schools Compliance Training Reminder

Compliance training for the 2023-2024 school year was released through Safe Schools on July 1, 2023. All staff must complete annual compliance training to ensure that Baltimore County Public Schools meets all state and federal mandates. Staff must complete all training by Thursday, November 30, 2023. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• BCPS Technology Help Desk closed November 13

The BCPS Technology Help Desk will be closed on Monday, November 13, to allow all members of the Division of Information Technology to attend a professional development session. Staff may still place BCPS Serve tickets online by clicking the "Technology Support Request" form link.

The Help Desk will reopen at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, November 14.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate webmaster training and resources

SchoolMessenger Communicate live training sessions for new users who will send broadcasts (phone calls, text messages and emails). Pre-registration is required.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate New User Mondays - available 1 – 2:30 p.m. EST on November 13, November 27 or December 11.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate New User Tuesdays - available 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST on November 21, December 5 or December 19.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate New User Wednesdays - available 3 – 4:30 p.m. EST on November 8, November 22 or December 6.

SchoolMessenger Communicate live trainer sessions for experienced users looking for more tips and tricks for getting the most out of the system. Pre-registration is required.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate Q&A Wednesdays - available 11 a.m. – noon EST on November 8, 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20.

Video training is also available for:

• SchoolMessenger SecureFile – a secure document delivery solution to send important documents home to parents

• SchoolMessenger Communicate Advanced User – for those comfortable with SchoolMessenger Communicate who want to learn how to create advanced lists and customized messages

The Office of Communications has requested additional training times and we will be sure to let you know when that is set.For more information, email communications@bcps.org.

• SchoolMessenger Presence webmaster training and resources

SchoolMessenger Presence live training sessions for new webmasters responsible for maintaining basic page content and homepage features, including calendar and news. Pre-registration is required.

• SchoolMessenger Presence Editing Tuesday Mornings — 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. EST

• SchoolMessenger Presence Editing Thursday Afternoons — 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. EST

The Office of Communications has requested additional training times and we will be sure to let you know when that is set.For more information, email communications@bcps.org.

Video training for webmasters who would like to learn more about page layouts, external links and a few portlets: SchoolMessenger Presence Page Configuration — 1 hr

• Maryland State Board of Education to hold virtual hearing on new college and career readiness proposal

The Maryland State Board of Education will hold a special meeting and virtual public hearing on Thursday, November 9, regarding recommendations for a new College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standard. The meeting will be held virtually on Zoom beginning at 4:30 p.m. The public hearing portion of the agenda will begin at 6 p.m. Members of the public can view both the meeting and hearing via livestream. The meeting will include a report regarding Statewide Literacy Expert Instructional Support Teams. Prior to the public hearing, there will be a review of the CCR Standard proposal currently under consideration by the State Board along with panels consisting of stakeholders that will provide feedback on the proposal. A summary of the proposal is available online. Share your thoughts on the proposed changes in an online survey.

• Upcoming Parent University events

This year, BCPS Parent University is presenting a variety of virtual programs. More information is available on the "Parent University schedule" on the Parent U website.

Upcoming Lunch & Learn programming includes:

• When Worry Gets Too Big: Strategies to Move Through Anxious Moments Towards Confidence

Friday, November 10, at 12:30 p.m.

• Start Your Own Childcare Business

Monday, November 13, at 12:30 p.m.

• "Can you say 'Mama?": How Young Children Develop Language"

Friday, November 17, at 12:30 p.m.

• BCPS seeks volunteers for upcoming robotics events

BCPS is seeking volunteers to serve in key roles during upcoming robotics tournaments. The Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation and VEX have partnered to provide free online training, testing, and certification for those interested in serving as volunteers. More information is available in a BCPS news release

• Winter schedule of restorative practices trainings and workshops

The following restorative practices trainings and workshops are available for registration and will take place throughout the school year. Sessions for November through February have just been posted. November and January dates are listed below: ​​

Restorative Circles 101 (Virtual):

• November 15, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Restorative Practices Days 3 and 4: Facilitating Restorative Conferences (two full days - In person)

• December 4 and December 5, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Greenwood Building E, Room 123

Restorative Practices Refresher for Educators (Asynchronous)

• December 6, from 5 - 7 p.m.

Restorative Practices Days 1 and 2: Introduction to Restorative Practices and Using Circles Effectively (two full days - In person)

• December 11 and December 12, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Greenwood Building E, Room 123

Planning for Community Circles

• December 13, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Introduction to Restorative Practices (Virtual)

• November Social-Emotional Learning Calendars

Supporting the social-emotional learning (SEL) of adults and students is critical to navigating the instructional environment. The MTSS (Multi-Tiered Support Services) Team within the Office of School Climate has developed several social and emotional learning resources for administrators and school staff. The resource, Self-Care for Adults Calendar November 2023, provides administrators with suggested strategies to help with adult self-care as well as ideas to keep school staff connected.

Additional resources for school staff include Elementary and Secondary SEL calendars for November 2023 to foster staff and student connections towards engagement. Additional resources for school staff can be located on the Department of Social-Emotional Supports website. Questions? Contact Tammi Coit, coordinator.

• Morgan State University Educational Opportunities

Morgan State University will host a Virtual Open House on Thursday, November 9, from 4 - 6 p.m. so participants can

learn more about the Morgan State University M.A.T. in secondary teaching, M.S. in administration and supervision, and certificate in administration and supervision programs. Participants will learn about each program’s curriculum, application process, and more. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Science and social studies teachers annual surveys

Section 7-203(e) of the Education Code of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires the Maryland State Department of Education to survey social studies and science educators annually. The surveys are to determine the amount of instructional time in those disciplines; available resources, including professional learning; and the number of classes taught by teachers certified in these content areas. All surveys will be confidential and identified only by school system and grade level (elementary, middle, and high school). MSDE is required to compile the survey results, post those results on its website, and send a report to the governor and General Assembly each January.

The surveys will close on November 17. Questions? Contact Christine Schumacker, director of science, health, and physical education, or John Billingslea, director of social studies.

• United Way Campaign Underway

The 2023 BCPS campaign for the United Way of Central Maryland began Wednesday, Nov. 1, and extends through the end of the calendar year. 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.

All employees are encouraged to consider an online donation to the United Way.

Veterans Day - Honoring all who served

Each Veterans Day, we honor all who served, including the many members of Team BCPS who have served our country. We thank you for your service.

Final Reminder - Open Enrollment is open now through 4 p.m. on Friday, November 10



Open enrollment is the annual period in which eligible employees can make changes to their current medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account elections. Employees make enrollment selections via Employee Self-Service through Friday, November 10. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective beginning January 1, 2024.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Celebrating Education Support Professionals - Wednesday, November 15

Each year on the Wednesday of American Education Week, we celebrate and thank our incredible education support professionals for the invaluable support they provide to our students, schools, and families.

FY2025 Operating Budget forums continue tonight

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) is hosting “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget.

The final two events are scheduled for:

• Thursday, November 9, from 6-7 p.m. in the Parkville High School cafeteria

• Tuesday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m. in the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science cafeteria

A recording of the October 17 event at Pikesville High School is available online. More information is available in a BCPS community message.

Thanking Substitute Educators - Friday, November 17

Next Friday, November 17, please join us as we express our gratitude to our substitute educators, who are among the unsung heroes of public education.

Special Education Focus Areas Survey

The BCPS Department of Special Education is seeking feedback related to staffing of services and supports for students receiving special education services within BCPS. This information will be used in the development of the Special Education Staffing Plan for next school year. Please take a moment to take this brief survey and provide your feedback before Friday, December 1, 2023.

Mobile ESOL Welcome Center launching screening services

The Office of ESOL is excited to announce the screening calendar for the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center.

The BCPS ESOL Welcome Center provides English language proficiency assessment and enrollment services to new BCPS multilingual learners. The launch of the Mobile ESOL Welcome Center will bring this service closer to students and families in the communities. The Mobile ESOL Welcome Center will be stationed at schools across the county, following the calendar as below:

• First Tuesday of every month, at Halstead Academy

• Second Tuesday of every month, at Cockeysville Middle School

• Third Tuesday of every month, at Holabird STEM Middle School

• Fourth Tuesday of every month, at Reisterstown Elementary School

Spread the word - Teen Summit set for Nov. 11

BCPS is joining the Baltimore County Police Department, NAACP, and others in supporting the Tweens & Teens Youth Summit which will be held at New Town High School on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature a youth and an adult panel, vendors, music, snacks and giveaways. Register online today.

Things to Know About the November 7 Board of Education Meeting

1) Superintendent Rogers (Yarbough) shared an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget process, provided next steps for the implementation of the recommendations of the Transition Team, and highlighted recent BCPS achievements and celebrations.

2) The Board approved a final calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. The school year will begin on Monday, August 26, 2024, and will end on Monday, June 16, 2025. The calendar includes three emergency closure make-up days.

3) The Board received a report on the operating and capital budget training for the Student Member of the Board.

4) Staff provided the Board with an update on elementary literacy and the work of the system to strengthen student literacy and boost academic achievement.

5) The Board received a report on Watershed Public Charter School’s renewal process. The Board will vote on the charter renewal on December 5, 2023.

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.

We are hiring!

We are seeking qualified professionals to join Team BCPS in facilities support positions. Please spread the word! Online applications are available now. More information about upcoming recruitment events is available in a BCPS news release.

Upcoming community advisory group & boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 13, at 6 p.m.

Location to be determined

Topic: "The Student Handbook"

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 13, at 7 p.m.

Location to be determined

Topic: "Transportation"

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

Virtual

Topic: "Artificial Intelligence - Electronics Use and Curricular Implications"

Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study public information session

Wednesday, November 15, from 7 - 8 p.m.

Cockeysville Middle School cafeteria, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030

Study webpage

Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study public information session

Thursday, November 16, from 7 - 8 p.m.

Loch Raven High School cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

Study webpage

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 20, at 7 p.m.

Middleborough Elementary School Library, 313 West Road, Essex 21221

Topic: "Staffing"

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT



Lori Watchinsky, Grade 7 Team Leader, General John Stricker Middle School

Submitted by Mikaela Heft, Additional Adult Assistant, General John Stricker Middle School

"She goes above and beyond and always has a smile on her face."

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

Native American Heritage Month - November

National School Psychology Week - Through Friday, November 10

Veterans Day - Saturday, November 11

National Apprenticeship Week - Monday, November 13 - Sunday, November 19

American Education Week - Tuesday, November 14 - Friday, November 17

Education Support Professionals Day - Wednesday, November 15

Substitute Educators Day - Friday, November 17

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org