Thursday, October 29, 2026

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

Maryland Report Card news: BCPS improves its Star Ratings for the third consecutive year!

BCPS has the second-most 5-Star schools (25), and, for the third year in a row, has improved its average Star Rating. Thirty-six schools saw an increase in their overall Star Rating, and the number of 2-Star and 3-Star schools decreased by 12 percent in 2026. 

Some report highlights:

• The number of 4-Star BCPS schools increased by 17.
• The number of 5-Star BCPS schools increased by 2.
• Student groups across elementary, middle, and high schools demonstrated improvement in math.
• The majority of student groups across elementary, middle, and high schools demonstrated improvement in English language arts. 

Dr. Heiser credits our continued improvement to the work the system has done over the last three years to provide high-quality instruction and programs for students and the dedication of Team BCPS staff.

Read the community message.

Budget Community Conversations continue next week!

Meetings to take place across the county from October - December

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser is hosting five Community Conversations to discuss the development of the Fiscal Year 2028 Operating Budget. Families, community members, and staff are invited to provide input on the process and give feedback on budget priorities.

The remaining Community Conversations will take place on the following dates:

Spanish interpretation will be provided at each meeting. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please call 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request.

Open Enrollment begins November 2

Open enrollment is the annual period during which eligible employees can make changes to their current medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Health Care and Dependent Care.

This year, employees may complete enrollment via Oracle Cloud from Monday, November 2, through Monday, November 23, at 5 p.m. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective January 1, 2027. 

Oracle Cloud Open Enrollment Training is available here. 

Benefit eligible employees who desire to make changes to their benefits and/or enroll in FSA accounts must do so in Oracle Cloud. This includes changes to their medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD), and FSA elections (Health Care and Dependent Care). 

Current benefit elections will automatically roll over to 2027, except for Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs.

More information is available in a News Hub post.

As National Principals Month comes to an end, we want to thank and recognize Team BCPS principals who work around the clock to guide our school communities every day.


This month and always, we celebrate our remarkable leaders and the amazing work they do to advance excellence and ensure our students thrive!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

•Spread the word: BCPS to host Substitute Networking and Recruitment Events

Current and prospective substitute teachers are invited to BCPS networking and recruitment events. Each event will only feature schools in that zone. 

 Join us to:

• Learn more about working in additional schools and being added to their preferred substitute lists. 
• Identify prospective long-term substitute opportunities.
• Attend presentations designed specifically for current and new applicants.
• Receive technology assistance.

Central Zone 

Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204

West Zone  

Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228

Please RSVP.

• Safe Schools compliance training deadline: October 30

This is a reminder that the deadline for completing all required SafeSchools compliance training for the 2026-2027 school year is Friday, October 30.

Principals and supervisors must continue to monitor staff completion until all employees with active records have completed their assigned compliance training. Please also review this important reminder regarding Child Abuse and Neglect.

As a reminder:

• Principals and supervisors have report administrator access in SafeSchools and may run completion reports at any time for all compliance trainings or individual courses.
  
• Monthly completion summary emails provide principals and supervisors with a high-level snapshot. For a complete and accurate report, principals must log in to SafeSchools through the Microsoft Apps portal and follow the SafeSchools Report Administrator Quick Start Guide.

Please continue to review completion reports regularly, follow up with staff who have outstanding training, and ensure 100% compliance for all active employees.

• Information regarding October 30 pay


BCPS has been made aware of concerns from some staff members about this week's pay and direct deposits not appearing in their accounts. As a reminder, BCPS paydays are Fridays, and we disbursed all funds as scheduled. There are no issues with Oracle or our payroll processes this week. We understand that some banks release funds before Friday, and employees are asked to check on the status of funds directly with their banks. 

• Education programs from the Maryland Center for History and Culture


The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) offers a wide range of programs and events designed to bring history to life for students, educators, and the community.

• Field Trip Opportunities: Tailored to meet curricular needs, MCHC’s engaging field trips immerse students in Maryland history, art, and culture.
  
• Traveling Trunks: The Center offers hands-on, classroom-ready resources that bring history directly to students in the classroom.
• Digital Resources: MCHC’s web page includes video lessons, a digitized collection of historic objects, printable activities, primary source analysis tools, and more.
  
• Professional Development: MCHC sponsors workshops and seminars for educators on Maryland history, inquiry-based instruction, and effective use of primary sources.
  
• Speaker Series: Hear from historians, authors, and cultural experts on topics spanning Maryland’s rich past and present.
  
• Community Events: Participate in lectures, exhibitions, and special programs for learners of all ages.

The Center also offers grant funding to make its offerings accessible to the public.

Details about each of these programs can be found on MCHC's website, and the 2026-2027 Educator Resources Guide.

To begin planning, contact Tyler Osborne, MCHC Digital Learning Manager, with any questions at tosborne@mdhistory.org.

• American Education Week 2026


BCPS celebrates and welcomes the involvement of all stakeholders throughout the school year. The PTA Council of Baltimore County, which supports PT(S)A units throughout BCPS, looks forward to working with schools to celebrate American Education Week 2026! AEW, an annual national celebration of public education and all who contribute to public schools’ success, runs from November 16 to 20.

In his October 9 press release, Dr. Heiser stated that, “We look forward to welcoming families into our schools for American Education Week … Parents and caregivers are our partners in advancing excellence systemwide. We are eager for them to see what and how their children are learning in our schools every day.”

For the second year, PTA Council is offering an easy and meaningful way for PT(S)As and schools to recognize AEW:

PTA Council’s HERE FOR IT! AEW Attendance Challenge to support BCPS’s attendance-awareness campaign!

Our goals:

• have students sign BCPS’s Attendance Pledge
• gather family/caregiver input via our PTActivate Attendance Survey
• encourage participation in Parent University’s November 18 virtual Dine and Learn session on attendance

Please see PTA Council’s AEW 2026 “launch” flyer, which briefly explains what we have planned. Two upcoming dates are November 17 and 18. 

• Tuesday, November 17: Challenge Kick-off 
• Wednesday, November 18: Parent University’s virtual Dine and Learn session "Here For It! Partnering to Support Strong Attendance" at 6:30 p.m.

Schools are encouraged to consider hosting a Family Day on November 17, to support your PT(S)A's programming. 

PTA’s Council’s Family Day programming suggestions, for PTAs/PTSAs and schools, are not a heavy lift and units will be receiving more detailed information on how to participate. PTA Council is also offering participation incentives to students and PT(S)As!

Questions? Please reach out to PTA Council’s Family, School, and Community Partnerships Committee Chair/Council Vice President Ramona Basilio at partnerships@bcptacouncil.org or 443-851-5211.

November is Native American Heritage Month


BCPS celebrates the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and honors the resilience of Indigenous people.

Highlights from the Superintendent's most recent press conference

Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser held a media availability on October 27. Topics covered included Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools; the Fiscal Year 2028 Operating Budget; first Marking Period reminders; and safety reminders for Team BCPS. Notes from the press conference can be found online.

Save the date! Mind Over Matters Conference set for April 6

BCPS will host its annual Mind Over Matter Conference on April 6. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and substance use prevention.

The student event will be held on Tuesday, April 6, 2027, from 10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at Medstar Franklin Square Hospital Conference Center. The event will include a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and a vendor fair. 

Due to space limitations, only 3 students from each middle and high school will be able to attend. We are asking principals to identify a point of contact who will coordinate the identification of the students that will be attending. Additionally, the point of contact will assist the students in registering for the event and selecting which workshop they want to attend. It is the expectation that the students who are selected to attend must bring the information back to their schools. The point of contact can serve as the chaperone for the event or designate another staff member to chaperone. Please complete this form to identify your school’s point of contact.

Additional details about the event are forthcoming and will be shared in future Principals’ Weekly and News Hub Announcements.

This week's "Mental Health Minute"

In a school environment, no two days look the same. Between shifting schedules, unexpected student needs, and the general busyness of the academic year, it can feel like you are constantly responding to a whirlwind. When your external environment is unpredictable, the most powerful way to stay grounded is by building internal anchors—mental and physical tools that provide stability from the inside out.

Here are three simple, actionable ways to build your internal anchors right in the middle of a busy school day:


1. Drop Your Anchor (The 30-Second Physical Check-In)

When a classroom or hallway feels chaotic, your nervous system can easily slip into fight-or-flight mode. You don't need a 20-minute meditation to reset. Try a micro-grounding technique:


• Pause exactly where you are standing or sitting.
• Press your feet firmly into the floor and notice the literal support beneath you.
• Take two slow, deep breaths, making your exhales longer than your inhales.
• This signals to your brain that despite the noise around you, you are safe in this exact micro-moment.

2. Choose Your Daily Mantra

A cognitive anchor is a short, repetitive phrase that cuts through mental clutter. Before students arrive, choose a simple truth to tether your mind to when things get hectic.

• “This moment is loud, but it is temporary.”
• “I am doing enough.”
• “I can do hard things.”
• “With coffee by my side, all things are possible.”
• “I will find moments of joy today.”
• “This is happening in front of me, not happening to me.” 
• When you feel your stress rising, silently repeat your phrase three times.

3. Identify Your "Non-Negotiable" Micro-Value

When external demands are high, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself to your to-do list. Anchor yourself to a core value by picking one small action that reflects it each day. If your value is kindness, make it a point to give one specific compliment to a colleague. If your value is boundaries, commit to eating your lunch away from your screen. Connecting to your values keeps you feeling like you, regardless of the surrounding noise.

The Bottom Line

You cannot always control the chaos of the school day, but you can always control where you place your internal focus. This week, try picking just one internal anchor to practice. Your mind—and your nervous system—will thank you.

BCPS, CCBC, and Baltimore County Workforce Development Department launch new career coaching website for students

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), and the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development (DEWD) are joining forces to ensure every student in our community has the information, guidance, and support needed to make informed decisions about their futures. We recognize that the path to success looks different for every student—and we’re dedicated to helping them explore all available options.

At BCPS, career exploration and post-secondary readiness are foundational to student success. Expanding access to career awareness and skill-building opportunities begins in middle school. It continues through high school, ensuring students understand the full spectrum of opportunities available to them after graduation.



BCPS' Role:

• Integrated career awareness and exploration into curriculum
• Expanded career and technical education (CTE) pathways
• Enhanced school counseling and advising resources focused on post-secondary planning
• Partnerships with employers, trade unions, and higher education institutions
• Professional development for educators on diverse career pathways

More information is available on the Your Future Your Way website.

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.

Mark your calendar for The Ed Foundation's Inaugural Stuff the Trucks event!

The Education Foundation is gearing up for a new event – Stuff the Trucks – a community-wide donation drive benefiting the foundation's Exchangerees. These two educator resource centers provide BCPS teachers and staff with school supplies, classroom resources, books, and other essential items at absolutely no cost to them all year long, helping ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.

Stuff the Trucks will be held at the BC Brewery in Hunt Valley (10950 Gilroy Rd., Suite F, 21031) on Wednesday, November 18, from 2-7 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from all food and beverage sales that day will go toward supporting the mission-driven work of the foundation. 

A new Mission Moment blog post offers more information about how the community can get involved.

Calendar Reminder: First Marking Period ends Oct. 30

We are off to a great start to the 2026-2027 school year with the first marking period ending on Friday, October 30, 2026. Please remind students and families that report cards will be posted in the FOCUS portal on November 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. Directions for creating a myBCPS account for parent/caregiver access to Focus and Schoology can be found at this link. Directions to view student report cards in the FOCUS portal can be found at this link. 

Announcing the 4th Annual Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser

Designer Bag Bingo is one of The Education Foundation's most beloved events of the year. It brings together teachers, staff, community members, and business partners for an evening of networking, connection-making, friendship-building, and of course, 'FUNdraising.' Sponsorships and tickets are now available, and all proceeds will support the mission-driven work of the foundation.

Designer Bag Bingo will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2027, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America, 25 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234.



All bingo prizes will be new, authentic, and unused designer bags from Coach, Kate Spade, Madden, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, and more! Bags are each valued at up to $500 retail. Learn more in the latest Mission Moment blog post.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month — a time to recognize the more than 70 million people in the United States who have learning and thinking differences.

The BCPS Department of Special Education works to support and empower students with special needs to develop academically and socially and to become an integral part of the school and community and a participating member of a globally competitive society. Learn more.

Team BCPS Shoutout!

Two Carver Center educators present at the Annual Art Schools Network Conference

Paul Diem, theatre department chair, and Christina Rodriguez, an English teacher, attended the Art Schools Network Conference in San Diego to accept the award recognizing George Washington Carver as an Exemplary School.

Each year, the Art Schools’ Network Exemplary Schools Award celebrates schools that exemplify excellence in arts education through innovative practice, inclusive culture, and sustained commitment to student growth. 


This designation is designed to honor schools that not only achieve high standards in arts education but also serve as models for creative learning and leadership across the nation.

Paul and Christina also presented at the conference on arts and equity and the integration of arts in the classroom.

Jamee Espinoza, Community School Facilitator, Franklin Middle School

Submitted by Michelle Bell, Career Coach

"A huge thank you to Ms. Espinoza for her tireless dedication in welcoming students, families, and staff back to our school community. From organizing parent events like Chalk the Walk, coordinating fundraisers and yard sales, recognizing others' accomplishments, creating engaging advisory lessons, and helping beautify our building, she consistently goes above and beyond. Her energy, commitment, and servant leadership make an incredible impact every day. It often feels like she does the work of a hundred people all on her own, and our school is better because of it. Thank you, Ms. Espinoza, for all that you do!"

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.

FOR EMPLOYEES WHO RECEIVE PURCHASE ORDER RECEIPT CONFIRMATIONS

Action required: Purchase order requires receipt confirmation

The Department of Fiscal Services is offering a series of open labs for purchasing. You must register and complete the asynchronous training before attending the open lab. Registration for the asynchronous training is in Kickup under self-paced courses.

The objective of this course is for staff to receive assistance with creating purchase requisitions in the new Oracle Purchasing module.

For virtual meetings, an Outlook meeting invitation with a link to Teams will be sent to you after you register in Kickup. Please do not forward the meeting invitation.

Participants must register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events, then enter the name of the training, Oracle ERP-Purchasing Open Lab.

The dates and times of the open labs are as follows:

FOR SCHOOL AND OFFICE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

"Level Up Your Social Media"/ Social media manager trainings

Do you manage social media for your school or office? Have you thought about doing so, but aren’t sure where to start? The Department of Communications and Community Outreach is thrilled to offer the "Level Up Your Social Media" series again this school year in partnership with Employee Training and Development!

Register for all sessions, or just the ones you need the most! All sessions will take place in Room 28 at the BCPS Employee Development Center, located at 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093.

Registration is open now via Kickup, the new BCPS professional development registration system. Search for "Social Media" within "Browse Events."

Please note that these sessions will focus on Facebook and Instagram.

"Story Mode: Capturing Photos & Video"

• Monday, November 9, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 11, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

"Multilingual Mission: Social Media That Speaks to Everyone"

• Monday, December 7, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, December 9, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Questions? Please contact Jermaine Rowley, Communications Specialist, Stacey Wade, Program Specialist, or Sam Lister, Workforce Development Trainer.

FOR EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Virtual learning inclement weather days

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the new asynchronous course, "Effective Bullying Investigations for Maryland Educators and School Leaders."

This four-hour course provides guidance for administrators and aspiring leaders on how to effectively investigate bullying allegations and support the students and families involved. Participants will earn four PDP credits upon completion.  This self-paced course allows you to complete modules individually at your convenience. The course began on October 7, 2026, and runs until December 9th, 2026. You can complete the course in sections or all at once, whatever fits your schedule. You can pause and resume at any time.

The course consists of four modules:

 - Module 1: When Silence Feels Safer: Why Students Don't Report Bullying

 - Module 2: Considerations for a Successful Investigation

 - Module 3: Making a Determination, and Creating Conditions for Success

 - Module 4: Developing a Safety Plan

As a prerequisite, all participants are asked to complete the one-hour MSDE course, "An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators," which provides the necessary background knowledge in bullying prevention. This course is available now.

Please use this link to register for "Effective Bullying Investigations for Maryland Educators and School Leaders."

Here is the link for "An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators."

FOR EMPLOYEES WITH LIMITED COMPUTER SKILLS

Technology Inservice Course: Computer Literacy Education Outreach

The Office of Application Support and Training will offer a six-week course designed to equip staff with foundational computer literacy skills using essential Microsoft tools. Participants will learn how to confidently navigate Windows 11, manage files using OneDrive and SharePoint, communicate effectively in Outlook, and perform basic tasks in Microsoft Excel. At the end of the course, attendees will use their devices more efficiently, improve digital organization, and apply Microsoft 365 tools to streamline daily workflows.

This course includes in-person sessions and one virtual session. The in-person sessions will be held at the Employee Development Center on February 9, 16, 23, March 2, and 16, from 9–11 a.m. The virtual session will be held on March 9. Don’t miss this valuable professional learning opportunity designed for office professionals. ESBPC-represented participants will earn one BCPS Inservice credit upon successful completion.

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for beginners with limited computer experience, those who struggle with basic computer tasks, or those who feel uncomfortable or intimidated using technology. The course provides a supportive, hands-on learning environment where participants can build confidence, develop essential computer skills, and learn at a comfortable pace. This course is intended for beginner-level users and is not designed for individuals with intermediate or advanced computer skills.

Participants must register for the training in KickUp. 

FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Secondary school counseling upcoming Xello professional learning

On Thursday, November 19, 2026, in-person Xello training has been scheduled for middle and high school counselors. Each middle and high school is asked to send 1-2 counselors to attend their respective session.

 LOCATION

Baltimore County Public Library

Randallstown Meeting Room

8604 Liberty Rd.

Randallstown, MD 21133

High School Counselors

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Middle School Counselors

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

School Counselors are asked to coordinate with their principal and support staff to ensure coverage is in place for their school building.

Participants can register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events. In the Course Search box, type “Xello Professional Learning”. Click on the course title once you have found it, and then select 'Register.'

FOR SCHOOL WEBMASTERS AND SCHOOL MESSENGER USERS

Webmaster and SchoolMessenger Communicate training sessions

 SchoolMessenger Communicate End User Training Sessions


Registration is now open via KickUp. Search for “PowerSchool” within Browse Events. Seating is limited. Sign up now!  


Who should attend: These sessions are specifically for anyone (principals, assistant principals, authorized staff) who sends broadcasts (calls, emails, texts) via SchoolMessenger Communicate. Some general familiarity with SchoolMessenger Communicate is recommended so we can jump right in.



• November 11: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Communicate Q&A
  

Questions regarding this information should be directed to Jill Stephenson, Program Assistant, Department of Communications and Community Outreach, jstephenson@bcps.org.

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Special Education Citizen Advisory Committee meeting

Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m.

Link to virtual meeting

Overlea High School Capacity Relief Boundary Study Boundary Committee meeting #3

Wednesday, November 4, from 6-8 p.m.

Nottingham Middle School, cafeteria, 5210 King Ave., Rosedale 21237

Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Community Conversation on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m.

Lyons Mill Elementary School, 9435 Lyons Mill Rd., Owings Mills 21117

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “School Safety and Security”

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Capital Budget & Facilities”

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

National Native American Heritage Month - November

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Advancing excellence together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org