Thursday, June 15, 2023

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

Board officially appoints Dr. Myriam Yarbrough as BCPS superintendent

The Board of Education of Baltimore County officially appointed Dr. Myriam Yarbrough as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools and approved her employment contract on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

Dr. Yarbrough, who has been serving as BCPS deputy superintendent since 2021, will begin her tenure on July 1, 2023. She succeeds Dr. Darryl Williams, who has served as BCPS superintendent since July 2019. Learn more in a BCPS news release.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Message from Dr. Williams reflects on school year and tenure as superintendent

In addition, a written end of year message from Dr. Williams is available on the BCPS website.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• New message outlines FY24 organizational structure and realignment of central office

In case you missed it, please read incoming superintendent Dr. Myriam Yarbrough's June 14 message regarding central office realignment and new roles for FY24.

• Updated requirements announced for paraeducators in Preschool and PreK



The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future includes a section for early childhood that requires an expansion of full-day preschool and PreKindergarten programs. BCPS is actively planning an expansion of preschool and PreKindergarten to meet the legislation.

The Blueprint also requires that the assistant in the classroom hold an Associate of Arts degree or child development associate certification by school year 2027-2028. This is a change from the previously communicated date of 2025-2026. House Bill 1219 was revised due to the Maryland Educator Shortage Reduction Act of 2023, which extended the timeline.

Paraeducators can access courses for the degree or certification and request reimbursement, as stated in the ESPBC negotiated agreement. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Students asked to complete survey about extracurricular activities and clubs



BCPS has developed a brief survey for secondary students to share their feedback and insights on extracurricular activities and clubs. Information obtained from this survey will inform efforts to expand resources and opportunities for students.

Secondary students are asked to complete the survey by Friday, June 16, 2023.

• Teachers encouraged to attend National Board Certification Launch

Teachers interested in earning National Board Certification are invited to register and attend our National Board Certification Launch (virtual) on June 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. and on August 17, from 1-2:30 p.m.

By attending the Launch sessions, participants will receive pertinent information related to the National Board Certification process and will be provided with an in-depth overview of all required documentation needed for the fee incentive program. To register, please go to the Registration System and search for “National Board Certification: Launch Sessions." Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Free resources are available from Calm

Do you want to become less stressed and more satisfied?

Download a FREE resource from the Calm app: "The Work Better Workbook: A 4-Week Guide to Making Work, Work for You." Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Teachers invited to Smithsonian Education Summit

BCPS teachers are invited to register for the 2023 Smithsonian National Education Summit. The Summit is offered for free both online and in-person in Washington, D.C., with an amazing line-up of speakers, including leading researchers, museum educators, teacher practitioners, and education advocates. Register today and “save your seat” for this one-of-a-kind professional learning opportunity.

• Perform evaluation system offers options for printing and saving

Your records, including observation and evaluations, can be found on the Employee Evaluation System (Perform). Be sure to print or electronically save these documents before the end of the school year. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Teachers and school administrators welcome at 2023 MCEE Financial and Economic Education Summit

The Maryland Council on Economic Education is offering a conference on Wednesday, June 28, for elementary, middle, and high school teachers and administrators. The audience will include teachers of social studies, math, gifted and talented, personal finance, business, JROTC, family and consumer sciences, and financial literacy courses. Teachers will learn valuable information to use in their classrooms and in their personal lives. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Want to propose a Parent University presentation?

The Office of Family and Community Engagement is currently scheduling 2023 – 2024 presentations for families through Parent University. Parent University hosts virtual Lunch and Learn workshops and evening sessions. If staff from your department would like to present, please contact Sue Hahn with a date between September - December. Please also include the title, a short description, and what time of day is preferred.

• Education Foundation Exchangeree shares shopping dates for July

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will host shopping days during July at the Exchangeree: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore centers at Rosedale/Golden Ring and Windsor Mill for all full-time BCPS educators and support staff.

During July, no registration or appointments are needed, but shoppers must bring their BCPS photo ID and shopping bags/boxes.

On the following shopping dates, educators can pick up both academic school/classroom supplies and educational resources and new and gently used books:

• Thursday, July 6, from 3-6 p.m., Windsor Mill

• Tuesday, July 11, from 3-6 p.m., Rosedale/Golden Ring

•Thursday, July 20, from 3-6 p.m., Windsor Mill

•Tuesday, July 25, from 3-6 p.m., Rosedale/Golden Ring

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Algebra I Symposium to be held



To support student achievement in mathematics, the Division of Curriculum and Instruction, in collaboration with the Department of Schools, and the Department of Organizational Learning is pleased to announce the Algebra I Summer Symposium for all BCPS Algebra I teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

The symposium will be held in-person on the dates and locations listed below. Participants should attend all five days.

New Town High School

• Tuesday, June 27, 2023

• Wednesday, June 28, 2023

• Thursday, June 29, 2023

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

• Wednesday, August 9, 2023

• Thursday, August 10, 2023

• Baltimore County Leaders Award Program seeks nominations

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski has issued a call for nominations for the inaugural Baltimore County Community Heroes Awards, which will recognize seven individuals - one from each County Council district - who have made significant and meaningful contributions to their communities. Nominees must reside in Baltimore County. Current Baltimore County employees and elected officials are not eligible. Nominations are open until June 30, 2023.

• First Financial Credit Union Summer Financial Wellness Sessions

The Department of Employee Training and Development in the Division of Human Resources has collaborated with First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) to provide high-quality professional development and training to staff. FFFCU staff presented sessions on financial wellness at the Leadership Advance and the Facilities Advance. These highly-rated sessions will be repeated for interested staff during the summer.

In addition, FFFCU has partnered with HR leadership to host the Central Staff Induction Program (CSIP) final reflection and celebration and the Human Resources Administration and Compliance retreat at their headquarters in Sparks. FFFCU headquarters will be the site of the 23-24 ASPIRE BCPS and CSIP programs: the training and development team is thrilled to offer these programs at this location and include a variety of financial wellness options for participating staff.

Registration for both ASPIRE and CSIP will open at the end of June. We are grateful to FFFCU for their continued support, which is outlined in an agreement that describes our exclusive partnership and collaborative programs spanning HR, Academics, Organizational Development and Leadership and the Education Foundation.

Congratulations on a successful school year!

We wish you a safe, memorable, and restful summer!

Spread the word about upcoming Meet the Superintendent events!

During the events, Dr. Yarbrough will share information about key priorities for the upcoming school year, hear from members of the Team BCPS community, and answer questions. Dr. Yarbrough will begin her tenure as BCPS superintendent on July 1.

Thursday, June 15, 6 - 7 p.m.*

New Town High School - Media Center

Wednesday, June 21, 6 - 7 p.m.*

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology - Cafeteria

Thursday, June 22, 6 - 7 p.m.*

Sollers Point Technical HIgh School - Sollers Café

Wednesday, July 5, 6 - 7 p.m.*

Catonsville High School - Cafeteria

Thursday, July 6, 6 - 7 p.m.

Perry Hall High School - Cafeteria

Monday, July 10, 6 - 7 p.m.*

Kenwood High School - Cafeteria

Thursday, July 13, 6 - 7 p.m.*

Loch Raven High School - Cafeteria

Tuesday, July 18, 6 - 7 p.m.*

Randallstown High School - Cafeteria

*Spanish interpretation will be provided

We're hiring! Don't miss June recruitment events

Spread the word! BCPS is hiring for a variety of positions. Applications are available online.

Coming in June:

Bus Driver & Attendant Recruitment Event

Friday, June 16, at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m.

Cockeysville Bus Lot, 105 Wight Ave., 21030

Grounds Worker II Recruitment Event

Tuesday, June 20, at 1:30 p.m.

Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center, 11101 McCormick Rd., 21031

Building Service Worker Recruitment Event

Tuesday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m.

Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center (address above)

Summer Job Fairs

Wednesday, June 28, from 12-2 p.m.

Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228

and

Thursday, June 29, from 12-2 p.m. Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., 21222

Cafeteria Worker Recruitment Event

Thursday, June 29, at 2 p.m.

Liberty Center Workforce Development Center, 3637 Offutt Rd., 21133

Learn more about upcoming events in a BCPS news release.

Share your Summer activities and adventures with Team BCPS!

Every summer since 2018, Baltimore County Public Schools has invited its students, teachers, and staff to share stories about their summer activities and adventures on the BCPS blog. The invitation to contribute to the Summer Stories series is extended again this year. To submit a blog post or suggest a story idea, please write to communications@bcps.org.

Summer Stories from previous years can be viewed on the BCPS blog. Subscribe to the blog to receive email notifications of new stories..

Juneteenth Message from Superintendent Darryl Williams

"Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. We encourage Team BCPS students, staff and families to reflect on the day’s significance and learn more about this federal holiday. Celebrating Juneteenth is important as we are reminded that one of BCPS’ core values is equity. We must do whatever it takes to ensure that every student learns and succeeds, and we believe that academic outcomes should not be predictable by race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, socioeconomic status, language proficiency, or disability.

Happy Juneteenth."

-Superintendent Darryl L. Williams

BCPS Offices:

Please register now to participate in BCPSfest

BCPS offices and department are urged to register by June 30 to participate in the school system's annual back to school festival. The event is an excellent opportunity to connect to students and families and showcase BCPS initiatives and services. The event will be held on Saturday, August 19, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Road, Towson 21204. Questions regarding this information should be directed to Diana Spencer or Jill Stephenson.

Thank you, retirees!

Please join us in celebrating this year’s BCPS retirees! Use #BCPSRetirees on social media to send messages of gratitude or give a shoutout to a BCPS retiree.

1) The Board honored and unveiled the official portrait of Superintendent Darryl Williams whose tenure will end on June 30, 2023. The Board also recognized and unveiled the official portrait of former Board chair Makeda Scott and recognized Roah Hassan, the 2022-2023 Student Member of the Board, for her dedication and service.

2) The Board approved Dr. Myriam Yarbrough’s employment contract. She will begin her tenure as BCPS superintendent on July 1.

3) The Board adopted a final $2.14 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

4) The Board voted to postpone its vote on the Central and Northeast Area middle school boundary study recommendation and directed staff to conduct an impact study on an amended recommendation.

5) The Board approved the collective bargaining master agreements for AFSCME, TABCO, ESPBC, CASE and OPE.

6) The Board approved curricula changes for the 2023-2024 school year.

7) The Board approved the 2023-2024 organizational chart, which includes new roles and the strategic realignment of central office.

8) The Board approved 17 administrative appointments.

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Nina Witthauer, Grade 2 Teacher, Villa Cresta Elementary School

Submitted by Nicole Guthrie, Grade 2 Teacher, Villa Cresta Elementary School



"Nina is the heart of our 2nd grade team! She welcomes new teachers with open arms and is always ready to mentor, help out, or just listen. She leads 2nd grade team planning, delegates tasks fairly, and shares her abundant knowledge and resources. Nina works tirelessly for her students and finds ways to meet them where they are and help them get where they need to be. She advocates for them and never gives up, even when things are very difficult. Above all, she always leads with love and that is why she deserves this shout out!"

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.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Raising the bar, Closing Gaps, Preparing for our future

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org