Thursday, November 16, 2023

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

Giving thanks to Team BCPS!

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to thank every Team BCPS staff member for their incredible work. In every role in all of our schools and offices, you have made a significant impact on our communities.

We wish you a meaningful and restful Thanksgiving break! The Staff Bulletin will return on Thursday, November 30.

The holidays can be a source of joy and excitement for many people, but for some, it can be a time of sadness and stress. Please know that whatever you are feeling -- it is okay to have those feelings.

For assistance, please contact:

• Baltimore County Crisis Response System - Support is available 24/7 - 410-931-2214

• Baltimore County Substance User Services - Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to midnight - 410-887-3224

• Maryland Health and Human Services - Call 211

• BCPS Employee Assistance Program - 410-887-5414 (confidential voicemail

• Crisis Text Line - Support is available 24/7 - Text HOME to 741741

• Trevor Lifeline - LGBTQ+ Crisis Line - Support is available 24/7 - 1-866-488-7386

FEATURED VIDEO:

90 BCPS students participate in leadership development activity

BCPS high school students enjoyed a day of learning and networking at Junior Achievement of Central Maryland's "Leading Ladies: Tools + Trades of the Future" event on Wednesday, November 1.

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 BCPS meets all state and federal mandates. Staff must complete all training by Thursday, November 30. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Loyola University scholarships available for spring 2024

Loyola University will host a virtual information session on Wednesday, December 13, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. During the session, participants will learn about the university's curriculum and instruction, educational technology, literacy education, ESOL, and administration and supervision programs, the application process, scholarships, and more.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• SchoolMessenger Communicate webmaster training and resources

SchoolMessenger Communicate offers 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. on November 27 or December 11.

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

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

SchoolMessenger Communicate also offers 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 on November 22 or 29, or December 6, 13, or 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 will share those dates and times when available. For more information, email communications@bcps.org.

• SchoolMessenger Presence webmaster training and resources

SchoolMessenger Presence offers 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.

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

The Office of Communications has requested additional training times and will share those dates and times when available. For more information, email communications@bcps.org.

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

• 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:

• "Can you say 'Mama?": How Young Children Develop Language," Friday, November 17, at 2:30 p.m.

• 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.

• How to Handle the Holidays Without Your Loved Ones, Friday, December 15, at 12:30 p.m.

• 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.

December dates are listed below: ​​

Restorative Practices Days 3 and 4: Facilitating Restorative Conferences (

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

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)

• 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.

Another amazing American Education Week

This week, BCPS schools across the county have welcomed parents and caregivers into their classrooms, some presenting special events and activities, as we celebrate another amazing American Education Week!

This week on X (formerly know as Twitter), we have seen:

• Student ambassadors welcoming families at Norwood Elementary School

• Men of Excellence breakfast at Scotts Branch Elementary School

• Families joining PreK students for hands-on learning at Mars Estates Elementary School (pictured above)

It's not too late to share photos! Don't forget to use #bcpsAEW on social media.

Seeking nominations for BCPS Teacher of the Year 2024-2025



All BCPS principals are asked to nominate one outstanding teacher on their staff as their school's Teacher of the Year (TOY) for 2024-2025. Those 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 open now and are due no later than the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 8.

Each school TOY nominee will receive a short, emailed application form to complete, and each will be recognized in the spring. To qualify, TOY nominees must be full-time teachers who will complete a minimum of six years of teaching by June 30, 2024, have exemplary teaching and leadership abilities, and enjoy public speaking. The BCPS Teacher of the Year, chosen in April, will represent BCPS educators in the state TOY competition.

Thank you, principals, for honoring all of the professional educators in your building by nominating one superlative educator as your TOY nominee for 2024-2025!

Call for nominations - School Psychologist of the Year

The Baltimore County School Psychologist Association (BCSPA) would like to recognize practicing school psychologists who have made impactful contributions to the profession with its annual School Psychologist of the Year award.

The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, December 20, 2023. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FY2025 Operating Budget forums recap

Throughout October and November, Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) hosted five “Community Conversations” across the county regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget.

At these meetings, Dr. Rogers and her team gained meaningful insight about the goal's and priorities of the Team BCPS community. A recording of the October 17 event at Pikesville High School is available online.

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.

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

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.

Upcoming community advisory group & boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

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



Laura Burkhardt, SPARC Department Chair, Dundalk High School

Submitted by Rachel Hosier, Paraeducator, Dundalk High School

"Ms. Burkhardt goes above and beyond for our SPARC (School Programs for Acceleration and Recovery Credit) program at Dundalk High. She supports her teachers as well as her students throughout the day. She is dedicated in helping her students finish their SPARC program as well as making sure the seniors are on the right path to graduation. She is always in the hallways helping out and is also one of our awesome tech liaisons. The other SPARC teachers always enjoy what new potluck Ms. Burkhardt will plan or Peleton workout we will do on our lunch break. We appreciate you!"

Heidi Womack, Academic Engagement Teacher, Sandalwood Elementary School

Submitted by Kellie Price, Staff Development Teacher, Sandalwood Elementary School

"It's simple. Heidi Womack is a dedicated educator who does whatever it takes to do what is best for the staff and, more importantly, the students at Sandalwood. She is always in classrooms co-teaching and helping students, pulling small AET groups, making resources, setting up parent events, and planning professional development opportunities. And she does all of this with a smile on her face every day. But the most important thing about Heidi, aside from her support and guidance, is that she builds relationships with everyone she meets and knows how to make people feel appreciated and important."

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 Apprenticeship Week - Through Sunday, November 19

American Education Week - Through - Friday, November 17

Substitute Educators Day - Friday, November 17

Inclusive Schools Week - Monday, December 4 - Friday, December 8

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org