Thursday, September 14, 2023

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

Governor Wes Moore visits Western Tech

On Wednesday, September 13, Maryland Governor Wes Moore visited Western School of Technology. Governor Moore was joined by a group of state and local leaders as he toured Career and Technical Education programs and held a roundtable discussion with students and employers who are participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland program. The roundtable also included apprenticeship students from Lansdowne High School.

During the visit, Governor Moore lauded the school as one of the "most successful in the state" for its long-standing reputation for preparing students for success in a variety of careers as well as higher education. Photos are available in a BCPS Flickr album.

Later that evening, Governor Moore discussed his Western Tech visit during his Examining Education town hall on Maryland Public Television. A recording of the broadcast is available for viewing online. Governor Moore's remarks about Western Tech begin at the 18:44 timestamp.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Professional Development for Pre-K Teachers and Paraeducators

BCPS-TV was on the scene as Pre-K teachers and their paraeducators came together for professional development ahead of the 2023-24 school year.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Creating a Culture for Learners

The Department of Special Education will offer an

in-person professional development for teachers on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from 5 to 6 p.m., at Honeygo Elementary School (4816 Joppa Road, Perry Hall, MD 21128). More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Universal Fee Waiver

Families may now complete the Universal Fee Waiver through the FOCUS Parent Portal. It is no longer in hard copy format. Utilize this one-page document to market and communicate the advantages of the waiver and instructions on how to complete the form. Schools are encouraged to post this document to school websites, message through School Messenger, and make it available on appropriate Schoology pages.

Questions? Contact Caitlin Brennan.

• IEP/Special Education Resource Fair at Orems Elementary School



The BCPS community is invited to an IEP/Special Education Resource Fair in the gym at Orems Elementary School from 6 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27. More information is available on a digital flyer.

Registration is encouraged.

• Principal Internship Application

In order to build a pipeline into the principalship, a professional learning pathway for assistant principals, The Principal Internship, has been designed for the 2023-2024 school year. This professional learning pathway is a blend of coursework, opportunities to provide professional learning, and an internship.

Interested and eligible assistant principals should complete an application and refer any questions to Dr. George Roberts, Consulting Administrator, by Friday, September 29, 2023.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The Principal Internship candidate must have MSDE 1 Administrator 1 certification.

• The Principal Internship candidate must have at least two years experience as a successful assistant principal

• The Principal Internship candidate must have a current evaluation rating of effective or highly effective.

• The Principal Internship candidate must have an Administrator II certification or agree to take the exam by the end of the program.

• The Principal Internship candidate must be in the Principal’s Pool, or the candidate agrees to participate in the Assessment Skills Center to qualify for the Principal’s Pool by the end of the program.

• 2023-2024 Monthly Central Office Professionals Leadership Development

OPE supervisors and managers, and non-represented administrative assistants, directors, executive directors, and chiefs who work with departments supporting business operations, will be provided monthly professional learning opportunities focused on building leadership capacity. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Upcoming Parent University events

This year, BCPS Parent University will present a variety of virtual programs. More information is available on the Parent University schedule.

Upcoming programming includes:

• Lunch & Learn: Using Schoology to Support Student Organization - Online

Wednesday, September 20, at 12:30 p.m.

• Lunch & Learn: Back to School Jitters: How to Help your Child Transition from Anxious to Excited

Friday, September 22, at 12:30 p.m.

• Lunch & Learn: The Power of Play: Fun Activities for Parents and Children

Friday, October 20, at 12:30 p.m.

• Year-round New Educator Orientation Workshops



Year-round orientation will be offered each month through the Afterschool Workshop Program. The program is highly recommended, but not required, for new educators who missed the August 2023 New Educator Orientation event. New educators will be paid at least $38.62 per hour for participation. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Exchangeree shopping dates - September and October



The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will host shopping days during September and October at the Exchangeree: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore, centers at Rosedale/Golden Ring and Windsor Mill. Shopping, from 3-6 p.m. on the days listed below, will be open to all full-time BCPS educators and support staff (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers).

Rosedale/Golden Ring

• Tuesday, September 26

• Tuesday, October 17

Windsor Mill

• Thursday, September 21

• Thursday, October 5

• Thursday, October 26

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Volunteer coordinators

​​​​​​​The Office of Family and Community Engagement invites all volunteer coordinators to join its BCPS Volunteer Coordinator Schoology group, where they will receive information on annual training, resources, and updates. Principals are asked to provide the name of their volunteer coordinator via the Staff Access Management app.

Volunteer coordinators are required to attend one of two annual training sessions, which will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

#1166 Volunteer Coordinator Training

• Wednesday, September 20, from 2 - 3 p.m.

• Friday, September 22, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Please visit the Registration System to sign up. For more information, contact Stacey Wade.

• Putting Students First grant applications



In partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union, The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., is pleased to provide the Putting Students First Grant. The review and award of project funds will be based on the project’s anticipated need of supplies, resources, and opportunities/experiences to fulfill classroom needs and to impact student’s educational readiness.

The application closes on September 29 at 5 p.m. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• 2024 United States Senate Youth Program - Spread the word!



The Maryland State Department of Education is pleased to announce an opportunity for two Maryland students to participate in the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program. Each year, two students from every state and the District of Columbia are selected to attend a week-long government and leadership program in Washington, D.C. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

BCPS proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct. 15

How will your school/office recognize Hispanic Heritage Month? Please send details to communications@bcps.org.

From September 15 through October 15, we invite students, staff, and families to share some of their favorite traditions on social media using #BCPSHerencia.

Save the Date! 7th Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair Set for October 14

Seniors are encouraged to attend the 7th Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair on October 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at New Town High School. Other high school students and families are also welcome. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

In addition, volunteers are needed for the event! All are welcome to volunteer, and we are especially seeking those who are graduates of a Historically Black College or University and/or a member of an organization that is part of the National Pan Hellenic Council.

2024 Open Enrollment - October 16 - November 10

Save the date! 2024 open enrollment for BCPS employees will be October 16 - November 10, 2023. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Celebrating Arts in Education

Arts education in BCPS celebrates a 117-year tradition of excellence as we engage students in the arts disciplines and provide opportunities for students to excel in the arts both at their schools and through districtwide events so that our students are empowered to find a lifelong path in the arts and beyond. ​

BCPS offers comprehensive fine arts instruction, including vocal and instrumental music, dramatic arts, visual arts (including photography and filmmaking), and dance.

Community Schools Facilitators Appreciation Week - Sept. 17 - 23

Next week is Community Schools Facilitators Appreciation Week! Thank you for your efforts in mobilizing students, families, educators, and community members to develop a grassroots vision for your schools and communities.

ICYMI: Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget - Understanding the Budget Process and How You Can Get Involved

On Tuesday, September 12, Superintendent Dr. Rogers sent a community message regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 budget process. Additional information on how you can get involved in the budget process will be shared soon.

Save the Date - BCPS Magnet Expo

This year’s Team BCPS Magnet Expo is set for Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Delta Hotel Hunt Valley. The expo will feature 32 schools with magnet programs; English for speakers of other languages and special education representatives; and career and technical education exhibits and demonstrations!

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available from September 12 through November 3.

ESOL Frequently Asked Questions document

During the August 2023 A&S Meeting, many administrators requested additional information about ESOL and English Language Learners. Being responsive to that request, the ESOL FAQs for Administrators and Teachers document was created to provide foundational information about ESOL services, English language assessment tools, grading for students identified as ELLs, and more.

Additionally, the document has embedded links to resources, high-quality websites, and professional development opportunities to support teaching and learning for our multilingual students. Questions? Contact Jennifer Hernandez.

BCPS teachers invited to Green School Summit

In alignment with Board Policy 3540 – Energy Conservation and Sustainability, the Office of Science PreK-12 and the Office of Facilities Support Services invites teachers to the BCPS Green School Summit on Monday, September 25. Register now through the Registration System.

This event is not limited to science teachers and is open to any teacher interested in Green School initiatives. More information is available on a digital flyer. Questions? Contact Kelley Holocker.

1) Superintendent Rogers shared an overview of the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget season and various opportunities for Team BCPS to participate in the budget development process.

2) The Board approved a final Fiscal Year 2025 State Capital Budget request.

3) The Board voted to approve the Fall 2026 closure of Campfield Early Learning Center.

4) The Board received a report on the opening of the 2023-2024 school year. Staff provided updates on the work of the system to prepare for the return of more than 111,000 students and more than 20,000 staff.

5) The Board approved eight administrative appointments.

We're hiring! Please spread the word about our upcoming recruitment events.

Online applications are available now.

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT



Julie Leonard, Administrative Assistant II, Office of Teaching & Learning

Submitted by Carol Rook, Administrative Secretary III, Office of Social Studies

"Julie is an exceptional team leader for Teaching & Learning. She consistently makes herself available to consult with staff and does so with a welcoming demeanor."

Dr. April Lewis, Executive Director, School Safety & Security

Dr. Shane Jensen, Music Specialist, Office of Performing Arts

Submitted by Dr. Shane Jensen

On Saturday, July 29, 2023, Dr. April Lewis, Executive Director School Safety and Security and Dr. Shane Jensen, Music Specialist, graduated from American College of Education in Indianapolis, IN. Dr. Lewis' dissertation is titled: Black Women Leading Education from the Middle - Who Mentors? Dr. Jensen's dissertation is titled: Sexual and Gender Diverse Public School Leader Perceptions of Authentic Leadership: A Qualitative Study. Both Dr. Lewis and Dr. Jensen graduated with honors.

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

National Arts in Education Week - Sunday, September 10 - Saturday, September 16

Hispanic Heritage Month - Friday, September 15 - Sunday, October 15

Community Schools Facilitators Appreciation Week - Sunday, September 17 - Saturday, September 23

National Principals Month - October

National Bullying Prevention Month - October

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month - October

National Custodian Day - Monday, October 2

International Walk & Roll to School Day - Wednesday, October 4

National School Lunch Week - Monday, October 9 - Friday, October 13

America's Safe Schools Week - Sunday, October 15 - Saturday, October 21

National School Bus Safety Week - Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20

Color for Character Week - Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day - Wednesday, October 18

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org