Thursday, November 12, 2026

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

Join us in celebrating American Education Week 2026!

During American Education Week, November 16-20, schools will set aside specific times for parents and caregivers to visit their children's classrooms and/or attend special events. Please share photos and/or videos from your special events and visits by emailing communications@bcps.org or tagging us on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter)!

A recent news release addresses school system plans for the week, including recognition of Wednesday, November 18, as Education Support Professionals Day, and Friday, November 20, as Substitute Educators Day.

Featured video: Lansdowne Elementary School Stealth Lab

Grade 3 students at Lansdowne Elementary are getting a jump on coding with a special program.

FY2028 Operating Budget Community Conversations conclude Dec. 1

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

The two 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.

Join us on Nov. 18 for a Community Conversation on Special Education

Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser will host a Community Conversation on Special Education on Wednesday, November 18, from 6-7 p.m. at Stoneleigh Elementary School, 900 Pemberton Rd., Baltimore 21212.

Team BCPS students, families, staff, and stakeholders are invited to participate and learn more about BCPS special education services and ongoing efforts to ensure students and families have a range of comprehensive supports and resources for growth and achievement.

Spanish interpretation will be provided. 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.

ICYMI: Announcing the 2027 Summer Professional Development Series

BCPS remains committed to providing high-quality professional development to all members of Team BCPS. We are excited to continue our systemwide Summer Professional Development Series in 2027. Our shared goal is to advance excellence together through focused professional development that is designed to build the capacity of our teachers, leaders, and support staff.  

Staff are strongly encouraged to attend all applicable sessions. Please review the full message online.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

•2027 BCPS commencement schedule now available online

The schedule for 2027 high school graduations is now available online. Commencement exercises will take place from Tuesday, May 18, through Friday, June 4, and will be followed by a special graduation ceremony (for students completing requirements over the summer) on Wednesday, August 11.

• United Negro College Fund partners with BCPS to launch scholarship fund

For more than 80 years, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has worked to combat deep-rooted obstacles to higher educational access, achievement, and career success, annually providing financial and educational support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities and more than 50,000 students attending over 1,100 institutions across the United States. 

In honor of our shared commitment to making a difference in our schools, families and communities, BCPS and UNCF are collaborating to create a UNCF scholarship fund specifically for BCPS students. Our BCPS campaign runs throughout the year, and we invite you to join us in making a difference using this form: Baltimore County Public Schools Workplace Giving Donation Form - UNCF.

Your support is critical. Employee donations like yours are the third largest source of unrestricted dollars for our students, changing the life trajectory of underserved students by providing funds for tuition, room and board, books, and other needs. To learn more, please watch this video.  

Anything that you can give, no matter how big or small, will have an impact. You can be the difference and help change the life trajectory for students. Thank you! 

• Approval guidelines for conducting research in BCPS


According to Board Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 6500, all research in BCPS, including research conducted by BCPS employees, must be reviewed and approved by the BCPS Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to the start of the study. Guidelines for submission can be accessed on the Research Submission webpage.

If a request to conduct research is sent directly to a principal or office head, the request should be forwarded to the BCPS IRB (at Research-IRB@bcps.org) for review. The school or office should not participate in any study until the request is approved.  

Approval for Conducting Action Research in BCPS  

BCPS staff members pursuing graduate degrees may be required to implement small, site-based research projects within their school or office setting. An action research project is defined as any systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, principals, or other school or office staff in the educational environment with the intended purpose to uncover solutions to everyday school/office challenges.

These small-scale projects take place in the staff member’s own classroom or office with instructional materials in line with typical work responsibilities and content areas.

Action research projects do not need the approval of the BCPS IRB if all the following conditions are met: 

1. The person conducting the action research project is a BCPS teacher, principal, central office staff member, or intern under the supervision of their mentor teacher. 
2. The staff member will be working only in their assigned work location(s). 
3. The staff member will be working only within their regular job responsibilities and assigned content area. 
4. The staff member will be working only with their assigned students in their regular classroom/school environment.
5. The action research project is part of the staff member’s graduate degree or educational requirements. 

If all the above conditions are met, the action research project only requires the approval of the principal and/or office head. If any of the above conditions are not met, the research study must be submitted to the BCPS IRB for approval.  

Examples of Action Research Activities 

• Using unit exams to study the effectiveness of small group vs. large group instruction in the classroom. 
• An observational study of frequency of use of flexible seating in the classroom. 
• Examining various approved instructional strategies without modifying the curriculum.  

Examples of Activities that are NOT Action Research 

• Administering a new questionnaire or survey to students about their social-emotional learning. 
• Students, parents/caregivers, or staff participating in focus groups. 
• Administering a survey to families, teachers, or other BCPS staff. 

• Payroll updates


BCPS is now live with The Work Number for Employment Verifications. To help you become more familiar with the service, we encourage you to review these handy guides, which can be found on the ADP website:

• The Work Number Reference Guide: Provides administrative users with an overview of The Work Number service and how the service is used.
• Employee Guide: Provides an overview of the benefits and tools available to employees
• Employee Poster

ORACLE – ESPBC Time and Attendance – CLOSURES AND HOLIDAYS

For all ESPBC hourly employees (10- and 12-month) using Oracle time and attendance, when BCPS has a system or site closure, including 3-hour early dismissal, delayed opening (including inclement weather), early closure (inclement weather and other emergencies), etc., ESPBC staff need to enter “Other Board Business” for these hours. This includes the 3-hour early closure on Wednesday, November 25. ESPBC staff not utilizing leave on these days will clock in and clock out per normal procedure. Please note, existing processes and procedures will remain in effect for AFSCME employees regarding closures and holidays.

Specific information regarding Oracle time and attendance entries for ESPBC employees regarding winter break will be shared after the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Pupil Personnel Worker interest session


Learn more about a rewarding career as a Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) during an upcoming informational session. This session will be held on Tuesday, December 8, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Employee Development Center.

Discover how PPWs make a difference in the lives of students and families while gaining an overview of the qualifications and licensure requirements that can be found at Pupil Personnel Worker Licensure.

During this session, participants will:

• Gain an overview of the PPW role, including responsibilities related to enrollment, student attendance, residency, family engagement, and interagency collaboration.
• Discuss the qualifications, skills, and career pathways for those interested in pursuing the PPW role.
• Hear from a panel of current PPWs about their daily work.

Please note this session is for current BCPS employees only. Participants should register in Kick-Up, using the session title, “Pupil Personnel Worker Interest Session.” 

2026-27 BCPS Inclement Weather Plan


As we prepare for the winter months, we want to provide information regarding our Virtual Inclement Weather Day Plan for the 2026-2027 school year. The Maryland State Department of Education allows local school systems to repurpose inclement weather days as virtual school days.


BCPS plans to transition to virtual learning after three traditional inclement weather closures. If additional inclement weather is in the forecast after those three closures, families will be notified of the shift to virtual school days. In preparation, students will be reminded to bring their devices and other instructional materials home, and staff will prepare lessons and materials.

More information is available on this webpage.

Plan ahead: Board approves calendar for 2027-2028 school year

The Board of Education approved a calendar for the 2027-2028 school year at the November 4 Board of Education meeting.

Here are some key dates to know:

• Monday, August 30: Transition Day: Grades 1–5, 6, and 9
• Tuesday, August 31: First day of school for Grades 1–12
• Wednesday, September 1: First day of school for Kindergarten
• Friday, June 9: Last day of school, if no inclement weather days are used

Nominations open for 2027-2028 BCPS Teacher of the Year!

All BCPS principals are asked to nominate one outstanding teacher as their school's Teacher of the Year (TOY) for 2027-28, who 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 throughout your school.

Nominations are open now and are due no later than the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 11. To nominate a teacher, please click on the link, fill out, and return the nomination form by Dec. 11.  Nominees will be notified the week of Dec. 14. You are welcome to let them know before then and to tell them to be on the lookout for emails from communications@bcps.org.

Each 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, 2027, 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.

This Week's Mental Health Minute: Gratitude in action - small habits, big benefits

Working in a school system can be rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Between supporting students, collaborating with families, and managing daily responsibilities, it is easy to focus on challenges rather than successes. Research suggests that practicing gratitude can improve well-being, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and increase resilience.

Consider incorporating these evidence-based gratitude practices into your daily routine:

• Keep a "Three Good Things" journal. At the end of each workday, write down three positive experiences, no matter how small. Research shows that spending time daily focusing on what you are grateful for can rewire your brain (American Brain Foundation, 2025).
  
• Recognize a colleague. Take a moment to thank a coworker for their support, teamwork, or kindness. Studies have shown that expressing gratitude can strengthen social connections, increase positive emotions, and contribute to a more supportive workplace culture.
  
• Focus on meaningful moments with students. Keep a folder, notebook, or digital file of encouraging emails, student artwork, thank-you notes, or reminders of positive interactions. Reflecting on positive experiences can help counterbalance stress and reinforce a sense of purpose.
  
• Practice gratitude during transitions. While walking between classrooms, meetings, or buildings, identify one thing you appreciate about your work, team, or personal life. Research suggests that brief gratitude exercises can improve emotional regulation and overall psychological well-being.
  
• Share gratitude as a team. Consider beginning staff meetings with a brief opportunity for team members to recognize a colleague or share a recent success. Workplace studies have linked gratitude and recognition practices with higher employee engagement, job satisfaction, and lower levels of burnout.

Reminder: “Gratitude doesn’t negate pain. It’s a “both and” not an “either or” practice. You can be both hurting AND grateful. You can use gratitude as a lifeline to keep you from drowning in the negative mental habits that intensify your pain but not to eliminate pain completely. For example:

• "In this moment, I am overwhelmed with tasks AND I am grateful that I'll get some time with family tomorrow."

Gratitude is not about ignoring challenges or maintaining constant positivity. Rather, it helps balance our attention by acknowledging positive experiences alongside difficulties. For school staff who spend their days supporting others, taking a few moments to recognize the good can support both personal well-being and a healthier workplace culture.

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.

The Education Foundation awards more than 60,000 in grants

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., is pleased to announce its fall 2026 grant recipients.

Congratulations to the recipients of The Education Foundation’s 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant, the ABC Construction Pathway Grant, the new Friedman Field Trip Grant, and the First Financial Federal Credit Union’s Putting Students First Grant. Combined, the 2026-2027 grant recipients will receive more $60,000 in grant funding.

Learn more in the latest Mission Moment blog post.

Mark your calendar for The Education 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 (10950 Gilroy Rd., Suite F, Hunt Valley 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.

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.

November is Native American Heritage Month

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

Team BCPS Shoutout!

Dr. Kathleen Setzer, Principal, Sollers Point Technical High School

Submitted by Leah Akers-Wilson, Guidance Secretary, Sollers Point Technical High School

"Dr. Setzer is absolutely amazing! She is a strong leader for our Stallion Staff and a dedicated advocate for our Stellar Stallion Students. After returning this summer from a recent health scare, she jumped right back into the swing of things without missing a beat. Sollers Point Tech would not be half of what it is without her leadership, dedication, and heart. Thank you, Dr. Setzer, for being you and for all that you do for our Stallion family!"

Anna Gaskill, Sandra Aguirre, Christina Schiech, Devon Jones, Sheila Bryant, and Leah Meredith, OES Response Team, Oakleigh Elementary School

Submitted by Felecia Wesley, School Counselor, Oakleigh Elementary School

"I'm so appreciative to work with such an amazing team. You guys rock! You're always there to support the many needs of our students. Your care and consideration help to provide our students with a safe and supportive environment to learn. You don't just say that you care, you show how much you care. You're even willing to collaborate with and work alongside our staff as they work to provide our students with an exceptional educational experience. Thank you for all you do to support our entire school community!"

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 SOCIAL STUDIES AND SCIENCE TEACHERS

Annual Science and Social Studies surveys

Section 7-203 (e) of the Education Code of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) 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 numbers of classes taught by teachers certified in these content areas. All surveys will be confidential, identified only by school system and grade level (elementary, middle, high school), and administered via Qualtrics. 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 are open through Friday, December 11.

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.

"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

An introduction to bullying prevention for Maryland educators

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 is available until Wednesday, December 9. You can complete the course in sections or all at once. 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 SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Secondary school counseling upcoming Xello professional learning

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

The training will be held at:

Baltimore County Public Library - Randallstown branch, Meeting Room

8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown 21133

Session for High School Counselors: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 

Session for Middle School Counselors: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

School counselors are asked to coordinate with their principals and support staff to ensure coverage is in place for their school buildings.

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.'

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m.

Holabird Middle School, library, 1701 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222

Topic: “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Community Conversation on Special Education

Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m.

Stoneleigh Elementary School, 900 Pemberton Road, Baltimore 21212

Overlea High School Capacity Relief Boundary Study Public Information Session

Wednesday, November 18, from 7-8 p.m.

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

The purpose of this boundary study is to provide capacity relief at Overlea High School and will potentially affect boundaries for Overlea, Loch Raven, and Parkville high schools. Those interested can participate in the meeting in person or watch it on BCPS YouTube Live.

Community Conversation on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m.

Woodlawn Middle School, 3033 St. Lukes Ln., Gwynn Oak 21207

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Advancing excellence together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org