Thursday, March 20, 2025

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

Let's hear it for the 2025-26 BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year nominees!

Nine outstanding school educators and administrators from across Baltimore County have been selected as this year’s finalists for the BCPS Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year!

Teacher of the Year finalists:

• Brittany Kolb, Preschool/PreKindergarten teacher, Ridge Ruxton School

• Brittany Jakubowski, English language arts and reading teacher, Catonsville Middle School

• Nathaniel Eugene, algebra teacher, Parkville High School

Principal of the Year finalists:

• Scott Conway, Hampton Elementary School

• Amanda Shanks, Dumbarton Middle School

• Kieran O'Connell, Franklin High School

Assistant Principal of the Year finalists:

• Amber Cook, Elmwood Elementary School

• Sheila Luechtefeld, Pikesville Middle School

• Angela Berry, New Town High School

Tune in live for our Champions for Children Celebration on Wednesday, April 23, at 4 p.m. as we honor the nominees, announce the winners, and celebrate a variety of other all-star school supporters, including a "Rising Star" Teacher of the Year, Supporting Services Employee of the Year, Transportation Champion, and much more! More information is available in a BCPS news release.

FEATURED VIDEO

The March episode of The CTE Show features stories about the BCPS Student Career Expo, the Academy of Health Professions program at Randallstown High School and its partnership with Northwest Hospital, and more.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Summer professional development for staff: Registration deadline extended to Friday, March 21

Registration is now open for Summer 2025 Professional Development! BCPS educators, paraeducators, and identified social emotional learning support staff must register through the Registration System by March 17. Participants will receive early access to 2025-26 teaching and content expectations during sessions on June 23 and 24.

Those unable to attend the summer sessions will access this information during the August 19 professional development activities. Ten-month staff will be compensated for participation. More information is available on the Summer Professional Development webpage.

• Register for March 31 Professional Development Day!

Monday, March 31, is designed as a systemwide professional development day. Teachers and paraeducators should report to their school buildings or the designated location for in-person professional learning, unless otherwise specified.

Paraeducators are encouraged to register for sessions related to the content they support. Special educators will receive three hours for planning and case management. Special educators can work remotely provided they can access the student data systems. More details, including session information and locations, can be found on the March 31 Professional Development Day webpage.

• Reminder: Pay advance option for BCPS salaried employees

BCPS salaried employees (CASE, OPE, TABCO, and salaried non-represented) will be moving to pay in arrears on July 1, as we transition to the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System-Oracle. Impacted staff received an email on February 7 with instructions on how to opt-in to receive the pay advance. This is a reminder, if you intend to opt-in to receive the pay advance, you must complete the enrollment form by April 30. Information regarding pay in arrears can be found on the Office of Payroll website, under the tab Pay In Arrears.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to the Office of Payroll at officeofpayroll@bcps.org.

• Evaluation form training for AFSCME, ESPBC, and OPE supervisors and employees

This year, a new evaluation form has been introduced for all AFSCME, ESPBC, OPE-represented, and non-represented hourly employees. To ensure a smooth transition, the Employee Evaluation Team will provide training on this new form.

Although not mandatory, employees in these groups are strongly encouraged to attend the training if they would like to familiarize themselves with the process.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Spring recycling presentations

The Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management - Recycling Division is offering free, interactive presentations to all K-12 schools on single stream recycling. Schools can request this presentation by completing an online form.

The Office of Facilities Support Services - Energy and Sustainability team also offers engaging recycling presentations for staff, which can be applied to MAEOE Green School Certifications. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Single stream recycling flyers are now available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

• Become a Paraeducator!

The Office of Workforce Development is pleased to offer a career pathway opportunity to additional adult assistants, working within special education, who are interested in becoming paraeducators. Participants will be compensated for their attendance at all training sessions, will receive ParaPro practice materials, and will receive direct support and guidance in preparation for the ParaPro assessment. Those who already have 48 college credits do not need to complete the ParaPro assessment and are eligible to apply for a paraeducator position at this time.

Interested participants should visit the Registration System for more details and to register. Directions on how to access the Registration System are available online.

To find and register for the course, please search for Course #13169 - Become a Paraeducator - Additional Adult Assistant to Paraeducator. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Discounted Hersheypark tickets for BCPS employees

Hersheypark is once again offering BCPS staff exclusive discounts on the purchase of 1-day tickets to its theme park.

There are two price options:

• $43.83 (total price per ticket). Ticket valid April 5 - July 31
• $50.83 (total price per ticket). Ticket valid April 5 - January 4, 2026

Discounted tickets are available for purchase now through April 30. Enter Promo Code: BCPS

***Please note: this link may be blocked on BCPS devices. You may need to use a personal device to purchase tickets.

Tatanisha Love of Southwest Academy named national finalist for 2025 School Librarian of the Year

The School Librarian of the Year Award, presented annually by School Library Journal and sponsored by Scholastic, recognizes the outstanding work of K–12 library professionals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional use of technology and print materials to not only successfully engage students in learning but also spark new ideas within their school and community. This year, one winner and two finalists were honored. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Student Member of the Board candidates share campaign speeches ahead of April 24 voting

BCPS middle and high school students will vote for the next Student Member of the Board of Education on Thursday, April 24. Speeches from this year's candidates, Foresight Ogungbe (Eastern Tech) and Sophie Vijayan (Towson High) are now available for viewing as students prepare to make their decision. More information is available on the Student Member of the Board selection webpage.

High school principals asked to nominate a graduating senior for annual blog series

Annually, each BCPS high school principal is asked to identify one graduating senior to be featured in a series of blog posts from April through May. The student can be a high-achiever or star athlete, but the Department of Communications and Community Outreach is also interested in unsung heroes and students with unique interests and stories.

For high schools that are not separate public day schools, the school is asked to complete an online form, and to share a link with the selected student so they can complete additional questions.

Separate public day schools that would like to celebrate a graduating senior should complete a form answering questions about the student. The deadline for all information is 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 28. 

BCPS Art is for Everyone exhibition underway at Baltimore Museum of Art through Sunday, March 23

For the 37th time, the Baltimore Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition of artwork by BCPS students from PreKindergarten through Grade 12. This year, the exhibition includes more than 250 artworks from students across the county. Museum admission is free.

Baltimore Museum of Art

Contemporary Wing, Third Floor

10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore 21218

Exhibition: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 23

Meet and Greet: Sunday, March 23, from 1-4 p.m.

ICYMI: School safety is a shared responsibility

When we work together and commit to upholding our roles, we create safe and welcoming spaces where students can maximize learning and experience all that our schools have to offer. Across the state and nation, we continue to see concerning trends in student behaviors. It is essential that every member of our community understands the role they play in supporting student and staff safety and well-being. More information is available in a community message.

BCPS Summer Programs: Monday - Thursday from July 7 to July 31

BCPS Summer Programs will be held Monday - Thursday from July 7-31.

• Students will be on campus for 5 hours each day with a 30-minute lunch. Teachers will receive a 30-minute duty free lunch and hour of planning/arrival/dismissal duty each day. Bell schedules vary by school. A 3-hour set-up day will take place on Thursday, July 3.

• The schedule for required professional development for summer programs is as follows:
• Elementary and middle school teachers – Wednesday, June 25 – Thursday, June 26
• High school teachers – Thursday, June 26
• ELD and inclusion teachers will attend with the level to which they are assigned.
• Outside general education ESY teachers will receive information regarding professional development at a later date.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Celebrating Women's History Month!

March is Women's History Month! Complete this brief form to share your plans with us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history! Don't forget to tag BCPS on social media when sharing Women's History Month highlights.

Spread the word: We're hiring! Interested candidates are encouraged to join us at an upcoming recruitment event or apply online today.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Please help us spread the word about upcoming Parent University workshops! Registration is available online.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Seniors encouraged to apply for PTA Council of Baltimore County Scholarships - Spread the word!

Spread the word! The PTA Council of Baltimore County is proud to offer scholarships to BCPS high school seniors with no restrictions on the selection of the college, university, or technical school. A number of factors are considered including the student's membership in a Baltimore County PTA, academic record, student resume, and essay.

In addition to general scholarships, PTA Council grants two special scholarships:

• The Georgia Clevenger Memorial Scholarship for a graduating BCPS senior planning on a career in health sciences.

• The Marilyn Ryan Memorial Scholarship for a graduating BCPS senior with an exceptional volunteering or public service record.

The scholarship application is due on Thursday, May 1. The committee will select and notify recipients in May. Details and the application are available online.

Spring Teaching Intern Conference set for Monday, April 7

The Department of Employee Training and Development is hosting a Spring Intern Conference on Monday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Employee Development Center, 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093. BCPS interns are invited to a day of professional learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend sessions on classroom management, high-quality instruction, and hear from representatives in Human Resources about the process for joining Team BCPS. Principals and mentor teachers are asked to encourage interns to attend. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Nominate a youth representative to attend the Friends of the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on May 31! Deadline: April 4

50 slots have been set aside for youth representatives ages 9 - 22 to attend the Friends of the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on Saturday, May 31, from 12 - 4:30 p.m. at Diamondz Events & Catering in Randallstown. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 4. The goal of inviting youth representatives is to increase awareness to young adults of the positive influence happening in their community while elevating the cultural conscious connection to their roots.

Parents/Guardians will be responsible for transportation. Parents/Guardians interested in attending the event will need to purchase a ticket. Attire: All White Party

Questions? Contact friendsofnaacpfundgala@gmail.com

Information Technology summer employment opportunity for students

BCPS Information Technology will hire several summer employees this year. Preference will be given to current BCPS students. Rising Grade 11 and Grade 12 students typically gain the most from this summer experience focused on technology support or hardware repair. Students will be offered the opportunity to gain a Hewlett Packard (HP) Certification for repairing devices manufactured by HP.

Please share this opportunity with students who may be interested in technology. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Café Lunch and Learn Webinar series for PTA Leaders and School Staff

Family and Community Engagement, in partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), has launched a CAFÉ Lunch and Learn webinar series for PTA Leaders and school staff. The inaugural session was held on March 4.

Please inform your PTA Board members and consider joining the series yourself. Additionally, please encourage staff members, including CARE and FACE liaisons, family engagement committee members, and community participants, who may be interested in attending this CAFÉ. Please register online. If you cannot attend the scheduled sessions, please register to receive a link to the recordings.

Session 3: Nourishing Minds: The Family’s Role in Student Mental Health & Well-Being

Tuesday, April 8, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 4: Reading the Recipe: Understanding School Data on Discipline, Safety & Academics

Tuesday, April 22, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Session 5: Setting the Table: How School Funds Are Distributed and What It Means for Families

Tuesday, May 20, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Open to all BCPS Staff: Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape

ESPBC members will earn hours toward Inservice Credit for participating in this course

This session will examine the ever-changing world of social media and how BCPS fits into that space in 2025. The presentation will provide overviews of the platforms that BCPS uses and take a deep dive into social media analytics. Participants will then learn how social media affects their role in BCPS and how they can best utilize social media and partner with the Department of Communications and Community Outreach to achieve key communication goals.

• Available three separate times this spring, registration is open now via the Registration System. All sessions will take place at the BCPS Employee Development Center located at 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093.

• #13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - March 26 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

• #13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - April 30 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

• •#13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - May 27 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact Sam Lister, Communications Specialist I.

Baltimore Ravens Touchdown for Teachers nominations open through April 4

The Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank are inviting nominations for their 12th annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which recognizes local teachers who provide outstanding service for their schools and communities. Beginning today, anyone may nominate an outstanding educator via the online application form through Friday, April 4.

Three finalists – including the eventual grand prize winner – will be selected from a panel of community members and school officials, with the assistance of Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank staff.

The grand prize winner will receive the following:

• $5,000 in grant funds, payable to their school or district
• A classroom visit by a Ravens’ coach or player, accompanied by mascot Poe

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, March 24, at 7 p.m.

Battle Grove Elementary School, library, 7828 Saint Patricia Ln., Dundalk 21222

Topic: Community schools

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, March 25, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council

Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m.

Virtual meeting details

Topic: Career and Technical Education programming and opportunities for students/College and Career Readiness

PTA Council of Baltimore County General Meeting and Health and Safety Program

Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m.

Virtual meeting details

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Diane Scanga, Cafeteria Assistant, Prettyboy Elementary School

Submitted by Mary Price, Administrative Secretary, Prettyboy Elementary School

"Diane is such a pleasure to have on our staff! She is flexible, dependable, and so cheerful each and every day. She is so kind to all of the students and greets the staff every day with a smile as she wishes us well! Her positive attitude and genuine joy serve as an example to all of us! We are so grateful for Diane!"

Christopher Silas, Safety Assistant, Hereford Middle School

Submitted by Fay Davenport, Assistant Principal, Hereford Middle School

"Shoutout to Mr. Christopher Silas for his incredible dedication to Hereford Middle School! As our school safety assistant, he works tirelessly to ensure our building is secure, creating a safe environment for students and staff every day. But his impact goes far beyond security—this year, he took on the role of coach for HMS’s Black Excellence Club. Mr. Silas put in countless hours to get the club up and running, providing a space for students to connect, celebrate culture, and build camaraderie. His leadership, hard work, and passion have made a lasting impact, and we are so grateful for all he does for our 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.

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

Women's History Month - March

Middle Level Education Month - March

Music in Our Schools Month - March

National Athletic Training Month - March

Youth Art Month - March

Maryland Day - Tuesday, March 25

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org