BCPS Staff Bulletin -- Systemwide Professional Learning on November 1

Thursday, October 24, 2024

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

Systemwide Professional Learning on November 1

Friday, November 1, is designated for Systemwide Professional Learning Activities. Staff in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction have been working collaboratively with content area teachers to plan high-quality professional learning for all teachers. An overview of the theme, outcomes, and format is available online. Teachers will be required to register for Professional Study Day in the Registration System. Attendees should register by October 31.

Information for Instructional Assistants

Instructional assistants may register for professional learning through the Registration System. Instructional assistants are encouraged to register for sessions that relate to the content that they support. Questions about specific sessions should be directed to the content office leadership.

While the schedule reflects a full day of professional learning with time for individual and collaborative planning, staff are encouraged to use any available time to complete the Safe School modules.

Information for Office Professionals

The Office of Application Support and Training is offering Microsoft 365 courses for office professionals on Friday, November 1. A BCPS News Hub Post has more information on this series. The deadline for SafeSchools Compliance Training is Friday, November 1. Staff who have not completed the trainings are encouraged to do so on November 1, if they are not engaged in content professional development. Finally, office professionals may also choose to complete their ALICE training. Please contact the Office of School Safety at 443-809-4360 for assistance with ALICE training.

BCPS Open Enrollment is underway now through Monday, November 11. Open Enrollment is the best time to make changes to your coverage, enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts, and review your dependents through Employee Self-Service. More information about Benefits & Retirement is available on the BCPS website.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Explore the BCPS Online Learning Program

Applications for the Online Learning Program for the 2025-26 school year will be open from November 8 through December 13.

A virtual information session about the program will take place on November 12 from 6-7 p.m. Participants are asked to register in advance.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• 2024 BCPS Marching Band Showcase

On Monday, October 28, the BCPS High School Marching Band Showcase will take place at 6 p.m. at Woodlawn High School. The rain date for this event is Tuesday, October 29, at 6 p.m. The showcase will feature marching bands from throughout BCPS, and a performance from The University of Maryland's Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. This event is free and open to the public.

• Safe Schools compliance training reminder - November 1 deadline

Compliance training for the 2024-25 school year was released through Safe Schools on June 17. All staff must complete annual compliance training to ensure that BCPS adheres to all Board of Education Policies and Superintendent’s Rules and meets all state and federal mandates. Staff must complete all training by Friday, November 1.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post. Principals and office heads may contact etd@bcps.org for an updated list of staff who have not completed their required trainings.

• Putting Students First Grant recipients announced

A new BCPS blog post recognizes the 2024-25 Putting Students First grant recipients. In 2021, First Financial Federal Credit Union established the Putting Students First Grant in partnership with The Education Foundation. All grantees have supported their students by providing unique resources, opportunities, and experiences designed to ignite their love of learning and support their academic, social, and emotional development.

• Forward with Oracle - Time entry and approval changes: How you will submit your time and/or absences

BCPS is implementing Oracle Cloud, our new Human Resources and Fiscal Services Enterprise Resource Planning system. Periodic communications will be provided regarding upcoming changes staff may be interested in as we prepare to launch Oracle Cloud in June 2025. More information on the project and prior announcements can be located on the BCPS website and in a BCPS News Hub post.

• No-cost online work/life support for employees

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a no-cost employee benefit that can provide employees and their household members with information, resource referrals, and consultations for a variety of work–life needs.

To access this free, confidential benefit, employees or their household members can call Cigna EAP at 888-431-4334 (available 24/7) and speak with a work–life specialist or visit the Cigna website, open the drop-down menu entitled Coverage to select Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• National Assessment Governing Board

The National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for The Nation's Report Card, is accepting applications and nominations for five Governing Board positions:

• Elementary School Principal

• General Public Representative

• Governor – Democrat

• Governor – Republican

• Testing and Measurement Expert

Each board seat is designated to be filled by a leader with unique expertise and perspective — and a deep commitment to improving student achievement for all. Nominate yourself or someone else today. Nominations will be accepted through November 1.

• Baltimore Highlands Elementary to host "Let's Talk About Immigration" event

On Monday, October 28, Baltimore Highlands Elementary School invites the BCPS community to attend its "Let's Talk About Immigration" event. The presentation will be shared twice, first at 9 a.m. and again at 4 p.m.

8th Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair set for Wednesday, October 30

BCPS seniors are invited to register for this year's BCPS Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, at New Town High School. Students should see their college and career counselors to receive permission slips. Bus transportation to the event will be provided. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Magnet Application Deadline is November 1 at 1 p.m.

The deadline for the BCPS magnet application is rapidly approaching! Parents interested in having their child participate in a magnet program next school year must submit an online application by 1 p.m. on Friday, November 1. Principals are asked to ensure their students and families are aware of this deadline.

School Bus Safety Week and BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day

This week is National School Bus Safety Week! Please review our tips to help keep students safe. Beginning November 4, motorists who illegally pass a stopped school bus with activated flashing red lights will be subject to a $250 fine.

In case you missed it, yesterday was BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day. Please join us in thanking our fantastic transportation team!

Celebrating our multifaceted principals

In celebration of National Principals Month, BCPS invited several principals from across the county to share a little about themselves, their backgrounds, and the joy they find in their work. This week, the series continued with Terri Moses of Owings Mills High School and Sean McComb of Lutherville Laboratory.

Follow along on BCPS social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn) or view the full collection of mini profiles on the BCPS blog.

Growing Ready Employees Through Applied Training

The Growing Ready Employees through Applied Training (GREAT) initiative through the Department of Employee Training and Development prepares current BCPS students receiving special education services for potential employment in high-vacancy, critical-needs job areas within BCPS. If you are interested in hosting a student worker, having one of your students participate, or learning more, please contact Dr. Liz Berquist.

Free school supply shopping for BCPS educators at The Education Foundation's Exchangeree

BCPS educators are welcome to shop the shelves at The Education Foundation's Windsor Mill and Rosedale/Golden Ring Exchangeree locations on select upcoming dates. No registration required! More information is available on the Education Foundation website.

America's Safe Schools Week

In recognition of America’s Safe Schools Week, BCPS reiterates its commitment to providing safe and supportive learning environments for all students. More information is available on the BCPS Department of School Safety webpage.

4 things to know about the October 22 Board of Education Meeting

1) Staff provided updates on the implementation of the HMH Into Reading English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum and shared highlights of student progress and achievement.

2) The Board received a report on early childhood education in BCPS and full-day PreKindergarten expansion efforts.

3) Dr. Rogers and staff shared the inaugural BCPS Progress in Action report -- a comprehensive report that will provide information on the work of the school system to fast forward student achievement. This month’s report highlighted key student progress data from Westowne Elementary School.

4) The Board approved four administrative appointments.

BCPS is celebrating Bullying Prevention Week this week (October 21-25). We encourage students and staff to wear the designated color for each day of the week. The color represents character traits that all people can demonstrate. Please share photos on social media using #BCPSCares.

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.

FOR EDUCATORS

Aspiring Assistant Principals Course

The Department of Employee Training and Development is excited to offer the Aspiring Assistant Principals Course to tenured candidates aspiring to the assistant principalship. The course will focus on the knowledge and skill development necessary to fulfill the role of an instructional leader aligned with the Maryland Professional Standards for Educational Leaders and the National Board Core Propositions. This course has been redesigned to reflect input from current school-based administrators and will include opportunities for participants to engage in problems of practice with colleagues, as well as completing a leadership project with mentorship from a current leader.

Participants will have required readings and application-based assignments between sessions. Successful completion of this course will provide participants with the core knowledge and skills necessary to maximize their roles as school-based leaders and allow participants to earn Professional Development Points required for licensure.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Possess a master’s degree.
Possess an Administrator I endorsement.

The Aspiring Assistant Principals Course includes four in-person sessions and intersession work. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR EDUCATORS

Stevenson University Literacy Education Cohort

As a reminder, Stevenson University, in collaboration with the Department of Employee Training and Development, is offering a Literacy Education cohort. BCPS cohorts are graduate programs designed to meet specific school system needs. Cohort participants receive the direct billing benefit, which means participants pay only the advertised out-of-pocket cost for a cohort, and the Department of Employee Training and Development is directly billed for the remaining tuition up to the rate of reimbursement. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR PREK-3 and PREK-4 EDUCATORS

Hands-on practical application of strategies to support students in early childhood

Staff in the Department of Special Education, Office of Birth to Five will offer professional development for PreK 3 and PreK 4 teachers beginning on Tuesday, October 22, at the Employee Development Center (formerly Loyola Graduate Center). This professional learning series will provide early childhood educators the opportunity for hands-on practice identifying positive behavior interventions, developing engaging lessons, and differentiating instruction.

Participants must register through the BCPS Registration System and should register for one session below, for each of the three sections, as the topics are different for each date.

The course number is #22481 and sessions are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 9-11:30 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m.

• Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 9-11:30 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 9-11:30 a.m. or 1-3:30 p.m.

FOR EDUCATORS

Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators

One of the most impactful ways to support bullying prevention is by deepening your understanding of the issue. Learn what bullying looks like, how to prevent it, how to respond effectively, and how to support affected students. Research shows that training school and central office staff is a key factor in the success of any bullying prevention program. When teachers and staff are equipped to identify, address, and respond to bullying, it leads to a significant reduction in bullying incidents.

A great way to engage this month is by enrolling in the Maryland State Department of Education’s course, "Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators." More than 3,000 educators have already completed the course, and registration for the November cohort is now open.

FOR FULL-DAY PREK HELPERS

Professional Development Series

The Office of Early Childhood is excited to announce a series of professional development sessions specifically designed for Blueprint full-day PreK paid helpers. These sessions will focus on equipping participants with the tools and knowledge needed to support PreK students effectively.

The sessions will be held on the following dates:

Monday, November 18 (PreK Conference Day)
Tuesday, November 19 (PreK Conference Day). Session offerings on the 18th and 19th will be identical. Select one day to attend.
Wednesday, January 29 (Systemwide PD Day)
Monday, March 31 (Systemwide PD Day)
Friday, April 25 (PreK Conference Day)

CALENDAR REMINDERS

October 31 (Th) - First Marking Period Ends - Schools close three hours early for students

November 1 (F) - Systemwide Professional Development Day - Schools closed for students

November 5 (T) - Election Day - Schools and offices closed

November 18 (M) - PreK Conference Day - No Preschool or Pre-K sessions

November 19 (T) - PreK and Elementary Conference Day - No Preschool or PreK sessions, schools closed for elementary students

November 27 (W) - Thanksgiving Holiday begins at the end of the school day - Schools and offices close three hours early

November 28 & 29 (Th-F) - Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and offices closed

BCPS Events for October 2024

Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year

Upcoming Board, boundary study, and advisory committee meetings

All are welcome to attend

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Northwest Elementary School Boundary Study #2 - Public Information Session

Wednesday, November 6, from 7-8 p.m.

Milford Mill Academy cafeteria, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244

Holly Manor Community Boundary Study Committee Meeting

Wednesday, November 13, from 6-8 p.m.

Westchester Elementary School cafeteria, 2300 Old Frederick Rd., Catonsville 21228

Greenleigh Community Boundary Study Committee Meeting

Thursday, November 14, from 6-8 p.m.

Vincent Farm Elementary School cafeteria, 6019 Ebenezer Rd., White Marsh 21162

Board of Education meeting

Monday, November 20, at 6:30 p.m.

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

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Karen Wise, Program Assistant, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Submitted by Susan Hahn, Supervisor, Office of Family and Community Engagement

"Karen serves as the program assistant in Family and Community Engagement (FACE). Although her main responsibility is to support FACE, she regularly extends her assistance to colleagues in Communications and Community Outreach. Karen demonstrates a consistent willingness to aid others with various needs within the department. Thank you, Karen!"

Shoutout Submission Form

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.

Submit news to the Staff Bulletin

Please use the form below to submit news to the BCPS Staff Bulletin. If you have trouble using the form, please contact communications@bcps.org.

Staff Bulletin News Submission Form

BCPS News Hub

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