A promise in progress:
The history of African Americans and Baltimore County Public Schools
Black history is American history.

It happened, it is happening, all around us.

A new blog post shares a timeline of the history of educating African Americans in Baltimore County, a history that reflects education practices in communities throughout the nation. The timeline begins with the creation of the public school system in Baltimore County, through the development of separate colored schools, through segregation, to integration and the appointment of the first African American superintendent.
The annual online BCPS Stakeholder Survey is now available -- and in multiple languages! Your feedback will help shape the future of the Baltimore County Public Schools budget, staffing, and programs. The survey is open to students in Grades 3-12, and all parents/guardians, staff, and community members. It’s quick, it’s anonymous, and you may use a phone, tablet, or computer.
BCPS celebrated its first College Day!
Members of the BCPS family -- from elementary school students to teachers to school system leaders slipped into apparel from their favorite colleges and universities on Feb. 6 for the first-ever #BCPSCollegeDay. Educators proudly celebrated their alma maters. Students looked ahead to schools they aspire to attend. Photos above from Principals' Leadership Development. Photos below of staff from Milford Mill Academy and students from Pine Grove Elementary. More images can be found on Flickr and Twitter.
time to shine
opportunities for students
The BCPS Opps blog is designed to share information about opportunities for students -- competitions, fellowships, and more, Please check out the latest posts -- and share them with students you know!


(Is there something we should add to the blog? Send info to communications@bcps.org.)
for parents
from BCPS Parent University
Be your child’s Valentine


As with much in modern life, Valentine’s Day can be laden with emotion and expectation and, thus, tough to navigate for children. Should I give Valentine’s Day cards to friends? If so, which ones? Will I hurt anyone’s feelings? Are we doing anything at school? Does he/she like me or not? Mom, dad, what should I do?

This year, consider making Valentine’s Day more about caring and kindness than about cards or gifts or “romance.” 

Check out resources from U.S. News & World Report , Bright Horizons ,
Family Education , and Rise and Shine for tips on how to manage Valentine’s Day with your children. And as this article reminds us, Valentine’s Day – or any day – is also a great time to work on strengthening the bonds you and your child already share. 
to inspire
family-themed haiku
Running through the house,
Sharing the good memories,
Laughing together.


Morgan Keating, Grade 7
Arbutus Middle School
Teacher: Rizza Padilla
A Word from Dr. Williams, Superintendent
February 10, 2020

Dear Team BCPS,
 
Thanks for joining our first #BCPSCollegeDay .

This week’s meeting of the Board of Education will include a work session for the 2020-2021 operating budget. My FY2021 budget proposal prioritizes classroom instruction and support through the addition of 482.5 positions, based on extensive feedback from students, parents, staff, and community members.
 
Learn more about my proposal and the five budget focus areas:

  • Learning, Accountability, and Results
  • Safe and Supportive Environment
  • High-Performing Workforce and Alignment of Human Capital
  • Community Engagement and Partnerships
  • Operational Excellence
 
Sincerely, 

Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D.
Superintendent
on the horizon
upcoming events and activities
Monday, Feb. 10
  • Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee meeting on transitions
  • Southwest Area Education Advisory Council to meet
Tuesday, Feb. 11
  • Black Saga westside and middle school regionals
  • Maryland 529 Parent Information Session at Northwest Academy of Health Sciences
Wednesday, Feb. 12
  • Black Saga eastside regional
  • Maryland 529 Parent Information Sessions at Hereford Middle, Loch Raven Academy
  • New Town, Owings Mills high school dancers perform at Baltimore Dances!
  • Western Conference Allied Bowling Championship
Thursday, Feb. 13
  • Edmondson Heights Elementary Family Math Night
  • Eastern Conference Allied Bowling Championship
Monday, Feb. 17
  • Presidents' Day -- all BCPS schools and offices open

See BCPS News Tips for Feb. 8 - 15 , for more information about these and many other events.

Reminder: Schools and offices will be open on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17. To learn more, visit the BCPS website .