Monday, November 2, 2026

BCPS continues to show progress on Maryland School Report Card

Claims the second highest number of 5-Star schools in the state

The 2026 Maryland School Report Card shows that BCPS has the second-highest number of 5-Star schools (25) in the state and, for the third year in a row, improved its average Star Rating.

Here are a few Maryland School Report Card highlights about BCPS schools:

• Thirty-six schools saw an increase in their overall Star Rating, and the number of 2-Star and 3-Star schools decreased by 12 percent in 2026.
• The number of 4-Star schools increased by 17.
• The number of 5-Star schools increased by two.
• The majority of schools had no change in Star Rating from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026.

Here is a list of the 5-Star BCPS schools for 2026:

The Maryland State Report Card was released during the last week of October by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Learn more in the October 29 Staff and Community Update.

BCPS stakeholders invited to Community Conversations on the Fiscal Year 2028 operating budget

Meetings taking place across the county through December 1

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

Photos from the first Community Conversation on October 27 at Cockeysville Middle School can be found on Flickr and a video of the event is on YouTube.

The remaining Community Conversations will take place on the following dates:

Spanish interpretation is 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.

Around the County

Annual BCPS Marching Band Showcase highlights 8 high schools

Groups from Dulaney, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson and Woodlawn high schools and Milford Mill Academy participated in the annual BCPS Marching Band Showcase on October 25, held at Woodlawn High School. Photos from the noncompetitive event can be found on Flickr.

Special Education Fair connects families to resources and information

On October 24, BCPS welcomed families to its Employee Development Center for the Fall Special Education Resource Fair. At the event, the families of children and young adults with special needs gathered information, participated in workshops, and enjoyed sensory friendly spaces. The free event was presented by the Department of Special Education and Early Childhood Programs.

Participating organizations included the Baltimore County Department of Health (Children with Special Health Care Needs Program), Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities, Developmental Disabilities Administration Providers, Service Coordinator, Inc., R.I.S.E. Arts Center of Baltimore, Oaks Dynamics, Inc., The Parents Place of Maryland, By Their Side, Maryland ABLE, Early Lens Neurobehavioral Center, The Jerome McFadden Educational Center, Kennedy Krieger Institute (Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities and Pediatric and Developmental Disabilities Clinic), BCPS Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee, Thrive Behavioral Health, Lighthouse, Inc., Charm City Therapy, BCPS Gifted and Talented Citizens Advisory Committee, the Y of Central Maryland, and CCBC Single Step Academic Preparation.

Photos from the event can be found on Flickr.

Quick Takes

Eastern Technical High School students spent the day networking, asking thoughtful questions, and creating SMART plans for their futures at the Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s Navigating Your Academic and Professional Future Summit at Loyola University Maryland.

Staff from Potomac Pizza in Middle River stopped by Chesapeake High School's Cooking Club to help students make fresh pies. Each student also received a Jr. Chef coupon book and some pizza slices.

Students from Crossroads Center visited the University of Maryland to explore college life. From visiting classrooms and talking with college students to meeting UMD football player Zion Elee, they got a firsthand look at what it takes to succeed in college. The visit was supported by Masi Sports Academy.

Maryland Zoo website now features video game created by Carver Center students

The Maryland Zoo now features on its website a video game, Red Panda Rush, created by three George Washington Carver for Arts and Technology students. The game, inspired by the zoo's new red pandas, was created by Martin Burgunder, a Carver Center senior and a long-time zoo volunteer. To help create the game, he enlisted two classmates, Isaac Sigrist (animator and artist) and Jack Feldges (background art and game art).

In an article on the zoo's website, Zoo President and CEO Kirby Fowler said, "As Martin has shown with this project, you never know how someone will use their experience at the Maryland Zoo as an inspiration. From a design standpoint, the game is quite sophisticated, but it’s easy enough for even amateurs like me to play. We receive a lot of student requests and just can’t be involved in every one. However, given Martin’s history here as a Zoo volunteer, we jumped at this opportunity.”

Martin Burgunder

Focus on Families

from BCPS Parent University

Online Learning Program applications accepted for 2027-2028

The BCPS Online Learning Program will be accepting applications from families interested in enrolling for the 2027-2028 school year. The program is only open to students who reside in Baltimore County during the point at which the application is submitted and to those entering Grades 6-12 next school year. The application will be posted online by Friday, November 6 at 1 p.m. The application deadline is Friday, December 11. Please see the Online and Extended Learning page for further details, including the program brochure and informational video. 

Register now for Parent University workshops in early November

“AI and Childhood Development”

Friday, November 6, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual session will be presented by Juanita Ignacio of The Center for Family Success. The workshop is designed to demystify artificial intelligence (AI). Participants will discover what AI agents are and how they learn and will explore current and upcoming real-world applications. The workshop will address issues such as the effect of AI medical applications; why human bonding is essential for cognitive and socioemotional development, and the impact of the AI toy market. Registration required. 

“Pediatric Asthma”

Tuesday, November 10, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual session will be presented by Colleen Hess, a registered nurse representing the Baltimore County Department of Health’s Lead Poisoning Prevention and Asthma Program. Her presentation will provide an overview of the disease of asthma; common triggers in the home and environment; and Baltimore County’s home visiting program for families of children with asthma. Registration required. 

“Empowering Parents & Supporting Youth: Building Healthy Relationships, Setting Boundaries, and Consent”

Wednesday, November 11, at 12:30 p.m.

Gaby Asuad, community engagement and training manager at TurnAround, Inc., will lead a virtual workshop to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and practical tools to protect and empower children and youth in their lives. Participants will learn how to recognize, prevent, and address unhealthy relationships while promoting child safety and healthy relationship skills. Registration required.

Join us for Substitute Networking and Recruitment Events

Current and prospective substitute teachers are invited to learn how to find more assignments (short- and long-term), become a preferred substitute, and use BCPS hiring and scheduling technology. Each event will only feature schools in that zone. Please RSVP.

Central Zone 

Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology

938 York Rd., Towson 21204

West Zone  

Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Catonsville High School

421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228

Art Showcase

"POP HeART" by Megan S., Grade 11, Battle Monument School. This artwork is featured in the 2026 BCPS Art is for Everyone! Exhibition, which can be viewed online and which was displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art this past spring.

Mission Moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

The 2026 Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic was a huge success

Event raised more than $100,000 to support BCPS students, educators, and schools

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., held its 12th Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic at Greystone Golf Course on October 16. It was a beautiful day of golf, giving, and gratitude. The early morning mist cleared to make way for sunshine; the participants were excited to enjoy the pristine golf course; and sponsors were happy to support The Education Foundation's mission-driven work.



The event raised more than $100,000 to support BCPS students, educators, and schools. Learn more in the latest Mission Moment blog post.

Highlights from Dr. Heiser

November 2, 2026

Dear Team BCPS:

Over the past three years, our schools have made significant progress on the Maryland School Report Card, an important marker of progress and achievement.

We celebrate the 36 schools that increased their Star Ratings, and the 25 schools that are rated 5-Stars!

Across the county, BCPS staff are working relentlessly to advance excellence for all students, and we are seeing the positive results of our collective efforts to provide the highest-quality instruction and programs for students. We will continue to build on this momentum and strive for excellence in all our schools.

As the state works to redesign its accountability system, BCPS will remain focused on improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all students throughout BCPS.

Students come first in all we do, and we will continue to leverage various measures to evaluate student progress and make necessary adjustments to effect positive and meaningful change for our students and system.

      

Sincerely,

Bill Heiser, Ed.D.

Superintendent

BCPS schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, November 3, for mid-term elections. Get out there and vote!

Upcoming Board and community meetings

All are welcome to attend

Special Education Citizen Advisory Committee meeting

Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m.

Link to virtual meeting

Overlea High School Capacity Relief Boundary Study Boundary Committee meeting #3

Wednesday, November 4, from 6-8 p.m.

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

Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “School Safety and Security”

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Capital Budget & Facilities”