Monday, October 2, 2023

BCPS launches a Mobile ESOL Welcome Center

With more than 100 languages represented by BCPS students and almost 12,000 students receiving ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) services, it is important for BCPS to find equitable and innovative ways to serve and engage with its diverse communities. So, the BCPS ESOL team has a new set of wheels — presenting The Mobile ESOL Welcome Center.

The mobile center will provide English language proficiency assessment and enrollment services to multilingual learners new to our county and bring ESOL resources and support directly to schools and communities. This mobile initiative not only helps ESOL students succeed academically but also contributes to a richer, more diverse, and inclusive school environment.

A new blog post, written by Habiba Lam, Chesapeake High School senior and BCPS Communications Apprentice, explores the development of the mobile center and describes it in action.

New BusWhere app will allow parents/caregivers to track their children's school buses

The Office of Transportation announces the county-wide implementation of BusWhere, a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. With the BusWhere app, subscribers may opt to receive notification as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there is a significant issue causing a delay. On or about October 2, parents/caregivers of children who ride school buses should receive an email invitation to create an account directly from BusWhere.

Please join us for "Community Conversations" on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) will host five “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. Please join us to share your ideas on budget priorities and the investments you believe the system should make to ensure it provides the greatest public education for every student. 

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. 

In addition to the budget forums, Team BCPS staff, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to complete the FY 25 Budget Priorities Stakeholder Survey.

Online webinar offers information about how to register to vote and how to host a registration drive

Students, parents/caregivers, educators invited to participate

An online voter registration webinar and Q&A will be held at 7 p.m., on Thursday, October 19. Students, parents/caregivers, and educators are invited to learn more about how to register to vote, the importance of helping young people register and vote, and how to set up voter registration drives in schools or communities. The webinar is hosted by the Maryland Association of Student Councils in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Maryland and the Maryland Civic Education Coalition. Register online using personal (not BCPS) email accounts.

Schools with magnet programs to host showcase events throughout October

Throughout October, schools with magnet programs host showcase events for students and families interested in applying to the programs for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Applications for magnet programs for the 2024-2025 school year are due by Friday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m. More information, including the Magnet Program brochure and application instructions, is available on the BCPS magnet programs website.

Share traditions to honor Hispanic Heritage Month

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which continues through October 15, BCPS invites Hispanic and Latino students, staff, and families to share some of their favorite traditions on social media using #BCPSHerencia.

The 7th Annual BCPS Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair is fast approaching!

The college fair will be held on Saturday, October 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117.

Registration through StriveScan is open to all BCPS high school students and their families. Participants are also strongly encouraged to complete the Common Black College Application prior to the event. School counselors and college counselors are available to help with registration and application. (Those who register who need assistance in traveling to the event are asked to complete a transportation request survey.)

At the fair, students can meet college admissions representatives from more than 35 Historically Black Colleges and Universities and participate in workshops related to the college selection process, college admissions, financial aid, and college life. Drop-in support for college application essay writing will be offered throughout the day. 

Annual Free Fall Baltimore offers dozens of free events for area families

October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and each October, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts coordinates Free Fall Baltimore, a monthlong series of free events offered by 56 organizations. This year, 70 free events will be held. Some of the family-friendly events include:

Doors Open Baltimore

Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, various times

Hosted by the Baltimore Architectural Foundation, tour historic sites and enjoy special activities and games. Register online.

Puppets in the Park(ing Lot)

Fridays, October 15 & 22, from 1 - 3 p.m.

Hollins Market Parkette, 1136 Hollins St., Baltimore 21223

(In the event of inclement weather, activities will be held at Black Cherry Puppet Theater, 1115 Hollins St., Baltimore 21223)

Enjoy puppet shows and puppet making workshops for all ages and skill levels.

Maryland Zoo

Wednesday, October 18, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, One Safari Pl., Baltimore 21217

Free general admission

"Let's Talk About It"

Wednesday, October 25, from 5 - 9 p.m.

Keystone Korner, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore 21231

The evening festival will feature musical performances, games and activities, and a marketplace.

The National Aquarium Free Fall Friday Night

Friday, October 27, from 5 - 8 p.m.

The National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore 21202

Registration is required. Please register as early as possible. Space is limited.

The Harvest Snack Lab

Saturday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m.

Terra Cafe, 101 E. 25th St., Baltimore 21218

An intergenerational event celebrating foods of the harvest season and healthy lifestyles.

Keur Khaleyi's Annual Culture Fest

Sunday, October 29, from 1 - 7 p.m.

Eubie Blake Center, 847 N. Howard St., Baltimore 21201

Event will include children's dance class, storytelling, crafting, drum circle, and authentic African cuisine.

Looking for more ideas and information? Please sign up for the Parent University newsletter! It is designed specifically for parents and caregivers and offers ideas, information, resources, and opportunities.

"Texture Study" by Sidra Rahim, Grade 10, Kenwood High School. Work featured in the 2023 Art is for Everyone! Exhibition.

To see more artwork by BCPS students, teachers, and other members of the BCPS community, please visit the Office of Visual Arts gallery webpage.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Caravan of Gratitude celebrates teachers, leaders, and business partners of the year

Gratitude is a core value of The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. And so, when Deborah Phelps, the foundation’s executive director, was asked to provide gift baskets, bags and boxes of joy as part of celebrations for the BCPS Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year, Principal of the Year, and other celebrations, the Caravan of Gratitude was born and began traveling across the region making requests of their Education Champions to join in the celebration.

A new blog post highlights some of the ways the Caravan of Gratitude supports BCPS.

A word from Dr. Rogers (Yarbrough)

October 2, 2023

Dear Reader:

Time in school is so precious; we simply cannot allow student cell phone use to interfere with instruction and learning.

For that reason, last week, I issued a community message reminding families about student cell phone restrictions. While students may bring personal phones to school, the phones should not be used during class time or used inappropriately at any time during the school day. Failure to follow these rules will result in disciplinary actions against the student.

Team BCPS families, we need your help to ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, and distraction-free. Thank you for your support in reinforcing our cell phone policy.

In partnership,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming community advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee meeting

Monday, October 2, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Topic: "BCPS Department of Special Education Updates & SECAC Stakeholder Feedback and Goal Setting"

Google Meets

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, October 4, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, October 9, at 6 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: "Budget – Operating and Capital"

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, October 9, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: "Pre-Budget Hearing for Operating/Capital Budgets – Facilities and Enrollment"

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, October 16, at 7 p.m.

Norwood Elementary School library, 1700 Delvale Ave., Baltimore 21222

Topic: "Pre-Budget Operating and Capital/Facilities and Enrollment"

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, October 18, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: "FY 2025 Capital and Operating Budget Hearing"