Monday, May 22, 2023

Dr. Myriam Yarbrough appointed next superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools

Her term begins July 1

The Board of Education of Baltimore County has selected Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, who currently serves as BCPS deputy superintendent, as its candidate for the superintendency, contingent upon final employment contract negotiations. The appointment has been approved by State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury, as required by Maryland law.


Dr. Yarbrough began her career as a chemistry teacher at Woodlawn High School. Prior to her current role as deputy superintendent, she served as BCPS’ chief of organizational effectiveness, executive director for secondary schools in the west zone, and director of school performance. Dr. Yarbrough has been an education administrator since 2002 and served as principal of a middle school and a high school in Montgomery County, Maryland.


A series of public meetings is being planned to facilitate communications between the community and Dr. Yarbrough prior to her assuming the superintendency on July 1.


More about the appointment and Dr. Yarbrough's background can be found in a recent news release.

Student Member of the Board gains right to vote on budgetary issues

On May 16, Governor Wes Moore signed into law House Bill 175, which grants Baltimore County Student Members of the Board (SMOBs) the right to vote on the school system's capital and operating budgets. The expanded rights take effect on July 1.


The advocacy campaign for these expanded rights was initiated three years ago by Omer Reshid during his tenure as SMOB. He has been joined in this effort by SMOBs who preceded him and who followed him, including current SMOB Roah Hassan.


After July 1, the SMOB will be able to vote on all matters before the Board except personnel issues.

Pictured in front: Governor Wes Moore and Speaker of the House Adrienne Jones. Pictured in rear: A staffer for Delegate Eric Ebersole, SMOB Roah Hassan, Delegate Ebersole, former SMOB Omer Reshid

2023 BCPS Film Expo honors 10 projects from 8 schools

Projects available online for public viewing 

Held on May 16 at The Senator Theatre, the BCPS Film Expo is Baltimore County’s largest student film competition. In its eighth year, the competition attracted 148 film and GIF entries from 27 schools, including the Virtual Learning Program. Ten films were selected as favorites by the competition judges and were awarded prizes. These 10 films can be viewed online.

 

The following prizes were awarded for 2023:

MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

Animated GIF

Alexander Olive, Perry Hall Middle School – "The Melee"

 

Animation

Ashley Coyoy-Ixcot, Perry Hall Middle School – "A Memorable Routine"

 

Live-Action

Bryanna Taylor and Emmy London, Pine Grove Middle School – "The Life of Sunset"

 

HIGH SCHOOL

 

Animated GIF

Nathaniel Fink, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology – "Colorful Cube into Water"

 

Animation

Emma Plunkert, Hereford High School – "Tea Time"

 

HIGH SCHOOL (continued)

 

Documentary

Wilson Liam Siegel, Dulaney High School – "The Art Of Conservation: EPISODE 1, The Horticulture Teacher"


Experimental

Melanie Saenz, Chesapeake High School – "Noise Cancellation"

 

Live Action

Katheryn Bell, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology – "The Fugitive"

 

Promotional

Viviana Staicu, Eastern Technical High School – "African Student Association Montage"

 

Short Form

Ajit Thapa Magar, Perry Hall High School – "Peaceful Scenery"

External judges for the 2023 competition were: Phil Davis, associate professor, digital art and animation, Towson University; David Egan, film and television editor and BCPS alumnus; Christopher Ernst, associate professor of film and moving image, Stevenson University; Vin Grabill, associate professor emeritus of cinematic arts, UMBC; Jamie Gross, film and television editor; Chung Wei Huang, film director and professorial lecturer, American University; Steve Miller, artist and media professional; Tim Nohe, professor, visual arts, UMBC; and Jeff Otradovec, filmmaker/video instructor, The Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts.


The film expo was sponsored by The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., the BCPS Office of Visual Arts, and The Senator Theatre.

Graduating senior profile series concludes


In honor of the Class of 2023, BCPS profiled one senior from each high school. The series ended on Friday, May 19, the last day for seniors, and highlights the intellectual and personal strengths of our seniors and their diversity.


Here are the seniors profiled last week:

Jermaine Agboka

Woodlawn High School 

Tarran Bess

Milford Mill Academy Extended Day Learning Program 

Olu Oyebanji

Pikesville High School

Demetrius Profic

Dulaney High School

Jazmyn Saunders

Woodlawn High School Extended Day Learning Program  

Sean Williams, Jr.

Milford Mill Academy

for parents
from BCPS Parent University

Take a virtual tour of the Special Education Resource Center


In a new BCPS-TV video, Ellen Galvez, the parent liaison for the BCPS Department of Special Education, takes viewers on a virtual tour of the Special Education Resource Center and its many books, resources, and workshops. The center is located in White Oak School in Parkville.

Opera, anyone?

Interested students can apply for free summer camp!

The Maryland Opera is offering a free summer opera camp for Maryland high schoolers and 2023 high school graduates. The camp will be held Monday, July 10, through Sunday, July 23, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Baltimore City. Camp instruction will explore voice, drama, movement, yoga, and composition, and performance opportunities will be offered. To apply, interested students must complete an online application and submit a video recording by Saturday, June 10.

Specialists available to help low-income families access benefits and services

Families seeking assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), temporary cash assistance, energy and water assistance, childcare scholarships, and/or employment and education support can call 443.840.4122 or email SNAPBenefits@ccbcmd.edu to reach a benefit eligibility specialist.


Supported by a federal United States Department of Agriculture SNAP outreach grant, benefit eligibility specialists are employed by the Community College of Baltimore County and partner with BCPS community school facilitators to assist families.

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.

for your viewing pleasure

"Wednesday at the Cylburn" by Ewaogokristi Ajakaye, Grade 8, Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, from the "2023 BCPS 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.

Enjoy the latest episode of BCPS-TV's "Entertainment Blvd."


The latest episode of "Entertainment Blvd." features the Dulaney String Quartet from Dulaney High School; Iyana Brumfield, a student dancer from George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology; Matt Voelker, a visual arts teacher from Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts; and students from Lansdowne High School performing "Brand New Day" from "The Wiz." The episode host is Emani, a Carver Center student.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Let's Play Ball! 2023: A home run despite the rain

Let’s Play Ball! 2023, held on May 13, at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, was a home run despite the rain.


The day began with a softball clinic for more than 100 Allied Sports student-athletes from 13 BCPS high schools. Next up was the Home Run Derby, won by Mick Rayburn, vice-president, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Inc., and Joe Mondell, vice-president, Legacy Capital | Ameriprise Financial. And the day ended with a rematch of BCPS administrators vs. educators in a softball game. Once again, the administrators earned the trophy.


Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a Vendor Village, Food Truck Courtyard, and visits from many mascots.


More details about the day can be found in a new Mission Moment blog post.

Notice of decision to close Golden Ring Middle School

 

On Tuesday, May 15, 2023, the Board of Education of Baltimore County voted to close Golden Ring Middle School at the end of the 2023-2024 academic school year. The decision was made based on the factors set forth in state regulations and outlined by the administration in its April 17th report. 

 

BCPS officials will meet with parents and members of the affected school communities over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.   

Learn more about BCPS summer programs

A newly updated webpage showcases the many academic programs and resources available to BCPS students and parents to support continued growth. Offerings include programs for English learners and students with disabilites, math enrichment programs, and more.

A Word from Dr. Williams, Superintendent

May 22, 2023


Dear Team BCPS,


Last Tuesday, the Board made a decision that will positively impact the future of Baltimore County Public Schools. I am so pleased that Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, who has been an invaluable member of my team, has been selected to succeed me as superintendent.

 

I am happy to provide any support needed to assist with the transition.

 

As the end of the school year fast approaches, I continue to visit schools and to be impressed by the quality of instruction teachers provide and the intellectual curiosity students demonstrate. BCPS is blessed with a dedicated Board, highly skilled administrators, educators, and staff, hardworking students, and supportive parents and community partners.

 

I am honored to lead this school system and will remain committed to its success and growth long after my term as superintendent ends on June 30.


Sincerely,


Darryll L. Williams, Ed.D.

Superintendent

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