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Nominations open for BCPS Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year
Staff, parents, community members encouraged to make nominations
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This year, BCPS staff, parents, and community members are invited to nominate outstanding schoolhouse leaders to be named Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year for 2023-24. A principal and assistant principal will be recognized for each level: elementary, middle, and high. Awards will be presented in April at a ceremony where the Teacher of the Year will also be named.
To nominate a principal or assistant principal, please submit your nomination forms by 6 p.m. on Monday, February 6.
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The 2023 BCPS Stakeholder Climate Survey launches next Monday | |
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The 2023 BCPS Stakeholder Climate Survey will be open from Monday, January 30, through Friday, March 3.
BCPS invites students in Grades 3-12, parents/caregivers, staff, and community members to participate in the school system’s annual Stakeholder Climate Survey. The brief online survey will be available in multiple languages. Survey feedback is used by schools to refine School Progress Plans as well as by BCPS to measure progress toward goals in The Compass strategic plan.
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David Omopariola, early graduate, Woodlawn High School | |
Getting a head start as a student athlete at Syracuse University | |
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Soon after this year began, David Omopariola bid an early farewell to Woodlawn High School, months before the school's commencement ceremony in June. After three and a half years, David is graduating early to get a head start as a student athlete at Syracuse University, where he will study mechanical engineering and join the football team. However, thanks to his success in Woodlawn High's Early College Program, David is not only graduating high school early, he also has earned an Associate of Arts degree from the Community College of Baltimore County.
David attributes his success to the large supporting cast that has guided him throughout his journey, including his family, coaches, teammates, classmates, school staff, and community. However, he says his two greatest inspirations are his father and Woodlawn Wrestling Coach Justin Wildy. "My dad would tell [me] about not making an excuse on the field," David said. "You know, you've got to wake up. He set the tone."
"Coach Justin, he really made me a big dog," David said. "He taught me, 'Everything is not always easy in life.' You know, everything's not always going to come your way."
A new blog post explores more of David's story.
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Middle school students encouraged to enter National Civics Bee
Deadline for entries 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 24
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The National Civics Bee is "an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engaged in civics and contribute to their communities."
To enter the competition, BCPS students in Grades 6 – 8 participate in an essay contest. Twenty finalists from the essay contest will be selected to compete in a quiz event testing their civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to a statewide competition. The top three local prizes range from $125 – $500; and the top three statewide prizes range from $250 - $1,000. Contest details may be found online.
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Deadline for BCPS Film Expo Poster Contest extended to Friday, January 27 | |
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BCPS middle and high school students are encouraged to enter the BCPS Film Expo 2023 poster contest. Artwork must be original and appropriate for all audiences. For more information, students should visit the BCPS Film Expo Schoology group and look under "Resources" for "Poster Contest Resources." Students can ask their art teachers for assistance in submitting their poster entries. The poster contest deadline has been extended to Friday, January 27.
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for parents
from BCPS Parent University
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Protecting children from guns
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- An estimated 4.6 million children live with unlocked, loaded guns in their homes.
- Firearms are now the leading cause of death for U.S. children and teens under the age of 18.
- In the past decade, 40 percent of suicides committed by kids and teens involved guns, and almost all of the guns used were from their own homes or a relative's home.
- In 2020, at least 125 children ages 5 and under shot themselves or someone else.
Here are some recommendations to help keep your children safer:
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for your viewing pleasure | |
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"Shoes That Hold My Determination," by Casey Walker, Grade 12, Kenwood High School, in The Superintendent's Gallery: East Zone Exhibition
Casey's artist's statement:
"My artwork, “Shoes That Hold My Determination,” involves my personal Kobe basketball shoes entangled and framed by the net of a basketball goal. To create this photo, I needed a good angle, a little athleticism, and help from friends. After I gave my friend the shoe, I had to jump and grab the rim, then hang on until my friend gave me the shoe for me to place it in the correct spot. It was definitely a task! Looking at my photo, you can clearly see that I have a connection with basketball. But I wanted to show that in a new perspective. I feel that my photo turned out better than I could imagine. What was a whim turned out to have an amazing result with the light coming in at the best angle. This project of mine will always remind me to follow my instincts and pursue every new idea."
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mission moment
from The Education Foundation of BCPS
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Foundation Faces: Welcoming new leaders and bidding a fond farewell to one | |
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The Education Foundation is a strong ambassador and advocate for BCPS, with a commitment to being among the preeminent charities for the advancement of education in our community. With this commitment comes the need for strong leaders, both directors and staff, who can visualize the path forward, set and achieve goals, and lead the charge to fulfill the foundation’s mission and vision.
On Wednesday, January 11, the foundation welcomed three new board members who have a plethora of leadership skills, including being highly effective communicators and connectors.
At the same meeting, the foundation congratulated its first associate director on her retirement and welcomed the new associate director.
A new blog post introduces these foundation leaders.
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Marianne Crampton
founder, MK Consulting Engineers, LLC
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Carin Lazarus
founder and president, Media Star Promotions
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Andrew Will
associate attorney, Jackson Lewis
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Laura Lemon
outgoing foundation associate director
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Dr. Heather Wooldridge
incoming foundation associate director
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A Word from Dr. Williams, Superintendent | |
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January 23, 2023
Dear Team BCPS,
This year, for the first time ever, BCPS parents, staff, and community members are invited to nominate school leaders to be honored as Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year.
We know that across the county, principals and assistant principals demonstrate amazing leadership every day. They set the tone and establish the standards for teaching and learning in their buildings. They manage facilities, staff, and budgets, and nurture vital relationships with students, families, and communities.
We hope our Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year awards will bring more attention to all of those who lead our schools.
Sincerely,
Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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