Monday, March 13, 2023

Loch Raven High School students benefit from work-based learning opportunities

This year, 23 Loch Raven High School students are interning for various businesses and organizations across the county and in Baltimore City.


“I am proud of all our interns this year," said Jennifer Madrid, the program's coordinator. "Many have started getting paid at their placements, and I know every one of them has learned so much more about their career field of interest. They have all grown in confidence and maturity.... I really want to see the program grow and grow at Loch Raven. I hope we can find more business partners and interested students.” 


A new blog post, written by Ashley Lazo, a senior at Loch Raven High and an intern in the BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach, includes interviews with students interning with BCPS Information Technology, the Ethiopian Outreach Ministry, the Law Offices of Spence | Brierley PC, the Maryland School for the Blind, Towson University Public Safety, and WPG Financial Group.

Intern Ashley Lazo with BCPS Communications Specialist Sam Lister interviewing Tirah Harris, Milford Mill Academy cosmetology instructor

Intern Destiny Keene at her Towson University Public Safety internship placement

MSDE Star Ratings released for schools


The Maryland State Department of Education has released new accountability information for each public school system in the state, including the Star Ratings for individual schools based on 2021–2022 school year accountability data.

 

While the Maryland School Report Card provides valuable insight about school performance, it provides a very limited snapshot of student progress and the work we are doing to rebound from the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

BCPS uses multiple and frequent measures of students’ progress to determine if schools are meeting the needs of all students and reducing and eliminating disparities in achievement.


Please review the full community message online.

BCPS graduation rate declines slightly


The four-year cohort graduation rate for BCPS students for the 2021-2022 school year is 84.5 percent, according to data released March 9 by the Maryland State Department of Education. BCPS’ graduation rate is 1.8 percentage points below the state average of 86.3 percent.


The highest 2022 graduation rates were at:

  • Eastern Technical High School (99.3 percent);
  • George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (99.2 percent);
  • Western School of Technology and Environmental Science (97.3 percent);
  • Hereford High School (96.9 percent);
  • Pikesville High School (95.3 percent); and
  • Towson High School (95.2 percent).


The biggest graduation rate gains (compared to last year) were at:

  • Randallstown High School (10.6 percentage point gain) and
  • Overlea High School (8.4 percentage point gain).

"Math Homework Helpers LIVE" this Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

“Math Homework Helpers LIVE” will air Wednesday, Mar. 15, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. on BCPS-TV Verizon channel 34 / Comcast channel 73, and stream on the BCPS website and the BCPS-TV YouTube channel.


Students are encouraged to call in (at 410-494-1459) for live, on-air help with their math questions. The chat feature on the YouTube page can also be used to submit questions. Prizes will be awarded to students who participate by calling or sending in questions during the hour.

BCPS students gather for Educators Rising Conference


BCPS-TV was there when 300 BCPS students – all aspiring educators – gathered for the Educators Rising conference held at the Community College of Baltimore County/Essex. The students, in Grades 6–12, could choose from among 19 breakout sessions to learn more about working in education and could meet with representatives of various area teacher education programs.

Teacher Academy of Maryland students at Woodlawn High read to young children


On Read Across America Day (March 2), 30 students enrolled in the Teacher Academy of Maryland program at Woodlawn High School spent time reading to, engaging with, and giving books to the school's "Littlest Warriors" (children ages 1–4 related to school students and staff). BCPS-TV was there to capture the activity.

Parents/guardians encouraged to take special education survey


BCPS parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services are asked to complete the 2022 Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey over the next few weeks. The information you provide will help guide the state’s efforts in improving special education and related services in public schools. The survey is anonymous and can be completed online. The deadline to complete the survey is May 19.

Female student athletes can apply to participate in a free leadership conference offered by The Baltimore Ravens


Female student athletes are invited to apply by March 24 for the Eighth Annual Leading and Inspiring Females to Thrive (L.I.F.T.) event hosted by The Baltimore Ravens.


The daylong free leadership conference will be held on Wednesday, April 12, from 8 a.m.–3 p.m., at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills. The purpose is to engage young women in a conversation about how the skills they use playing sports translate to their off-field endeavors (relationships, college, workplace, professional sports arena, etc.).

Nominate teachers for Baltimore Ravens/M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers program

The Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank are inviting nominations for their 10th annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which recognizes local teachers who provide outstanding service for their schools and communities.  

 

The online application form will be open through Friday, April 7. All finalists will be notified of their selection by April 21. 

 

The grand prize winner will receive $5,000 in grant funds, payable to his/her school or district, and a classroom visit by a Ravens’ coach or player, accompanied by mascot Poe. 

The two remaining finalists will each receive $1,000 in grant funds, payable to their school or district. Every nominated educator will receive a certificate of recognition from the Ravens and M&T Bank. 

This week! Don't miss the BCPS/CCBC College Fair!

The Community College of Baltimore County, in collaboration with BCPS, is hosting College Fair 2023. At the event, students and their parents can meet representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and military and trade schools.

CCBC Dundalk

Tuesday, March 14, from 6–8 p.m.

Wellness and Athletics Center

7200 Sollers Point Rd., Dundalk 21222

For more information, call 443.840.3058.

CCBC Catonsville

Wednesday, March 15, from 6–8 p.m.

Jack Manley Wellness and Athletics Center

360 Campus Dr., Catonsville 21228

For more information, call 443.840.4304.

for parents
from BCPS Parent University

Want to learn more about the "stressed-out brain"?

The Special Education Resource Center is presenting a workshop on “Secrets of a Stressed-Out Brain: What Really Happens in There and What You Can Do to Help Your Child Conquer Their Anxiety.” During the virtual presentation on Wednesday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m., Frank Kros of the Kros Learning Group will explore new research on the brain. Registration is required.

Register now for a free, self-paced course on helping an anxious child

The "Building Confidence, Trust, & Hope: Three Things to Help an Anxious Child" course is being offered by Parent University in collaboration with Mariposa Education. The free, self-paced course is designed for parents/caregivers of children ages 3–11. Optional in-person coaching and meetings will be offered. The course becomes available on Thursday, March 16. Parents/caregivers can register now.

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

"Bisa Butler-inspired Self Portrait " by Victoria Ewaogokristi Ajakaye, Grade 8, Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, from the BCPS 2023 Winter Art 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

Seeking Let’s Play Ball! 2023 sponsors & players


The Education Foundation is now seeking sponsors for Let's Play Ball! 2023 and seeking BCPS administrators and educators to pick up their gloves and take the field as players!  


Let’s Play Ball! is a free community event to celebrate BCPS. It will be held at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204, on Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. The day’s activities will include a BCPS Allied Sports Clinic, vendor village, live music, food trucks, a home run derby, and softball game.


A new Mission Moment blog post details sponsorship levels and opportunities and registration information for BCPS administrators and educators interested in competing.

A Word from Dr. Williams, Superintendent

March 13, 2023


Dear Team BCPS,


This Tuesday and Wednesday, BCPS high school students and their families are encouraged to participate in the annual BCPS/CCBC College Fair (details above).


I encourage students to participate whether or not their plans currently include higher education. Learning more about options and opportunities can broaden horizons and can help dispel misconceptions and fears.


BCPS teachers, administrators, and staff work hard every day to prepare students for the future. The College Fair offers students and families more information as they develop plans and set goals.


Sincerely, 


Darryl L. Williams, Ed.D.

Superintendent

VISIT THE BCPS WEBSITE