Celebrate National Arts in Education Week -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, September 11, 2023

Join BCPS in celebrating National Arts in Education Week, September 10-16

According to a decades-long study, youth who participate in the arts are more likely to be successful in school, college, and career than their peers who do not have arts education.

Arts education in BCPS celebrates a 117-year tradition of excellence as we engage students in the arts disciplines and provide opportunities for students to excel in the arts both at their schools and through districtwide events so that our students are empowered to find a lifelong path in the arts and beyond. BCPS offers comprehensive fine arts instruction, including vocal and instrumental music, dramatic arts, visual arts (including photography and filmmaking), and dance.

Have you downloaded the new BCPS Focus app?

App offers easy access to grades, schedules, and more

The Team BCPS Focus app is available to be downloaded in the Google Play store and Apple App store. It can be used on any mobile device that has access to the Android or Apple app store. (Step by step instructions for downloading the app are available in English and Spanish.)

The app gives students and parents/guardians easy access to schedules and grades and allows them to communicate with school staff. Students can also view their virtual ID cards, and parents can check their child's attendance.

Using the app is simple:

Download the app onto your mobile device.
Sign into your account using the same credentials you use on the Focus website.
If you have no account, set one up.
If needed, reset your password.
“Allow” notifications when prompted.
You are all set!

Hispanic Heritage Month begins

Friday, September 15

Students, staff, families asked to share favorite traditions

Did you know that nearly 19 percent of people in the U.S. and 14 percent of BCPS students identify as Hispanic or Latino?

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

Seeking student leaders to represent their schools

Applications for the 2023-2024 Board of Selected Students accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 22

The Board of Selected Students (BOSS) brings together two students from each middle and high school to share their schools' views with Baltimore County Student Councils and to collaborate with other student leaders from across the county. BOSS will meet virtually, once a month, throughout the school year. BOSS applications are open to students who are not already involved in student council/government leadership at their schools. Students can apply by completing the BOSS application found on the BCSC website.

Please join us for the always popular Magnet EXPO! Come to meet representatives of the 32 BCPS schools with magnet programs. Come to see career and technical education exhibits and demonstrations. In addition, meet representatives from the BCPS offices of special education and English for speakers of other languages.

Learn more about BCPS magnet programs and the application process online. Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available September 12 - November 3, 2023.

Town hall on education to air Wednesday, September 13, on Maryland Public Television

On Wednesday, September 13, at 7 p.m., Maryland Public Television will air "Ask the Governor: Examining Education." In the hour-long special, Governor Wes Moore hosts a statewide town hall. The program will also be available for livestream viewing at mpt.org.

2024 United States Senate Youth Program applications due by Monday, October 9

The Maryland State Department of Education is pleased to announce an opportunity for two Maryland students to participate in the 2024 United States Senate Youth Program. Each year, two students from every state and the District of Columbia are selected to attend a weeklong government and leadership program in Washington, D.C.

Rising high school juniors and seniors may obtain a USSYP application through their high school principals, school counselors and social studies teachers OR they may inquire directly to their state selection contacts. Applications for Maryland students are due by Monday, October 9.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

“Reducing Anxiety & Increasing Confidence”

Wednesday, September 13, at 12 p.m.

A free virtual workshop offered by BCPS Parent University and presented by Mariposa Education will explore how to support children dealing with anxiety. By exploring the science linking anxiety and behavior, participants will develop a new understanding of their children’s anxiety, as well as strategies and language to use. Registration is required.

“Using Schoology to Support Student Organization Online”

Wednesday, September 20, at 12:30 p.m.

In this free online session, presenters will discuss the challenges and importance of students’ organizational skills in the remote learning environment. Practical solutions for everyday problems will be provided with a focus on the support available to students and families through the Schoology platform. All BCPS parents/caregivers are invited to attend. A link to the virtual meeting will be emailed to the provided email address prior to the day of the event. Registration is required.

“Back-to-School Jitters: How to Help Your Child Transition from Anxious to Excited”

Friday, September 22, at 12:30 p.m.

The Center for Family Success is partnering with Parent University to offer monthly online Lunch & Learn sessions on parent hacks, early learning, and health-related topics. Registration is required.

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

"Untitled" by Carter Stevens, Grade 8, Deer Park Middle Magnet 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

Announcing the 2023 Read in Color grant recipients

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., was selected by the Little Free Library organization as one of three global ambassadors for its Read in Color initiative. The initiative aims to encourage sharing books representing all identities and cultures.

As a global ambassador, the foundation was able to select 10 grantees this year to receive Little Free Libraries, a starter box of diverse books, and the opportunity to select $500 worth of additional diverse books.

The 2023 recipients are:

Battle Grove Elementary School
Catonsville High School
Highfields Homeowners Association (in Catonsville)
Holabird STEM Middle School
Martin Boulevard Elementary School
Meadowood Education Center
Oakleigh Elementary School
Owings Mills High School
Southwest Academy Magnet School
The Chatsworth School

More information can be found in the latest Mission Moment blog post.

A word from Dr. Rogers (Yarbrough)

September 11, 2023

Dear Reader:

As I travel across the county visiting schools, I continue to be impressed by the level of engagement I see in our classrooms and the rigor of the instruction being offered. At the heart of our work is the essential relationship between our teachers and their students. Across the county, I am witnessing the strength of the bonds being developed. We have challenging work ahead, but we are off to an outstanding start.

Now is a great time to focus on the habits that will contribute to academic success: getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, regular and on-time attendance, and asking for help when needed. Let's support our students in being at their best so that they can get the most from their education.

In partnership,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent