|
BCPS students make gains on state English language proficiency assessments
BCPS rate of improvement exceeds state
| | |
Last week, the Maryland State Department of Education released data on the percentage of English language learner (ELL) students across the state who are on track to achieve English language proficiency. The data revealed that BCPS had the highest one-year increase in English language proficiency among similarly sized school systems in the state. The BCPS rate of improvement in English language proficiency for 2024-2025 (1.4 percent) exceeds the statewide improvement percentage (0.8 percent).
The ACCESS for ELLs English language proficiency assessment is administered to students in Grades K–12 who have been identified as multilingual learners. Nearly 13,000 BCPS multilingual learners took the 2024-2025 assessment between January and February 2025. Of the students who took the ACCESS for ELLs test in 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, 71.6 percent increased their proficiency from the previous year. While most multilingual learners increased their proficiency levels, elementary students reported increases at the highest rate, 83.7 percent.
| | Annual STEAM Night at Lyons Mill Elementary School attracts families, partners | | |
The annual STEAM Night at Lyons Mill Elementary School attracted more than 400 participants. The September 30 event was designed to engage students and their families in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities and was coordinated by Lyons Mill STEAM teacher Dr. Melanie Flemming.
Vendors included Oregon Ridge Nature Center, Civil Air Patrol, Irvine Nature Center, and Friends of Soldiers Delight. Several groups made significant donations: Home Depot donated activity kits; the University of Maryland Master Gardener Program donated seeds; the Maryland STEM Festival contributed a poster display and hats and shirts for teachers; and the PTA served hot dogs and popcorn. School counselors shared a booth with representatives of Life Renewal Mental Health Services. A Lyons Mill teacher shared information about metal recycling. DJ Kendrick from 5 Starr Enterprises provided music and taught students how to deejay. And a fashion show featured outfits students made from recyclable goods. More images from the event can be found on Flickr.
| | |
National Principals Month is an opportunity to show appreciation for the selfless, around-the-clock role that schoolhouse leaders assume. Thank you for leading with confidence, integrity, and patience!
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn as we spotlight some of the many amazing principals in schools across the county.
| | BCPS high school students are encouraged to register with their school counselors for the Ninth Annual BCPS Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair. The fair will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117, and transportation will be provided. | | |
CONFIRMED COLLEGES (list is expected to grow)
+ Bowie State University
+ Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)
+ Coppin State University
+ Elizabeth City State University
+ Hampton University
+ Harris Stowe State University
+ Howard University
+ Lincoln University
+ Livingstone College
+ Morgan State University
+ Morris Brown College
+ North Carolina Central University
+ Tuskegee University
+ Virginia State University
+ Xavier University of Louisiana
| | |
OTHER VENDORS/ RESOURCES
+ Alpha Kappa Alpha, Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter
+ Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development + Baltimore County Public Library
+ BCPS Career Navigation
+ BCPS Office of Staffing
+ Black Girls Vote
+ Caring for Young Minds
+ Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter
+ The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc.
+ First Financial Federal Credit Union
| | |
+ Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
+ Just Uniting More People Inc. (JUMP)
+ Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc.
+ MTM Foundation, Inc.
+ Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Theta Mu Mu Chapter
+ PNC Bank
+ Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
+ Talkspace/988
+ Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Mu Xi Zeta Chapter, Baltimore County
| | BCPS proudly celebrates National School Lunch Week, October 13-17! We are proud to continue serving free breakfast and lunch, free of charge, to all students. Did you know that our amazing Food and Nutrition Services staff served more than 18 million meals last school year? Please join us in thanking them. | | Join us this week for the next Community Conversations on a new BCPS Strategic Plan | BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers invites students, families, staff, and stakeholders to participate in Community Conversations focused on the development of a new strategic plan for the school system. The strategic plan will outline goals, initiatives, and strategies to advance student achievement. | | Kenwood High School senior David Martinez-Monreal receives NFL Latino Youth Honors Award from Baltimore Ravens | | |
David Martinez-Monreal, a senior and middle linebacker at Kenwood High School, was honored with an NFL Latino Youth Honors Award. The award was presented by Procter and Gamble during the Ravens game on October 5.
On Kenwood's news site, "The Eye of the Bluebird," Coach Swain shared: “As a three-year varsity player and team captain, David leads by example, earning the title of leading tackler through relentless effort and dedication. His leadership extends beyond the football field as he serves as the head of the Sports and Science Academy at our school, inspiring his peers through his commitment to academic success and innovation. David maintains high academic standards while actively participating in community service initiatives, showing a deep sense of responsibility to those around him. His strong character, work ethic, and ability to lead in multiple arenas make him an ideal representative for the Ravens and a standout candidate for this prestigious honor."
| | Hebbville Elementary and Lansdowne High schools honored by Baltimore Ravens for community service | | Hebbville Elementary School's Environmental Club | | Lansdowne High School's Viking School Pantry and Community Support Team. | | Hebbville Elementary School's Environmental Club and Lansdowne High School's Viking School Pantry and Community Support Team have received Honor Rows recognition from the Baltimore Ravens and the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism for their exemplary community service. Both schools received tickets to a game, Honor Rows t-shirts, pre-game field visits, and in-game recognition on the RavensVision boards. WBAL-TV has produced segments about both Hebbville Elementary and Lansdowne High. In addition, photos from Lansdowne's experiences at the September 22 game are available on Flickr. Hebbville went to a game on October 12. | | | | Deadline fast approaching for magnet applications | Magnet applications for the 2026-2027 school year must be submitted online by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21. More information about BCPS magnet programs is available online. | | Plan to attend this week's magnet showcase events | | |
Students and families seeking additional information about specific programs can view school websites and/or participate in school-based magnet showcase events through mid-October. This week's events will be:
Monday, October 13
- Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222, from 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, October 14
- Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., Randallstown 21133, from 6-8 p.m.
- Loch Raven Technical Academy, 8101 LaSalle Rd., Towson 21286, from 5-6:30 p.m.
- Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234, at 5 p.m.
- Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., Gwynn Oak 21207, at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 15
- Kenwood High School, 501 Stemmers Run Rd., Essex 21221, at 5 p.m.
- Northwest Academy of Health Services, 4627 Old Court Rd., Pikesville 21208, from 4:30-6 p.m.
- Nottingham Middle School, 5210 King Ave., Rosedale 21237, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 16
- Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., Essex 21221, from 6-8 p.m.
- Randallstown High School, 4000 Offutt Rd., Randallstown 21133, at 5 p.m.
| |
for parents
from BCPS Parent University
| | |
Month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics begins this week
More than 300 activities taking place across the state
| | |
The 11th Maryland STEM Festival, an annual month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, begins this week and will offer more than 300 fun, interactive science-learning opportunities across the state. Visit the Maryland STEM Festival website for a complete calendar.
The festival will begin with an opening ceremony on Thursday, October 16, from 6-8 p.m., at Capitol Technology University in Laurel. In addition to STEM activities and demonstrations, a pizza dinner will be served. The event is free, and registration is encouraged, but not required. Please RSVP to mdstemfest@gmail.com.
The festival will conclude with a STEM Family Fun Festival on Sunday, November 16, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at Notre Dame of Maryland University in Baltimore. At this drop-in event, youth can engage in STEM activities and solve engineering design tasks.
| | Young drivers invited to safety event at New Town High School | | |
The Baltimore County Police Department is hosting a free Young Drivers Safety Program event on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117.
Young drivers can learn about impaired and distracted driving, vehicle maintenance, motorcycles, and more. Participants will experience computer simulators, distracted games, and impaired goggles. Registration is recommended.
| | |
Special Education Resource Fair to be held October 21
The BCPS Department of Special Education is hosting a Special Education Resource Fair on Tuesday, October 21, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Lansdowne Elementary School, 2301 Alma Rd., Baltimore 21227.
Families are invited to learn more about resources and services to support them and their children with special needs. The event will include free pizza and a workshop on understanding Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Registration recommended. For more information, please call 443-809-5443 or email serc@bcps.org.
| | for your viewing pleasure | | |
mission moment
from The Education Foundation of BCPS
| | Become an education champion by participating in fall 2025 giving campaigns | | |
October 13, 2025
Dear Reader:
On Wednesday, October 22, we are pleased to present our Ninth Annual BCPS Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair. This year's event will be held at New Town High School in Owings Mills.
We encourage high school seniors to register now for this event through their school counselors. This fair is an outstanding opportunity for students to learn more about higher education options, whether or not they are focused on attending an HBCU.
In addition to talking to college representatives at the event, students will be able to learn more about courses of study, scholarship opportunities, and college life from representatives of the Community College of Baltimore County, First Financial Federal Credit Union, The Education Foundation of BCPS Inc., and local chapters of the sororities and fraternities in the National Pan Hellenic Council (also known as the “Divine Nine”).
Congratulations to our outstanding Office of School Counseling for organizing this major event, and many thanks to the Department of Transportation for coordinating transportation to the college fair from high schools across the county.
Regards,
Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.
Superintendent
| | On Friday, October 17, schools will be closed for students because of the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) Convention. Schools will also be closed for staff represented by the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO) and Education Support Professional of Baltimore County (ESPBC). | | |
Upcoming Board and community meetings
All are welcome to attend
| | |
Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting
Monday, October 20, at 7 p.m.
Hawthorne Elementary School, library, 125 Kingston Rd., Baltimore 21220
Board of Education meeting
Tuesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m.
BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson 21204
| | | | |
