BCPS Staff Bulletin -- Celebrating Community School Facilitators

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Previous editions of the BCPS Staff Bulletin are archived and available for viewing on the BCPS website.

Celebrating Community School Facilitators

In honor of BCPS Community School Facilitator Week, in a new blog post, several community school facilitators describe projects making a difference in their communities. Schools represented in the post are Battle Grove, Logan, Norwood, and Victory Villa elementary schools; Lansdowne, Middle River, and Northwest Academy of Health Sciences middle schools; Kenwood and Lansdowne high schools; and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies.

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers will host two community meetings focused on creating safe and supportive learning environments. Team BCPS students, families, staff, and stakeholders are invited to participate in these important conversations and learn more about BCPS' efforts to ensure student and staff safety, connect to available community resources, and build positive partnerships for student support.

Thursday, September 26, from 6-7 p.m.

Catonsville High School

421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228

Thursday, October 17, from 6-7 p.m.

Kenwood High School

501 Stemmers Run Rd., Baltimore 21221

Spanish interpretation will be provided. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please contact 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request.

Students, parents, caregivers, and stakeholders are invited to experience BCPS curriculum and explore current system efforts to make improvements.

View curricular and instructional materials.
Ask questions and connect with content area experts.
Participate in interactive demonstrations.
Receive tips and resources on how to support students at home.
Explore resources from Baltimore County Public Library, Recreation and Parks, and more!

Tuesday, October 1, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Chesapeake High School

1801 Turkey Point Rd., Essex 21221

Tuesday, October 15, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Franklin High School

12000 Reisterstown Rd., Reisterstown 21136

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Benefits and retirement orientation for newly hired employees

Welcome to BCPS! All newly hired employees must attend a mandatory, in-person Benefits and Retirement Orientation. During this orientation, new hires will learn more about BCPS, our partners, benefits, retirement, and additional information to make their transition into their new positions seamless. Invitations for the Benefits and Retirement Orientation were sent via email. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Urgent warning: Extortion email scam circulating the web

We have learned that an extortion email scam is targeting members of our community. The fraudulent emails falsely claim that malware was used to record compromising footage of the recipient through their webcam. These emails often include a PDF attachment with a message that includes personal details such as the recipient's name, phone number and even images of their home or street, likely obtained through online mapping services like Google Maps and other online data brokers. We are working with our email security vendor to block these emails. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Focus SIS Maintenance Outage

The Focus SIS will undergo maintenance that will result in a complete outage of Focus from Friday, September 20, at 6 p.m. to Saturday, September 21, at 6 a.m.

• MSDE Advisory Councils

The Maryland State Department of Education recently announced a call for applicants for the new principal, teacher, and family advisory councils. Please help spread the word to those who may be interested in participating. More information about each council can be found on the MSDE website. The application deadline is Sunday, September 22.

• Important changes to pay

With the Oracle Cloud, pay stubs will be generated in Oracle and will be available through Oracle Employee Self Service (ESS). Exempt employees will go to "Pay in Arrears." Look for updates specific to "Pay in Arrears" coming soon. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Registration open for fall 2024 Continuing Professional Development

Registration for the fall 2024 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session is now open. Courses are offered in the following areas: supporting positive behavior, human sexuality, mentoring new teachers, parent involvement, and teacher leader university. Upon successful completion of any of these courses, participants will be issued MSDE CPD credits. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Seeking students, staff to profile for BCPS blog

This school year, the Department of Communications and Community Outreach seeks to profile students and staff on the BCPS blog. The series will feature students and staff for their accomplishments, unique skills, special interests, compelling stories, and/or leadership. To recommend a student or staff member to profile, please send an email to communications@bcps.org and include their name, a way to contact them, and a brief explanation of why they should be featured.

Parkville Middle paraeducator Meghan Anderson named MSEA Education Support Professional of the Year

The Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) has named Meghan Anderson of Parkville Middle School as its Education Support Professional of the Year.

Anderson was considered for the statewide honor after being named Paraeducator of the Year in May by Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County (ESPBC).

“This recognition not only graciously reflects my drive and dedication to our amazing students," Anderson said. "It is also a testament to the hard work and collaborative effort of my incredible fellow educators – without whom this award would not be possible." More information is available in a BCPS news release.

¡Celebramos con orgullo!

Hispanic Heritage Month is here! Does your school or office have plans to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month? Please contact us at communications@bcps.org so we can highlight your celebrations and special events. Now through October 15, the BCPS community invited to share celebrations and recognitions on social media using #BCPSHerencia.

This week, we have seen great submissions from Woodlawn High School and Deep Creek Elementary School!

Additionally, we are spotlighting Hispanic students and staff on the BCPS Spanish Facebook page throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. If you would like to be recognized or nominate a student or staff member, please contact Gevene Harden.

Upcoming Parent University workshops

Please help us spread the word about upcoming events with BCPS Parent University for parents, guardians, and caregivers:

• Lunch & Learn: Be SMART (Gun Safety)

Thursday, September 26, at 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Center for Family Success

• Lunch & Learn - Introduction to Bullying Prevention

Monday, September 30, at 12:30 p.m.

Presented by Brad Engel, Maryland State Department of Education

More information is available on the Parent University Schedule of Events.

Attendance Awareness Month spirit days continue each Friday in September

Please join BCPS in recognizing the importance of on-time, regular school attendance. Staff and students are encouraged to participate and post on social media using hashtags #BCPSHereForIt and #SchoolEveryDay to share their photos.

Week 3 - September 20, 2024

Wear your favorite bright or neon colors

Good attendance leads to success and "bright" futures.

Week 4 - September 27, 2024

Wear your favorite team colors, shirt, or jersey

Be a "team player" by showing up on time every day.

ASBO awards BCPS the Meritorious Budget Award for Excellence in budget presentation

The Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International has awarded the Meritorious Budget Award to BCPS for excellence in the preparation and issuance of its school system budget for FY2024. The Meritorious Budget Award is the highest form of recognition in school system budget presentation issued by ASBO International. This is the twenty-second consecutive year the school system has been presented with this prestigious award. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Schools and offices are invited to send brief highlights and photos of their partnerships with businesses and community organizations to communications@bcps.org. This information might be featured in the monthly BCPS Partnership Spotlight Newsletter.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

2024-2025 Maryland General Assembly Page Program

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services recently provided information about the Maryland General Assembly Page Program to all high school principals. Fourteen students from public and private schools in Baltimore County will be selected to participate in this program. Candidates must be seniors at least 16 years old.

School staff should submit a signed PDF version of the nominating form, application, and essay. Completed PDF forms must be returned to Carol Rook in the Office of Social Studies by Friday, October 11. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

State Student Member of the Board

The Maryland Association of Student Councils is now accepting nominations for the 2025-2026 State Student Member on the Board of Education (SMOB). The application packet is available online or as a PDF. The SMOB Informational Webinar will be held Thursday, October 10, at 7 p.m. Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend. The State SMOB Application deadline is Monday, November 18.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Talkspace provides mental health tips for student success

Supporting mental health during the first few weeks of school helps students build resilience for a productive school year. Please help us remind high school students about the free opportunities with Talkspace offered by BCPS.

Please share the following information with students:

Looking for mental health tips for school success?

The Talkspace app expands access to behavioral health services by providing students in Grades 9-12 with access to live and on-demand wellness courses, exercises, assessments, as well as consultation with mental health counselors and clinicians in a virtual format, delivered via laptop or mobile devices.

Students in Grades 9-12 have access to behavioral health care via the Talkspace app. Students can download the application to access self-guided lessons and text therapy.

Students can sign up for free self-guided lessons to help build mental wellbeing through daily journaling, exercises, and reminders that address anxiety, stress, burnout, and trust, and more.

Text therapy connects students to licensed providers based on the evaluation of their needs and preferences.

FOR SECONDARY EDUCATORS

Roadmap to Ready

We’re thrilled to introduce Roadmap to Ready, our new initiative aimed at enhancing college and career readiness for students in Grades 6-12. This personalized program involves one-on-one sessions with school counselors, designed to help students explore their interests and strengths and align them with their academic journey.

Each year, students will have a meeting with their school counselor to ensure their coursework supports their goals and to receive guidance on college and career planning.

Roadmap to Ready is focused on boosting academic achievement by having students map out their future and address strengths and growth areas. Our mission is to ensure all BCPS students are prepared for college, careers, and community life! More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

CALENDAR REMINDER

October 3 (Th) - Systemwide Professional Development Day - Schools closed for students

October 18 (F) - MSEA Convention - Schools closed for teachers and students

October 31 (Th) - First Marking Period Ends - Schools close three hours early for students

BCPS Events for September 2024

Calendar for the 2024-2025 School Year

Upcoming Board and boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

Greenleigh Community Boundary Study - Meeting 1

Thursday, September 19, from 6-8 p.m.

Vincent Farm Elementary School Cafeteria

6019 Ebenezer Rd., White Marsh 21162

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m.

6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson 21204

Northwest Area Elementary School Boundary Study #2 - Meeting 2

Wednesday, September 25, from 6-8 p.m.

Milford Mill Academy Cafeteria

3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244

Baltimore County PTA Fall Workshops & General Meeting

Thursday, September 26, at 7 p.m.

Location to be determined

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Eddie Valentín, Student Safety Assistant, Cedarmere and Milbrook elementary schools

Submitted by Regina Matthews, Principal, Cedarmere Elementary School

"Mr. Valentin, affectionately known as Mr. Eddie, began his journey with us as a parent volunteer in the cafeteria. His exceptional rapport with students quickly became evident, leading to his appointment as a full-time adult assistant.

"His outstanding work and connection with both students and the community made him an ideal candidate when our school was selected as a pilot elementary school to have a student safety assistant, alongside Millbrook Elementary. I recommended Mr. Eddie for this role due to his strong relationships with our students, his bilingual skills, and his ability to connect with a broader population.

"As a dedicated parent, BCPS employee, and committed community member, Mr. Valentin consistently demonstrates a genuine care for the community and a willingness to assist wherever needed. His story is a testament to success within BCPS, and he truly deserves recognition for his unwavering dedication."

Erica Lundy, Principal, Edmondson Heights Elementary School

Submitted by Allison Zentgraf, Reading Resource Teacher, Edmondson Heights Elementary School

"Ms. Lundy has done an amazing job starting our school year off strong at Edmondson Heights. Her dedication and love for her school community are evident in her daily work. We are so happy to have her as our principal!"

Shoutout Submission Form

You may submit a shoutout for a variety of reasons. For example, you may want to offer a pat on the back to a colleague for helping out, recognize a staff member or student achievement, or welcome a new employee. When your shoutout appears in The Staff Bulletin, your name and school/location will be included.

Submit news to the Staff Bulletin

Please use the form below to submit news to the BCPS Staff Bulletin. If you have trouble using the form, please contact communications@bcps.org.

Staff Bulletin News Submission Form

BCPS News Hub

BCPS news is posted each day to the BCPS News Hub.

Be sure to click "Latest news" at the top left and then “See all” at the top right to view all items. For ease of access, bookmark this site for daily reference. The link to the BCPS News Hub can also be found on the BCPS Staff webpage.