Thursday, November 5, 2026

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

Don't delay, complete your open enrollment today!

BCPS Open Enrollment is underway now through Monday, November 23. Open Enrollment is the time to make changes to your coverage, enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts, and review your dependents. More information is available in this News Hub post.

New BCPS-TV Series: Our Schools, Our Stories

Introducing Our Schools, Our Stories, a new BCPS-TV series that spotlights the latest and greatest stories from inside our classrooms and beyond. This edition showcases the new school buildings for Deer Park Elementary School and Lansdowne High School, a new program that engages multilingual families in supporting their children's reading, the successful launch of girls flag football in BCPS, and CAW to Action, a wellness program at Parkville Middle School in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens.

Share your voice in the FY2028 Operating budget process

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser is hosting five Community Conversations to discuss the development of the Fiscal Year 2028 Operating Budget. Families, community members, and staff are invited to provide input on the process and give feedback on budget priorities.

The remaining Community Conversations will take place on the following dates:

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

Staff, families invited to Nov. 18 Community Conversation on Special Education

Superintendent Dr. Heiser will host a Community Conversation on Special Education on Wednesday, November 18, from 6-7 p.m. at Stoneleigh Elementary School, 900 Pemberton Road, Baltimore 21212.

Team BCPS students, families, staff, and stakeholders are invited to participate and learn more about BCPS’ special education services and ongoing efforts to ensure students and families have a range of comprehensive supports and resources for growth and achievement.

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

Announcing the 2027 Summer Professional Development Series

BCPS remains committed to providing high-quality professional development to all members of Team BCPS. We are excited to continue our systemwide Summer Professional Development Series in 2027. Our shared goal is to advance excellence together through focused professional development that is designed to build the capacity of our teachers, leaders, and support staff.  

Staff are strongly encouraged to attend all applicable sessions. Please review the full message online.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

•2027 BCPS Commencement schedule now available online

The schedule for 2027 high school graduations is now available online. Commencement exercises will take place from Tuesday, May 18, through Friday, June 4, and will be followed by a special graduation ceremony (for students completing requirements over the summer) on Wednesday, August 11.

• United Negro College Fund partners with BCPS to launch scholarship fund

For more than 80 years, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has worked to combat deep-rooted obstacles to higher educational access, achievement, and career success, annually providing financial and educational support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities and more than 50,000 students attending over 1,100 institutions across the United States. 

In honor of our shared commitment to making a difference in our schools, families and communities, BCPS and UNCF are collaborating to create a UNCF scholarship fund specifically for BCPS students. Our BCPS campaign runs throughout the year, and we invite you to join us in making a difference using this form: Baltimore County Public Schools Workplace Giving Donation Form - UNCF.

Your support is critical. Employee donations like yours are the third largest source of unrestricted dollars for our students, changing the life trajectory of underserved students by providing funds for tuition, room and board, books, and other needs. To learn more, please watch this video.  

Anything that you can give, no matter how big or small, will have an impact. You can be the difference and help change the life trajectory for students. Thank you! 

• Home and Hospital update


The Home and Hospital website has been updated to include a Home and Hospital Family Guide, which outlines the steps for applying for services and completing the required professional statements. We have also added the following resources to support families and BCPS staff:

• Compare Chronic/Intermittent and Full-Time Services: Explains the differences between these two types of services.
• Home and Hospital Support Structures: Outlines the types of Home and Hospital supports available to our students.

Please review these resources and share them with families and staff who may benefit from this information.

• Education programs from the Maryland Center for History and Culture


The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) offers a wide range of programs and events designed to bring history to life for students, educators, and the community.

• Field Trip Opportunities: Tailored to meet curricular needs, MCHC’s engaging field trips immerse students in Maryland history, art, and culture.
  
• Traveling Trunks: The Center offers hands-on, classroom-ready resources that bring history directly to students in the classroom.

• Digital Resources: MCHC’s web page includes video lessons, a digitized collection of historic objects, printable activities, primary source analysis tools, and more.
  
• Professional Development: MCHC sponsors workshops and seminars for educators on Maryland history, inquiry-based instruction, and effective use of primary sources.
  
• Speaker Series: Hear from historians, authors, and cultural experts on topics spanning Maryland’s rich past and present.
  
• Community Events: Participate in lectures, exhibitions, and special programs for learners of all ages.

The Center also offers grant funding to make its offerings accessible to the public.

Details about each of these programs can be found on MCHC's website, and the 2026-2027 Educator Resources Guide.

To begin planning, contact Tyler Osborne, MCHC Digital Learning Manager, at tosborne@mdhistory.org.

• Share your American Education Week plans with us! 


BCPS celebrates and welcomes the involvement of all stakeholders throughout the school year. The PTA Council of Baltimore County, which supports PT(S)A units throughout BCPS, looks forward to working with schools to celebrate American Education Week 2026! AEW, an annual national celebration of public education and all who contribute to public schools’ success, runs from November 16 to 20. Do you have any special programs or events planned for your school community? Share them with the Department of Communications via email at communications@bcps.org! We'd love to spotlight your school.

The PTA Council is offering an easy and meaningful way for PT(S)As and schools to recognize AEW:

PTA Council’s HERE FOR IT! AEW Attendance Challenge to support BCPS’s attendance-awareness campaign!

Our goals:

~ have students sign BCPS’s Attendance Pledge

~ gather family/caregiver input via our PTActivate Attendance Survey

~ encourage participation in Parent University’s November 18 virtual Dine and Learn session on attendance

Please see PTA Council’s AEW 2026 “launch” flyer, which briefly explains what we have planned. Two upcoming dates are November 17 and 18. 

~ Tuesday, November 17: Challenge Kick-off 

~ Wednesday, November 18: Parent University’s virtual Dine and Learn session, Here For It! Partnering to Support Strong Attendance at 6:30 p.m.

Schools are encouraged to consider hosting a Family Day on November 17, to support PT(S)A's programming. 

PTA’s Council’s Family Day programming suggestions, for PTAs/PTSAs and schools, are not a heavy lift and units will be receiving more detailed information on how to participate. PTA Council is also offering participation incentives to students and PT(S)As!

Questions? Please reach out to PTA Council’s Family, School, and Community Partnerships Committee Chair/Council Vice President Ramona Basilio at partnerships@bcptacouncil.org or 443-851-5211.

Celebrating National School Psychology Week


Join BCPS in recognizing the vital work of school psychologists and their impact on student learning, well-being, and success.

During the week of November 9–13, the National Association of School Psychologists and schools across the nation will celebrate National School Psychology Week (NSPW) 2026.

To celebrate the amazing school psychologists who serve BCPS, the blog conducted short interviews with two of them: David Michelson of Towson High School and Zari Press of Parkville High School.

5 Things to Know About the November 4 BOE meeting

1) Dr. Heiser recognized BCPS’ 2026 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools, highlighted the results of the 2026 Maryland School Report Card, and invited Team BCPS to upcoming community conversations on the FY 2028 operating budget and special education.

2)The Board approved a calendar for the 2027-2028 school year. The school year will begin on Tuesday, August 31, and will end on Friday, June 9, if no inclement weather days are used. Students in Grades 1-5 and Grades 6 and 9 will have a transition day on Monday, August 30.

3) The Board approved the 2026-2027 virtual inclement weather plan. After three traditional inclement weather closures, BCPS schools will transition to virtual learning.

4) Staff provided an update on the Oracle implementation project. All components of the project are live and operational.

5) The Board approved six administrative appointments.

Save the date! Mind Over Matters Conference set for April 6, 2027

BCPS will host its annual Mind Over Matter Conference on Tuesday, April 6, 2027. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and substance use prevention.

The student event will be held from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., at Medstar Franklin Square Hospital Conference Center. The event will include a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and a vendor fair. 

Due to space limitations, only 3 students from each middle and high school will be able to attend. We are asking principals to identify a point of contact who will coordinate the identification of the students that will be attending. Additionally, the point of contact will assist the students in registering for the event and selecting which workshop they want to attend. It is the expectation that the students who are selected to attend must bring the information back to their schools. The point of contact can serve as the chaperone for the event or designate another staff member to chaperone. Please complete this form to identify your school’s point of contact.

Additional details about the event are forthcoming and will be shared in future Principals’ Weekly and News Hub Announcements.

Nominations open for 2027-2028 BCPS Teacher of the Year!

All BCPS principals are asked to nominate one outstanding teacher as their school's Teacher of the Year (TOY) for 2027-28, who will then participate in next spring's BCPS Teacher of the Year competition and celebration. The annual program is a great opportunity to recognize an excellent educator as well as to honor all teachers throughout your school.

Nominations are open now and are due no later than the end of the business day on Friday, Dec. 11. To nominate a teacher, please click on the link, fill out, and return the nomination form by Dec. 11.  Nominees will be notified the week of Dec. 14. You are welcome to let them know before then and to tell them to be on the lookout for emails from communications@bcps.org.

Each TOY nominee will receive a short, emailed application form to complete, and each will be recognized in the spring. To qualify, TOY nominees must be full-time teachers who will complete a minimum of six years of teaching by June 30, 2027, have exemplary teaching and leadership abilities, and enjoy public speaking. The BCPS Teacher of the Year, chosen in April, will represent BCPS educators in the state TOY competition.

Information for families: Online Learning Program application process opens Friday, Nov. 6

The BCPS Online Learning Program will be accepting applications from families interested in enrolling for the 2027-2028 school year. The program is only open to students who reside in Baltimore County during the point at which the application is submitted and to those entering Grades 6-12 next school year. The application will be posted online by Friday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. The application deadline is Friday, Dec. 11. Please encourage families to visit the Online and Extended Learning webpage for more information, including the program brochure and informational video. 

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.

Mark your calendar for The Ed Foundation's Inaugural Stuff the Trucks event!

The Education Foundation is gearing up for a new event – Stuff the Trucks – a community-wide donation drive benefiting the foundation's Exchangerees. These two educator resource centers provide BCPS teachers and staff with school supplies, classroom resources, books, and other essential items at absolutely no cost to them all year long, helping ensure students have the tools they need to succeed.

Stuff the Trucks will be held at the BC Brewery in Hunt Valley (10950 Gilroy Rd., Suite F, 21031) on Wednesday, November 18, from 2-7 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from all food and beverage sales that day will go toward supporting the mission-driven work of the foundation. 

A new Mission Moment blog post offers more information about how the community can get involved.

Spread the word: HBCU Fair set for Nov. 12

Join us at the 10th Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair on Thursday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Town High School.

In addition to meeting admissions representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, students can learn more about college life, financial aid, and more from dozens of vendors.

To attend, students in Grades 11 and 12 must submit their signed field trip forms to their school counselors.

Announcing the 4th Annual Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser

Designer Bag Bingo is one of The Education Foundation's most beloved events of the year. It brings together teachers, staff, community members, and business partners for an evening of networking, connection-making, friendship-building, and of course, 'FUNdraising.' Sponsorships and tickets are now available, and all proceeds will support the mission-driven work of the foundation.

Designer Bag Bingo will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2027, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America, 25 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234.



All bingo prizes will be new, authentic, and unused designer bags from Coach, Kate Spade, Madden, Michael Kors, Vera Bradley, and more! Bags are each valued at up to $500 retail. Learn more in the latest Mission Moment blog post.

Thank you, Veterans

With immense gratitude, we honor all who served, including the many veterans who are part of Team BCPS.

November is Native American Heritage Month

BCPS celebrates the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and honors the resilience of Indigenous people.

Team BCPS Shoutout!

Devin Sawyer, Routing Assistant, Department of Transportation

Submitted by Michelle Johnson, Office Secretary, Mays Chapel ES

"I would like to recognize and give a special shoutout to Devin Sawyer! He is one of the Routing Assistants in the BCPS Transportation Department. Devin consistently goes above and beyond to support the students, families, and staff. He plays an essential role in coordinating buses and routes, making sure transportation runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible, while also stepping in to drive a bus when needed. He is dependable, hardworking, and always willing to do whatever is necessary to help ensure students get to and from school safely. Devin approaches challenges with patience and professionalism and can be counted on to find solutions when unexpected transportation issues arise. His dedication, flexibility, and commitment to serving BCPS does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Devin, for all that you do and for being someone the school can truly depend on!"

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.

FOR ALL STAFF

America Recycles Day

In celebration of America Recycles Day on Sunday, November 15, the Department of Facilities Management and Strategic Planning is celebrating Recycling Awareness Month throughout November. A variety of resources on recycling in schools and connections to the Maryland Green Schools Program can be found in the Green Schools Guidebook. The Single-Stream Recycling Posters are now available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu, Burmese, French and Nepali!

FOR SCHOOL AND OFFICE SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS

"Level Up Your Social Media"/ Social media manager trainings

Do you manage social media for your school or office? Have you thought about doing so, but aren’t sure where to start? The Department of Communications and Community Outreach is thrilled to offer the "Level Up Your Social Media" series again this school year in partnership with Employee Training and Development!

Register for all sessions, or just the ones you need the most! All sessions will take place in Room 28 at the BCPS Employee Development Center, located at 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093.

Registration is open now via Kickup, the new BCPS professional development registration system. Search for "Social Media" within "Browse Events."

Please note that these sessions will focus on Facebook and Instagram.

"Story Mode: Capturing Photos & Video"

• Monday, November 9, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 11, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

"Multilingual Mission: Social Media That Speaks to Everyone"

• Monday, December 7, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, December 9, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Questions? Please contact Jermaine Rowley, Communications Specialist, Stacey Wade, Program Specialist, or Sam Lister, Workforce Development Trainer.

FOR EDUCATORS AND SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

An introduction to bullying prevention for Maryland educators

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the new asynchronous course, "Effective Bullying Investigations for Maryland Educators and School Leaders."

This four-hour course provides guidance for administrators and aspiring leaders on how to effectively investigate bullying allegations and support the students and families involved. Participants will earn four PDP credits upon completion.  This self-paced course allows you to complete modules individually at your convenience. The course began in October and runs until Wednesday, December 9. You can complete the course in sections or all at once. You can pause and resume at any time.

The course consists of four modules:

 - Module 1: When Silence Feels Safer: Why Students Don't Report Bullying

 - Module 2: Considerations for a Successful Investigation

 - Module 3: Making a Determination, and Creating Conditions for Success

 - Module 4: Developing a Safety Plan

As a prerequisite, all participants are asked to complete the one-hour MSDE course, "An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators," which provides the necessary background knowledge in bullying prevention. This course is available now.

Please use this link to register for "Effective Bullying Investigations for Maryland Educators and School Leaders." Here is the link for "An Introduction to Bullying Prevention for Maryland Educators."

FOR EMPLOYEES WITH LIMITED GRAPHIC DESIGN SKILLS

Technology Inservice Course: Computer Literacy Education Outreach

With Microsoft Publisher retiring, the Department of Employee Training and Development is offering Designing with Adobe Express: Easy Graphics, Flyers, and Digital Content to help staff transition to Adobe Express, a modern design tool available through the Microsoft Apps Portal. Participants will learn how to create professional flyers, posters, newsletters, certificates, and other digital content using easy-to-customize templates and design tools. With Microsoft Publisher no longer supported, staff are encouraged to transition to Adobe Express for future design projects.

Participants must register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events. In the Course Search box, search for the course title. Once the course is located, click Register.

Our technology course workshop offerings are listed in the attached Course Catalog.

FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Secondary school counseling upcoming Xello professional learning

On Thursday, November 19, in-person Xello training has been scheduled for middle and high school counselors. Each middle and high school is asked to send one or two counselors to attend their respective session.

The training will be held at:

Baltimore County Public Library - Randallstown branch, Meeting Room

8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133

Session for High School Counselors: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 

Session for Middle School Counselors: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

School counselors are asked to coordinate with their principals and support staff to ensure coverage is in place for their school buildings.

Participants can register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events. In the Course Search box, type “Xello Professional Learning.” Click on the course title once you have found it, and then select 'Register.'

FOR SCHOOL WEBMASTERS AND SCHOOL MESSENGER USERS

Webmaster and SchoolMessenger Communicate training sessions

SchoolMessenger Communicate End User Training Sessions


Registration is now open via KickUp for a PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Communicate Q&A on Wednesday, November 11. Search for “PowerSchool” within Browse Events. Seating is limited. Sign up now!  


Who should attend: These sessions are specifically for anyone (principals, assistant principals, authorized staff) who sends broadcasts (calls, emails, texts) via SchoolMessenger Communicate. Some general familiarity with SchoolMessenger Communicate is recommended so we can jump right in.


Questions regarding this information should be directed to Jill Stephenson, Program Assistant, Department of Communications and Community Outreach, jstephenson@bcps.org.

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Community Conversation on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

Thursday, November 5, at 6 p.m.

Lyons Mill Elementary School, 9435 Lyons Mill Rd., Owings Mills 21117

Community Conversation on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

Tuesday, November 10, at 6 p.m.

Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd., Baltimore, MD 21220

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Tuesday, November 10, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “School Safety and Security”

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, November 11, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Capital Budget & Facilities”

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 16, at 7 p.m.

Holabird Middle School, library, 1701 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222

Topic: “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m.

BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson 21204

Community Conversation on Special Education

Wednesday, November 18, at 6 p.m.

Stoneleigh Elementary School, 900 Pemberton Road, Baltimore 21212

Community Conversation on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

Thursday, November 19, at 6 p.m.

Woodlawn Middle School, 3033 St. Lukes Ln., Gwynn Oak 21207

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Advancing excellence together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org