Official ribbon cutting ceremony held for Deer Park Elementary School -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, October 12, 2026

Official ribbon-cutting ceremony held for Deer Park Elementary School

On the morning of October 7, BCPS Superintendent Dr. William Heiser and Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier joined members of the Board of Education of Baltimore County, Baltimore County elected officials, state dignitaries, and community leaders to celebrate the official opening of a new building for Deer Park Elementary School. More photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony can be found on Flickr.

This new building features a state-rated capacity of 735 seats, which is 304 seats more than the previous building. The $73 million project includes multiple collaborative learning spaces in addition to traditional classrooms. At 102,218 square feet – nearly 42,000 square feet larger than the previous building – it is designed to be Maryland’s first net-zero elementary school – meaning it produces as much energy as it consumes each year.

Share your thoughts on BCPS operating budget priorities

BCPS values student, staff, and community input regarding the development of the recommended Fiscal Year 2028 operating budget. This survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts and provide feedback regarding the construction of the budget and the areas you believe BCPS should prioritize in the budget. Given current fiscal outlooks at the federal, state, and local levels, we anticipate another challenging budget cycle for BCPS. We appreciate your partnership as we navigate this constrained budget.

Please complete this survey by Wednesday, October 21.

Please participate in Special Education Staffing Plan Focus Survey

The BCPS Department of Special Education and Early Childhood Programs invites stakeholders to participate in a brief survey to help prioritize focus areas for the BCPS Special Education Staffing Plan for the 2027-2028 school year.

We appreciate your assistance and encourage you to complete the anonymous online survey prior to Sunday, November 1. It will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will provide us with valuable information.

Carver Center English teacher Christina Stetler-Rodriguez named Maryland Revolutionary Era Teacher of the Year

Christina Stetler-Rodriguez, an English teacher at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, has been named 2026 Maryland Revolutionary Era Teacher of the Year by The Society of the Cincinnati of Maryland, in partnership with the American Revolution Institute and Maryland Center for History and Culture.

Stetler-Rodriguez was honored for her interdisciplinary teaching methods and professional development facilitation. She was a 2025 Teacher Fellow at the George Washington Teacher Institute at Mount Vernon and serves as a Regional Ambassador for Mount Vernon 250, partnering with local museums, historical societies, school districts, and professional organizations to promote study of the American Revolution and the founding era in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Stetler-Rodriguez is also an adjunct professor of English at the Community College of Baltimore County. She earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Goucher College, pursued additional graduate coursework at Towson University, and studied through the Harvard University Summer Teachers Institute and Extension School.

Focus on Families

from BCPS Parent University

Please note: Registration for the virtual session is now closed. Families are encouraged to attend the events at New Town, Parkville, and Dundalk high schools.

Upcoming Parent University workshops

“BCPS and Talkspace – Online Mental Health Support for Teens”

Tuesday, October 13, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

During this virtual workshop, Gabriella Stajic of Talkspace will discuss how BCPS families can access free mental health support. The workshop will cover how to get started with Talkspace and tips for supporting children’s emotional well-being. The session is open to all BCPS parents, guardians, and caregivers. Registration required.

“Caregiver Toolbox”

Friday, October 23, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In this virtual session, Thrive Behavioral Health will share “The Caregiver Toolbox,” a variety of practical strategies families can use to support their children during heightened emotions, challenging behaviors, and everyday quality time. The toolbox includes techniques such as utilizing consequences, modeling emotional regulation, and limit setting. Registration required.

“Navigating the Road to College and Career Readiness: BCPS Roadmap to Ready & Xello College and Career Platform”

Wednesday, October 28, from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

During this virtual session, Emily Caster, coordinator of the Department of Student Support Services, will share the BCPS Roadmap to Ready Plan for students in Grades 6-12 and discuss how the Xello College and Career Platform supports students in planning for high school, college, and careers. Registration required.

"Navigating Focus & Schoology"

Thursday, October 29, from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop will be presented by Valerie Schaffer, an instructional technology specialist in the BCPS Office of Special Projects. In this session, participants will learn how to navigate key features in Focus vs. Schoology to support their children's success throughout the school year. Registration required.

First Financial is the credit union for all of Team BCPS

Parents and guardians are welcome to join

As a long-time partner and approved credit union of BCPS, First Financial Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting BCPS families. Parents and guardians are welcome to join and access resources that strengthen financial well-being.

As a member-owned credit union, earnings are reinvested into services that support families. Membership includes free savings and checking accounts, financial counseling, online and mobile banking, and financial tools like GreenPath offering guidance on budgeting, managing debt, and planning for future goals.

FFFCU staff showing support on Team BCPS Day 2026

Learn more: Parent & Family Resources - First Financial Federal Credit Union

Save the date! Baltimore National College Fair to be held on Wednesday, October 21

Event is free for students and their families

Students and their families can meet representatives from approximately 275 colleges and universities at the Baltimore National College Fair. The event is free and open to the public. Students are encouraged to register before the fair.

Art Showcase

"Inspired by Basquiat" by Aspyn W., Grade 5, Carney Elementary School. This artwork is featured in the 2026 BCPS Art is for Everyone! Exhibition, which can be viewed online and which was displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art this past spring.

Mission Moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Give The Education Foundation a High $5 for its birthday

Happy Birthday Month to The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc.!

Help us celebrate our birthday by giving us a High $5 – just $5 to help us reach our goal of raising $1,992 in honor of the year (1992) we were established as the nonprofit foundation to support BCPS. Give your High $5 today.

Learn more about the foundation in a new Mission Moment blog post.

The full meeting and the appointment announcements can be viewed online.

Highlights from Dr. Heiser

October 12, 2026

Dear Team BCPS:

Our high school seniors are now about seven months away from graduation, and they and their families are in the midst of making big decisions about what comes next.

I encourage families to take advantage of several opportunities this month to learn more about colleges, financial aid, and careers. These free opportunities include:

BCPS/CCBC Financial Aid Sessions, held from 6-8 p.m. this Monday through Thursday (October 12-15). One session will be virtual and the others will be held at New Town, Parkville, and Dundalk high schools.

The LLD Scholars College Scholarship and Career Fair, hosted by BCPS and community partners, to take place in Randallstown on Thursday, October 15, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Baltimore National College Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center on Wednesday, October 21, from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.

Senator Benjamin Brooks' 11th Annual Financial Literacy Forum at UMBC on Wednesday, October 21, from 5:30 - 8 p.m.

The Navigating Academic and Professional Future Summit, offered by the Hispanic Heritage foundation on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.at Loyola University Maryland.

“Navigating the Road to College and Career Readiness: BCPS Roadmap to Ready & Xello College and Career Platform," a BCPS Parent University virtual workshop to be held on Wednesday, October 28, at 12:30 p.m.

In addition, next month, we host the 10th Annual BCPS HBCU Fair on Thursday, November 12, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Interested high school students should begin the registration process now by connecting with their school counselors or college and career counselors. The BCPS HBCU Fair is not just for students considering Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event offers a unique opportunity for all high school students to explore higher education options and also learn more about college life, finances, voter registration, employment opportunities, and more.

We encourage our students and families to explore all their options, and we are happy to support their exploration.

Sincerely,

Bill Heiser, Ed.D.

Superintendent