BCPS Staff Bulletin -- Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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

Celebrating National Assistant Principals Week!

April 1-5 is National Assistant Principals Week. Let’s hear it for our terrific #TeamBCPS assistant principals! Thank you for everything you do as compassionate and versatile leaders in our schools.

Share a message of gratitude on social media using #BCPSAPWeek. So far, we have received shoutouts for assistant principals at Joppa View Elementary, Owings Mills High, Dumbarton Middle, and more!

FEATURED VIDEO:

BCPS expands full-day PreKindergarten programs for 2024-2025 school year

We are thrilled for the expansion of full-day PreKindergarten programs in BCPS for the 2024-2025 school year! Children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2024, are eligible to register and enroll now! Please help us spread the word.

More information, including a list of schools offering full day PreKindergarten programs for the 2024-2025 school year, is available on the BCPS website.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Solar eclipse information & safety tips

A partial solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8. In Baltimore County, the eclipse will occur from approximately 2:05 – 4:35 p.m., with maximum coverage at 3:21 p.m. During the eclipse, there will be 88 percent coverage during which it will get darker outside, but there will not be total darkness. All BCPS schools dismiss at some point during the eclipse period. Please note that dismissal will occur as scheduled. More information, including safety tips, is available online.

• SMS phishing attempts alert

In recent months, BCPS staff have reported an increase in “smishing,” which is SMS phishing attempts. Smishing is very similar to email phishing in that the staff member will receive a text message claiming to be someone in BCPS, typically someone in system leadership, requesting that the staff member reply to the text message so that the leader knows the message was received. These messages should be deleted and, if the cell phone supports it, reported as “Spam” or “Junk.”

We request that you be extra vigilant and follow the steps below so that you avoid becoming a victim of one of these attacks:

Official communications to staff will come through the BCPS email system. As a reminder, emails marked as coming from outside of BCPS but claiming to be from system leadership or a principal should be reported through “Message Actions” in the toolbar of Outlook.

Avoid clicking on links or replying to unexpected texts. If you typically don't communicate with system leadership via text, exercise caution when receiving messages in this format.

If you're uncertain about the sender's identity, propose calling them back on a recognized BCPS number (such as one listed in the directory) to confirm their legitimacy.

Remain cautious of requests to buy gift cards for business purposes, particularly if the sender asks for images of the gift card codes; this is often a fraudulent scheme.

• Application open for BCPS online learning program

The application for the 2024-2025 BCPS Online Learning Program is now available on the Department of Academic Programs and Options (DAPO) website. Applications must be submitted by 1 p.m. on May 3, 2024. Students must be entering Grades 4-12 in the 24-25 school year. Current Virtual Learning Program students do NOT need to re-apply. Enrollment in the BCPS Online Learning Program is limited to students eligible for enrollment in BCPS as defined in Board of Education Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 5150. All applicants are selected for placement through a centralized random lottery process. More information, including a brochure, can be found on the DAPO website.

• Central office hiring freeze update

On October 5, 2023, we implemented a hiring freeze for all central office and non-school-based positions. Effective April 1, 2024, the hiring freeze will be lifted and FY24 central office positions that were approved for funding in FY25 may be posted. Central office hiring will open April 1 through June 10, 2024. Effective June 11, 2024, we will reinstate the central office hiring freeze. Exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Enrollment Training

In late April, offices will present virtual training for all elementary, middle, and high school and office participants. This training will include information related to current procedures in PreKindergarten enrollment, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) enrollment, homeless enrollment, attendance, shared domicile renewals, and transition-year verification.

• New online Family and Medical Leave online reporting system

Effective Tuesday, April 2, the Office of Employee Benefits, Retirement, and Absence Management has begun utilizing a new online reporting system for requesting leave under the Family Medical Leave Act.

The new online reporting system is called Self-Insured Services Company, Inc. (SISCO). The SISCO online reporting system allows employees to request family and medical leave by entering their anticipated start date, end date, and return-to-work date, upload multiple documents at one time, and receive real-time notification of their submission request. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Join the Walk Fit 5: Team Walking Challenge

Be a part of the Walk Fit 5: Team Walking Challenge, from April 8 through May 17! During this challenge, participants will work their way along a virtual map around the world by completing their favorite fitness activities. This challenge is designed for all fitness levels. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Save the date - Equity and Cultural Proficiency Symposium

The Department of Equity & Cultural Proficiency will host its 2024 Spring Symposium on Wednesday, April 17, at the Loyola Graduate Center (2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093).

Morning Sessions: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Afternoon Sessions: 12:30-3:30 p.m.

This conference-style event is for designated school and central office equity liaisons to engage in professional learning to understand their roles and responsibilities as collaborative partners and leaders in their workspaces. Registration information will be forthcoming in Schoology.

BCPS graduation rate increases for Class of 2023

The four-year cohort graduation rate for BCPS students rose to 84.9 percent, according to data recently released by the Maryland State Department of Education. The graduation rate for the Class of 2023 increased by nearly half a percentage point from the previous year’s rate of 84.5 percent. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Inclement weather survey – Share your thoughts by April 14

Maryland public school systems can use virtual learning days after they have used all the inclement weather days built into the school year calendar. The 2024-2025 BCPS school calendar includes three inclement weather days. As we plan for winter weather for next year, we would like to know your preferences. Please complete an online survey by Sunday, April 14. Input gathered will be used to inform our virtual instruction day plan.

Join Superintendent Rogers on April 10 for a community conversation on important system topics

On Wednesday, April 10, Team BCPS students, families, and stakeholders are invited to participate in a community conversation from 6-7 p.m. at Loch Raven Technical Academy. At the event, Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers will share information about key BCPS priorities, hear from community members, and answer questions.

Spanish interpretation will be available. Interpreting services for other languages is available upon request (443-809-1250).

University Partnerships Fair to take place on April 29

The Department of Teacher Development is hosting a BCPS University Partnerships Fair on Monday, April 29, from 4-6 p.m. at Cockeysville Middle School.

BCPS works with local universities to provide tuition reimbursement and additional support at the undergraduate and graduate levels for individuals seeking teacher certification, continuing professional development, or pursuing career advancement opportunities. During this event, local universities will share higher education options.

Interested participants should register for the information sessions by completing an online form. A session agenda is included for your review. Please note that advanced sign-up for sessions is required and space is limited. Questions? Contact Charlene DiMino.

BCPS Art is for Everyone! exhibition at The Baltimore Museum of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art will host the Baltimore County Public Schools "Art is for Everyone!" Exhibit showcasing artwork from BCPS students, Grades PreK-12. The exhibit will be open from Tuesday, May 14, to Sunday, May 19. A meet-and-greet and certificate distribution will occur on Sunday May 19, from 1-4 p.m., led by the BCPS Visual Arts Office.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Students, parents, teachers, and administrators are all invited to this special event. A formal invitation will be shared with schools prior to the show’s opening.

Aspire BCPS 2024-2025

The Department of Employee Training and Development is seeking participants for the ASPIRE BCPS program for the 2024-2025 school year. ASPIRE BCPS provides a variety of professional development experiences that build the personal and professional skills, abilities, and leadership capacity of staff members seeking growth, change, or career advancement within BCPS. Participation in ASPIRE BCPS is open to non-represented staff and staff members represented by AFSCME, ESPBC, and OPE.

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 10-MONTH TABCO-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

2024-2025 Extended Pay Option Program

BCPS will continue to provide 10-month TABCO represented employees the Extended Pay Option Program to spread their pay over 12 months during the 2024-2025 school year. Your current participation in the Extended Pay Option Program will automatically roll over for the 2024-2025 school year. Therefore, no action is necessary if you wish to continue your current participation or non-participation.

Please submit the 2024-2025 Payroll Election Form, if:

You are not currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but would like to participate for the 2024-2025 school year.

You are currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but do not wish to participate for the 2024-2025 school year.

The enrollment/change period is April 2 to May 3. A memorandum and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the details of the Extended Pay Option Program can be found on the Payroll website at "12 Month Pay Program."

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Payroll staff at 443-809-4240 or twelvemonthpay@bcps.org.

FOR PUPIL PERSONNEL WORKERS

The Education Foundation presents an exclusive Exchangeree-Style warehouse shopping experience on Friday, April 12 | Soles4Souls

On Friday, April 12, BCPS pupil personnel workers and other school-based staff are invited to participate in an exclusive warehouse shopping event at the BCPS Logistics Warehouse (9611 Pulaski Dr., Suite 301, Baltimore 21220).

Attendees will have the opportunity to select new shoes and socks for students in need. Soles4Souls partners with schools across the U.S. to get new athletic shoes to children who are experiencing homelessness. With proper footwear, kids are more confident, feel a greater sense of belonging, and increase physical activity levels.

Additionally, volunteers are needed on April 11 and 12 to support this event. Online volunteer sign-up is open now.

FOR AFSCME-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

Reminder: Exciting news! UKG Ready System goes live April 6!

The UKG Ready system went live for swiping on March 30, for AFSCME employees in preparation for the official go-live date of April 6. The week of March 30–April 5, 2024, is a lookback period for pay calculations. The first pay date with live data will be May 3, 2023 (April 6–April 19, 2024). More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR ALL SCHOOL-BASED ADMINISTRATORS

Use of Facilities training

To ensure all school-based administrators are equipped with the tools and information necessary to accurately complete Use of Facilities requests and maintain compliance with Policies 1300 and 3160, the Office of Facilities Operations is providing training throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

The purpose of this training is to assist all new and current administrators with the process of:

securing facilities in a manner that does not breach policies 1300 and 3160.
accessing your assigned Use of Facilities portal.
providing tools to easily navigate the Use of Facilities system.
assisting with the responsibility and coordination of events.
managing responsibilities that follow when acting on pending requests.
identifying items that an assigned administrator should look for.
coordinating with their onsite staff prior to denying or approving requests to move into the workflow.

Interested participants must register for the session by visiting the Registration System. In the Course Search box, search for course number 12729. Once you have located the course, click on "Register," and then click on "Next" to finalize your registration. Participants only need to sign up for one of the available times in the Registration System.

CALENDAR REMINDER

April 5 (F) - Third marking period ends, schools close three hours early for students

April 10 (W) - Systemwide Professional Development Day - Schools closed for students

April 16 (T) - Report cards distributed

April 26 (F) - Schools and offices close three hours early

Calendar for the 2023-2024 School Year

BCPS events for April 2024

Upcoming Board and advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Baltimore County PTA Council Reflection Art Exhibit and Awards

Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m.

StarTUp at the Armory, 307 Washington Ave., Towson 21204

The National PTA Reflections Program is an arts recognition and achievement program for PreK through Grade 12 students attending a BCPS school with a PTA or PTSA. More information is available online.

Joint meeting of Central, Northwest, and Southwest area education advisory councils

Monday, April 8, at 6 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “What Are the Students Saying?”

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, April 15, at 7 p.m.

Deep Creek Middle School library, 1000 S. Marlyn Ave., Baltimore 21221

Topic: “Gangs and Gang-Related Activities”

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Information about attending and making public comments at meetings can be found on the Board’s website.

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Kristina Powell, classroom teacher, Maiden Choice School

Kristina Powell, a classroom teacher at Maiden Choice School, has been selected as a Maryland science finalist for the 2024 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for Kindergarten through Grade 6.

"Ms. Powell embodies the belief that all students can learn in their own way, at their own pace, and she works diligently to ensure that this occurs every day in her classroom," said Maiden Choice Principal Kathryn Wess. "She is a team leader and team player who ensures that the students of Maiden Choice have access to activities open to all Baltimore County Public Schools students."

More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Dr. Edralin Pagarigan, health sciences magnet program coordinator, Golden Ring Middle School

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has named Dr. Edralin Pagarigan, coordinator of Golden Ring Middle School’s health sciences magnet program, a 2024 CDC Science Ambassador Fellow. As a Science Ambassador Fellow, she will participate in a mandatory course from July 15–19 at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Following the summer course, Pagarigan and the other fellows will engage in a yearlong distance-based partnership with CDC. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

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.

BCPS News Hub