Thursday, October 22, 2026

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

Fort Garrison, Kingsville, and Seventh District elementary schools awarded Maryland Blue Ribbon honors

On October 20, Governor Wes Moore announced that Fort Garrison, Kingsville, and Seventh District elementary schools were among 23 schools statewide to be named 2026-2027 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools.

The award recognizes schools for their academic performance on national and state assessments and for progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. The Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools Award program is administered by the Maryland State Department of Education in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Archdiocese of Washington.

The 2026 cohort of Blue Ribbon Schools includes 12 Maryland public schools, six Archdiocese of Baltimore schools, and five Archdiocese of Washington schools. This year's cohort is an increase from the seven schools honored last year, demonstrating the growing impact of the state’s work to improve academic outcomes throughout the state. 

Learn more in a news release.

BCPS stakeholders invited to Community Conversations on the Fiscal Year 2028 operating budget

Meetings to take place across the county from October - December

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 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.

Save the date! Open Enrollment begins November 2

Open enrollment is the annual period during which eligible employees can make changes to their current medical, dental, vision, voluntary benefits, and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – Health Care and Dependent Care.

This year, employees may complete enrollment via Oracle Cloud from Monday, November 2, through Monday, November 23, at 5 p.m. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective January 1, 2027. 

Oracle Cloud Open Enrollment Training is available here. 

Benefit eligible employees who desire to make changes to their benefits and/or enroll in FSA accounts must do so in Oracle Cloud. This includes changes to their medical, dental, vision, life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term disability (LTD), and FSA elections (Health Care and Dependent Care). 

Current benefit elections will automatically roll over to 2027, except for Health Care and Dependent Care FSAs.

More information is available in a News Hub post.

The latest edition of the Parent University Show highlights an afterschool initiative that empowers the families of multilingual learners to support their children in learning to read; the 2026 BCPS Green School Summit; and a profile of Stacey Wade, a program specialist in the Office of Family and Community Engagement overseeing student leadership, student service-learning, and volunteerism.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

•Spread the word: BCPS to host Substitute Networking and Recruitment Events

Current and prospective substitute teachers are invited to BCPS networking and recruitment events. Each event will only feature schools in that zone. 

 Join us to:

• Learn more about working in additional schools and being added to their preferred substitute lists. 
• Identify prospective long-term substitute opportunities.
• Attend presentations designed specifically for current and new applicants.
• Receive technology assistance.

Central Zone 

Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204

West Zone  

Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228

Please RSVP.

• Safe Schools compliance training deadline and ongoing monitoring

This is a reminder that the deadline for completing all required SafeSchools compliance training for the 2026-2027 school year is Friday, October 30.

Principals and supervisors must continue to monitor staff completion until all employees with active records have completed their assigned compliance training. Please also review this important reminder regarding Child Abuse and Neglect.

As a reminder:

• Principals and supervisors have report administrator access in SafeSchools and may run completion reports at any time for all compliance trainings or individual courses.
  
• Monthly completion summary emails provide principals and supervisors with a high-level snapshot. For a complete and accurate report, principals must log in to SafeSchools through the Microsoft Apps portal and follow the SafeSchools Report Administrator Quick Start Guide.

Please continue to review completion reports regularly, follow up with staff who have outstanding training, and ensure 100% compliance for all active employees.

• Teacher Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) guidelines


All teachers of record are required to complete and submit two Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) in KickUp Growth by October 30, for administrator approval. Certain employees, including MSDE Job Type 12 staff and first-year mid-year hires, are exempt. Review the linked News Hub article for eligibility details, requirements, and available resources to support the SLO process.

• Project Attend Program


The Project Attend Program. which supports students who are chronically absent, is underway for the 2026-2027 school year. The program utilizes multiple agency approaches to work with school system personnel to assist students and their families in disrupting barriers and access supports with the goal of strengthening attendance and ensuring overall success. Identifying students and families to participate can be achieved in partnership with your school's pupil personnel worker.  

To prepare and maximize Project Attend resources, schools are asked to use Talking Points or contact families by phone 24-48 hours in advance of the scheduled Project Attend hearing to provide a reminder. A sample script is included below.

“This is SCHOOL NAME contacting you to remind you that you are scheduled to be present at Project Attend at the District Courthouse of Baltimore County located at ADDRESS AND ZIP CODE, on DAY, DATE, TIME. If you have any questions, please call PUPIL PERSONNEL WORKER NAME, TELEPHONE NUMBER. Please ensure your student is present. Thank you.”

• American Education Week 2026


The PTA Council of Baltimore County is excited to partner with BCPS during American Education Week (AEW) 2026 (November 16 – 20), a celebration of public education and all who contribute to public schools’ success.

AEW is a long-standing element of PTA programming. Last year, PTA Council’s Family, School, and Community Partnerships (FSCP) Committee partnered with BCPS on an easy, fun, and meaningful way for PTAs/PTSAs and schools to celebrate AEW while supporting the BCPS “HERE FOR IT! Attending today to achieve tomorrow” attendance-awareness campaign.

This partnership – the PTA is HERE FOR IT! AEW Attendance Challenge -- will continue for AEW 2026!

For AEW 2026, PTA Council is adding some new elements to the challenge:

PTA Council’s HERE FOR IT! AEW Attendance Challenge for PTAs/PTSAs includes:

1. Hosting welcome and resource tables on Tuesday, November 17 (Family Day).
2. Distributing and collecting PTA Council’s PTActivate Attendance Survey.
3. Distributing and collecting the BCPS HERE FOR IT! Attendance Pledge.
4. Connecting with principals, attendance facilitators, and/or community school facilitators to promote the BCPS HERE FOR IT! Attendance Pledge among families and students.
5. PTA/PTSA officers registering for the virtual BCPS Parent University – attendance-related Dine and Learn presented by Emily Caster, coordinator in the Department of Student Support Services, on November 18 at 6:30 p.m.
   

 PTA Council is offering incentives for participation!

Questions or comments can be directed to FSCP Committee Chair/Council Vice President Ramona Basilio at partnerships@bcptacouncil.org or Susan Hahn at shahn2@bcps.org.

Dr. Heiser receives Distinguished Alumni Award from Loyola University 


BCPS Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser was honored by the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland on Oct. 19. Dr. Heiser was recognized for his outstanding contributions to education and his commitment to serving students and communities.

The Distinguished Alumni Award annually celebrates School of Education graduates who exemplify professional excellence, a deep commitment to public service, and an enduring dedication to advancing education in their communities. Dr. Heiser has devoted his career to serving students, families, and educators throughout the region.

Read the news release and see photos from the event.

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day: October 21

Laura Thacker, lead glass and upholstery technician, really goes the extra mile for Team BCPS. In honor of BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day, we’re celebrating Laura, our Transportation Champion of the Year!


Watch this video to see the incredible ways she works behind the scenes to keep our students safe and comfortable on the road.

4 Things to Know about the October 21 BOE meeting

1) Staff provided an update on short- and long-term strategies to address substitute needs across the system.

2) The Board voted to revoke the charter agreement with Puzzle Pieces Learning Academy.

3) The Board adopted operating budget priorities to guide Superintendent Heiser in developing the Fiscal Year 2028 operating budget recommendation.

4) The Board approved one administrative appointment.

This week's "Mental Health Minute"

You've got this!

Fall mental health quick tips for staff.

As the school year gets busier, remember; you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking just a few moments to care for yourself can make a big difference in your day.

Here are a few quick stress relief ideas:

• Take three slow, deep breaths before moving to your next task.
• Try this Calm video to take a mindful moment to breathe. 
• Step outside for a few minutes of fresh air when possible.
• Stretch your shoulders, neck, and back to release tension.
• Focus on one task at a time and celebrate small wins.
• Connect with a colleague for support, encouragement, or a quick laugh.
• End the day by reflecting on one positive moment or success.

Remember: Supporting students starts with supporting yourself. Small acts of self-care throughout the day can help you stay energized, resilient, and ready to make a difference.



Be kind to yourself this fall. You are doing important work, and it matters. 

Don't Miss the 2026 Marching Band Showcase!

The BCPS Marching Band Showcase is almost here!

Come out for an amazing afternoon of live music as marching bands from eight BCPS high schools take the field on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., Woodlawn 21207.

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.

This weekend: Fall Special Education Resource Fair!

Families are encouraged to preregister to receive email reminders and enter a drawing for great prizes! Please spread the word.

Give the Education Foundation a High $5 for its birthday

Help the Education Foundation of Baltimore County celebrate its birthday by giving them a High $5 – just $5 to help them reach their goal of raising $1,992 in honor of the year (1992) they 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.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month — a time to recognize the more than 70 million people in the United States who have learning and thinking differences.

The BCPS Department of Special Education works to support and empower students with special needs to develop academically and socially and to become an integral part of the school and community and a participating member of a globally competitive society. Learn more.

Team BCPS Shoutout!

Kelly Sacks, Grade 3 teacher at Catonsville Elementary School, receives Remarkable Volunteer Award from Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake has honored Kelly Sacks, a Grade 3 teacher at Catonsville Elementary School, as a recipient of this year’s Remarkable Volunteer Award. This annual national recognition from Girls on the Run International shines a spotlight on extraordinary volunteers whose dedication and passion create an inspirational impact in their communities.

In presenting the award, Girls on the Run wrote about Sacks: "From putting the FUN in “Girls on the Run is so much FUN!” to celebrating girls’ accomplishments with her signature Sweat Goddess Energy Award, Coach Kelly brings joy, encouragement, and unforgettable energy to every practice. She creates an experience that girls can’t wait to come back to, all while helping them recognize their strength, confidence, and limitless potential."

Colleen Kane, Resource Teacher/SST Chair, Timber Grove Elementary School

Submitted by Julia Bourgeois, Special Educator

"Colleen has been a dedicated special educator at Timber Grove for the past 15 years and recently stepped into a new role this school year. Throughout her career, she has consistently gone above and beyond for students, always putting their needs first. She is someone who can be counted on to respond when students are in crisis, problem-solve in the moment, and adjust plans to ensure student success. Since taking on her new position, Colleen has jumped right in and made an immediate positive impact. She is a constant source of support for students, teachers, and staff, and her dedication, compassion, and teamwork make our school community stronger every day."

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 EMPLOYEES WHO RECEIVE PURCHASE ORDER RECEIPT CONFIRMATIONS

Action required: Purchase order requires receipt confirmation

The Department of Fiscal Services is offering a series of open labs for purchasing. You must register and complete the asynchronous training before attending the open lab. Registration for the asynchronous training is in Kickup under self-paced courses.

The objective of this course is for staff to receive assistance with creating purchase requisitions in the new Oracle Purchasing module.

For virtual meetings, an Outlook meeting invitation with a link to Teams will be sent to you after you register in Kickup. Please do not forward the meeting invitation.

Participants must register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events, then enter the name of the training, Oracle ERP-Purchasing Open Lab.

The dates and times of the open labs are as follows:

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.

"Design Quest: Creating Graphic Magic"

• Monday, October 26, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.

• Thursday, October 29, from 9 - 11:30 a.m.

"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 AFSCME-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

Virtual learning inclement weather days

The AFSCME Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) located on the Department of Staff Relations and Employee Performance Management web site outlines overtime compensation provided to 12-month essential and essential-as-needed AFSCME-represented employees who report to work on inclement weather virtual learning days. 

This MOU is effective for the 2026-2027 school year.

FOR EMPLOYEES WITH LIMITED COMPUTER SKILLS

Technology Inservice Course: Computer Literacy Education Outreach

The Office of Application Support and Training will offer a six-week course designed to equip staff with foundational computer literacy skills using essential Microsoft tools. Participants will learn how to confidently navigate Windows 11, manage files using OneDrive and SharePoint, communicate effectively in Outlook, and perform basic tasks in Microsoft Excel. At the end of the course, attendees will use their devices more efficiently, improve digital organization, and apply Microsoft 365 tools to streamline daily workflows.

This course includes in-person sessions and one virtual session. The in-person sessions will be held at the Employee Development Center on February 9, 16, 23, March 2, and 16, from 9–11 a.m. The virtual session will be held on March 9. Don’t miss this valuable professional learning opportunity designed for office professionals. ESBPC-represented participants will earn one BCPS Inservice credit upon successful completion.

Who Should Attend: This course is designed for beginners with limited computer experience, those who struggle with basic computer tasks, or those who feel uncomfortable or intimidated using technology. The course provides a supportive, hands-on learning environment where participants can build confidence, develop essential computer skills, and learn at a comfortable pace. This course is intended for beginner-level users and is not designed for individuals with intermediate or advanced computer skills.

Participants must register for the training in KickUp. 

FOR ESPBC-REPRESENTED STAFF

Professional learning for ESPBC-represented staff

ESPBC-represented employees are encouraged to explore the many professional learning opportunities available through Advancing Excellence Through Professional Learning. Offerings include technology and Microsoft 365 training, learning sessions focused on BCPS programs and resources, in-service credit courses, conferences, and special events designed to support professional growth and success.

Many of these opportunities are offered on the designated Systemwide Professional Development Days: January 19, February 10, March 10, and May 17. Additional learning opportunities are available throughout the school year, allowing employees to customize a professional learning experience that aligns with their role, interests, and goals.

Please review this flyer for a complete listing of offerings, dates, and registration information.

FOR SCHOOL WEBMASTERS AND SCHOOL MESSENGER USERS

Webmaster and SchoolMessenger Communicate training sessions

Webmaster Training Sessions


Registration is now open via KickUp. Search for “PowerSchool” within Browse Events. Seating is limited. Sign up now!  


Who should attend: These sessions are specifically for anyone managing content (webmasters, principals) on their Presence website.


• October 28: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence Website Q&A Training Session
• October 29: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence Web Governance Administrator (formerly Monsido) training
• November 5: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence Web Governance User Accessibility
• November 12: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence Web Governance Q&A Session
  

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

SchoolMessenger Communicate End User Training Sessions


Registration is now open via KickUp. 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.



• November 19: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Communicate Q&A
  

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

Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m.

Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030

Special Education Citizen Advisory Committee meeting

Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m.

Link to virtual meeting

Overlea High School Capacity Relief Boundary Study Boundary Committee meeting #3

Wednesday, November 4, from 6-8 p.m.

Nottingham Middle School, cafeteria, 5210 King Ave., Rosedale 21237

Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, November 4, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

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

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”

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

National Native American Heritage Month - November

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Advancing excellence together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org