Thursday, October 15, 2026

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

Join Superintendent Heiser at upcoming Community Conversations on the FY 2028 Operating Budget

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Bill Heiser is hosting five Community Conversations to discuss the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2028 Operating Budget. Staff, families, and community members are invited to provide input on the process and give feedback on budget priorities. Additionally, you can share your thoughts on the budget by completing this survey by Wednesday, October 21.

The Community Conversations will take place on the following dates:

¡Celebramos con orgullo!

Thank you for joining in the Team BCPS Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations from September 15 to October 15. In this week's video, students from Perry Hall High School teach how us how to say different tech terms in Spanish.

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.

East Zone 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm.

Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222

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.

• How internal applicants can apply for new positions

BCPS employees interested in pursuing another job opportunity/career advancement within the system may apply as an internal applicant using their BCPS email in only a few quick steps.  

Effective immediately, all employees must complete job applications for new positions using the Oracle Me setting, then click on the tile titled "Current Jobs."

Next, select the job you want to apply for using the Opportunity Marketplace and then click "update your profile" and complete pertinent information in the education and work history sections to share skills and qualifications for the positions. Employees should upload their most recent resume for consideration.  

Additional instructions can be found on the Human Resources SharePoint site.  

• Required maintenance: BCPS Single Sign On

On the evening of Friday, October 16, Enterprise Applications will perform maintenance on the single sign-on (SSO) system, which enables students, staff, and parents to sign in to systems such as Focus, Schoology, and Xello. The maintenance will replace the current SSO certificate, which expires on Wednesday, October 21.

Devices and browsers should make use of the new certificate automatically. However, if staff or students cannot log in to any of these resources after October 21, please consult the following Technology Operations support article to resolve the issue: Clearing internet browser cache.docx. If the issue persists, submit a ticket via Incident IQ providing details about the student, parent, or staff member signing in and the system they are trying to access.

• October is Energy Awareness Month


Celebrate Energy Conservation Month and Energyween this October by encouraging less energy consumption in schools and offices. Staff can find more information on energy conservation on the updated Energy and Sustainability Web page. The Energy Conservation Guidelines, and resources on slaying energy vampires, can be found within the revised Green Schools Guidebook.

School staff who implement energy reduction strategies in their offices or classrooms can earn MAEOE Green School credits under Objective 1.4.1 School-wide Staff Sustainability. Student actions on reducing energy consumption, such as conducting school energy audits or making light switch covers, count towards Objective 2.2 Energy Conservation.

If you are interested in hosting the Energy and Sustainability team for a presentation to students/staff on your school’s energy consumption, energy conservation strategies, and an exclusive boiler room tour to learn more about building energy technology, please contact Kelley Holocker.

• Converting from cooling to heating


Maintenance staff are scheduled to begin converting school mechanical systems from cooling to heating on Friday, October 16. There will be no impact to ventilation systems during this time. The complete changeover process will take approximately 10-15 business days to convert all schools. During the changeover time, buildings will have neither heating nor cooling available and after the changeover has occurred, buildings will not have cooling available. Every effort will be made to minimize inconvenience during the semi-annual changeover.

Room temperatures will be maintained at a higher temperature when occupied, during the heating season. When the building is unoccupied, the temperature will be lower.

If the school’s heating system is not properly functioning, building operations supervisors should notify the Emergency Call Center at 443-809-6488 and provide information about specific rooms, temperatures, and equipment failure.

• 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.”

• Pathways to Partnerships


Looking to engage with local businesses or discover collaborative opportunities? Join the Pathways to Partnerships networking and business engagement breakfast hosted by the Chesapeake Gateway Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee.

Date: October 20

Time: 8 – 10:30 a.m.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn White Marsh, 5015 Campbell Blvd., White Marsh 21236



Registration Details

• 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 their 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.

American Education Week

Spotlighting more BCPS principals in celebration of National Principals Month


Happy National Principals Month! Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn as we spotlight some of the many amazing principals in schools across the county.

Check out this week's video featuring principals Mandy Shanks from Dumbarton Middle, Deb Magness from Pine Grove Middle, Perry Warren from Arbutus Middle, Seth Barish from Ridgely Middle, and Bryan Thanner from Nottingham Middle.

 America's Safe Schools Week 2026

America's Safe Schools Week is an opportunity for BCPS to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and orderly environments for teaching, learning, and working. Through our continued partnership with the Baltimore County Police Department and the presence of School Resource Officers and Student Safety Assistants in our schools, our Standard Response Protocol, and strong relationships with state and local partners, among other initiatives, we are proud to underscore the safety of students and staff as a top priority.

Helpful links:

• I Love U Guys Standard Response Protocol

• Department of School Safety Webpage

• Maryland Center for School Safety

National School Bus Safety Week:

October 19-23

We are proud to recognize National School Bus Safety Week each year in the third week of October! This is a great opportunity for the Team BCPS community to review best practices to keep students safe on their journey to and from school.

Important resources:

• Guide to Transportation

• BusWhere App for Parents/Caregivers

• Transportation Status Webpage

• National School Bus Safety Week Resources

October is National Dropout Prevention Month: "Here for It" until the tassel turns!

National Dropout Prevention Month is an opportunity for students, educators, and school communities to support students at risk of leaving school and to re-engage those who can return and graduate.

Dropout Prevention Strategy: On-Track/Early Warning Systems

• Systematically reviewing data to identify students showing signs of being at risk of dropping out of high school or not meeting post-high school outcomes will allow schools to provide targeted support to students. 
• Research shows that the following data points can indicate that a student may be at risk of dropping out of high school:
  

Attendance

• In middle school: missing 9 days/quarter (or 36 + days/year).
• In high school: missing 10% of instructional time.
• Chronically absent students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 are less likely to read on grade level by the end of Grade 3.
  

Behavior

• Two or more serious behavior infractions. 
  

Course Performance

• In Grades 6-8: failure in English or math, a grade point average of less than 2.0. 
• In Grades 9-12: any course failure, failure to pass the Grade 9.

BCPS Power Inform offers a variety of On-Track and Early Warning reports for BCPS schools.  

• Course Performance (Academics tab)
• Early Warning Dashboard (Academics tab)
• Graduation Projections (Graduation tab)

Final reminder: Magnet applications due by 1 p.m. on October 20

Students and families seeking additional information about specific programs can view school websites and/or participate in school-based magnet showcase events in October.

Magnet applications for the 2027-2028 school year must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20.

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day: October 21

Every Wednesday during National School Bus Safety Week, we celebrate BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day and applaud our amazing transportation team!

With nearly 800 daily bus routes originating from more than a dozen sites countywide, the hardworking Department of Transportation is responsible for the safe transportation of more than 80,000 students to and from school each day. From drivers and attendants to dispatchers, field representatives, fleet maintenance personnel, and beyond, thank you for everything you do!

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.

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.

Spread the Word! Fall Special Education Resource Fair set for October 24

Families are encouraged to preregister to receive email reminders and to be entered into a drawing for great prizes! 

Pre-Registration for October 24 Resource Fair – Fill out form

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!

Carver Center English teacher Christina Stetler-Rodriguez names 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. 

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 PRINCIPALS

Standards for Professional Learning

Staff in the Department of Employee Training and Development are excited to offer the Standards for Professional Learning for Principals. Participants in this virtual training will examine the Learning Forward Standards for Professional Learning recently adopted by MSDE. Successful completion of this course enables principals to offer school-based professional learning for Professional Development Points.

The session will be held virtually through Microsoft Teams on Thursday, October 22, from 9 – 10 a.m.

Interested participants must register through KickUp. Participants can access the Microsoft Teams link on the registration page.

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 ESPBC-REPRESENTED EMPLOYEES

October 16 Professional Learning Options

ESPBC-represented staff members who are not attending the MSEA Convention are encouraged to use the October 16 Professional Development Day to engage in meaningful professional learning and complete required training activities.

Consider one or more of the following options:

• Advancing Excellence Through Professional Learning
• Explore professional learning opportunities aligned to your role and professional growth goals. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub Post.

• Complete Required SafeSchools Trainings
• Use this time to complete any outstanding SafeSchools compliance trainings. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub Post.

• KickUp Growth Training for Employees
• Learn how to use KickUp to track professional learning, manage growth activities, and access development opportunities. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub Post.

• Support Staff Evaluation Training
• ESPBC-represented employees and non-represented administrative/executive assistants are required to complete training on the new evaluation form. This training is essential to ensure all participants are prepared to use the new form and conduct evaluations effectively. Staff who have already completed this training are not required to retake it. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub Post.

We encourage all staff to use this dedicated time for professional growth and learning.

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: October 16, 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 the attached 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 20: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence hands-on editor
• October 22: PowerSchool SchoolMessenger Presence hands-on editor
• 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

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, October 19, at 7 p.m.

Sparrows Point Middle and High School, library, 7400 North Point Rd., Sparrows Point 21219

Topic: “Pre-Budget Operating & Capital/Career Navigators”

Overlea High School Capacity Relief Boundary Study Boundary Committee meeting #2

Wednesday, October 21, from 6-8 p.m.

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

Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m.

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

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

National Bullying Prevention Month - October

National Principals Month - October

America's Safe Schools Week - Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23

National School Bus Safety Week - Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day - Wednesday, October 21

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Advancing excellence together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org