Chadwick Elementary School educator named BCPS Teacher of the Year -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, May 4, 2026

Chadwick Elementary School educator named 2026-27 BCPS Teacher of the Year

Principal, Assistant Principal of the Year also named at Champions for Children gala

Teacher of the Year

Alison Benkovic

Principal of the Year

Debita Basu

Assistant Principal of the Year

Nathan Davis

Alison Benkovic, a Grades 3-5 English Language Development teacher at Chadwick Elementary School, was named the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year for Baltimore County Public Schools on April 29 during a gala celebration of the county’s more than 9,000 classroom educators as well as its school administrators, staff, and community supporters.

Also announced during the event at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology were the 2026-27 BCPS Principal of the Year, Debita Basu of Hillcrest Elementary School, and the 2026-27 Assistant Principal of the Year, Nathan Davis of Dundalk Middle School.

In addition, BCPS celebrated eight new “Champions for Children” who were selected by administrators and staff, employee union representatives, and other members of the BCPS community. Honored at the gala were:

View the event on YouTube. Photos from the event can be found on Flickr.

Seniors share their plans on College and Career Decision Day

Graduating seniors were invited to share their college and career plans on social media or emailing communications@bcps.org. See our growing gallery of submissions on Flickr.

Gavin Nicholson,

Dulaney High School > Arizona State University

Amber Gomez,

Perry Hall High School > UMBC

Blaine Wilkinson,

Parkville Hill School > Johns Hopkins University

Team BCPS celebrates...

National Physical Education and Sports Week, May 1-7
Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, May 3-9
Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8
Teacher Appreciation Day, May 5
National Nurses Week, May 6-12
National Nurses Day/School Nurses Day, May 6

28 schools participated in 2026 Baltimore County Chess Championship

Twenty-eight schools competed in the Baltimore County Chess Championship held on April 25 at Stemmers Run Middle School, sponsored by Scott Lamb and his company, Treadwell LLC.

In a new blog post, Robert Gray, a teacher at Essex Elementary School and the chess championship organizer, writes about the day and shares event results and photos.

The individual county champions are:

Nathan Leudeu

Hampton Elementary School

Authur Xu

Hereford Middle School

Elliott Wonderlich

Towson High School

The championship teams are:

Perry Hall Elementary School

Ridgely Middle School

Towson High School

The graduating senior profile series continues for the Class of 2026

To honor the Class of 2026, BCPS is profiling one senior from each high school. A new profile will be highlighted on the website and social media each school day until Friday, May 22, the last day for seniors. These profiles highlight the strengths of our seniors and their diversity. Please follow along and share your support on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) as they are posted each day.

Featured this week will be:

Highlighting the school library at Southwest Academy

April was School Library Month, and BCPS shared a series of short videos on social media about the amazing impact of our school libraries. This final video highlights the library at Southwest Academy.

recent honors

15 Carver Center students featured in Annual High School Juried Art Show at Lewis Museum

Carver Center students earn 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place honors

Fifteen George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology students have been named among the 31 finalists in the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s annual High School Juried Art Show.

First place honors went to Tatiana Thompson, Grade 12, for the digital artwork “A Seat at the Celebration.” Derrian Bolden, Grade 12, earned second place honors for a mixed media piece titled “As We Grow.” Syanne Blades, Grade 12, received third place honors for the painting “Jesse Owens: American Sublime.”

“A Seat at the Celebration” by Tatiana Thompson, Grade 12, Carver Center

The student art show, “Commemorating 250 Years of the Black Experience,” will be on display from Monday, May 4, 2026, through Saturday, February 28, 2027, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore 21202. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The museum charges admission, but is free to Maryland public school educators, children ages 6 and under, and museum members.

Sparks Elementary music educator Bryan Price, Jr., named a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow

Bryan S. Price, Jr., a music educator at Sparks Elementary School and a National Board Certified Teacher, is one of 36 educators from across North America selected to participate in the 2026 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship cohort.

Supported through the Lindblad Expedition–National Geographic Fund, the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship is a professional learning opportunity for PreK-12 educators who will embark on expeditions around the world to deepen their geographic knowledge through immersive, field-based experiences. They will also take on a two-year commitment to support National Geographic's education initiatives and may be asked to conduct webinars, co-design resources, participate in meetups, and mentor other educators.

Price will participate in a field-based expedition to Greece and Türkiye, studying cultural and geographic connections. At Sparks Elementary, his instructional practice focuses on helping students make meaningful connections between music, culture, and identity through culturally responsive and experiential learning.

Franklin and Hereford high students named among Junior Achievements 18 Under 18

Two BCPS juniors – Jameson Greenwood of Hereford High School and Connor Tayloe of Franklin High School – have been named among the 2026 Junior Achievement (JA) 18 Under 18 honorees.

The 18 Under 18 award program is designed to highlight central Maryland youth, ages 5 to 18, who are future leaders, change makers, and innovators. The honorees are featured in the May issue of Baltimore Magazine and will be honored during a May 7 awards ceremony at the JA Youth Workforce and Innovation Center, 1725 Twin Springs Rd., Baltimore 21227. Tickets are available online.

Jameson Greenwood

Connor Tayloe

Pikesville Middle School paraeducator Anthony Janey honored

Anthony Janey of Pikesville Middle School has been named ESPBC's Paraeducator of the Year. He was surprised with the news on April 28 at his school.

Perry Hall High Spanish teacher Edwin Pérez to receive statewide award

Edwin A. Pérez, a Spanish teacher at Perry Hall High School will receive the Ann Beusch Distinguished Service Award from Maryland Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

The award will be presented at the Maryland TESOL Spring Dinner and Annual Member Meeting on Friday, May 15. The recognition honors the legacy of the former state supervisor of ESOL and foreign languages by recognizing educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to international students. My selection reflects a commitment to the advocacy and academic success of our immigrant, multicultural, and multilingual youth, a mission that remains central to the teaching and learning within our schools.

Colgate Bright Smiles Mobile Dental Van visits Lansdowne Elementary School

Students received free dental screenings, dental kits, and information about oral health.

Meet some BCPS student apprentices and interns

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, April 26 - May 2, BCPS Communications Apprentice and Eastern Tech senior Kamya Henry created a series of profiles highlighting student apprentices and interns from around the county. More profiles can be found on the blog.

'Tis the season for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten registration

It is time to register children for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

Parents/guardians who wish to register their child for enrollment in a PreKindergarten 3 or PreKindergarten 4 class should contact their home school.

Kindergarten is required for all students living in Maryland. Parents/guardians should contact their neighborhood elementary school to register their child for Kindergarten.

Families may also call the Department of Early Childhood Programs at 443-809-4313 for more information.

Registration still open for BCPS dance and music enrichment programs

Families encouraged to register promptly

Registration is still open for BCPS dance and music camps. Enrollment priority will be given to current BCPS students and children of BCPS staff. All camps will cost $185 per student, which includes a camp T-shirt or tote bag and bus transportation (if needed). Fee waivers are available for students who do not have permanent or adequate housing. Financial assistance and payment plans can be requested. Translated camp information is available on the summer camp websites.

Summer Dance Intensive

Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244.
Open to students in Grades 5-12.
Summer Dance Intensive registration form

Summer Music Camp

Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall 21236
Open to students in Grades 5-12 who are enrolled in their school’s music program.
Summer Music Camp registration form

for parents/caregivers

from BCPS Parent University

“Brain Health”

Wednesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m.

This virtual presentation, presented by Emily Kearns, a dementia specialist with the Baltimore County Department of Aging, will share information on preventing brain diseases, including dementia, with healthy lifestyle choices. Registration required.

“Emerging Online Threats to Youth”

Thursday, May 7, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop will be presented by Nicholas DeGeorge from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who will speak about an emerging threat known as Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE). Individuals engaged in NVE seek to destroy society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, specifically minors, through online gaming and messaging platforms. Registration required.

“Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health This Summer” (Talkspace)

Tuesday, May 12, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop will be presented by Gabriella Stajic of Talkspace. Participants will learn how BCPS families can access free mental health support through Talkspace. The session is open to all BCPS parents, guardians, and caregivers. Registration required.

“Red Flags of Advertising and Scams – Protecting Seniors and Caregivers in Today’s Marketplace”

Tuesday, May 12, at 5:30 p.m.

Baltimore County Public Library, Arbutus Branch

This eye-opening session is presented by the Better Business Bureau in partnership with Baltimore County Department of Aging, BCPS’s Parent University, and Baltimore County Public Library. Learn how to recognize misleading ads, avoid falling victim to scams, and safeguard hard-earned money. Registration encouraged but not required.

“Preserving Learning Mode”

Friday, May 15, at 12:30 p.m.

A representative from Thrive Behavioral Health will offer ideas about keeping children’s minds active over the summer. Registration required.

for your viewing pleasure

"Interstability" by Jack W., Grade 12, Loch Raven High School. This artwork is part of the online 2025-2026 Superintendent's Gallery Art Exhibition.

The BCPS Dance Festivals now available for online viewing

The BCPS Dance Festivals, held on March 24 at Milford Mill Academy and March 25 and 26 at CCBC Essex, are now available for online viewing.

Day 1:

Dogwood, Lyons Mill, and Relay elementary schools
Deer Park Magnet, Southwest Academy, Sudbrook Magnet, and Windsor Mill middle schools
Lansdowne, Milford Mill Academy, New Town, Owings Mills, and Woodlawn high schools
BCPS Men’s Ensemble
BCPS Middle School Honors Ensemble

Day 2:

Chatsworth, Pinewood, and Timonium elementary schools
Deep Creek, Franklin, Middle River, and Nottingham middle schools
Dulaney, Hereford, Franklin, Overlea, Parkville, and Patapsco high schools
BCPS Men's Ensemble

Day 3:

Cedarmere and Dundalk elementary schools
Dundalk, Loch Raven Technical Academy, Pikesville, and Stemmers Run middle schools
George Washington Carver Center, Kenwood, Perry Hall, and Pikesville high schools
BCPS Men’s Ensemble
BCPS High School Honors Dance Ensemble

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

The Education Foundation distributes free shoes and socks to students through partnership with Soles4Souls

On April 28, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., once again partnered with Soles4Souls to provide brand-new, brand-name shoes and brand-new Bomba socks to BCPS students who are experiencing homelessness.

Staff members from selected schools were invited to visit the BCPS Office of Logistics Warehouse between 10 a.m. and noon to select new shoes and socks for their students. As a bonus, they were also invited to adopt cases of yellow and orange Play-Doh donated by First Book and black and/or white sunglasses donated by Media Star Promotions to fill their schools’ care closets. More than $50,000 worth of shoes, Play-Doh, and accessories were adopted by BCPS staff to support their school communities in less than two hours. Learn more in a new Mission Moment blog post.

a word from Dr. Rogers

May 4, 2026

Dear Reader:

On Friday, May 1, we celebrated both National Principals Day and School Lunch Hero Day.

Our amazing principals are instructional leaders, building managers, community relations specialists, and so much more. But while they handle a high level of responsibility every day, they also create welcoming environments in their school buildings and nurture both students and staff. They are essential partners in our work to move the school system forward, and we cannot thank them enough for all they do.

Our food and nutrition services staff also make exceptional contributions to the academic success and wellbeing of our students. This talented team offers free breakfast and lunch meals to all students. I am continually impressed with their efforts to improve food quality and nutrition, their work with students to explore possible new menu items, and their initiatives to reduce food waste.

This week, May 4-8, is Teacher Appreciation Week, and tomorrow, Tuesday, May 5 is Teacher Appreciation Day.

Team BCPS undoubtedly has the best teachers in the nation! Our 9,000+ educators work tirelessly to fast forward student achievement and provide nurturing environments where all students can thrive. Be sure to take a moment this week to say "Thank you!" to the amazing educators who inspire, lead, teach, and support our 108,000 students.

It is my pleasure to celebrate our many Team BCPS members who each contribute to student success in their own ways.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent