Beginning today: the annual Climate Survey -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, January 27, 2025

Beginning today: the annual Climate Survey

The annual BCPS Climate Survey opens on Monday, January 27, and closes on Friday, February 28. The survey focuses on school climate and engagement, and all BCPS students in Grades 3–12, parents/caregivers, community members, and staff are encouraged to participate. The survey takes three minutes or less to complete and is anonymous.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) recognizes the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. We honor and remember the innocent millions who lost their lives and those who have survived.

Featured Video: FY2026 Budget Proposal Spotlight - Jewell Ralph, Principal, Western School of Technology

Investments from the proposed FY2026 budget will allow Western Tech Principal Jewell Ralph and her team to continue guiding students as they take on challenging courses and explore career pathways through rigorous CTE programs. Visit our Budget 101 webpage to learn more about the budget process and to hear members of Team BCPS talk about the important work they are doing to move our system forward.

Towson boys and Woodlawn girls claim indoor track county crowns - Congratulations!

Deadline for 2025 BCPS Film Expo poster contest is Friday, January 31

The 2025 BCPS Film Expo is accepting poster and film submissions from BCPS middle and high school students. More information and submission forms can be found in a Schoology Group (which students can join at 7cc62-c8m8k) and on the Film Expo website.

Poster entries are due by Friday, January 31, while the deadline for film entries is Friday, April 11.

Film categories for 2025 are Animation, Animated GIF (including Pixel, Stop Motion/Photo, and Computer Animation), Documentary, Experimental, Live Action Narrative, Promotional, and Short-form Video.

Past winning posters, films, and animations can be viewed online.

Students encouraged to enter 2025 BCPS Black History Month Writing Contest

Open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 12

BCPS students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 are invited to enter a Black History Month Writing Contest sponsored by the BCPS Offices of English Language Arts and Social Studies.

The contest prompt is the following quotation from African American poet and writer Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024): “Whatever human beings are, we are storytellers. It is our stories that give a light to the future.” In response to that quote, each student is asked to describe how they have been inspired by the remarkable life of an African American activist, artist, athlete, author, musician, scientist, or other public figure. Students can submit personal essays, letters, speeches, scripts, or poems, and students in primary grades can also submit visual representations with written descriptions.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday, February 11. Winners will be notified by Friday, February 28. Prizes will be provided by The Education Foundation of BCPS, and winning entries will be posted on the BCPS blog. Contest details are available from English and social studies teachers.

Last chance! BCPS staff, parents, and community members are invited to nominate outstanding principals and assistant principals for BCPS Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year for 2025-26.

Nominations will be accepted through 4:45 p.m. on Monday, January 27. Finalists at the elementary, middle, and high school levels will be announced in the coming months, and the Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year will be named at the Champions for Children event on Wednesday, April 23, at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology.

Learn more and register

"If I were Mayor...I Would" essay contest

Open to Grade 4 students

The Maryland Municipal League's “If I were Mayor...I Would” essay contest is seeking submissions. This essay contest asks students to step into the shoes of local leaders and tell adults how they would address their community’s challenges.

All submissions must be submitted digitally (submission guidelines) by a teacher and are not to exceed 275 words. The due date is March 7. For more information, please contact Sharon Easton or Dionna Richardson.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Social Studies - Kevin Jenkins and Mike Crispens.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

A fun & free family learning opportunity: the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Walters Art Museum

The Walters Art Museum invites the community to its Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 1, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Festival activities will include tours, storytime sessions, art-making, photo booths, food, and more, all to honor the Year of the Snake, the sixth year of the 12-year lunar calendar.

The Walters is located at 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore 21201. Registration is requested for this free event but not required.

Baltimore County Department of Recreation & Parks offers School's Out Days

Offering fun and education games, crafts, and outdoor exploration with a naturalist guide.

Upcoming dates:

• January 29 at Lake Roland

• February 17 at Holt Park

• March 31 at Lake Roland

Registration is available now online. Stay tuned for Spring Break offerings.

for your viewing pleasure

"Self Portrait as an Orange "by Ryann Jones, Grade 7, Sudbrook Magnet Middle School. This artwork was featured in the 2024-25 Winter Art Exhibition at THE AVENUE at White Marsh.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

The 2025 BCPS Inspiring Hope Gala is coming!

The latest Mission Moment blog post looks ahead to the 2025 BCPS Inspiring Hope Gala, set for Friday, May 2. In addition to a community gathering to support BCPS students and staff, the event will also highlight school leadership as BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers will present her vision for the future. The inspiring evening will benefit BCPS students in partnership with The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc. Sponsorships and tickets are available online.

A word from Dr. Rogers

January 27, 2025

Dear Reader:

Each year, the launch of the BCPS Stakeholder Climate Survey is a pivotal moment for Baltimore County Public Schools. Through this survey, we gather valuable data points that guide us in our work, particularly regarding budget and staffing. The survey is now available and will close on Friday, February 28.

Our annual survey is an important tool for us to listen to the BCPS community and to be responsive to their feedback. The perspectives of our staff, students, families, and community members have never been more important in helping us focus on improving our students' academic progress.

Open to all students in Grades 3-12, parents/caregivers, community members, and staff, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to share their voice and viewpoints with us.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent