Thursday, September 18, 2025

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

Strategic Plan Community Conversations begin tonight at Windsor Mill Middle School

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers invites students, families, staff, and stakeholders to participate in Community Conversations focused on the development of a new strategic plan for the school system. The strategic plan will outline goals, initiatives, and strategies to advance student achievement.

Let's fast forward together.

All events will take place from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the following locations:

Windsor Mill Middle School - Thursday, September 18

8300 Windsor Mill Road, Windsor Mill, 21244

West Towson Elementary School -

Tuesday, September 30

6914 N. Charles Street, Towson 21204

Pine Grove Middle School - Thursday, October 14

9200 Old Harford Road, Baltimore 21234

Arbutus Middle School - Thursday, October 16

5525 Shelbourne Road, Baltimore 21227

Dundalk High School - Thursday, October 23

1901 Delvale Avenue, Baltimore 21222

Spanish interpretation will be provided. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please call 443-809-1250 as soon as possible to request.

Personal social media use reminder

School system staff reserve the right to communicate via personal social media. In accordance with Policy 4104, Acceptable Use Policy for Technology and Social Media (TAUP) for Authorized Users, staff must adhere to established guidelines. Policy 4104 details expectations for all BCPS employee social media use.

Parent University Show: September Edition

On the latest edition of the Parent University Show: Mental health support for students, an inside look at the BCPS Fresh Fruits & Veggies Program, and a Face of the Month Spotlight on BCPS Volunteer Champion of the Year Toni Merryman.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Celebrating Team BCPS Community School Facilitators!

September 14 - 20 is Community School Facilitator Appreciation Week! Please join us in celebrating the dedication and impact of BCPS community school facilitators.

This school year, there are 20 new Community Schools in BCPS, bringing the total to 110 across the county.

This week on social media, we have highlighted Community School stories ranging from Kenwood High School and Middle River Middle School's joint staff basketball game, Loch Raven High School inaugural Try It Before You Try It event, and the hero's welcome Tracey Collins received at Deep Creek Elementary School after being named Community School Facilitator of the Year.

A 2024 blog post shares more examples of the work community school facilitators do.

• BCPS Multilingual Welcome Center

The BCPS Multilingual Welcome Center continues to provide English language proficiency screening and enrollment services to our new multilingual learners.

Through December, the Welcome Center will also offer services at two local library sites to make the screening and enrollment process more accessible for families. The full schedule for these library locations can be found in the Library Schedule 2025 document. To schedule an appointment, please call 443-809-6752.

Schools are encouraged to share the Welcome Center brochure with their newly arrived families and assist families with scheduling an appointment for an English language proficiency screening.  The brochure is available in multiple languages.

Upon enrollment in a BCPS school, every family completes a standardized home language survey. If a language other than English is indicated on two or more of the questions, the student is screened for English Language Development services.

• Registration open for October 2 systemwide professional development day

Registration for the October 2 Systemwide Professional Development Day is now open. Educators should register for their professional learning in KickUp in the collection titled: Systemwide Professional Development Day (SPDD): October 2, 2025.

The following content area will meet in person at a centralized location and should register by content area:

• Career and Technical Education

• Performing Arts PreK-12

• Physical Education PreK-12

• Visual Arts PreK-12

• Elementary School Counselors

• Elementary Computer Science and Innovation

• Secondary Health Education

• Elementary ISDM Teachers and Paraprofessionals

• Secondary FALS/CLS/PSFALS

All other educators should register at their assigned school location. As a reminder, the October 2 Systemwide Professional Development Day will be held for all educators from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

• School staff assisting parents/caregivers with access to various accounts

School staff can use directions in the Focus Schoology group, School Staff Supporting Parent Account, when assisting parents who are reporting issues with:

• Accessing Parent Portal in Focus

• Accessing Schoology.

• Receiving School Messenger messages. (School staff can unblock parents who may have inadvertently blocked themselves. The directions for how to unblock are located under the Direction for Use section on the SchoolMessenger - Communicate Product Page.)

• Receiving messages from Talking Points.

• Educator Development Conference

Staff in the Department of Employee Training and Development are excited to host the Educator Development Conference. Registration is now open. This monthly conference is intended for staff development teachers, consulting teachers, and educator retention teachers to strengthen their capacity to support new educators. Participants will have an opportunity to engage in professional learning topics related to new educator induction and to collaborate with colleagues to develop new educator support plans. Participants will also have time for job-alike sessions aligned to expectations for their unique role in supporting new educators.

Participants will need to attend all sessions. All sessions will be held at the Employee Development Center. Interested participants must register through the KickUp registration system.

• MRSPA grant opportunity for teachers

The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA), through its MRSPA Foundation, is offering six grants of $500 to classroom teachers across Maryland. The grants may be used on special projects or activities that are not funded through the school system or a parent teacher organization.

The grant application can be found on the MRSPA website. Teacher and principal signatures are required on the application to ensure that the activity or project in the application is approved by school leadership.

Highlights from the Superintendent's September 16 media availability

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability on Tuesday to share system updates and information. Please read our community message summarizing the event.

Curriculum Night Success!

On Tuesday, BCPS families gathered at Pikesville High School for this year's Curriculum Night! The evening began with presentations from Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jennifer Mullenax.

Then, the event transitioned to an open-house style format as families and students viewed curricular and instructional materials, spoke one-on-one with content area experts, and engaged with representatives from county government agencies and nonprofit partners.

Photos from the event are available in a BCPS Flickr album. To all of the BCPS staff members who contributed to a successful Curriculum Night: THANK YOU!

¡Celebramos con orgullo!

Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized annually from September 15 - October 15. Does your school or office have plans to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month? Please contact us at communications@bcps.org. We look forward to highlighting the impact of these important recognitions around the county.

Consider also nominating a staff member for an "Orgullo BCPS" spotlight on the BCPS Spanish Facebook Page! Please contact Gevene Harden with the following information:

• Name, job title, and school/office
• A recent, high-quality photo
• Country or countries of origin
• A brief blurb (en español o en inglés) about why you are proud of your Hispanic heritage and/or how you connect with your roots (1-2 paragraphs)

Magnet Expo set for this Saturday, September 20!

The 2026-2027 BCPS Magnet Application is now available! Applications must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

Interested students and families are invited to join us at the annual Magnet Expo on Saturday, September 20, at the CCBC Catonsville Wellness & Athletic Center from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. to meet with representatives from all schools with magnet programs!

In addition, BCPS will host two application information sessions. The first will take place this evening, September 11, at 6 p.m. at Kenwood High School. The second event will take place at 6 p.m. on September 16 at Milford Mill Academy.

Don't forget, each school with magnet programs will host magnet showcase events on select dates throughout September and October.

Your Future is Bright! Attendance Awareness Spirit Days continue tomorrow with neon theme

Are you here for it? Each Friday in September, students and staff are invited to highlight the impact of regular attendance by participating in countywide spirit days.

September 19 - Your Future is Bright

Wear neon or bright colors to show that good attendance leads to success and bright futures.

September 26 - Team Up for Attendance

Wear your favorite sports gear to show you are a team player by showing up on time, every day.

Share photos with #BCPSHereForIt on social media to highlight your participation. More information and resources are available on the BCPS Here For It Attendance Campaign webpage.

Applications open for countywide student leadership roles (secondary schools)

Applications are open for middle and high school students interested in serving on the 2025-2026 Board of Selected Students or one of four Baltimore County Student Councils (BCSC) committees. The application deadline for both BOSS and the BCSC committees is Tuesday, September 30, at 11:59 p.m.

BOSS applications are open to students who are not already involved in student council/government leadership at their schools. BOSS members are asked to share their schools’ views with BCSC and to collaborate with other student leaders from across the county. BOSS will meet virtually, once a month, throughout the school year. Two students from each middle and high school will be selected.

The four BCSC committees accepting applications are the Environmental, Culture & Climate, Student Resources & Wellness, and Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Outreach.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

FOR CENTRAL OFFICE LEADERS

Central office leaders' professional development 2025-26

OPE supervisors and managers, and non-represented administrative assistants, directors, executive directors, and chiefs who work with departments supporting business operations will be provided monthly professional learning opportunities focused on building leadership capacity.

These half-day sessions will focus on unpacking and applying the BCPS Standards of Excellence: Customer Service, Communication, Relationships, Innovative Problem Solving, and Mutual Accountability. Registration is available in the Kickup registration system. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR SCHOOL STAFF

Food Waste Reduction Professional Development Sessions

In celebration of Food Waste Awareness Month, the Office of Facilities Support Services is offering professional development sessions for school staff on Tuesday, September 23, to learn about strategies to implement in the cafeteria, how these actions connect to the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education's Green School Program, and specific curriculum connections that have been identified revolving around food waste reduction. Participants can search for “Green Schools: Food Waste Reduction” in KickUp to register for one of the four available sessions.

FOR EDUCATORS

Don't miss Exchangeree Fall shopping dates with The Education Foundation

BCPS educators may shop at one of The Education Foundation's two Exchangerees once per month for school supplies, classroom resources, books, social-emotional support tools, and more at no cost to them! Join us on a designated shopping date with your BCPS ID and bags/boxes.

Fall Shopping Dates (3-6 p.m.)

MSDE Workgroup on Social Studies - Apply to join by Sept. 28

To support the implementation of the newly revised social studies frameworks, MSDE is forming a Social Studies Frameworks Implementation Workgroup. The group will be comprised of educators, parents, history experts, organizations, and more, and they will develop instructional guidance aligned to the revised frameworks. The deadline to apply for the workgroup is Sept. 28, and more information can be found on the application form.

Continuing professional development Fall 2025 course registration

Registration for the Fall 2025 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session is now open. Courses are offered in the following areas: preventing and treating athletic injuries, diverse learning and social/emotional student needs, health education, literacy, teacher leader university and new educator wellness. Upon successful completion of any of these courses, participants will be issued MSDE CPD credits. For a list of specific courses available, please see the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) webpage. Courses with fewer than 13 registered participants will not run.

Interested participants must be able to attend all sessions and must register through the BCPS Registration system. Participants must register by logging into the Microsoft Apps Portal. Select KickUp and then click Browse Events. CPD courses can be found by selecting Events or Self-paced Courses.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

2025-26 Mock Trial

For more than 30 years, BCPS and the Baltimore County Bar Association have collaborated to conduct the Mock Trial program for the Third Judicial Circuit of Maryland.

The mock trial program is open to all high school students enrolled in public or private schools in Baltimore and Harford counties. Trials will begin in early January and conclude in mid-March. The Third Circuit champion will advance to the state competition.

Schools interested in participating in the 2025-2026 season should contact Carol Rook in the BCPS Office of Social Studies, register with MYLaw, and pay the $550 registration fee directly to MYLaw by Friday, October 24. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR AFSCME AND ESPBC STAFF

Better business writing two-day course

Staff in the Department of Employee Training and Development are excited to offer the "Better Business Writing" course for AFSCME and ESPBC staff. The two-day course is offered by CCBC at no cost to employees. Participants are required to attend both sessions. A laptop is required for this course. If you do not have access to a laptop, please contact Tracey Carroll to obtain a loaner laptop for the course. This course is limited to 16 participants.

• Monday, October 13, and Thursday, October 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The BCPS Correspondence Manual will be used as a reference throughout the course. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

2025-26 Maryland General Assembly Student Page Program

The Maryland Department of Legislative Services recently provided information about the Maryland General Assembly Page Program to all high school principals. Fourteen students from public and private schools in Baltimore County will be selected to participate in this program.

Candidates must be seniors at least 16 years old. Selection will be based on the candidates’ ability to meet all required qualifications, complete the required forms, and provide responses to a competitive essay prompt. This program is coordinated by staff in the Office of Social Studies and the social studies department chairs at each school. Please see the attached flyer and detailed memo for more information.

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southeast Area Elementary School Boundary Study Committee meeting #2

Wednesday, September 24, from 6-8 p.m. 

Middle River Middle School cafeteria, 800 Middle River Rd., Baltimore 21220

Board of Education meeting

Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30 p.m.

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

PTA Council of Baltimore County Fall Workshops and General Meeting

Thursday, September 25, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.)

West Towson Elementary School, 6914 N. Charles St., Towson 21204

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

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.

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

Library Card Sign-Up Month - September

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - September

Community School Facilitators Appreciation Week - through September 20

Hispanic Heritage Month - through October 15

National Principals Month - October

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month - October

National Bullying Prevention Month - October

National Custodian Day - Thursday, October 2

BCPS Color for Character Week - Monday, October 6 - Friday, October 10

International Walk & Roll to School Day - Wednesday, October 8

National School Lunch Week - Monday, October 13 - Friday, October 17

America's Safe Schools Week - Sunday, October 19 - Saturday, October 25

National School Bus Safety Week - Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24

Digital Citizenship Week - Monday, October 20 - Friday, October 24

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day - Wednesday, October 22

Red Ribbon Week - Thursday, October 23 - Friday, October 31

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org