Monday, May 12, 2025

Join us for the BCPS Film Expo this Thursday

The annual BCPS Film Expo challenges middle and high school students to create films on their topics of interest. The work of finalists in the BCPS Film Expo will be shown on Thursday, May 15, at The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd., Baltimore 21212. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m. This program is free and family-friendly. No tickets are required.

Following the main show, awards will be presented to the finalists and audience members will be able to ask questions of the student filmmakers. Film categories include documentary, short-form, animation, experimental, promotional, and live-action narrative. 

Film Expo poster contest winner: Sarah Glazer, Pikesville High School

Film Expo poster contest winner: Makayla Kent, Pine Grove Middle School

Nearly 150 Career and Technical Education students to be honored in annual ceremony on May 14

The 51st Annual Career and Technical Education Student Recognition Ceremony will be available on YouTube and Vimeo beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14.

During the virtual ceremony, nearly 150 students – one graduating senior from each career and technical education program at each high school – will be recognized as exemplary students. Each student will receive an award for being chosen as the outstanding senior in their program at their school via partner donations. CTE has selected several student speakers to discuss their program and current related work experience.

Members of the Class of 2025 can offer parting words to BCPS and younger students

Graduating seniors are invited to share (in no more than two sentences) their favorite BCPS memories OR words of advice for younger students. Selected messages will be shared on social media in late May and June. Please note that messages must be accompanied by photos of the students. The student should be the only person in the photo. Messages and photos can be submitted using an online form.

A few Dear Team BCPS messages from the Class of 2024

Recent honors

Pikesville High School receives AVID National Demonstration School revalidation

Pikesville High School has been revalidated as an AVID National Demonstration School on May 6. (AVID is a college and career readiness program.) The designation, earned through an application process, screening, and site visits, means that a school will serve as a teaching and learning center for educators interested in successfully implementing the AVID college and career readiness system. Patapsco and New Town high schools are also AVID National Demonstration Schools.

Eastern Tech sophomore David Arowolo elected National Student Council president

David Arowolo, a Grade 10 student at Eastern Technical High School, has been elected the 2025-26 National Student Council president. His selection was announced on May 5 by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC).

In addition to his role as National Student Council president, Arowolo, who studies interactive media and production at Eastern Tech, serves as a National Youth Council Member of UNICEF USA; treasurer of the Maryland Association of Student Councils; and digital media specialist for Baltimore County Student Councils. Last month, he completed a term as a Student Advisory Team member for PBS News Student Reporting Labs. Last summer, he served as a delegate at the ACLU National Advocacy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Terri Iacarino of Cromwell Valley Elementary named a Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association Foundation

The CMA Foundation, a national music education nonprofit and the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has named Terri Iacarino, vocal music teacher at Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, a Music Teacher of Excellence. 

Each year, Music Teachers of Excellence supports 30 music teachers nationally and in Tennessee with $2,500 stipends for their classrooms, $2,500 personal stipends, tailored professional development, access to CMA Fest, and an awards ceremony in their honor in Nashville. 

10 Carver Center students featured in Lewis Museum's High School Juried Art Show

Ten George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology students have been named among the 23 finalists in the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s 20th annual High School Juried Art Show. Corri Caffee, Grade 10, received second place for “Hopscotch,” and Kennedy Longmore, Grade 11, received third place honors for “Upcycle.”

"Hopscotch" by Corri Caffee

The other BCPS finalists are Syanne Blades, Grade 11; Derrian Bolden, Grade 11; Carmen Collins, Grade 10; Logan Holman, Grade 12; Emya Owens, Grade 11; Cailyn Sydnor, Grade 12; Chyler Sydnor, Grade 12; and Aliyrah Walker, Grade 12.

BCPS receives dual honors for its annual budget and financial reporting efforts

For the 27th consecutive year, BCPS has received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the way it reports its budget and financial information to the public. Both awards honor the Fiscal Year 2024 BCPS Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which covered the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.

McCormick Scholarships awarded to Kayla Carter from Franklin High School and Ty Simpson from Owings Mills High School

McCormick & Company selected Kayla Carter from Franklin High School and Ty Simpson from Owings Mills High School as the 93rd and 94th recipients of its Charles Perry McCormick scholarships, worth $40,000 over four years.

Carter and Mr. Simpson were honored as Unsung Heroes for their commitment to unselfish team play.

In addition, Tristian Savage from Milford Mill Academy received a $5,000 scholarship.

Kayla Carter, 3rd from right; Ty Simpson, 4th from left; Tristian Savage, 3rd from left. Credit: Ashley Michelle Photography

Dundalk Middle School receives Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Grant

Dundalk Middle School was one of 220 schools from 38 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. This year, the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries awarded over $1 million in library grants. Many of the libraries will use the funds to update and diversify their collections.

Towson High senior Eliza Annis earns National Merit® $2,500 scholarship

Eliza J. Annis, a senior at Towson High School, is among the 2,500 distinguished high school seniors from across the nation who have earned this year’s National Merit® $2,500 Scholarship awards.

For the past two years, Annis, who is planning a career in neurology, has shadowed a nurse practitioner at the Johns Hopkins Hospital outpatient headache clinic. As she completes her senior year at Towson High, Annis is a mentor in the school’s Law and Public Policy Program, a Student Government Association representative, secretariat of Model United Nations, and director of operations for the Towson High School Model UN Conference.

Jackson Matz of Pikesville High and Alexandra Lohse of Towson High receive Minds In Motion scholarships

The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association selected Alexandra Lohse of Towson High School and Jackson Matz of Pikesville High School as 2025 winners of the Minds In Motion scholarship. The $1,000 scholarships are awarded to outstanding senior male and female scholar-athletes. Applicants must have a minimum 3.25 unweighted grade point average and have participated in interscholastic athletic activities, recognized by the MPSSAA, during their high school careers.

Jackson Matz

Alexandra Lohse

Western Tech substitute teacher Irvin Sutton one of four Educators of the Year recognized nationally by Kelly Education

Irvin Sutton, a substitute educator at Western School of Technology and Environmental Science, is one of four recipients of an Educator of the Year Award from Kelly Education. The national awards highlight the outstanding contributions substitute educators, tutors, and school support staff make in the lives of students, schools, and communities. As a recipient, Sutton has received a $5,000 bonus, as well as $1,500 donated to Western Tech.

BCPS students earn 19 medals in local ACT-SO competition

Gold medalists invited to compete nationally

BCPS students earned 19 medals in the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition sponsored by the NAACP Baltimore County Branch. Four students were honored with honorable mentions. ACT-SO is a year-long enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. ACT-SO includes 27 categories of competition in the sciences, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts.

The six BCPS students who earned gold medals are qualified to compete in the National ACT-SO Competition, which will be held from Wednesday, July 9, to Sunday, July13, in Charlotte, NC.

The graduating senior profile series continues for the Class of 2025

In honor of the Class of 2025, 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 23, the last day for seniors. 

Please follow along and share your support on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) as they are posted each day.

During the week of May 5-9, the series featured the following students:

Gabrielle Appenteng,

New Town High School

Gabrielle, who will study engineering, expresses her individuality through art and through clothing that she sews, crochets, and knits. She co-founded her school's United in Faith Club. 

Shawn Do,

Franklin High School

Shawn, who has been on his high school's Mock Trial team for four years, plans to pursue pre-law studies in college. He has also played varsity badminton, been a member of multiple honor societies, and a peer tutor coordinator. 

Soda Diop,

Lansdowne High School

Earning the ranks of Sergeant First Class, Platoon Leader, and Assistant Raider Commander in Lansdowne's JROTC program, Soda is preparing for a career as an Army physician. 

Kennadi Camphor, Maiden Choice School

Staff from Maiden Choice says that Kennadi, who has attended the school since age 3, has grown academically, as an athlete, and as a young woman with opinions. 

Noah Mills

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

A participant in Carver Center's Digital Instrumental Music Prime, Noah foresees a career in music therapy. He deeply appreciates the Carver Center community and the many experiences it has given him as a performer.

Parents and caregivers of young children with developmental delays invited to virtual Family Support Wednesdays

Every Wednesday throughout the year, the BCPS Office of Birth to Five Services host virtual hourlong gatherings of parents and caregivers of children ages 0-5 with developmental delays. It is designed to be a welcoming space for parents to build connections and explore resources.

Raising children with developmental delays brings unique challenges. It's easy to focus on what’s difficult and forget to celebrate successes. Each week, at Family Support Wednesdays, everyone is invited to share a "golden nugget"—a recent positive experience.

Join hourlong sessions in English every Wednesday at 10 a.m. or 1p.m. in English, or join hourlong sessions in Spanish every Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. or 3 p.m.

for your viewing pleasure

"Monarch" by Emya Owens, Grade 11, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, is featured in the annual statewide High School Juried Art Show at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Inspiring Hope Gala raises funds for foundation

On May 2, champions of education from across Baltimore County and beyond gathered at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre for the 2025 BCPS Inspiring Hope Gala. The event celebrated the outstanding students and staff of BCPS and featured Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers as keynote speaker. Funds raised via sponsorships, ticket sales, and the silent auction will support the mission-driven work of The Education Foundation of BCPS.

A new Mission Moment blog post recognizes the many community partners whose support made the fundraising event successful.

Do you have tickets for The Education Foundation's inaugural Let's Play Pickleball fundraiser?

The Education Foundation of BCPS is pleased to present the inaugural Let’s Play Pickleball fundraiser. Community members are invited to a competitive pickleball tournament, friendly pickleball clinic, Pickle Pong, networking, and more! Please join us on Thursday, May 29, from 2-5 p.m., at Copper Union, 5700 Cottonworth Ave., Baltimore 21209. All proceeds will go toward supporting the mission-driven work of the foundation.   

Sponsorships and tickets are now available.  A Mission Moment blog post offers details about ways to participate in and support this event.

Join our team!

Spread the word: BCPS is hiring! Interested candidates are encouraged to join us at an upcoming recruitment event or apply online today.

BCPS Virtual Student Support Services Job Fair

Tuesday, May 13, from 5-6 p.m.

BCPS is seeking professionals for the following positions: school social workers, school nurses, school psychologists, school counselors, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists. To participate in the virtual job fair, please visit the Teacher Recruitment Events webpage on the day of the event.  

Joint Recruitment Session for multiple positions

Wednesday, May 21

Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center (in the CCBC building), 11101 McCormick Rd., Hunt Valley 21031

BCPS is hosting an in-person recruitment event to include an information session and pre-employment scheduling. This event is for individuals interested in the following positions: building service workers, bus attendants, bus drivers, and grounds workers II. (At this session, BCPS will not be recruiting cafeteria workers.) BCPS encourages applicants to apply online prior to attending this session, but walk-ins will be accepted. For more information, please call 443-809- 7872. 

Schedule for the day:

Transportation (Bus Attendants and Bus Drivers) – 10 a.m.

Grounds Worker II – 12 p.m.

Building Service Workers – 2 p.m.

A video of the full meeting and a list of administrative appointments is available online.

A word from Dr. Rogers

May 12, 2025

Dear Reader:

Last week we recognized Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week.

This week, we proudly celebrate Pupil Personnel Worker Week. Our pupil personnel workers act as advocates and work to detect barriers to academic achievement and emotional well-being. To forge home, school, and community partnerships, they act as liaisons between various BCPS departments and a referral source to outside agencies and community resources.

As we celebrate the different roles Team BCPS members play, we hope to bring attention to the importance of all BCPS staff members. Each one of them in their own way contributes to the success of our school system and ultimately to the work of moving student progress forward.

I am so proud of our diverse, skilled, and committed team.



Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming Board and community advisory group meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: Summer learning/internships/jobs

FY2027 Capital Budget Public Hearing

Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: not yet confirmed

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Chesapeake Terrace Elementary School library,

Topic: Facilities update

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m.

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

At this meeting, the board will hear recommendations regarding the Greenleigh Community Boundary Study.