Superintendent launches Stakeholder Achievement Advisory Group -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, November 3, 2025

Superintendent establishes a Stakeholder Achievement Advisory Group

The newly launched Superintendent's Stakeholder Achievement Advisory Group recently gathered for its first meeting with Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers.

Ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, Dr. Rogers announced the launch of the advisory group. Parents/guardians, staff members, students, and community leaders were invited to apply. From more than 280 applications, 35 members were selected.

“This advisory group represents the many diverse perspectives and experiences that make Baltimore County Public Schools strong,” said Dr. Rogers. “I look forward to meeting with these dedicated stakeholders throughout the school year and collaborating with them on innovative strategies and initiatives that will fast forward student success."

The members of the advisory group are:

Community members/Stakeholders

• Mary Adkins

• Angela Anderson-Cobb

• William Belk II

• Marietta English

• William (Barry) Evans

• Florence Falatko

• Jonaye Ford

• Lisa Frank

• Cindy Jones

• Lynn Lawings

• Kristina Maxwell

• Lynn McCamie

• Patrick McCusker

• Dr. Latasha McFarland

• Kate Poole

• Daniel Schmidt

• Sherrie Shelton

• Keeley Thomas

• Terry Woodfolk

Parents/Caregivers of BCPS students

• Lauren Benjamin

• Donna Broadway

• Kelly Hamburg

• Stacey Hawkins

• Elisabeth Jarrett

• Elysia Mahjoub

• Dr. Kisha McCray

• Omotola Victoria Oginni

• Jasaan Qiydaar

• Rachel Skinner

• Susan Tossman

• Monica Wiedel-Lubinski

• Erica Williams

• Pamela Wruble

Students

• Bakeel Al-Anesi

• Safora Noor

More information about the members can be found in a recent news release.

5 BCPS elementary schools among the top 25 in Maryland, according to U.S. News and World Report

Pinewood Elementary School ranked second best overall;

Watershed Public Charter School ranked fifth best charter elementary school

Last week, U.S. News and World Report used state data to rank elementary schools in each state based on mathematics and reading proficiency and performance. Five BCPS elementary schools posted in the top 25, with Pinewood Elementary School ranking second highest in Maryland.

Pinewood Elementary School, ranked #2
West Towson Elementary School, ranked #6
Chapel Hill Elementary School, ranked #11
Rodgers Forge Elementary School, ranked #16
Timonium Elementary School, ranked #18

In addition, U.S. News named the top charter elementary schools in Maryland, and Watershed Public Charter School, the only charter school in BCPS, ranked fifth highest.

Join us for Community Conversations on the FY27 operating budget!

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers is hosting five Community Conversations to gather input regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budget. Staff, families, and stakeholders are encouraged to join us from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, November 6

Vincent Farm Elementary School, 6019 Ebenezer Rd., White Marsh 21162

Tuesday, November 11

Westchester Elementary School, 2300 Old Frederick Rd., Catonsville 21228

Thursday, November 13

Woodholme Elementary School, 300 Mount Wilson Ln., Pikesville 21208

Thursday, November 20

Colgate Elementary School, 7735 Gough St., Baltimore 21224

Monday, November 24

Mays Chapel Elementary School, 12250 Roundwood Rd., Timonium 21093

BCPS celebrates National School Psychology Week 2025

The theme of National School Psychology Week 2025 (November 3-7) is “Find Your Path.” In honor of the theme and to celebrate the amazing school psychologists who serve BCPS, the blog conducted short interviews with two of them.

School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and others to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior to help children and youth succeed socially, behaviorally, emotionally, and academically.

Bradley Leposa

A Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Leposa earned a doctorate and master's degree from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor's degree from Vassar College. He is assigned to Battle Monument School, Ridge Ruxton School, and Villa Cresta Elementary School.

Christina Robinson

A Nationally Certified School Psychologist, Robinson has earned a Certificate of Advanced Study, a master's degree in school psychology, and a bachelor's degree in psychology and applied adult disabilities studies from Towson University. She is assigned to Chase Elementary School and General John Stricker Middle School.

Join our team! BCPS Fall Job Fair on November 4

Tuesday, November 4,

from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

938 York Rd., Towson 21204

At this job fair, BCPS will recruit candidates for a wide-range of positions including teachers, related service positions (occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists), nurses, school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, additional adult support positions, bus drivers, building service workers, substitute nurses, food service workers, senior HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) mechanics, senior building automation systems technicians, and grounds workers. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. BCPS encourages applicants to apply online prior to attending this job fair.

Lansdowne-area young men gather for a leadership conference

On October 16, young men from Lansdowne-area feeder schools gathered at First Financial Federal Credit Union headquarters in Sparks for "Promises of Tomorrow," a daylong leadership conference featuring workshops, discussions, and speakers on education, entrepreneurship, and service. Participants were boys in Grades 5-10 from Arbutus, Baltimore Highlands, Halethorpe, Lansdowne, Relay, and Riverview elementary schools; Arbutus and Lansdowne middle schools; and Lansdowne High School.

November 3 is the deadline for Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 nominations

Now in its fourth year, JA 18 Under 18, in partnership with Baltimore magazine, shines a light on young people who are launching businesses and nonprofits, creating award-winning art, leading public health initiatives, and strengthening their communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. These students embody the spirit of leadership, creativity, and service.

Winners are featured in the May 2026 issue of Baltimore magazine and also at an event in May 2026. Additionally, honorees will participate in a year-long leadership program that will provide networking opportunities among their peers and with C-Suite executives.

Anyone can nominate a student. Students in Grades 6-11 are eligible, and nominations close on Monday, November 3.

Community invited to a November 4 town hall on juvenile justice reform

The District 10 Unity Team Town Hall on juvenile justice reform will be held on Tuesday, November 4, at Owings Mills High School, 124 S. Tollgate Rd., Owings Mills 21117. A resource fair on juvenile services will begin at 5:30 p.m. Doors will open for the town hall at 6:15 p.m.

Guest speaker Betsy Fox Tolentino, secretary of the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, will lead a discussion about emerging practices in juvenile justice, progress in implementing juvenile justice reform, and challenges facing communities, legislators, and law enforcement agencies. The event will be moderated by Maryland State Delegate N. Scott Phillips.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

Mark your calendar for upcoming BCPS/CCBC Financial Aid Information Sessions

Members of the Class of 2026 and their parents/caregivers are invited to join BCPS school counselors and Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) representatives for a comprehensive review of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the financial aid process. The sessions will include tips for completing the application and opportunities to ask questions and receive personalized assistance. Registration recommended. In preparation for this event, attendees are asked to obtain Federal Student Aid IDs and bring a BCPS-issued computer.

Library workshop focuses on boundaries and consent

Baltimore County Public Library is offering a free "Empower Your Parenting" workshop for families on teaching kids about boundaries and consent. The workshop is offered in collaboration with TurnAround and will explore types of boundaries, the pillars of consent, and tips to guide children with confidence and care. Children are welcome to attend with their caregivers. The following are upcoming dates and locations in 2025:

Wednesday, November 12, from 10-11 a.m.

Catonsville branch, 1100 Frederick Rd., Catonsville 21228

Thursday, December 4, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Reisterstown Branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Rd., Reisterstown 21136

BCPS families invited to Wellness Weekend

Kaiser Permanente Mid Atlantic invites BCPS families to a Welcome to Wellness Weekend — a free, family-friendly experience designed to make wellness fun, local, and accessible for everyone.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 8, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and on Sunday, November 9, from 12-4 p.m. at Kaiser Permanente's Lutherville-Timonium Medical Center, 2391 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093. The event will feature:

Fall festival experiences with local vendors, a live DJ, raffle prizes, yoga sessions, flu shots, and interactive wellness stations
Kids Zone activities promoting healthy habits through games and face painting
On-site Q&As with Kaiser Permanente doctors and health professionals

for your viewing pleasure

"Autumn Festival" by Tiffany C., Grade 8, Catonsville Middle School,

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Give The Education Foundation a "High $5" for its birthday

The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., celebrated its 33rd birthday on October 26 with a new High $5 Campaign. Patrons of the Exchangerees – the foundation’s resource centers where BCPS educators shop at no cost to themselves all year long – were asked to make $5 donations to go toward the redesign of the Exchangeree in Windsor Mill.

Thanks to the generosity of our patrons and community members, the inaugural High $5 birthday campaign raised $604. The foundation invites all to join in belated birthday celebrations with High $5 donations or by supporting one or more of its fall 2025 campaigns.

a word from Dr. Rogers

November 3, 2025

Dear Reader:

Issues that impact our families and the health and wellbeing of our students are of utmost importance to BCPS, and we are committed to providing comprehensive resources and support.

These are particularly trying times for those affected by the federal government shutdown and impending funding halt for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

A new staff and community update, available in English and Spanish, lists many available services provided by BCPS, the county, the state, and area nonprofit organizations. Please review the full message for additional information.

To support all students and families, BCPS continues to serve breakfast and lunch at all schools, free of charge, every school day. Snack and supper programs are also available in many schools to support students who participate in afterschool activities.

Beyond free meals, approximately 60% of BCPS schools are Community Schools, offering additional services to their students and families, such as access to food and other essential resources. The Community Schools webpage lists designated schools and their contacts.

Our student support services team (which includes school counselors, social workers, pupil personnel workers, and psychologists) stands ready to assist all families with accessing resources to address their particular needs.

We want our families to know that we stand alongside them ready to assist in whatever ways we can.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent