Monday, June 8, 2026

27 students from 13 high schools honored during 38th Annual High School Art Exhibition reception

"Unnatural Selection" by Jayden Cole, Parkville High School

Twenty-seven student artists from 13 high schools received awards, and 10 students from six high schools earned scholarships, during a June 5 reception and awards ceremony for BCPS’ 38th Annual High School Art Exhibition.

Multiple awards (listed in a recent news release) were presented by BCPS and its community partners, including the Baltimore Watercolor Society; Azrael, Franz, Schwab, Lipowitz & Solter, LLC, law firm; Diana and Sondra Spencer; and the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. The winners of the Superintendent's Awards, Teachers' Choice Awards, and People's Choice Awards will be announced later.

For the reception and awards ceremony, Hannah’s Café donated refreshments, and Blick Art Materials provided award bundles. The exhibition, which will be open through Friday, July 31, is sponsored by the BCPS Office of Integrated Arts and Towson University.

The juried exhibition, on display at The Towson University StarTUp at The Armory (307 Washington Ave, Towson 21204), features the work of 124 student artists from across the county. All 24 comprehensive high schools are represented as well as the Online Learning Program and the public separate day schools (Battle Monument, Maiden Choice, and Ridge Ruxton).

Seeking community members to participate on interview panel for superintendent candidates

On Wednesday, June 17, from about 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the Board of Education will hold final interviews for the superintendent candidates. In addition to representatives from the unions, school system-affiliated groups, and students, Ray & Associates will randomly select 15 individual community members to participate. 

Interested Baltimore County residents may register online beginning Monday, June 8, through 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15. All who register will receive a confirmation informing them of their status. Only one registration per person will be accepted. More information can also be found on the Board of Education’s Superintendent Search webpage.

Hebbville and Arbutus elementary schools earn grand prizes at 12th anniversary Clean Green celebration

Celebration awards $41,000 to 29 BCPS schools, kicks off the 2026-27 competition

On June 3, Baltimore County’s Clean Green 15 Litter Challenge program rewarded outstanding school clean-up efforts with more than $41,000 in environmental literacy grant prizes.

The following prizes were awarded:

Hebbville Elementary School

Arbutus Elementary School

Baltimore Community Foundation Green Boost Grant Awards ($1,000 each)

More photos from the awards ceremony can be found on Flickr.

Join us this evening, June 8, for the 20th Annual BCPS Middle & High School All-County Honors Dance Ensemble Gala Concert

BCPS All-County Honors Dance Ensemble will hold its culminating performance this evening, Monday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m., at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204. The gala concert is free and open to the public.

The middle schools represented in the ensemble are Deer Park Magnet, Dundalk, Franklin, Loch Raven Technical Academy, Middle River, Pikesville, Sudbrook Magnet, and Windsor Mill. The high schools represented in the ensemble are Franklin, George Washington Carver Center, Milford Mill Academy, New Town, Owings Mills, and Perry Hall.

recent honors

Santina Jannotti of Carver Center named finalist for 2026 Maryland School Librarian of the Year

Hebbville Elementary, Middle River Middle, and Dundalk High library media specialists also nominated for the honor

The Maryland Association of School Librarians has named Santina Jannotti, library media specialist at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, as one of 10 finalists for the Maryland School Librarian of the Year Award. This award honors a school librarian for exemplary service and outstanding achievements in the field of school library media. The recipient of the award will be announced at the Maryland Association of School Librarians Conference on October 16.

In addition, three other BCPS library media specialists were among the 32 nominees for the award: Capathia Campbell of Hebbville Elementary School, Courtney Goldbeck of Middle River Middle School, and Mairead Navin of Dundalk High School.

Santina Jannotti, Carver Center

Capathia Campbell, Hebbville Elementary School

Courtney Goldbeck,

Middle River Middle School

Mairead Navin,

Dundalk High School.

Towson High student Vishvak Gernapudi named one of 20 USA Biolympiad National Finalists

Vishvak Gernapudi, a Grade 10 student in the Law & Public Policy program at Towson High School, has been named a 2026 USA Biolympiad National Finalist, one of only 20 in the nation.

As a national finalist, Gernapudi will compete at the 2026 USA Biolympiad National Finals, hosted by the Center for Excellence in Education at Harvard University, from June 21 to July 2. The program will include 10 days of learning advanced biological concepts and exacting lab skills followed by two days of testing. From the 20 finalists, four students will earn the honor of representing the United States at the 37th International Biology Olympiad. 

Photos from 2026 commencement exercises can be found on Flickr.

Final 2025-2026 episode of CTE Show available for viewing

The latest episode of The CTE Show, the last one of the school year, features a story about a student intern in the Office of Career and Technical Education; highlights from two of BCPS' many Career and Technology Student Organizations: Future Business Leaders of America at Hereford High School and the Society of Women Engineers at Overlea High School; and looks at the BCPS CTE Advisory Council.

In recognition of Pride Month, the Mind Over Matters campaign provides a variety of resources and activities for students, families, and staff.

Everyone belongs in Team BCPS!

Every summer since 2018, BCPS has invited its students, teachers, and staff to share stories about their summer activities and adventures on the BCPS blog. The invitation to contribute to the Summer Stories series is extended again this year. To submit a blog post or suggest a story idea, please write to communications@bcps.org. We want to know about your summer jobs/internships/externships, vacations, creative projects, competitions, camps, and more!

around the county

Featherbed Lane Elementary School held a volunteer and partner appreciation breakfast.

Watershed Public Charter School welcomed dozens of professionals for a career fair and classroom visits on its Career Day.

Representatives of the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation, ABC Baltimore, and Milwaukee Tools visited Chesapeake High School to engage students in hands-on projects related to HVAC and plumbing and share more about the trade career path.

Save the date for BCPSfest 2026 –

Saturday, August 22

BCPSfest 2026 is the annual back-to-school festival designed to spark excitement about learning and to connect students and their families to school system and community resources.

This year, the event will be held at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., in Owings Mills 21117, on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (rain or shine).

Any questions about the event can be directed to Diana Spencer at dspencer4@bcps.org or Jill Stephenson at jstephenson@bcps.org.

for parents/caregivers

from BCPS Parent University

Families invited to virtual information sessions on revised PreK-8 mathematics standards

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is hosting Virtual Family Information Sessions this month regarding its revised mathematics standards for PreKindergarten to Grade 8.

During the information sessions, families will learn what to expect in the upcoming year; explore tools such as the Numeracy Development Framework and Family Guides; and learn more about using MSDE resources to support student learning at home.



Virtual meeting links will be sent to all who register prior to each event. Registration for each event will close 1 hour prior to the start time. Participants are encouraged to pre-submit questions when completing registration form.

Pick a date that works for you:

• Wednesday, June 10, from 12 -1:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 18, from 6:30-8 p.m.
• Saturday, June 27, from 9:30-11 a.m.

Register for a virtual session now. Any questions about this event should be sent to mathematics.msde@maryland.gov.

Discovery Quest invites families to explore Baltimore City attractions

Beginning this summer, families are invited to have adventures across Baltimore City through Discovery Quest. Visit any of 14 participating locations to pick up a Discovery Quest passport. By completing Quest activities at each location, families can earn collectible charms and a mystery prize. The program runs through December 31.

Please note that participating locations include both free and paid admission sites. Be sure to check each location’s website for ticketing details and any available discounts.

for your viewing pleasure

"Afternoon Tea" by Kamryn Mason, Woodlawn High School. This painting received the inaugural Milton and Marian Spencer Prize at the 38th Annual BCPS High School Art Exhibition and is on display at the StarTUp at Towson University (307 Washington Ave, Towson 21204) through Friday, July 31.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

The Education Foundation prepared for a jam-packed summer

Summer 2026 will be an exciting one for The Education Foundation. Over the summer, the foundation will host its annual school supply drive, continue renovations at the Exchangerees, revamp its volunteer program, and more.

To accomplish all this, the Exchangerees will be closed from June 12-July 31 (and previously scheduled shopping days on June 16 and June 25 have been cancelled). Educators interested in picking up supplies and resources can take advantage of one more shopping date: Thursday, June 11, from 3-6 p.m., at the Exchangeree Windsor Mill, 2034 Lord Baltimore Dr., Suite F, 21244.

Learn more about The Education Foundation's latest plans in its newest Mission Moment blog post.

a word from Dr. Rogers

June 8, 2026

Dear Reader:

The spring commencement season has ended, and more than 7,000 new BCPS graduates are off to succeed in their next endeavors.

It was my great honor to attend commencements this year and to shake the hands of so many impressive young people.

With our peerless educators and administrators offering inspiration, instruction, and support, the Class of 2026 has already achieved so much in our schools and far beyond our schools. Through our magnet and career and technical education programs, many graduates have developed strong industry-specific skills and certifications as well as work experiences. Across the county, many graduates found professional mentors through paid apprenticeships. Our sports coaches have supported young people in learning valuable life lessons about practice and teamwork. Through student government, clubs, Model United Nations and more, these new graduates gained leadership experience at the school, local, state, and national level. They created award-winning art and successfully competed in various skills competitions. They launched businesses. They championed the causes most important to them. Through our partnerships, they have earned college credits, performed onstage with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and learned valuable financial literacy and workplace readiness skills.

We are proud that we could provide so many opportunities to support the growth of these outstanding young people. We are proud of their intellectual curiosity, creativity, practicality, and dedication. Many thanks to their parents and caregivers for being their first teachers and most important role models.

I ended my commencement addresses by reminding our new graduates that while they may be leaving our classrooms, they will always remain a part of BCPS. We will be cheering them on and happy to lend a helping hand along their journey.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Upcoming Board and community meetings

All are welcome to attend

PTA Council of Baltimore County: Leadership Training Session and Scholarship/Reflections/Service-Learning Award Presentations

Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m.

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

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, June 9, at 6:30 p.m.

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