Building a community of readers at Dundalk High School -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, March 30, 2026

Building a community of readers

How Dundalk High School brought back the joy of books with silent, sustained reading

This school year, the practice of "Silent, Sustained Reading" (SSR) – setting aside class time for students to read what they like – is reshaping the culture of Dundalk High School.

A new blog post written by two Dundalk High educators – Library Media Specialist Mairead Navin and English Department Chair Melissa Arment – describes what led the school to institute SSR, how it works, and the initial results.

From the post:

We are only partway through the year, but the changes are already underway.

Our library circulation has more than doubled compared to last year. We are already at over 4,800 books checked out and counting! There are students who had never checked out a book before who have now checked out and read multiple books!

Within the first month, teachers noticed a clear increase in reading stamina. By February, students were transferring these skills to math class, demonstrating stronger persistence when engaging in multiple reads of word problems.

Students share reviews posted in hallways to recommend books to peers.

Staff share their personal reading lives by posting what they are currently reading on signs outside their rooms.

Sandy Plains Elementary recognized as Maryland Emerging Science of Reading School

On March 24, the Maryland State Board of Education and Maryland State Department of Education recognized Sandy Plains Elementary School as one of five Maryland Emerging Science of Reading Schools. Sandy Plains was honored for demonstrating a strong commitment to high-quality literacy instruction and for achieving "exceptional participation in the SUNY New Paltz Science of Reading micro-credential course," with more than 70% of staff completing the rigorous training.

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

Partnership Profile: Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts

A partnership worth amplifying

Dulaney and Loch Raven high school students visiting Sheffield

Less than a year ago, Tion Kennedy graduated from Randallstown High School with a diploma, a dream of working in photography, videography, and/or sound, and a full-ride scholarship to attend the Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. His scholarship enabled him to study audio engineering. Now he is also pursuing video production credentials at Sheffield.

According to Dr. Brian Schneckenburger, a music specialist in the BCPS Office of Integrated Arts and past president of the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA), BCPS and Sheffield had an “on and off” relationship for decades. Then, four years ago, Schneckenburger met Jeff Mund of Sheffield at an MMEA conference. “Jeff was part of a new ownership group for Sheffield and was talking about how he wanted to do more with Baltimore County Public Schools,” Schneckenburger says. “We talked about his vision and about what BCPS was doing in terms of music and audio technology instruction and about the needs of our teachers and students. From there, we started a partnership that continues to grow. It’s a wonderful industry partnership right in our backyard.”

Now each year, Sheffield offers $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors at each high school and one full-ride scholarship for a BCPS graduate; professional development for BCPS art, music, and career and technology education teachers; and open house days for BCPS families. Kennedy was the first BCPS graduate to receive a full-ride scholarship. In addition, Sheffield staff make presentations in BCPS classrooms and at the BCPS Employee Development Center, and they have invited BCPS staff to use Sheffield studios for their own creative projects.

A new Partnership Profile delves deeper into the partnership.

On field trips to Sheffield, BCPS students get a glimpse into the world of media production. Groups from (left to right) Hereford, Franklin, and Perry Hall high schools

STEM Center opens at Dundalk Middle School

On March 24, Dundalk Middle School celebrated the opening of its new STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Center. Supported by the Cal Ripken Senior Foundation, Exelon, and BGE, the program provides new equipment and resources to facilitate interactive learning, such as coding, engineering challenges, and building projects. More photos from the event can be found on Flickr.

Commitment to professional development

Since 2023, BCPS has made record investments in teacher training and professional development for all staff. Having highly effective teachers and school and central-office leadership teams in BCPS has made a significant difference in our work to fast forward student achievement and improve operational efficiency.

Highlights of the investments and strategic efforts include:

Provided more than 60 days of systemwide professional development and training sessions for thousands of school-based and central office employees. Training at this scale had not occurred in BCPS for more than a decade.

Trained thousands of teachers and more than 300 administrators in the principles of Research for Better Teaching.

Acquired a dedicated space to facilitate cutting-edge professional learning activities. The 65,000-square-foot Employee Development Center facility provides a flexible learning environment for BCPS staff and hosts a range of professional development activities including individual skill development sessions, small group learning communities, and large-scale training opportunities.

Enhanced support for educators pursuing advanced certification, which has led to a rapid rise in the number of BCPS teachers completing the challenging National Board certification process.

Launched systemwide Professional Learning Communities (PLC) across schools and offices to strengthen collaboration and foster continuous improvement.

Developed multiple programs and initiatives to support staff advancement and growth, including ASPIRE BCPS, AA to Para Program, Growing Our Own, Teacher Apprentice program, and Standards of Excellence.

'Tis the season for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten registration

It is time to register children for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

PreKindergarten 3

Only students whose homeschool offers a PreK3 program may register for the program. Parents/guardians who wish to register their child for enrollment in a PreK3 class should contact their home school.

PreKindergarten 4

BCPS hosts half-day and full-day sessions of PreK4. Interested parents should contact their neighborhood school regarding program availability and specific dates and procedures for PreK4 screening.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is required for all students living in Maryland. A child is eligible to enroll in Kindergarten when they turn 5 years old on or before September 1 of the year in which the child is seeking enrollment. Parents should contact their neighborhood elementary school to register their child for Kindergarten.

Parents may also call the Department of Early Childhood Programs at 443-809-4313 for more information.

Lutherville Lab Elementary hosts Community Entrepreneur Fair featuring dozens of student-run mini-businesses

recent honors

BCPS celebrates its 2025-26 winter athletics state champions

Please join us in celebrating our high school teams and student athletes recognized as state champions for the 2025-26 winter athletics season. Notable accomplishments from the season include third consecutive state championships for the Woodlawn High School girls indoor track team and Perry Hall High School wrestler Victor Marks-Jenkins, who capped his high school career with a record of 199-1. A full list of the season's champions is available in a BCPS news release.

Woodlawn High School

girls indoor track team

Victor Marks-Jenkins (third from left), wrestler, Perry Hall High School

BCPS Communications Officer Diana Spencer named CHESPRA School Communicator of the Year

On March 23, Diana Spencer was surprised with the news that she is the Chesapeake School Public Relations Association (CHESPRA) School Communicator of the Year.

Nominated by colleagues Charles Herndon, Sam Lister, and Jill Stephenson, Spencer's impact as a 21-year veteran of the BCPS communications team is unmistakable.

Diana Spencer (left) with her sister, Sondra Spencer

She has done it all, from leading the annual BCPSfest back-to-school festival to producing the system's weekly newsletter and annual calendars to co-creating the annual haiku competition to growing the system's online blog and much, much more.

Carver Center, Patapsco, and Towson high students earn 21 National Scholastic Art & Writing medals

BCPS students have earned 21 National Medals in the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers’ prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Program, the nation’s longest running arts recognition program for students in Grades 7-12.

This year, more than 110,000 teens from the U.S.and Canada participated in the awards program, entering more than 335,000 works for adjudication. Of those, fewer than 3,000 works received National Medals.

Maryland students earned 59 medals, and George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology students earned 31% of those. The list of honored students can be found in a BCPS news release.

Youth Art Month ends with weekend of music and art

On Friday, March 27, more than 2,000 BCPS students were joined by BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers, Board of Education Chair Jane Lichter, and other educators and family members for the 40th annual "Side-by-Side" concert. During this concert, talented BCPS high school students from across the county performed onstage with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra members at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. A highlight of the morning was the 2026 Young Soloist, Stella Wong, a Grade 9 student at Dulaney High School, playing the third movement of the “Violin Concerto in E minor” by Felix Mendelssohn, accompanied by BSO musicians.

On Saturday, March 28, families filled the Baltimore Museum of Art for the closing reception of the annual "Art is for Everyone!" exhibition, which featured hundreds of artworks by BCPS students in PreKindergarten through Grade 12. This year marks the 38th time the museum has hosted this BCPS student art exhibition.

As a special gift to attendees, the museum offered free entrance to the sold-out "Amy Sherald: American Sublime" exhibition.

Registration still open for BCPS dance and music enrichment programs

Families encouraged to register promptly

Registration is still open for BCPS dance and music camps. Enrollment priority will be given to current BCPS students and children of BCPS staff. All camps will cost $185 per student, which includes a camp T-shirt or tote bag and bus transportation (if needed). Fee waivers are available for students who do not have permanent or adequate housing. Financial assistance and payment plans can be requested. Translated camp information is available on the summer camp websites.

Summer Dance Intensive

Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244.
Open to students in Grades 5-12.
Summer Dance Intensive registration form

Summer Music Camp

Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall 21236
Open to students in Grades 5-12 who are enrolled in their school’s music program.
Summer Music Camp registration form

New episode of "Entertainment Blvd" available for viewing

Joey Leon, an Eastern Technical High School student, hosts the latest episode of "Entertainment Blvd," which features performances by the Arbutus Middle School Jazz Band, Festival Choir, and Chamber Orchestra.

for parents/caregivers

from BCPS Parent University

Parent University Lunch & Learn Workshop: “You’ve Found a Job – Now What?”

Friday, April 17, at 12:30 p.m.

This virtual workshop, presented by Joe Harber of the Center for Family Success, will explore ways to make starting a new job less stressful; basic labor laws designed to protect all employees; and more about the “gig economy,” including some benefits and challenges of being your own boss. Registration required.

“Create with Kindness: Learn, Share, and Build Safer Online Spaces” workshop

Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., Essex 21221

The Eastern Tech PTSA invites high school families from around the county to participate in a workshop and discussion about online safety. The free event includes dinner and a drawing for door prizes. Registration required. This event is presented by the Eastern Tech PTSA with support from TikTok and in collaboration with National PTA.

for your viewing pleasure

"Amate Bark Inspired" by Bih N. B., Grade 5, Church Lane Elementary School. This artwork is part of the 2025-2026 Superintendent's Gallery Online Exhibition. The entire exhibition of more than 280 submitted works can be viewed online.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Announcing the spring 2026 Little Free Library Read in Color grantees

On March 18, the recipients of the Spring 2026 Little Free Library Read In Color Expansion Grant came together to celebrate their wins and learn about stewardship. Each took home a Little Free Library and more than 50 new diverse books.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Spring 2026 Little Free Library Read in Color Expansion Grant:

The Arc of Baltimore: Arista Williams, Director of Community Living

Baltimore County Arts Guild: Monica Herber, Director

Halstead Academy: Anthony Schultz, Principal, and Megan Lea, LFL Steward

Harford Hills Elementary School: Lisa Balmages, Principal, and Sonya Swift and Stacy Bryan, LFL Stewards

Middle River Middle School: William Brown, Principal, and Courtney Goldbeck, LFL Steward

Middleborough Elementary School: Sharon Fischer, Principal, and Kelly Greer, LFL Steward

Padonia International Elementary School: Jennifer Hernandez, Principal

The Second Chance Concept House: Mary Blake Foster

These sites are now part of The Education Foundation’s Family Network of more than 150 Little Free Libraries in the Greater Baltimore region. The stewards will plant their Little Free Libraries on or before June 15.

A new Mission Moment blog post shares more about The Education Foundation's network of Little Free Libraries, their impact, and how to support them.

Watch the full meeting and view administrative appointments online.

a word from Dr. Rogers

March 30, 2026

Dear Reader:

I am excited to share excellent news from Friday’s budget update with Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. In her proposed FY 2027 operating budget, the county executive will allocate $9.3 million in additional funding for BCPS—allowing us to restore 140.3 critical school-based positions.

These restorations include:

92.8 elementary classroom positions, maintaining current staffing formulas for Grades 1–5.
37.5 middle school classroom positions, improving the staffing ratio to 1:24.
10 assistant principal positions, primarily supporting our high schools.

We are grateful for the additional funds from the county executive and want to thank her for her commitment to Team BCPS. Throughout this budget process, she remained resolute in her desire to provide more funding for BCPS to help address the growing needs of our students, recognize the dedication of our talented workforce, and maintain the record investments we’ve made in early childhood education, curriculum, special education, recruitment and retention, professional learning, infrastructure, school support, community schools, and safety and climate.

This investment reflects the real progress our students and schools are making. Over the past three years, BCPS has:

Added nearly 2,100 seats in PreKindergarten.
Implemented a new elementary literacy curriculum aligned to state standards and teaching the science of reading, which has resulted in a decrease in the number of students needing end-of-year intensive reading support.
Been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education as one of seven school systems with significant increases in student literacy proficiency rates from 2023 to 2025.
Earned nine out of the top 10 elementary school rankings in Maryland.
Demonstrated improved outcomes on the 2026 Maryland Report Card.

These are just a few highlights of our system’s accomplishments and why this work to fast forward matters. While these additional funds are limited, they represent targeted, impactful investments that strengthen our schools and position us to continue moving forward—together. This moment underscores the power of partnership and our shared belief in the boundless potential of Team BCPS students and staff.

The county executive will present her proposed budget to the Baltimore County Council in April, and the council will review and take action on the budget in May. We will keep you updated as the budget moves through the final stages of the process.

In the meantime, enjoy your spring break. We'll see everyone back in school on Monday, April 13.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent