BCPS and CCBC launch new Direct Admit program for BCPS seniors -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, February 9, 2026

BCPS and CCBC launch new Direct Admit program for BCPS seniors

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers and CCBC President Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis held a joint press conference on February 6 to announce the new Direct Admit program, a simplified path to early admission, information, resources, and financial aid for many BCPS graduating seniors.

Inspired by similar, successful models from across the nation, including those at Cuyahoga Community College, Portland Community College, SUNY Westchester Community College, and Milwaukee Area Technical College, Direct Admit guarantees every BCPS graduate with a clear next step to college and/or career — regardless of GPA or background.

This spring, BCPS seniors will receive a Direct Admit email in their BCPS account with instructions to complete a short confirmation form for acceptance. That will be followed by official CCBC admission information and next steps about advising, enrollment, and tuition-free opportunities they may qualify for, including Maryland and Baltimore County College Promise programs.

More information can be found in a BCPS news release.

Announcing the 161 nominees for 2026-2027 BCPS Teacher of the Year

Through the Teacher of the Year program, BCPS seeks to elevate the teaching profession, recognize excellence in teaching, and thank all teachers for their skill, knowledge, creativity, and dedication.

This year, 161 educators were nominated by their principals, and from their applications, the BCPS Teacher of the Year committee will select BCPS Teacher of the Year finalists and the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year – who will be named during an invitation-only ceremony on Wednesday, April 29, at 4:30 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology.

Meet the nominees in a new blog post.

10 BCPS high schools named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll

Ten BCPS high schools have been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll. Rankings on this honor roll are based on the percentages of seniors taking AP exams and of those scoring a 3 or higher on the exams (which may qualify them to earn college credit).

The following BCPS schools have been honored:

Platinum

Eastern Technical High School
George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
Western School for Technology and Environmental Science

Gold

Hereford High School
Towson High School

Silver

Catonsville High School
Dulaney High School
Pikesville High School

Bronze

Franklin High School
Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts

More information can be found in a BCPS news release.

Annual Climate Survey continues

Stakeholders encouraged to participate

The annual BCPS Climate Survey is open through Friday, March 6. The survey is for all stakeholders: students in Grades 3–12, parents/guardians, community members, and all staff and focuses on school climate and engagement. It takes three minutes or less to complete and is anonymous.

Participation in the 2025 Climate Survey was the highest on record and included more than 68,000 student responses. However, parent/guardian participation was under 12,000. For all voices to be represented, BCPS encourages more parent/guardian participation in 2026.

Previous Climate Survey reports are available on the BCPS website; the annual reports may be found on the Key Reports page, and data displays are available on the Climate Survey public dashboard.

Join us for the All-County Jazz Concert

All-County Jazz Concert

Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m. (Inclement weather date: Thursday, February 19)

Dulaney High School, auditorium,

255 Padonia Rd., Timonium 21093

The 2025-2026 BCPS All-County Jazz Concert is the culmination of a rehearsal process that brings together 44 students from 15 high schools in Baltimore County. The participating high schools are Catonsville, Dulaney, Franklin, Carver Center, Hereford, Kenwood, Milford Mill Academy, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson, Western Tech, and Woodlawn. The guest conductors are Staff Sgt. Melinda Rodriguez from The U.S. Army Blues for the High School Vocal Jazz portion of the concert and Sgt. First Class Dustin Mollick from The U.S. Army Blues for the High School Instrumental Jazz portion. The approximate running time of the program is one hour and 15 minutes. The concert is free and open to the public.

Honor students' hard work at Black Excellence Program systemwide celebration

Images from the 2025 Black Excellence Program systemwide celebration

Please join us for the Black Excellence Program's systemwide celebration on Saturday, February 28, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Loch Raven High School, cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Baltimore 21286.

The BCPS Black Excellence program supports students over the course of several months as they learn about the people, places, and events of the Black experience. This year’s research prompt is: “Agents of Progress: How have individuals and events challenged injustice to inspire lasting change?” At this culminating event, students will share their research and learning through a variety of formats, including art exhibitions, recorded interviews with historians, tri-fold displays, and multimedia presentations. Community members, families, and other students will have the opportunity to ask students about their presentations.

Deadline extended to February 13 for Black History Month student writing contest

In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of English Language Arts and the Office of Social Studies are co-sponsoring a writing contest for all students in Grades K-12. A winner will be selected in each of the following grade level bands: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Prizes for winners are generously provided by The Education Foundation of BCPS.

Student writers are invited to respond to the following prompt:

2026 marks 100 years of national Black History commemorations! When Dr. Carter G. Woodson planned the first official observance of Black history, he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on the world. In recognition of 100 years of celebrating Black history, students of BCPS are invited to reflect on the power of remembrance and the importance of telling accurate and inclusive histories of African Americans. Choose an African American activist, artist, athlete, author, musician, scientist, or other public figure to spotlight. In what ways does highlighting their story contribute to an accurate and inclusive history? What part(s) of their story has left an imprint on you, and how will this shape your future contributions to your community?

All entries must be submitted to a teacher, reading specialist, or department chair by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 13. For questions, contact klochary@bcps.org.

BCPS students invited to participate in Lyric Baltimore's Dream Big Contest

Lyric Baltimore's Dream Big Contest is an annual competition for Baltimore City and Baltimore County students in Grades 5-12 that invites them to submit creative works reflecting their dreams for a better world.

Students can enter an original poem, essay, video, musical composition, or artwork. Submissions must submitted online by Friday, February 20.

Top finalists will present their work at the Dream Big Celebration on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. at Lyric Baltimore. Contest winners will receive cash prizes and awards.

Share your Black History Month plans with us!

How will your school/office recognize Black History Month this February? The Department of Communications and Community Outreach seeks information regarding upcoming activities and celebrations.

Please complete this brief form by Friday, February 13, to share your plans with us.

High school students encouraged to register for CCBC/BCPS Student Career Expo

High school students can register now for the 2026 CCBC/BCPS Student Career Expo to take place on Wednesday, February 18, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the CCBC Essex Wellness and Athletics Center.

Participants will learn about internships, career opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development initiatives and will meet employers and CCBC representatives.

Transportation will be provided for high school students. To attend, students should register with their school's career navigator. The snow date for the event is Wednesday, Feb. 25.

The career expo is presented by CCBC, BCPS, and the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development.

Nominations sought!

Baltimore County "Young Woman of the Year" nominations open through March 16

The Baltimore County Commission for Women is accepting nominations for its annual “Young Woman of the Year” award.

To be eligible for this award, nominees must be high school seniors attending a Baltimore County school. These young women should be proven leaders who have made an extraordinary impact on their school and community through volunteering. Additionally, nominees must have resided in Baltimore County for a minimum of three years.

Please note that previous winners and elected officials are not eligible for nomination.

Nominations are due by 4 p.m., Monday, March 16. Complete details and the nomination form are available online.

School counseling award nominations open through March 20

The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development seeks nominations from the Team BCPS community for:

Rookie Counselor of the Year Nomination Form (Less than 5 years experience)

School Counselor of the Year (at least 5 years experience)

Counseling Advocate of the Year

Questions? Contact Jessica DeShields or Jen Abbe at 443-809-0291.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

Save the date for the annual Mind Over Matters conference on Wednesday, March 18

BCPS is hosting its annual Mind Over Matter Annual Conference to raise awareness about the importance of children’s mental health and substance use prevention.

There will be two events on Wednesday, March 18, at Medstar Franklin Square Hospital Conference Center. Each event will include a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and a vendor fair.

• For middle and high school students (selected by their schools): 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m.

• For parents/caregivers: 5 - 7:30 p.m.

More information will be coming soon!

for your viewing pleasure

"Elara the Last Dragon" by Bryan S., Grade 5, Victory Villa Elementary School. This artwork is part of the BCPS Winter Art Exhibition. The entire exhibition of more than 220 submitted works can be viewed online.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

Designer Bag Bingo 2026! Another fashionable success!

On January 29, The Education Foundation's 3rd Annual Designer Bag Bingo event attracted nearly 470 attendees to play bingo to win designer handbags. More than $30,000 was raised and will go directly to supporting BCPS students, educators, and school communities.

A new Mission Moment blog post shares more details about the event and thanks sponsors, in-kind donors, bingo callers, volunteers, committee members, support staff, and participants! More photos from the event can be found on Flickr.

View the meeting and see the administrative appointments online.

a word from Dr. Rogers

February 9, 2026

Dear Reader:

As Valentine's Day approaches, I would like to express, once again, my deep appreciation and gratitude for Team BCPS. Every day, staff, students, volunteers, families, and community partners impress me with their dedication to academic progress.

Please help us celebrate our shared commitment to excellence by sharing positive news with our Department of Communications and Community Outreach. News about awards won, innovative classroom lessons, community partnerships, and more can be submitted to communications@bcps.org.

The story ideas you share with us become social media posts, blog posts, newsletter stories, news releases, and more. When we celebrate our achievements, we inspire even higher achievements, attract more partners and supporters, and raise the profiles of our hardworking staff, students, and volunteers.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent