Thursday, March 6, 2025

Previous editions of the BCPS Staff Bulletin are archived and available for viewing on the BCPS website.

Register for professional development opportunities today!

BCPS is dedicated to enhancing and aligning learning opportunities for all Team BCPS staff, recognizing that engaging, effective professional development is essential to our system's progress. Registration is open for two upcoming opportunities:

March 31 - Systemwide professional development day

Monday, March 31, is designed as a systemwide professional development. Teachers and paraeducators should report to their school building or the designated location for in-person professional learning, unless otherwise specified.

Paraeducators are encouraged to register for sessions related to the content they support. Special educators will receive three hours for planning and case management. Special educators can work remotely provided they can access the student data systems. More details, including session information and locations, can be found on the March 31 Professional Development Day webpage.

Summer professional development for staff: Registration is now open - March 17 deadline

Registration is now open for Summer 2025 Professional Development! BCPS educators, paraeducators, and identified SEL support staff must register through the Registration System by March 17. Participants will receive early access to 2025-26 teaching and content expectations during sessions on June 23 and 24, 2025.

Those unable to attend the summer sessions will access this information during the August 19 professional development activities. Ten-month staff will be compensated for participation. More information is available on the Summer Professional Development webpage.

FEATURED VIDEO

Hundreds gather to celebrate student achievement and research projects at systemwide Black Excellence Program culminating event

More than 140 BCPS students and 300 family and community members gathered at Loch Raven High School on February 22 for the systemwide celebration of the BCPS Black Excellence Program. This year, 18 elementary and seven middle schools hosted Black Excellence clubs, which facilitate students learning more about Black history and culture through book studies, knowledge competitions, and/or independent research.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Reminder: Pay advance option for BCPS salaried employees

BCPS salaried employees (CASE, OPE, TABCO, and salaried non-represented) employees will be moving to pay in arrears on July 1, as we transition to the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System-Oracle. Impacted staff received an email on February 7 with instructions on how to opt-in to receive the pay advance. This is a reminder, if you intend to opt-in to receive the pay advance, you must complete the enrollment form by April 30. Information regarding pay in arrears can be found on the Office of Payroll website, under the tab Pay In Arrears.

Questions regarding this information should be directed to the Office of Payroll at officeofpayroll@bcps.org.

• Coming next week: 2025 BCPS Job Fairs!

BCPS is hosting three job fairs to connect interested professionals to job opportunities in three geographic zones of the county. Job candidates are asked to bring resumes and be prepared for possible interviews. BCPS employee benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. To view the full list of schools participating in each fair, and/or to begin a job application, candidates can visit the BCPS careers webpage.

• •East Zone Job Fair - March 11 from 5-7 p.m.

Dundalk High School

1901 Delvale Ave., Dundalk 21222

• •West Zone Job Fair - March 12 from 5 -7 p.m.

Catonsville High School

421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228

• • Central Zone Job Fair - March 13 from 5-7 p.m.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

938 York Rd., Towson 21204

At the job fairs, BCPS seeks candidates for the following positions: teachers; related services (occupational therapists/physical therapists/speech language pathologists); nurses; school counselors; school psychologists; social workers; additional adult support positions; building service workers; bus drivers and attendants; food service workers; senior HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) mechanics; senior building automation systems technicians; and grounds workers.

• Spring recycling presentations

The Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management - Recycling Division is offering free, interactive presentations to all K-12 schools on single stream recycling. Schools can request this presentation by completing an online form.

The Office of Facilities Support Services - Energy and Sustainability team also offers engaging recycling presentations for staff, which can be applied to MAEOE Green School Certifications. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Single stream recycling flyers are now available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.

• Evaluation form training for AFSCME, ESPBC, and OPE supervisors and employees

This year, a new evaluation form has been introduced for all AFSCME, ESPBC, OPE-represented, and non-represented hourly employees. To ensure a smooth transition, the Employee Evaluation Team will provide training on this new form.

Although not mandatory, employees in these groups are strongly encouraged to attend the training if they would like to familiarize themselves with the process.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Discounted Hersheypark tickets for BCPS employees

Hersheypark is once again offering BCPS staff exclusive discounts on the purchase of 1-day tickets to its theme park.

There are two price options:

• $43.83 (total price per ticket). Ticket valid April 5 - July 31
• $50.83 (total price per ticket). Ticket valid April 5 - January 4, 2026

Discounted tickets are available for purchase now through April 30. Enter Promo Code: BCPS

***Please note: this link may be blocked on BCPS devices. You will may to use a personal device to purchase tickets.

• 2025 Virtual Summer Workshop Series call for proposals

The Maryland State Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning is pleased to announce the 2025 Virtual Summer Workshop Series. It will take place virtually from Monday, July 21, through Friday, July 25. This event will offer teachers and school leaders the opportunity to engage in virtual professional learning sessions designed to enhance their skills and support student success. Please see the Call for Proposals document if you are interested in presenting a session.

• Become a Paraeducator!

The Office of Workforce Development is pleased to offer a career pathway opportunity to additional adult assistants, working within special education, who are interested in becoming paraeducators. Participants will be compensated for their attendance at all training sessions, will receive ParaPro practice materials, and will receive direct support and guidance in preparation for the ParaPro assessment. Those who already have 48 college credits do not need to complete the ParaPro assessment and are eligible to apply for a paraeducator position at this time.

Interested participants should visit the Registration System for more details and to register. Directions on how to access the Registration System are available online.

To find and register for the course, please search for Course #13169 - Become a Paraeducator - Additional Adult Assistant to Paraeducator. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Community Conversation on Special Education set for Thursday, March 13, at Nottingham Middle

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers will host a Community Conversation on Special Education on March 13 at Nottingham Middle School from 6-7 p.m. Team BCPS students, families, staff, and stakeholders are invited to participate and learn more about BCPS special education services and ongoing efforts to ensure students and families have a range of comprehensive supports and resources for growth and achievement.

Spanish interpretation will be provided. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please call 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request.

Time is running out! Haiku Contest submissions due by 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 7

BCPS students, from Kindergarten through Grade 12, are encouraged to enter the 2025 Team BCPS Haiku Poetry Contest! Students are asked to write works inspired by a piece of student artwork selected from among 10 pieces.

New this year, each winner will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and special gift basket provided by the Education Foundation. Winners will also receive prizes from The Ivy Bookshop as well as a framed print of their haiku and the artwork that inspired it.

Happy National School Social Work Week!

To celebrate National School Social Work Week, March 2-8, BCPS presents brief profiles of five of its many talented and dedicated school social workers.

Featuring:

• Amanda Dellheim, Holabird STEM/Middle School
• Alexandra Padley, White Oak School
• Wendy B. Pitts, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology
• Rebecca Rock, Crossroads Center
• Nick Stengel, Berkshire Elementary School

Hebbville Elementary receives Read Across America MSEA book donation

On Monday, March 3, state and local leaders visited Hebbville Elementary School to celebrate Read Across America Day! Hebbville received a book donation from the Maryland State Education Association in honor of library media specialist Capathia Campbell. Photos from the event are available in a BCPS Flickr album.

Celebrating Women's History Month!

March is Women's History Month! Complete this brief form to share your plans with us as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history! Don't forget to tag BCPS on social media when sharing Women's History Month highlights.

March 8 is International Women's Day

Let's celebrate the inspiring women of Team BCPS who make a meaningful impact every day in their roles as educators, staff, and students. International Women's Day serves as a reminder to continue empowering and supporting one another as we grow together.

March is National Athletic Trainers Month

This March, please take a moment to say, "Thank you!" to our amazing Team BCPS athletic trainers! There are currently 19 trainers staffed at our 24 high schools playing an integral role in the health and safety of student athletes. Thank you for everything you do!

The Department of Athletics is working toward its goal of having all high schools staffed with a trainer and appreciates all of the support received throughout the process.

Seeking nominations for:

School Counseling Awards - March 14 Deadline

The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development seeks nominations from BCPS employees, parents, and students for School Counselor of the Year 2024-25 awards. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, March 14.

• Rookie School Counselor of the Year (with less than five years' experience)
• School Counselor of the Year (with at least five consecutive years' experience)
• School Counseling Advocate of the Year (A BCPS administrator, teacher, support staff, parent, or community member who consistently advocates for and supports the critical work of school counselors)

School Resource Officer of the Year

In collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department, BCPS will recognize outstanding school resource officers at each level (elementary, middle, and high). Nominations for this award will be accepted through Friday, April 11.

Please email the SRO of the Year nomination 2024-2025 form to:

• Lt. James McKnight, Safe Schools Facilitator

• Sgt. Thomas Insley, Assistant Safe Schools Facilitator

• Sgt. Christopher Robinson, Assistant Safe Schools Facilitator

Or you may mail the form to Lieutenant McKnight at 9600 Pulaski Park Dr., Suite 118, Baltimore 21220.

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

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Please help us spread the word about upcoming Parent University workshops! Registration is available online.

College and University Partnership Fair set for March 18

Explore professional growth opportunities at the College and University Partnership Fair scheduled for March 18 from 5-7 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology!

Employees seeking to learn about degree programs, licensure, and professional development options are invited to attend, and connect with college and university partners, educators, staff, and human resources professionals. Information and details can be found on the Office of Educator Licensure's College and University Partnerships webpage.

Information Technology summer employment opportunity for students

BCPS Information Technology will hire several summer employees this year. Preference will be given to current BCPS students. Rising Grade 11 and Grade 12 students typically gain the most from this summer experience focused on technology support or hardware repair. Students will be offered the opportunity to gain a Hewlett Packard (HP) Certification for repairing devices manufactured by HP.

Please share this opportunity with students who may be interested in technology. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape

ESPBC members will earn hours toward Inservice Credit for participating in this course

This session will examine the ever-changing world of social media and how BCPS fits into that space in 2025. The presentation will provide overviews of the platforms that BCPS uses and take a deep dive into social media analytics. Participants will then learn how social media affects their role in BCPS and how they can best utilize social media and partner with the Department of Communications and Community Outreach to achieve key communication goals.

• Available three separate times this spring, registration is open now via the Registration System. All sessions will take place at the BCPS Employee Development Center located at 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093.

• #13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - March 26 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

• #13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - April 30 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

• •#13616 – Understanding Our Place in the Shifting Social Media Landscape - May 27 - 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Questions? Contact Sam Lister, Communications Specialist I.

National Day of Unplugging (Sundown March 7 - Sundown March 8)

Saturday, March 8, is the National Day of Unplugging. All members of Team BCPS are challenged to participate in this day by unplugging for the day, the afternoon, or an hour.

As part of the “Live your BEST Digital Life” campaign, schools are encouraged to:

• Promote the day with the entire school community by sharing the National Day of Unplugging flyer.

• Prepare and equip students for National Day of Unplugging by including content and challenges into learning on March 7.

• Encourage participation by creating visibility for the day (such as including information and challenges on the morning announcements) and incentives (such as earning extra recess by unplugging all day on Saturday).

• On Monday, March 10, celebrate small successes in unplugging by sharing students’ and staff members stories of how being unplugged helped them feel healthier and/or what they learned from trying to unplug.

Baltimore Ravens Touchdown for Teachers nominations open through April 4

The Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank are inviting nominations for their 12th annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which recognizes local teachers who provide outstanding service for their schools and communities. Beginning today, anyone may nominate an outstanding educator via the online application form through Friday, April 4.

Three finalists – including the eventual grand prize winner – will be selected from a panel of community members and school officials, with the assistance of Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank staff.

The grand prize winner will receive the following:

• $5,000 in grant funds, payable to their school or district
• A classroom visit by a Ravens’ coach or player, accompanied by mascot Poe

Bullying prevention webinar series for Maryland Educators

MSDE is excited to announce the offering of a six-part Bullying Prevention Webinar Series for Maryland educators. Recent data indicates a critical need for comprehensive bullying prevention in Maryland schools. Over 42% of middle school students reported experiencing bullying, according to the 2022 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

Who should attend?

• School-based administrators
• School counselors
• Student services teams
• Educators who would benefit from deeper insights into bullying prevention strategies and intervention techniques

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m.

Virtual meeting details

Topic: Risk Management and Facilities Management

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m.

Virtual meeting details

Topic: Student wellness – nutrition and mental health

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

You may submit a shoutout for a variety of reasons. For example, you may want to offer a pat on the back to a colleague for helping out, recognize a staff member or student achievement, or welcome a new employee. When your shoutout appears in The Staff Bulletin, your name and school/location will be included.

UPCOMING RECOGNITIONS

Women's History Month - March

Middle Level Education Month - March

Music in Our Schools Month - March

National Athletic Training Month - March

Youth Art Month - March

National School Social Work Week - through March 8

National Day of Unplugging - Friday, March 7 - Saturday, March 8

International Women's Day - Saturday, March 8

Maryland Day - Tuesday, March 25

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org