Monday, June 24, 2024

Changes to tuition-free program now in effect for BCPS students taking college classes

The BCPS Tuition Free Program now covers tuition, fees, and books for students in Grades 11 and 12 who have met College and Career Readiness Standards. Students who have met College and Career Readiness Standards are eligible to have up to two college courses in the fall semester and two college courses in the spring semester paid for by BCPS.


Students who have not yet met College and Career Readiness Standards may take courses at CCBC but are responsible for the cost. Students will pay for the necessary fees, books, and 50 percent of the tuition cost. For more information on the Tuition Free Program at CCBC, please contact a school counselor. 


More information about changes to the tuition-free program can be found in a June 14 community message available in English and Spanish.

Current/aspiring partners invited to apply by July 1 to participate in BCPS 2024 Partnership Fair

Organizations and businesses that are currently partnering with BCPS or interested in partnering with BCPS schools are invited to apply online by Monday, July 1, to participate in the school system’s annual partnership fair. BCPS values partnerships with organizations and businesses that invest time and talent in school success. These partnerships augment staff capacity, enable innovative learning opportunities, and connect students to authentic learning and development through mentoring, volunteering, student work experiences, service learning, and scholarships. 


The event will be held on Wednesday, July 17, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117.

Volunteers needed to serve on northwest elementary school boundary committee

BCPS planners are seeking parent and staff volunteers from each of the 10 schools included in the upcoming northwest elementary school boundary process to serve on the project’s study committee. Two BCPS parents and one staff committee member per school are needed to represent Campfield Early Learning Center and Church Lane, Deer Park, Hernwood, Lyons Mill, New Town, Randallstown, Scotts Branch, Winand, and Woodholme elementary schools. The purpose of the study is to expand attendance areas for two new replacement buildings for Deer Park and Scotts Branch elementary schools, to relieve enrollment pressures at northwest area elementary schools, and to facilitate the move of students currently attending Campfield Early Learning Center to attend their home school or regional program. Those interested in serving on the committee are encouraged to express interest by Monday, July 8, by completing the Committee Member Interest Form or contact their school’s principal.  

Free summer meal service has begun

BCPS is offering free breakfast and lunch meals through the Summer Food Service Program on weekdays through Friday, August 16 (with the exception of Thursday, July 4). Free meals are available for all children ages 2-18.


This year, daily on-site lunch meals are being offered at 16 community locations across the county. All students who attend BCPS summer school from July 8-August 2 will receive free breakfast and lunch every weekday.


In addition, in two rural areas, once per week, families will be able to pick up five breakfast and five lunch meals per child. 


Weekly bulk meals will be distributed at two drive-through locations:

 

Mondays, 12-12:30 p.m., beginning Monday, June 24

Kingsville Elementary School, 7300 Sunshine Ave., Kingsville 21087

 

Tuesdays, 8-8:30 a.m., beginning Tuesday, June 25

Sparks Elementary School, 601 Belfast Rd., Sparks 21152


Lunch meals, which must be consumed onsite, are offered at 16 community locations:


Monday – Friday, from 12-12:30 p.m.

  • Essex Park Townhomes & Apartments, 1572 Alconbury Rd., Essex 21221
  • Lakebrook Circle Park, 2926 Lakebrook Cir., Lansdowne 21227
  • Morgan Properties Community Pool, 3736 White Pine Rd., Middle River 21220
  • The Commons at White Marsh, 9901 Langs Rd., Middle River 21220


Baltimore County Library Branches (times vary by location)

  • Arbutus Branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Rd., Arbutus 21227 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Essex Branch, 1100 Eastern Blvd., Essex 21221 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Lansdowne Branch, 500 Third Ave., Lansdowne 21227 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Loch Raven Branch, 1046 Taylor Ave., Towson 21286 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • North Point Branch, 1716 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk 21222 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Parkville-Carney Branch, 9509 Harford Rd., Parkville 21234 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  • Perry Hall Branch, 9685 Honeygo Blvd., Perry Hall 21128 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Randallstown Branch, 8604 Liberty Rd., Randallstown 21133 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Reisterstown Branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Rd., Reisterstown 21136 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Rosedale Branch, 6105 Kenwood Ave., Rosedale 21237 – 12-1 p.m.
  • White Marsh Branch, 8133 Sandpiper Cir., Baltimore 21236 – 12-1 p.m.
  • Woodlawn Branch, 1811 Woodlawn Dr., Woodlawn 21207 – 12:30-1:30 p.m.

BCPS continues to seek organized summer programs where free meals can be served


Each summer, BCPS provides free meals to more than 300 organized programs in Baltimore County, such as summer camps, daycare programs, and religious groups. Programs can register online to receive free breakfast and lunch meals for participating children. The program must serve at least 25 children (ages 2-18) daily, and staff will be required to complete annual compliance training. For additional information, program organizers can email SFSP@bcps.org or call 443-809-7855.

Each week this summer, our wonderful colleagues in the Baltimore County Public Library Collection Department will put together a list of some of their favorite book recommendations. Learn more about this week's suggestions in new blog posts in English and Spanish.


Please remember to stop by your local library branch to participate in the summer reading program, have them put together a Be Surprised Bundle for you, and take part in their many activities.

See fun photos and video from the last day of school

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!





This June for national Pride Month, the BCPS Mind Over Matters campaign offers a variety of activities, resources, and tools related to the theme “Pride Matters.” 

for parents
from BCPS Parent University

Newest episode of Parent University show explores summer food service, summer learning, and welcoming students from other countries

Looking for more ideas and information? Please sign up for the Parent University newsletter! It is designed specifically for parents and caregivers and offers ideas, information, resources, and opportunities.

for your viewing pleasure

"Untitled" by Emma Whitlock, Grade 7, Cockeysville Middle School. Work featured in 2024 Middle School Art Exhibition. Grade7 Best in Show award recipient.


Artist statement:

This piece was made to work on technique and layering. During the making of this piece, I was able to build up rich colors and soft fades, because [they were] analogous the opaqueness of the colors was crucial. The process was very trial and error, but in the end, it worked out.

To see more artwork by BCPS students, teachers, and other members of the BCPS community, please visit the Office of Visual Arts gallery webpage.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

10th Celebration of Excellence ceremony honors foundation supporters

On June 12, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., commemorated its 10th Celebration of Excellence anniversary recognizing and showcasing individuals, community partners, and members of the Team BCPS family who advocate, mentor, and provide support and services to our students and educators in Baltimore County Public Schools. These are Champions of Education who have supported, extended, enhanced, and enriched the foundation’s programs and initiatives throughout the 2023-2024 school year and who believe in the next generation.


A new blog post names the honorees, and a Flickr album includes many photos from the event.

Upcoming Board meetings

All are welcome to attend


Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, June 25, at 6:30 p.m.

This will be a virtual meeting on personnel matters.


Board of Education meeting

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

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

VISIT THE BCPS WEBSITE