School psychologists "spark discovery"-- This Week in BCPS

Monday, November 11, 2024

School psychologists "spark discovery" in their students and school communities

BCPS celebrates National School Psychology Week 2024

Shannon Jordan, school psychologist assigned to Joppa View and Villa Cresta elementary schools

Stefani Merlo, school psychologist assigned to Owings Mills and Reisterstown elementary schools

John Randall, school psychologist assigned to Franklin High School

The theme of National School Psychology Week 2024 (November 11-15) is “Spark Discovery.” In honor of the theme and to celebrate the amazing school psychologists who serve BCPS, the blog conducted short interviews with three of them. They were asked to reflect on what led them to this career and on the work they do to help students and their school communities spark discovery.

November 11 is Veterans Day. With immense gratitude, we honor all who served, including the many veterans who are part of Team BCPS.

Join Superintendent Rogers for Community Conversations on the FY 26 Operating Budget

During November, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers is hosting four Community Conversations to discuss the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Community members are invited to share their ideas on budget priorities. Spanish interpretation will be provided at each meeting. To request interpreting services for other languages, please call 443-809-1250 as soon as possible.

Tuesday, November 12, from 6-7 p.m.

Summit Park Elementary School

6920 Diana Rd., Baltimore 21209

Thursday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m.

Windsor Mill Middle School

8300 Windsor Mill Rd., Baltimore 21244

Thursday, November 21, from 6-7 p.m.

Cockeysville Middle School

10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030

Monday, November 25, from 6-7 p.m.

Perry Hall Middle School

4300 Ebenezer Rd., Baltimore 21236

BCPS student leader named national policy director of National Student Board Member Association

Ugonma Chike-Kalu, student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County and a senior at Western School of Technology, has been selected as national policy director of the National Student Board Member Association.

The association works to connect, support, and educate student school board members and other educational stakeholders to strengthen student representation in education decision-making. There are more than 500 student board members in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Guam, representing more than 20 million students.

Jennifer Curtis,

English language arts department chair, Lansdowne High School

In 10th grade, Jennifer Curtis met an English teacher who showed her that "teaching English is about more than just reading books."

Now as English language arts department chair at Lansdowne High School, Curtis spends half her time teaching classes and the rest of the time working with 13 teachers in her department on planning, professional learning communities, and more.

“Ms. Curtis has embraced the work at Lansdowne High School centered on school improvement,” said Principal Allison Seymour says. “She has led the work in the building with the development and implementation of professional learning communities in content areas. . . Her desire to help all educators improve in their craft is well known and respected throughout the building. We are thankful she is a Viking.”

Jennifer Curtis (standing) with English teacher Tom MacDonald

A new BCPS Close-Up blog post explores Curtis's path to becoming a teacher and a department chair.

BCPS celebrates the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and honors the resilience of Indigenous people.

Around the county

In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month (October), The Children’s Oral Health Institute presented "Lessons in a Lunch Box: Healthy Teeth Essentials & Facts About Snacks®" on October 30 to 130 students in Grades 2 and 3 at Wellwood International School. The program was designed to support good oral health maintenance, meaningful diet behaviors, and promote careers in the dental profession. Participating volunteers included Maryland Senator Shelly Hettleman, University of Maryland dental students, and a Towson University speech and language student. Activities included watching Charlie Brown videos about flossing and brushing and receiving a special oral health month lunch box including a Food and Drug Administration food plate, information about dental careers, and more, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.

Wellwood International Principal Alonna Thompson talks with students during the presentation.

Maryland Senator Shelly Hettleman distributes lunch boxes to thrilled recipients.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

November episode of the Parent University show explores helping students learn in alternative ways

This episode highlights the BCPS Online Learning Program, Birth to Five program, and growth of "Cozy Corner" spaces.

Families can learn more about Online Learning Program before application process opens on November 8

Applications for the Online Learning Program for the 2025-26 school year will be accepted through Friday, December 13. A virtual information session about the program will take place on Tuesday, November 12, from 6-7 p.m. Participants are asked to register in advance.

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

"Fall Trees" by Jayveon Murray, Grade 6, Battle Monument School. This artwork was featured in the 2024 BCPS Art is for Everyone! exhibition at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

A great day for giving, golf, and gratitude

The 10th Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic is yet another success

The 10th Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic was held at Greystone Golf Course on October 18. It was a beautiful day for giving, golf, and gratitude! This year's event attracted 144 golfers and numerous sponsors happy to support The Education Foundation's programs, initiatives, and fundraising efforts.

A new Mission Moment blog post highlights the foundation's appreciation for the many business and community partners, in-kind donors, volunteers, planning committee members, and staff members who contributed to the event's success.

A word from Dr. Rogers

November 11, 2024

Dear Reader:

Next week, BCPS, like school systems across the nation, will observe American Education Week 2024.

During the week, November 18-22, many schools will set aside specific times for parents and caregivers to visit their children’s classrooms and/or attend special events. Activities planned by schools across the county include math and reading nights, book fairs, family dinners, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) showcases.

In BCPS, we strive to live each school day with the spirit of American Education Week. We are focused on making our schools even more inclusive and welcoming environments for both students and their families. As schools continue to develop additional year-round opportunities for family and community engagement, families may find that some schools are moving away from the focus on traditional classroom visitations during American Education Week. This is a shift toward even more meaningful and frequent connections with our families.

Success for every child depends on a strong partnership among schools, families, and the community. Year-round, we encourage parents and caregivers to support their schools through their parent teacher organizations and by serving as volunteers and boosters. Community members are also welcome as volunteers, and businesses are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent