Kenwood High students install art at White Marsh ice rink -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, November 25, 2024

Kenwood High School students install BCPS student artwork at White Marsh skating rink

The AVENUE at White Marsh is once again displaying BCPS student artwork around its outdoor skating rink, which is open now through the end of winter. The 12 artworks on display were created by students from across the county in various grade levels.

In addition to highlighting BCPS visual arts students, the project reflects the work of career and technical education students from Kenwood High School, including graphics and print communication students who printed and installed the banners and aviation technology students who filmed the installation using a drone. Kenwood High photography students also captured images of the installation.

Beyond the skating rink, the Kenwood High graphics and print communication students also designed and installed a dozen other panels for local businesses.

Three pieces on display by

Corryn Word, Milford Mill Academy

Brooke Fangman, Lansdowne High School

Emma Whitlock, Cockeysville Middle School

Join Superintendent Rogers for the final Community Conversation on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget

During November, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers is hosting 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.

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

Perry Hall Middle School

4300 Ebenezer Rd., Baltimore 21236

Couryn Branch, Grade 12, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology

Talented senior prepares to write her name in history

In 2022, Couryn Branch entered a poem in the NAACP's Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics and won regional gold. Her work also inspired Coppin State University's president to offer her a full-ride scholarship.

Since that time, Couryn, now a senior at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, has explored filmmaking, playwriting, fiction writing, and launched a student-run book club, "Booked and Busy."

Learn more about Couryn, an aspiring intellectual property attorney, in a blog post written by Andrew Hall, an apprentice in the BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach and a senior at Woodlawn High School.

Recent staff and student honors

BCPS earns fundraising award from American Heart Association

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (second from left in photo) received a Heart of Gold certificate from the American Heart Association honoring BCPS for raising $319,000 in the Kids Heart Challenge.

BCPS raised more than any other school district in the Eastern States region and ranked 10th nationally for its fundraising.

Franklin High School paraeducator, Perry Hall High School student honored by Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities

Maria Powers, a paraeducator at Franklin High School, was named Educator of the Year by the Baltimore County Commission on Disabilities. Hannah Mitchell, a Grade 10 student at Perry Hall High School was named Student of the Year by the commission.

Hannah Mitchell

Maria Powers

9 BCPS seniors to serve as Maryland General Assembly student pages

Nine BCPS seniors have been selected to serve as student pages for the 2025 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly.

The students are:

Raheem Bashir, Perry Hall High School
Ugonma Chike-Kalu, Western School of Technology
Luisa Depkin, Loch Raven High School
Ashley Johnny, Eastern Technical High School
Emma Martin, Hereford High School
Emily Noonan, Dulaney High School
Beverly Pineda, Lansdowne High School
Sarina Saki, Towson High School
Fariza Samadova, Western School of Technology

Each year, 105 pages and 36 alternates are selected from across Maryland to represent their schools and counties. Student pages each spend two weeks in Annapolis during the legislative session engaged in activities such as distributing materials and messages to legislators, maintaining bill books, and assisting visitors.

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

Around the county

Community donates to school food pantries

The Berkleigh Apartments collected and donated more than 550 nonperishable food items to the food pantries at Glenmar Elementary School and the Crossroads Center. Arbors Baltimore donated 398 nonperishable food items to the food pantries at Middle River Middle School and the Crossroads Center. The donated food will support students, families, and community members during the holiday season.

Donations from Arbors Baltimore

Donations from Berkleigh Apartments

State Senator speaks with Eastern Tech Law and Public Policy classes

Maryland State Senator William Smith and his chief of staff, Kari Lee, visited senior Law and Public Policy classes at Eastern Technical High School on November 20.

Baltimore County is developing Vison Zero Action Plans to identify priorities for roadway safety. County residents are encouraged to take a brief online survey by Monday, December 9, to help the government identify problem areas on our roads.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

Please share your feedback on the BCPS and Title I Family Engagement Plan

BCPS invites family and community members to participate in the annual review of the BCPS and Title I District Level Family Engagement Plan and the Board of Education Family Engagement Policy 1270. Please take a few minutes to review and send feedback .

Talkspace to offer free live webinar on helping children manage stress during the winter holidays

Join the Talkspace live webinar, "Managing Holiday Stress & Anxiety," on Tuesday, December 3, at 12 p.m. The free webinar is designed to help parents support their children through the holiday season's unique challenges. The webinar will cover strategies for coping with holiday expectations, managing disappointment, and recognizing signs of sensory overload. Learn how to maintain routines, balance screen time, and create meaningful family interactions. Discover ways to promote emotional well-being through gratitude, mindfulness, and open communication, fostering resilience in kids. Plus, explore intentional activities that build stronger family connections and deepen bonds during holiday gatherings. Participants must register online.

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

"Catch a Snowflake" by Brooke Matthews, Kindergarten, Pot Spring Elementary 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

'Tis the Season for Giving | The Power of Generosity

Giving Tuesday takes place annually during the week after Thanksgiving. This year, Giving Tuesday will take place on December 3. The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools Inc. is counting on you to become a Champion of Education by donating to support our mission-driven work.

A new Mission Moment blog post details some of the many ways to support the foundation, including:

Making a monetary donation through the foundation’s electronic DipJar or giving portal.
Buying school supplies on the foundation's Amazon, Target, and Walmart wish lists.
Inviting your colleagues, neighbors, and faith-based or civic organizations to collect items on our Exchangeree shopping lists.

Superintendent addresses student performance, Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, and more during monthly press conference

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability on November 19 to share updates and information on student performance, the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget, and more.

Highlights from the press conference can be found in English and Spanish on the BCPS website. In addition, the event can be viewed on YouTube.

A word from Dr. Rogers

November 25, 2024

Dear Reader:

This week, BCPS schools and offices will close three hours early on Wednesday, November 27, and remain closed through Friday, November 29, as we pause to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I wish for every member of the Team BCPS family a joyous Thanksgiving with family and friends and time to reflect on the many good things in our lives and our boundless potential for positive change and growth.

I am personally thankful for my own family, the Team BCPS family, and the opportunity to serve this extraordinary community.

Regards,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent