Thursday, January 9, 2025

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

Team BCPS Day

blue us away!

Every year on Team BCPS Day, the entire community is invited to wear blue and post photos on social media using #BCPSBlue. This year we asked students, teachers, staff, schools, offices, and community partners to share why they are proud to be #BCPSBlue— and you blue us away!

Photos from the celebration are available in a BCPS Flickr album. Didn't have time to share your photos? Don't worry, it's not too late! Post photos on social media using #BCPSblue or email to communications@bcps.org.

Stay tuned in coming weeks as we share this year's recognitions for distinguished participation, including awards for Best Alumni Pride, Best Large Group Photo, Most Fun Classroom Photo, and much more!

Inclement Weather Reminders

BCPS has now used two out of its three traditional inclement weather days for the 2024-2025 school year. After day three, BCPS will transition to virtual learning, operating on a 2-hour delay schedule. More information is available on the BCPS website.

Additionally, more information about how BCPS makes decisions for school closings and delays is available online. As a reminder, decisions regarding school operations are made by 5:30 a.m.

To our Team BCPS facilities and maintenance staff who came together to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and roads at our schools and offices this week: Thank you for your incredible work and dedication to the safety of our students and staff.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Systemwide professional development day - January 29

January 29 is a Systemwide Professional Development Day. Schools are closed for students; teachers are on duty. School-based administrative teams should plan content for the day. Administrative teams are reminded to incorporate individual teacher planning time and 90 minutes of collaborative planning time in their schedule. Teachers who observe the Lunar New Year should be provided time to make up content from January 29 during future Monday meetings.

• Resolution to Go Green: Special Project Request (SPR)/7730 Training Sessions

The Office of Facilities Support Services, in partnership with the Office of Facilities Construction and Improvement, is offering 30-minute training sessions for teachers and administrators on the BCPS SPR/7330 process. Some schoolyard sustainable practices require an SPR. This flyer provides more details on the individual sessions available.

• School Health Council's Social Media Workgroup - Social Media Campaign

The School Health Council’s Social Media Workgroup has developed a social media campaign to support student health by providing resources to parents, staff and students with strategies to Live Your BEST Digital Life. Principals are encouraged to share this infographic in upcoming parent newsletters and classrooms.

During the second half of the school year, new resources for parents and educators will be shared every two weeks.

The theme for early January is "Balanced." In support of balanced social media use, principals are encouraged to share this newsletter item with parents.

In addition, principals are encouraged to incorporate brief targeted lessons or messages into the student day; lessons may need to be adapted to the dissemination strategy. Potential times for the lessons include morning announcements, advisory times, and/or classroom lessons. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Nomination process to open soon for School Counselor of the Year

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. The nominated school counselors should demonstrate effective leadership, advocacy, and collaboration to address students’ academic and social/emotional development, and the nominees should meaningfully contribute to the school counseling profession.

Winners of the School Counselor of the Year awards will be considered for statewide honors from the Maryland School Counselor Association. Nominations will be accepted from Tuesday, January 21, through Friday, March 14.

Nominations are sought for:

• 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)

• JustFOIA Maryland Public Information Act software launch

On January 1, the BCPS Office of Law launched JustFOIA, a new Maryland Public Information Act (“MPIA”) request management software system.

What does this mean?

1. The public will now be able to make requests through the JustFOIA portal.
2. Staff members will receive an email directly from JustFOIA, including reminders when action is required.
3. Staff will have access to specific requests and be able to review the request’s details.
4. Staff will be able to upload responsive records directly into the JustFOIA software.
5. All internal communication for each MPIA request will be found in the JustFOIA portal.

We will be sending more information about this software system, including basic instructions for our internal users, in the near future. In the meantime, more information about JustFOIA is available online.

We look forward to assisting the public and our employees in a more streamlined and efficient manner.

BCPS Superintendent to unveil FY 2026 budget request during Jan. 13 presentation

The community is invited to view a presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget for BCPS. The presentation will be livestreamed at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 13, on the BCPS YouTube channel.

As BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers presents the proposed budget, she will outline the school system’s initiatives designed to fast-forward the academic progress of its 110,000 students. Dr. Rogers will formally submit her proposed budget to the Board of Education at its Tuesday, January 14, business meeting.

Black History Month is coming soon and we need your input!

How will your school/office recognize Black History Month? The Department of Communications and Community Outreach seeks information regarding upcoming activities and celebrations. Share your plans with us at communications@bcps.org.

Additionally, throughout Black History Month, we will honor BCPS graduates who are successful in their fields. Team BCPS staff members are invited to complete our nomination form now through Friday, January 31.

Last year's list of honorees included a Maryland Delegate, a Cardiology Fellow, multiple award-winning artists, a BCPS school psychologist, and much more! Please note that we plan to recognize no more than one graduate from each BCPS high school.

Congratulations! 53 BCPS teachers achieved, 10 renewed National Board Certification in 2024

In December 2024, 53 #TeamBCPS teachers achieved National Board Certification and 10 BCPS educators renewed their certification. Those who earned Board certification in 2024 will be honored during a pinning ceremony this spring. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

PSFALS student-run coffee shop at Employee Development Center - January 21 grand opening

On Tuesday, January 21, from 8-10 a.m., the new PSFALS (Post-Secondary Functional Academic Learning Support) student-run coffee shop at the Employee Development Center, located at 2034 Greenspring Drive, Timonium 21093, will celebrate its grand opening!

2025-26 Declaration of Intent

The Office of Staffing has emailed a link to the Declaration of Intent (DOI) form for the 2025-26 school year. All CASE, TABCO, and ESPBC employees will receive their DOI via Smartsheet. Employees represented by these bargaining units will be able to amend their DOI for the 2025-26 school year as indicated in their respective master agreements.

Please note: There is a new option for teachers on their DOI. Teachers will be able to volunteer to be considered a Priority Transfer Teacher (PTT) should their school have a reduction in allocations. Once a principal has identified the position(s) to be reduced, they must first select a teacher in that content who has volunteered to be a PTT, if applicable. If employees have any questions, please contact your respective human resources representative as indicated on the declaration of intent or send an inquiry to HRStaffing@bcps.org.

Application for 2025-26 Student Member of the Board open through January 24

Each BCPS high school principal can nominate up to two candidates to apply for Student Member of the Board. Selected students must submit their completed application by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, January 24. Questions? Contact Stacey Wade, (443-809-4496).

Spread the word, we're hiring! Interested applicants are invited to join us at an upcoming recruitment event or apply online today.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Parent University Show: December 2024 Edition

The December episode of the BCPS Parent University show features the Roadmap to Ready for students in Grades 6-12, The Baltimore Hunger Project, and a Face of the Month profile of Antonette Gause, administrative secretary at BCPS headquarters.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Happy Retirement, Debbie Phelps!

On January 1, Deborah Phelps officially retired from BCPS. Debbie has been an educator for 50 years and leaves a legacy of almost 30 years in BCPS. Under her dynamic leadership, The Education Foundation of BCPS Inc. has experienced unprecedented growth, successfully organizing impactful fundraising events that have significantly contributed to advancing its mission of providing enhanced educational opportunities.

A new Mission Moment blog post celebrates Phelps' career and lasting impact on The Education Foundation. Best wishes, Debbie!

FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

Build your classroom library: An exciting opportunity for early childhood educators

Staff in the Office of Early Childhood Programs, in partnership with The Education Foundation, are thrilled to announce the Build Up Your Classroom Library event! This special initiative offers all preschool teachers, as well as PreKindergarten special educators, the chance to expand their classroom libraries with a variety of developmentally appropriate books. These resources are designed to engage and inspire all students.

At the event, teachers will receive a bin to fill with books of their choice.

Event dates - Registration is required:

Tuesday, January 14, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Exchangeree at Rosedale/Golden Ring

Thursday, January 23, from 5-7 p.m.

The Exchangeree at Windsor Mill

Be sure to reserve your spot! More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Update about the decentralization of former secondary ESOL Centers for SY 2025-26

BCPS is committed to providing a high-quality English Language Development (ELD, formerly English for Speakers of Other Languages) program for all secondary multilingual learners at their home schools to increase their access to the academic and extracurricular programs in their home schools and support family engagement in neighborhood schools.

This process began two years ago. The 2025-26 school year will be the final year of the initiative's rollout. The Multilingual Achievement team will work with secondary schools to support the transition of multilingual learners to their home schools. This support will include resources for communication with translated letters for families; providing support around scheduling and professional development from ELD instructional specialists as well as providing supports with communication from family liaisons in the Department of Multilingual Achievement. For more details review the overview in a presentation format and reference this detailed timeline.

Timeline for Schools: Decentralization Timeline for ESOL Centers - Year 3 2024-2025

Overview for Schools: Secondary Decentralization of ESOL Centers Project

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

High school students invited to participate in WJZ Black History Oratory Competition

Students in Grades 9-12 are invited to enter the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition 2025.

Students are asked to write original essays (500 words or less) based on one of these quotations:

• “Service to your people is the rent you pay for living on this earth.” – Dr. Lillie May Carroll Jackson

• “We are all bound up together in one great bundle of humanity, and society cannot trample on the weakest and feeblest of its members without receiving the curse on its own soul.” – Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

• "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." – Jackie Robinson

The students with the 20 highest-scoring essays will be invited to perform their speeches to compete for scholarships. The speech event will be livestreamed on WJZ-TV. Winners will be announced during the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition Awards Special. All essays and signed application forms must be emailed to Oratory@wjz.com by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 20.

FOR GRADE 4 EDUCATORS

"If I Were a Mayor" essay contest 2025

The Maryland Municipal League's “If I were Mayor...I Would” essay contest is seeking submissions. This essay contest asks students to step into the shoes of local leaders and tell adults how they would address their community’s challenges.

All submissions must be submitted digitally (submission guidelines) by a teacher and are not to exceed 275 words. The due date is March 7. For more information, please contact Sharon Easton or Dionna Richardson.

Questions may be directed to the Office of Social Studies - Kevin Jenkins and Mike Crispens.

Junior Achievement: Learn more and get involved

This year, BCPS students in Grades 4 and 7 are participating in interactive career awareness and financial literacy experiences at Junior Achievement (JA). Administrators, central office staff, and school-based staff involved in community outreach and field trips who are interested in learning more and possibly taking a tour of the facility while students are engaged in the experience should contact Mike Barberesi.

Additionally, our students greatly benefit from the support of volunteers, who make the JA experience possible and more meaningful! Please consider sharing this information with your school community to help recruit volunteers. You can learn more about volunteering in the BCPS JA BizTown Volunteer Flyer and JA Finance Park Volunteer Flyer. The flyers link to the BCPS volunteer page that includes a calendar that identifies the days BCPS schools are visiting JA and need volunteers.

This year, all Grade 7 students will visit the BCPS Career and Technical Education Career Center located at the JA of Central Maryland Youth Workforce and Innovation Center (1725 Twin Springs Rd., Baltimore 21227).

FOR EDUCATORS

Upcoming Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Trainings and Workshops

Are you ready to strengthen your classroom connections and practices? Join us for exciting training programs that will delve into effective strategies, classroom management, and innovative approaches to learning in positive and productive environments. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your techniques and enhance your impact in the classroom. Secure your spot today! Some of the offerings include:

• Introduction to Conscious Discipline in Elementary Schools
• CHAMPS: An Evidence-Based Approach to Creating Positive and Predictable Conditions for Student Learning
• Zones of Regulation: Integrating SEL Practices to Strengthen Self-Regulation
• ACES and Resilience
• Restorative Practices Days 1 and 2

Please see the winter flyer for more information. Interested participants must register in the registration system.

Please note that courses may not be visible in the catalog if the staff member is not the intended audience for the course. If this is believed to be an error, contact Caryn Mouring.

There's still time! County library’s Winter Reading Challenge offers prizes, including free Towson University basketball tickets

Students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 can win prizes for participating in Baltimore County Public Library's Winter Reading Challenge.

The challenge runs through Friday, January 31. Details are available online and at all county public library branches. Students who read for at least 400 minutes will receive special pompom beanies while supplies last. All students who complete the 400 minutes will receive a complimentary ticket to a Towson University Athletics basketball game as well as discounted tickets for friends and family.

Upcoming meetings

All are welcome to attend

Joint meeting of Central and Southwest Area education advisory councils

Monday, January 13, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: Special education and gifted and talented updates

Board of Education meeting

Tuesday, January 14, at 6:30 p.m.

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

Board of Education meeting / FY 2026 Operating Budget Public Hearing 

Tuesday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m.

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

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Megan Blackert, English Department Chair, Kenwood High School

Submitted by Kenneth Benjes, Teacher, Parkville High School

"Shout out to Megan Blackert, the ELA department chair at Kenwood High. She is currently teaching four classes, rolling out two new curriculums, and working to support 23 teachers in her department. She is always advocating for students and for her department members at both the school and county level.

Her focus on data-driven instruction has helped support student achievement in notable ways. She was a great co-worker when I first started working with her 12 years ago at Overlea, and she has become a cool BCPS leader. I am lucky to now call her a co-worker AND a friend."

Stephanie Sanders and

Samantha Warm,

Grade 2 and Grade 4 Teachers, Gunpowder Elementary School

Submitted by Kimberly Solomon, General Educator, Gunpowder Elementary School

"I would like to recognize these two educators for their dedication to our children. Not only do they plan interactive and fun lessons, but they also uplift our school's morale every day. The kids love seeing their fun outfits each day! Thank you for helping make learning fun and engaging."

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

National Mentoring Month - January

Maryland School Board Recognition Month - January

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 20

Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org