BCPS high school students can earn high school and college credits by taking sign language courses | |
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The BCPS Office of World Languages has announced a partnership with the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Communication Arts Department to support BCPS high school students in studying American Sign Language (ASL).
Through this partnership, high school students will be able to enroll in ASL Level 1 and 2 courses at CCBC and to earn both high school and college credits for the courses. Students will have the option to continue learning after high school in CCBC's ASL and Interpreter Preparation Program.
"We are enthusiastic about this collaboration and the career possibilities it will offer our BCPS students to increase their cultural understanding and communication skills," said Jennifer Hernandez, BCPS director of World Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Through the BCPS/CCBC Tuition Free Program, all high school students can take an unlimited number of CCBC courses during their high school careers. The program covers the costs of tuition, fees, and books. Students are only responsible for the cost of supplies (if needed). This opportunity is open to all BCPS high school students, regardless of their grade point averages. (Students, however, must take CCBC’s placement exams to test into credit-bearing courses.)
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26th Annual Safe Schools Conference focuses on student, staff safety
BCPS staff and administrators joined with the Baltimore County Police Department and other partners for the 26th Annual Safe Schools Conference on June 26 at the Delta Hotel in Hunt Valley. The annual event reinforces the BCPS commitment to providing safe and supportive learning environments for all students. The theme of this year's conference was "The Power of Community: Enhancing Resilience Through Climate, Equity, and Safety." BCPS-TV was there to report on the event, and photos from the event can be found on Flickr.
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Incoming superintendent announces her transition team | |
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Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, who will begin her term as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) on July 1, has announced the members of her transition team.
The 39-member team includes current and retired BCPS educators, staff, and administrators, employee association leaders, higher education administrators, business and community partners, and law enforcement representatives.
The team will meet from June 26-July 14, and will assist Dr. Yarbrough in assessing the school system’s current state of teaching and learning, operations, and culture/context. The team is charged with developing short-term and long-term recommendations for system progress in multiple focus areas. The transition team will develop a report that includes its findings and strategic recommendations. The report will be shared with the Team BCPS community in August.
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BCPS community members are invited to upcoming community events to learn about and meet Dr. Myriam Yarbrough, the incoming superintendent. During the events, Dr. Yarbrough will share key priorities for the upcoming school year, hear from members of the Team BCPS community, and answer questions. Dr. Yarbrough will begin her tenure as BCPS superintendent on July 1.
The community events will be held:
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Wednesday, July 5, from 6-7 p.m.*
Catonsville High School - Cafeteria
421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228
Thursday, July 6, from 6-7 p.m.
Perry Hall High School - Cafeteria
4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236
Monday, July 10, from 6-7 p.m.*
Kenwood High School - Cafeteria
501 Stemmers Run Rd., 21221
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Thursday, July 13, from 6-7 p.m.*
Loch Raven High School - Cafeteria
1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286
Tuesday, July 18, from 6-7 p.m.*
Randallstown High School - Cafeteria
4000 Offutt Rd., 21133
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*Spanish interpretation will be provided | |
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! | |
The latest "Why I Teach" video features Tiana Barnett of Scotts Branch Elementary School | |
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BCPS summer programs SUPPORT continued learning
Parents and students are encouraged to explore the many academic programs and resources available this summer to support continued growth. Offerings include programs for English learners and students with disabilities, math enrichment programs, and more.
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County health department offers back-to-school immunization clinics
Does your child need immunizations for next school year? Check with your pediatrician or call 410-887-2705 for an appointment at a Baltimore County community health center. Summertime is an excellent time to avoid the back-to-school rush. More information is available online.
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County library's Summer Reading Challenge offers incentives and activities
BCPS students of all ages can register for Baltimore County Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge. Students who read for 10 hours can pick up completion prizes and enter in prize drawings!
In keeping with the "All Together Now" theme, library branches will offer fun and engaging programs so that youth can connect with others through science, art, culture, music, and dance.
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Now serving free breakfast and lunch meals
The annual Summer Food Service Program, for all youth up to age 18, will continue through Friday, August 18. Meals are served Monday through Friday, but meal sites will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. All meals must be consumed on site.
Breakfast and lunch is served at selected schools. Several public library branches serve lunch only. Check online for the sites closest to you and the times when meals will be served.
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for parents
from BCPS Parent University
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Are your children already bored?
It might be good for them!
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It happens every year, children are excited for the school year to end, but early into the summer, they begin complaining about being bored.
Here's some good news for parents: according to a recent New York Times article, being bored is "normal, natural, and healthy." Erin Westgate, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Florida, explains that occasional boredom can inspire creativity and motivate children to find or create activities aligned with their interests. She suggests that parents do not need to step in with screens or planned activities.
If children are younger or need a nudge to break their boredom, Westgate suggests encouraging them to take a walk around the house to get some ideas.
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for your viewing pleasure | |
The 2023 Middle and High School All-County Honors Dance Ensemble 17th Annual Gala Concert was held at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology on June 5. The ensemble performed works choreographed by Artistic Director Stephanie Powell, Assistant Director Madison Bonaparte-Logan, and various students. The show featured guest performances from Middle River Middle School Dance and the 2023 BCPS Men’s Ensemble, under the direction of Vincent Thomas of VT Dance and Towson University. | |
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mission moment
from The Education Foundation of BCPS
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Grants in partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union "put students first" | |
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The Education Foundation of BCPS partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union provides grant opportunities to BCPS teachers and academic departments. The Putting Students First Grant program awards up to $500 in individual grants to fund supplies, resources, and opportunities/experiences to fulfill classroom needs and to impact students’ educational readiness.
This year's grant recipients and their projects were:
- Battle Grove Elementary School | Battle Gove Elementary School Story Walk Project
- Cedarmere Elementary School | Reading Across America
- Charlesmont Elementary School | Ready to Learn
- Cromwell Valley Elementary Regional Magnet School | Capturing Moments – Igniting Financial Literacy
- Featherbed Lane Elementary School | Electric Equity
- Glyndon Elementary School | Books for Literacy
- Loch Raven Technical Academy | Essex Community College Field Trip for AVID Students
- Perry Hall Elementary School | You Matter
- Riverview Elementary School | Reaching for the Stars through STEM
- Western School of Technology and Environmental Science | MacBeth at Chesapeake Shakespeare
In the past two years, the Putting Students First grant program has awarded nearly $9,800 to 20 BCPS schools.
For more information about the program and the larger grants available in 2023-2024, please visit the latest Mission Moment blog post and the Education Foundation website. The application window for the Putting Students First Grants for the 2023-2024 school year will open August 1.
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