Thursday, March 30, 2023

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

Celebrating BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists!

On March 24, three finalists each for 2023-2024 BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year were announced!

The trios will be celebrated at a special Champions for Children Celebration Gala at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Road, in Towson. At that event, Baltimore County’s teacher, principal, and assistant principal of the year will be chosen from among the respective groups.

Teacher of the Year Finalists

• Beverly Folkoff teaches Grades 3-5 special education at Relay Elementary School and is the BCPS Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

• Talven Pearsell teaches mathematics at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School and is the BCPS Middle School Teacher of the Year.

• Abigail Karey teaches vocational/life skills at Maiden Choice School and is the BCPS High School Teacher of the Year.

Principal of the Year Finalists

• Andrea Derrien of Chatsworth School is the BCPS Elementary School Principal of the Year.

• Kalisha Miller of Pikesville Middle School is the BCPS Middle School Principal of the Year.

• Brian Powell of Kenwood High School is the BCPS High School Principal of the Year.

Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists

• Anthony Schultz of Westowne Elementary School is the BCPS Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year.

• Jodi Pasquale of General John Stricker Middle School is the BCPS Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. • Nicole Bridges of Towson High School is the BCPS High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

In addition to these schoolhouse champions for BCPS students, the April 19 gala will also celebrate a variety of other all-star school supporters. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

FEATURED VIDEO:

All-County Honors Concert 2023 - High School Chorus

All-County Honors Concert 2023 videos are available for viewing online! During the All-County High School Chorus Contest, the middle and high school choruses came together to perform “Come, Thou Almighty King” with a guest conductor appearance by BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. The song begins at 20:45 in the above video.

Additional videos:

1) All-County Honors Concert 2023 - High School Band

2) All-County Honors Concert 2023 - Middle School Chorus

3) All-County Honors Concert 2023 - High School Orchestra

4) All-County Honors Concert 2023 - Middle School Orchestra

*Note: Unfortunately, the files for the Middle School Band Concert were corrupted. We apologize for the inconvenience.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Ramadan 2023

To support systemwide awareness of those of the Muslim faith who will be observing Ramadan, the Department of Equity and Cultural Proficiency would like to share some helpful resources. The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began on the evening of Wednesday, March 22, and will end on the evening of Friday, April 21. On the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, the iftar (breaking of the fast) occurs after sunset, so meals are often late, followed by Ramadan prayers. Many families dedicate the night to praying and celebrating with loved ones. For many students, this may cause sleep disruption. As a system we are asking that teachers and administration be conscious, aware, and sensitive to the customs, traditions, and faith of their students who observe Ramadan.

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Golden Apple Educator Awards

Freedom Federal Credit Union is now accepting entries for the 2023 Golden Apple Annual Educator Awards. Teachers can receive up to $2,000 for their schools. The deadline is May 31. More information is available on a digital flyer.

• Extended Pay Option Program for 10-month TABCO-Represented Employees

BCPS will continue to provide 10-month TABCO-represented employees with the Extended Pay Option Program to spread their pay over 12 months during the 2023–2024 school year. Your current participation in the Extended Pay Option Program will automatically roll over for the 2023–2024 school year. Therefore, no action is necessary if you wish to continue your current participation or non-participation. Please submit the 2023-2024 Payroll Election Form if:

1) You are not currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but would like to participate for the 2023–2024 school year.

OR

2) You are currently participating in the Extended Pay Option Program but do not wish to participate for the 2023–2024 school year. The enrollment/change period is March 28 to April 28, 2023. A memorandum and Frequently Asked Questions regarding the details of the Extended Pay Option Program can be found on the Payroll website. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to twelvemonthpay@bcps.org.

• Preferred Name - Employee Self Service



The Division of Information Technology (DoIT), in conjunction with the Department of Equity and Cultural Proficiency, has created a process for staff to identify a Preferred Name. BCPS recognizes that some members of the staff choose or prefer to use names (Preferred Names) to identify themselves other than their Legal Names. By the beginning of April, DoIT will begin rostering resources using preferred name. Legal documents will still use Legal Names. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• All BCPS Employees are Eligible for Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Wellness Services!

BCPS provides access to no-cost, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services as a benefit to all regular, temporary, contractual, full or part-time, 12- or 10-month employees, irrespective of health insurance coverage.

Specifically, Employee Assistance Program services (1-10 sessions per personal or work-related concern) are offered free to all employees and their family members. Additional work/life services: eldercare, childcare, pet care, relocation, financial, legal, and identity theft consultation are also available via our partner Cigna EAP.

Telephone: 888.431.4334 – toll-free 24/7/365 Website ID: Baltimore

Supervisory/Management consultations and coordination of critical incident/staff trauma response services are offered via EAP Specialist Dr. Bernie McCann, 443-809-5414 or bmccann@bcps.org.

• College and University Programs Fall 2023



The Department of Organizational Development and Leadership, in partnership with local colleges and universities, will offer programs for BCPS staff to enhance professional practice and meet MSDE certification requirements. These programs are not cohort programs. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Education Foundation Exchangeree shopping dates for April

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will be hosting shopping days during April at the Exchangeree: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore centers at Rosedale/Golden Ring and Windsor Mill locations for all full-time BCPS educators and support staff.

During April, no registration or appointments are needed but shoppers must bring their BCPS photo ID and shopping bags/boxes.

on the following shopping dates, educators can pick up both academic school/classroom supplies and educational resources and new and gently used books:

•Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 3 to 6 p.m., Rosedale/Golden Ring

•Thursday, April 20, 2023, from 3 to 6 p.m., Windsor Mill

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• New Budget and Reporting communication site



The Office of Budget and Reporting has a new communication site. This site will house resources for budgeting tasks (Budget Line Transfers, Accounting String Maintenance) and budget information for schools, offices, and grant accounting (training information, instructional reference material). Please follow and bookmark the page for easy access in the future. This site will help engage and inform staff of all relevant BCPS budgeting practices.

• Let's Play Ball! 2023 with the Education Foundation

Mark your calendar! Let's Play Ball! 2023 is set for Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. Once again, Team BCPS administrators will square off against Team BCPS educators in a star-studded softball game. Learn more in a BCPS blog post.

Registration for BCPS players end on Friday, March 31! Calling all administrators and educators to participate in this year's fun and friendly softball game. Registration is first come, first served and is limited to the first 25 administrators and the first 25 educators who sign up. 

• Baltimore Ravens Touchdown for Teachers

The Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank are inviting nominations for their 10th annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which recognizes local teachers who provide outstanding service for their schools and communities. The online application form will be open through Friday, April 7. All finalists will be notified of their selection by April 21.

• Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship

The Teaching Fellows for​ Maryland Scholarship is awarded to students who pledge to work as public school or public prekindergarten teachers in Maryland upon completion of their studies that lead to a Maryland professional teacher certificate.

Recipients must fulfill a service obligation with a public school that has at least 50% of its students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Scholarship information and conditions of award are posted on the Maryland Higher Education Commission webpage.

Applicants for the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship must submit the online application through their​ MDCAPS account. BCPS contractual staff who desire to transition into a paraeducator or teacher position are encouraged to explore this opportunity. The online application and all required documents must be submitted by April 1 for consideration.

• Towson University Opportunities in Equity-Centered Educational Leadership

Beginning in fall 2023, Towson University, in collaboration with BCPS, will offer programs for educators interested in developing equity-centered, culturally responsive leadership skills. An information session will be held by Towson University on Wednesday, April 26, at 6 p.m. Information about the programs can be found on the attached flyer.

Please note that this is not a cohort program. Participants will pay tuition up front and may seek any reimbursement they are eligible for through the process managed by the BCPS Office of Certification.

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

Wishing Team BCPS a Wonderful Spring Break!

We're almost there! BCPS Spring Break will begin at the end of the school day on Friday, March 31. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, April 11.

However you decide to spend your hard-earned break, we hope it energizes and rejuvenates you as we prepare for the final stretch of the 2023-2024 school year!

#BCPSAPWeek: April 3 - 7

National Assistant Principals Week is April 3 -7! Although schools will be closed for Spring Break, we invite the BCPS community to share messages of gratitude using #BCPSAPWeek on social media.

Customer Service Center Spring Break Hours

The Customer Service Center (CSC) will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. from Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, during the upcoming spring break.

Representatives from the CSC will be available for phone calls (443-809-1000) and walk-ins (Building B, Greenwood Campus).

Staff will be available to answer calls about benefits, leaves, and retirement, and will accept completed retirement packets during this time.

Anyone wishing to have a CSC representative review their retirement paperwork should contact the CSC for an appointment at 443-809-1000 or cschelp@bcps.org

In case you missed it:

Summer 2023 Work Schedules Message

From July 10, through August 4, eligible Team BCPS staff will be provided with flexible work options including a compressed work week and/or remote Mondays or Fridays. All staff who work remotely shall be accessible telephonically, via electronic meeting platform, and/or by email during their assigned school’s or office’s regular operating hours. Additionally, principals working remotely must be able to respond to emergencies in their buildings and should be able to access their buildings within an hour of notification.

Staff members who elect to participate in any flexible summer work option must submit their request to supervisors in writing no later than April 17.

For more information, please read the full message on the BCPS website.

Derrick Dixon, LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Winner

On March 29, Derrick Dixon, an additional adult assistant at Bedford Elementary School, received a surprise visit! Dixon has been named National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Winner! With the award, Dixon will receive $10,000 to share with his school, plus a trip to Mexico in June. Learn more about Dixon, who was nominated by Bedford Principal Christina Connelly, on the LifeChanger of the Year website.

School Resource Officer of the Year Award

In collaboration with the Baltimore County Police Department, BCPS will recognize outstanding school resource officers at each level (elementary, middle and high) for the 2022-2023 school year. Nominations for this award will be accepted through Friday, April 28.

Please use the following link to access the SRO of the Year Nomination 2022-2023 form. Once you have completed the form, please email the form to Sergeant Eric Knox, assistant safe schools' facilitator, or mail to 9600 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 118, Baltimore, Maryland 21220.

Celebrating Graduating Seniors: For High School Principals

Each year, each BCPS high school principal is asked to identify one graduating senior to be featured in a series of blog posts from April through May. The student can be a high-achiever or star athlete, but the Department of Communications and Community Outreach is also interested in unsung heroes and students with unique interests and stories.

For high schools that are not separate public day schools, the school is asked to complete an online form, and to share a link with the selected student so they can complete additional questions. Separate public day schools that would like to celebrate a graduating senior should complete a form answering questions about the student. The deadline for all information is 4:45 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023.

BCPS student leaders to host 5K Walk and Community Fair in honor of former staff advisor Nora Murray

Baltimore County Student Councils and Baltimore County Junior Councils are co-hosting the Nora Murray Memorial Walk, a 5K walk and community fair to support FINISH Sarcoma (a rare cancer).

Online registration is $30 for adults (ages 18+), $15 for students (ages 6–17), and free for children under age 6. Free T-shirts will be provided to all paid participants who register by March 30.

1) The Board received a report on 2022-2023 second quarter results.

2) The Board discussed proposed changes for several policies.

3) The Board approved one administrative appointment.

Mental Health Matters Month Kick Off Event

Students and families are invited to the Mind Over Matters Mental Health Matters Kick Off Event on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. Please join us for workshops and visit vendors to learn more about children's mental health and substance use prevention.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey

Special Education Teachers: Help spread the word! Each year the Maryland State Department of Education surveys parents of children receiving special education services. The purpose of The Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey is to hear from parents about how well they think their children’s school is partnering with them and promoting parent involvement in their children’s education. Surveys were mailed by February 10 and must be returned (by mail or online) by May 19. Parents can also complete the survey online.

Welcome Reception: 4 - 4:45 p.m.

Awards Program: 4:45 - 6 p.m.

Celebration Reception: 6 - 6:45 p.m.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Honoring:

Teacher of the Year

Rising Star Teacher of the Year

Principal of the Year

Assistant Principal of the Year

Supervisory Leader of the Year

Supporting Services Employee of the Year

Transportation Champion

AFSCME Employee of the Year

Volunteer Champion

Business Partner Champion

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.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Raising the bar, Closing Gaps, Preparing for our future

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org