Thursday, September 28, 2023

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

Community invited to public forums to discuss BCPS budget priorities

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) will host five “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. Please join us to provide input on the process and share ideas on areas you believe BCPS should prioritize in the budget and investments the system should make to ensure it provides the greatest public education to every student.

In addition to the budget forums, Team BCPS staff, parents, students, and community members are encouraged to complete the FY 25 Budget Priorities Stakeholder Survey. The survey is available in multiple languages.

When and Where:

• Thursday, October 12, from 6-7 p.m.

Sparrows Point High School—cafeteria,

7400 North Point Rd, Sparrows Point 21219

• Tuesday, October 17, from 6-7 p.m.

Pikesville High School—cafeteria,

7621 Labyrinth Rd, Pikesville 21208

This meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.

• Wednesday, October 25, from 6-7 p.m.

Loch Raven High School—cafeteria,

1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

• Thursday, November 9, from 6-7 p.m.

Parkville High School—cafeteria,

2600 Putty Hill Ave., Baltimore 21234

• Tuesday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m.

Western School of Technology and Environmental Science —cafeteria,

100 W. Kenwood Ave., Catonsville 21228

Spanish interpretation will be provided at each meeting. Interpreting services for other languages are also available upon request at no cost to participants. Please call 443-809-1250 as early as possible to request.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Elijah Cummings Youth Program

in Israel

This past summer, Western Tech senior Ameerah Austin traveled to Israel as a Youth Ambassador for the Elijah Cummings Youth Program!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Maryland Cultural Proficiency Conference

The Maryland Cultural Proficiency Conference will take place on October 17-18, at Morgan State University. For those who plan to attend, please see the instructions below:

For School Equity Liaisons: The Department of Equity and Cultural Proficiency will sponsor the registration of one equity liaison per school. The equity liaison must have (1) been identified as the equity liaison or co-equity liaison by their principal in the Staff Access Management app and (2) must have the consent of their principal to attend the conference. If both of those qualifications are met, then the Equity Liaison can use this form to register.

For all other attendees: Please use this link to register.

Questions? Contact Ericka Alexander, program assistant

• New educator fall seminar

As part of the BCPS New Teacher Induction program, the Office of Teacher Development will host a seminar for non-tenured teachers. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, October 24, at the Loyola Graduate Center, 2034 Greenspring Dr., Timonium 21093 from 8:30-11 a.m. for elementary educators and 12-2:30 p.m. for secondary educators.

Interested participants must register for the workshop beginning Friday, September 29. Registration will remain open until Friday, October 20. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Purple Star Schools Program

Along with 37 other states, Maryland has joined the nationwide initiative in establishing a Purple Star Schools Program. The aim of the Purple Star Schools Program is to recognize and support the unique needs of students whose parents or guardians serve in our country’s armed forces. Providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for this group of students aligns with Maryland’s commitment to providing an excellent and equitable education for all students.

Please see this memo regarding this important initiative, as well as the application information sheet.

• ESOL Welcome Center information

ESOL Welcome Center staff members continue to provide English language proficiency assessment and enrollment services to our new multilingual learners.

At the time of enrollment, a family should be referred to the ESOL Welcome Center (443-809-6752) if:

• The student is in Grades 1-12, new to a Maryland public school system, and indicates a language other than English on at least two of the questions on the Home Language Survey; or

• The student enrolls with international transcripts and is in Grades 9-12.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Taking care of staff devices



Taking care of BCPS-issued devices and other hardware such as port replicators, monitors, interactive display panels, printers, etc. is the responsibility of all BCPS employees. DoIT tracks devices that come in for repair and sorts them according to damage type so parts can be ordered, and repairs completed.

While BCPS staff devices have accidental damage coverage, some things are not covered. That typically results in a total loss of $1,000 to BCPS. Staff members may be held responsible for intentional damage and/or damage caused by negligence to BCPS issued hardware.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• MSEA Convention

The annual MSEA Convention will be held on Friday, October 20, in Ocean City. Schools are closed for students. Teachers and 10-month ESPBC employees are released from work for the day so they can participate in the convention or professional development. If a 12-month office professional is planning to attend the convention as a participant or delegate, they may do so by informing their supervisor.

Questions? Contact Joelle Bielski, 443-809-2097.

• New transfer requisition (T-Req) process using Smartsheet

Effective October 1, the Office of Logistics will use Smartsheet for all transfer requisition (T-REQ) requests. The new Smartsheet link will replace the paper Transfer Requisition form. Staff should save and use this Transfer Requisition (T-REQ) link to submit T-REQ requests to the Office of Logistics for processing.

• Professional development to address creating a culture for learners

The Department of Special Education will offer an

in-person professional development for teachers on Wednesday, October 4, from 5-6 p.m., at Honeygo Elementary School (4816 Joppa Rd., Perry Hall 21128). More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Paraprofessional Undergraduate Program

Bowie State University is seeking underrepresented minority paraeducators who are interested in enrolling in an undergraduate program towards licensure in Elementary Education or Early Childhood/Special Education. Interested paraeducators must be employed with specific Maryland school systems, as identified in the digital flyer.

This is a one-year program, which will be funded by the Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant. The grant will cover books and tuition for up to seven classes. Potential candidates must possess an Associate of Arts degree in Teaching or associate degree in education by December 2023, be assigned to an elementary or early childhood setting, and they cannot already be enrolled in a teacher education program.

Paraeducators who are interested should register for an upcoming Information Session (listed on flyer).

• Universal Fee Waiver

Families may now complete the Universal Fee Waiver through the FOCUS Parent Portal. It is no longer in hard copy format. Schools and offices should use this one-page document to market and communicate the advantages of the waiver and instructions on how to complete the form. Schools are encouraged to post this document to school websites, share it through School Messenger, and make it available on appropriate Schoology pages.

This flyer has been translated into 13 other languages: Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Yoruba, Nepali, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, Russian, French, Pashto, Dari and Ukrainian.

Questions? Contact Caitlin Brennan or Mike Barberesi.

• Exchangeree shopping dates - October



The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will host shopping days in October at the Exchangeree: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore centers in Rosedale/Golden Ring and Windsor Mill. Shopping, from 3-6 p.m. on the days listed below, will be open to all full-time BCPS educators and support staff (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers).

Rosedale/Golden Ring

• Tuesday, October 17

Windsor Mill

• Thursday, October 5

• Thursday, October 26

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Upcoming Parent University events

This year, BCPS Parent University is presenting a variety of virtual programs. More information is available on the Parent University schedule.

Upcoming programming includes:

• "The Power of Play: Fun Activities for Parents and Children"

Friday, October 20, at 12:30 p.m.

• "Can you say 'Mama?": How Young Children Develop Language"

Friday, November 17, at 12:30 p.m.

• Putting Students First grant applications



In partnership with First Financial Federal Credit Union, The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., is pleased to accept applications for Putting Students First grants. The awarding of project funds will be based on the project’s anticipated impact on student’s educational readiness.

The application closes on September 29 at 5 p.m. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Principals: Does your school have a PTA?

Leslie Weber, president of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, is updating her list of schools that have PTAs. We kindly request that you complete this form with any updated information.

National Custodian Day - Monday, October 2

Monday, October 2, is National Custodian Day! Please join us in giving our hardworking Team BCPS custodians an extra special THANK YOU on Monday! This amazing team of professionals works diligently to keep our schools, offices, and other facilities clean and well-maintained.

October is National Principals Month!

Please join us as we celebrate #TeamBCPS Principals for their dedication, enthusiasm, and expertise as the leaders our 176 schools, centers, and programs.

2024 Open Enrollment - October 16 - November 10

Open enrollment is the annual period in which eligible employees can make changes to their current medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account (FSA) elections.

This year, open enrollment will be open from 9 a.m. on Monday, October 16, through 4 p.m. on Friday, November 10. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective January 1, 2024.

All employees who are benefit eligible must access Employee Self-Service (ESS) to make changes to medical, dental, vision, and FSA elections (health and dependent care). If an employee does not elect to make changes to their benefits, employees must still access ESS and indicate that no changes should be made. Paper enrollments will not be accepted for these benefits.

If employees do not have access to a computer to access ESS, staff in the Office of Benefits and the Customer Service Center will be available to assist employees with the process. Staff from the Office of Benefits and the CSC will visit several schools and bus lots to assist employees during open enrollment. The flyer of the dates and times is listed in the News Hub.

Cell phone policy in effect for 2023-2024 school year

This week, we sent a community message regarding the BCPS cell phone policy. We understand that there are a number of reasons why parents/guardians want their children to take phones to school, however, the phones are a distraction and can cause significant disruption to the learning environment.

Students who violate the cell phone policy will receive consequences.

The BCPS Magnet Expo is Saturday, September 30!

This year’s Team BCPS Magnet Expo is set for Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Delta Hotel Hunt Valley. The expo will feature 32 schools with magnet programs; English for speakers of other languages and special education representatives; and career and technical education exhibits and demonstrations!

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year will be available through November 3.

Highlights from the Superintendent’s September 2023 press conference

On Tuesday, September 26, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) held a media availability to share updates on the 2023-2024 school year. A recording of the press conference is available online, and more details are available in a community update.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Across the county, BCPS schools and offices are proudly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic/Latino communities!

On X (formerly Twitter), we have seen amazing activities and displays at Berkshire Elementary, Lansdowne Middle, Padonia International Elementary, and beyond! Don't forget to use #BCPSHerencia on social media.

How is your school/office recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month? Please send details to communications@bcps.org.

BCPS launches bus locator app for families

BCPS is pleased to announce the countywide implementation of BusWhere, a location tracking software that allows subscribers to see bus locations in real time on a mobile phone or computer. Via the BusWhere app, subscribers may opt to receive notifications as the bus is approaching a designated bus stop or if there are significant delays.

BCPS families can expect to receive an email invitation from BusWhere to create an account the week of October 1.

Watch this informational video to learn more about BusWhere!

Fundamentals of Teacher Leadership - Winter 2023

Do you have aspirations of becoming a teacher leader? Perhaps a staff development teacher, department chair, consulting teacher, or resource teacher? Are you interested in adding skills to your leadership toolbox? Maybe you're unsure of your next step and you want to explore your options. Then this is the course for you!

Course Dates: December 11, 2023 – February 23, 2024

Course Registration Window: October 9 – November 30, 2023

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

1) The Board approved Fiscal Year 2024 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan.

2) The Board received a report on the proposed 2024-2025 school year calendar and requested an additional option that reduced the number of half days. A public hearing on the proposed calendar will be held on October 10, 2023.

3) The Board received a report on the 2022-2023 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program results and the work of the system to improve student learning and proficiency.

4) The Board approved two administrative appointments.

Save the date! 7th Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair set for October 14

Seniors are encouraged to attend the 7th Annual BCPS Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) College Fair on October 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at New Town High School. Other high school students and families are also welcome. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

In addition, volunteers are needed for the event! All are welcome to volunteer, and we are especially seeking those who are graduates of HBCUs and/or members of an organization that is part of the National Pan Hellenic Council.

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT



Andrew Reid, Technology Trainer, Technology Training and Compliance Management

Submitted by Pierre Francois, Manager, Technology Training and Compliance Management

"Andrew has been an excellent addition to the Technology Training and Compliance Management Team. He is always ready to assist staff with their technology needs and does so with a smile. He goes the extra mile to develop relationships with staff in all divisions.

After Andrew started in December 2022, he examined all the Microsoft 365 Trainings and launched a new series of Microsoft 365 Trainings. This year, he has collaborated with the Controller’s Office with training for the upgrade of the InfoAdvantage Reporting System.

Furthermore, he has been a member of the UKG Ready Project team for the new time and attendance system. Andrew has demonstrated patience and shared his talent and expertise to help design user-friendly manager and employee dashboards. During meetings, he thinks of ways to make the user's experience more accessible and straightforward. Participants in Andrew’s training sessions have said that they are 'engaging, approachable, and fun!' BCPS is fortunate to have him in the role of Technology Trainer."

Kelsey Brown, Grade 1 Teacher, Timonium Elementary School

Submitted by Christie Miller, Reading Specialist, Timonium Elementary School

"Each day at our schools, teachers must be prepared and willing to be flexible on a minute-to-minute basis. Unpredictable challenges with technology, changes in schedules, and emotions of our students compel us to be responsive and shift gears seamlessly to provide a welcoming space and effective instruction for our students. Kelsey Brown is an outstanding example of a teacher who is readily flexible and can adapt and change her plans instantly to move through each day smoothly. Her students learn that they can count on a calm and well-organized environment each and every day when they enter their classroom."

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

Hispanic Heritage Month - through Sunday, October 15

National Principals Month - October

National Bullying Prevention Month - October

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month - October

National Custodian Day - Monday, October 2

International Walk & Roll to School Day - Wednesday, October 4

National School Lunch Week - Monday, October 9 - Friday, October 13

America's Safe Schools Week - Sunday, October 15 - Saturday, October 21

National School Bus Safety Week - Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20

Color for Character Week - Monday, October 16 - Friday, October 20

BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day - Wednesday, October 18

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org