Celebrating American Education Week and National Apprenticeship Week -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, November 13, 2023

Parent University offers resources to support American Education Week

The BCPS Parent University American Education Week webpage features links to classroom observation checklists as well as resources to help parents and caregivers prepare for upcoming conferences.

New National Apprenticeship Week video highlights the program's growth in BCPS

Through the BCPS Youth Apprenticeship Program, students in all BCPS high schools have the opportunity for paid on-the-job learning with a one-to-one mentor in their fields of interest.

In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week (November 13-17), a new video features student apprentices at BCPS-TV, Maryland Auto Insurance, and Timber Industries.

Now in its fourth official year, 170 students are participating in the program.

Want to learn more?

Business leaders interested in learning more can contact Alicia Fales at afales@bcps.org or 443-809-8925. Prospective employers are also invited to a monthly webinar hosted by BCPS and the Maryland Department of Labor. The next webinar will be held on Wednesday, December 13, at 8:30 a.m. Details about how to participate can be found online.

Local news anchor Jason Newton speaks to Hebbville Elementary School students about his career and lessons he's learned

Hebbville Elementary School welcomed WBAL-TV news anchor and Baltimore native Jason Newton on November 8 for a presentation for students in Grades 3-5. Newton told the students about his career path and about important lessons he learned along the way, like trying new things, having no fear, and the importance of quality friendships. His presentation ended with a Q&A session with the students. A new blog post includes more details about the event.

Volunteers sought for upcoming robotics competitions

BCPS seeks volunteers to serve in key roles during upcoming robotics tournaments.

The Robotics Education and Competition Foundation and VEX have partnered to provide free, online training, testing, and certification for those interested in serving as volunteers.

A BCPS news release lists upcoming events and event organizer contact information.

Six high schools participate in 2023 BCPS Marching Band Showcase

On a beautiful fall afternoon, marching bands from across Baltimore County performed in the annual BCPS Marching Band Showcase, a noncompetitive event. Gathered at Woodlawn High School on November 5 were bands from Owings Mills, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, and Towson high schools. In addition, Morgan State University's Magnificent Marching Machine performed as a special guest, and Kennis Rolle, an instrumental music teacher at Patapsco High and Center for the Arts, led the high school bands in a joint performance. More photos from the showcase can be found on Flickr.

Northwest Area Elementary School Boundary Study survey open through Sunday, December 3

The Northwest Area Elementary School Boundary study affects students currently attending Bedford, Fort Garrison, Milbrook, Scotts Branch, Summit Park, and Wellwood International elementary schools as well as Campfield Early Learning Center.

Stakeholder feedback is a vital part of the BCPS boundary study process.

Through Sunday, December 3, community members are invited to complete an online survey and share their opinions about four draft options for new school boundaries. The survey is available in several languages.

Final "Community Conversations" regarding Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget to be held this Tuesday

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) has been hosting a series of “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The final event in the series will be held:

Tuesday, November 14,

from 6-7 p.m.

Western School of Technology and Environmental Science—Cafeteria

100 W. Kenwood Ave., Catonsville 21228

Please join us to share your ideas on budget priorities and the investments you believe the system should make to ensure it provides the greatest public education for every student. A recording of the October 17 conversation at Pikesville High School is available online.

Spanish interpretation will be provided at the 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.

In addition to the budget forums, BCPS recently launched its new "Budget 101" website. The website provides an overview of the BCPS operating budget—where our funding comes from, how it is spent, and how we ensure we are meeting the needs of every BCPS student.

Baltimore County’s new northeast middle school needs a name!

BCPS invites the public to submit names for the new middle school currently under construction in the northeast area of Baltimore County. Name nominations will be accepted through Monday, November 20. Nominations are open to all BCPS staff, students, parents, and community members, and nominators may submit more than one name suggestion.

Details on what types of names are eligible for consideration and the next steps in the selection process can be found in a recent news release.

Stakeholders invited to take survey about special education staffing

The BCPS Department of Special Education is conducting a brief survey about the staffing of services and supports for BCPS students receiving special education services. This information will be used in developing the Special Education Staffing Plan for next school year. Please take a moment to offer your feedback. The survey closes Friday, December 1.

Two videos highlight Native American community centers in Maryland

Two videos on the Community College of Baltimore County Maryland History website highlight two Native American community centers in Maryland.

In "Interview Piscataway Indians," the director of the American Indian Cultural Center in Waldorf, Maryland, is interviewed along with her daughter.

"Talk Together: The Baltimore American Indian Center," a video produced by UMBC, explores the Baltimore American Indian Center in Upper Fells Point, Baltimore. The center serves as a community museum, meeting space, and promotes American Indian culture through classes and annual pow wows.

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

Learn more about childhood anxiety and the difference parents can make

A post on the KQED website explores "How parents can recognize and help a child with anxiety." According to the article, nearly 21 percent of children around the world have anxiety symptoms.

The article tackles the following topics:

Determining if a child has anxiety.
Common childhood anxiety disorders.
Ways to help children with anxiety.
When and how to seek professional help.

Calendar notes!

Tuesday, November 14 - Friday, November 17 – American Education Week. Please look out for the calendar, flyers, newsletters, or other communications to see if your child's school is hosting special activities.

Tuesday, November 14 – Report cards distributed. Instructions on how to access report card and the "BCPS Grading and Reporting Procedures Manual" are available online. An Understood.org article offers helpful tips on productive ways to talk to children about their grades.

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.

Catonsville High senior reflects on what she learned during 6 weeks in Taiwan

In a new blog post, Ivana Awuah, a Catonsville High School senior, writes, "During the height of COVID, I found myself intrigued by language learning, and the idea of studying abroad to improve my learning. This past summer, I was placed in Taipei, Taiwan, for six weeks of language learning and cultural exchange through the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y).

Ivana Awuah (center)

"This program was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have had because it taught me how to navigate through cultural differences, the effects of language learning, and reassured me of my future career goals."

for your viewing pleasure

"Stormy Sky" by Darlene Wolinski, visual arts teacher, Maiden Choice School. Work featured in the annual BCPS Teacher as Artist Exhibition.

To see more artwork by BCPS students, teachers, and other members of the BCPS community, please visit the Office of Visual Arts gallery webpage.

mission moment

from The Education Foundation of BCPS

'Tis the season for giving

Unleashing the power of generosity

On "GivingTuesday," November 28, the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., invites you to become a Champion of Education by donating to support its mission-driven work.

All donations and funds raised during GivingTuesday will go directly to students, teachers, and schools. Your generosity affords the opportunity for students to have the necessary school supplies, health and wellness accessories and resources, and books for pleasure and relaxation that positively impact their success. Donations also help the foundation provide scholarships to graduating seniors and provide teachers and schools with grants to support innovative learning experiences.

A new Mission Moment blog post outlines some of the many ways the community can give to support the students and schools of BCPS.

A word from Dr. Rogers (Yarbrough)

November 13, 2023

Dear Reader:

During American Education Week, many schools set aside specific times for parents and caregivers to visit their children’s classrooms and may host special events. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate if they can.

Among the recognitions taking place during American Education Week are two special observances celebrating BCPS staff. On Wednesday, November 15, the school system will recognize Education Support Professionals Day, and on Friday, November 17, Substitute Educators Day. These staff members are often unsung heroes, and we value their daily contributions to student success.

Success for every child depends on a strong partnership among schools, families, and the community, and that’s why American Education Week is so important. We look forward to welcoming community members into our schools to showcase teaching and learning. Year-round, we encourage parents and caregivers to support their children's schools through parent teacher organizations and by serving as volunteers and boosters. Community members are also welcome as volunteers, and businesses are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities.

For BCPS, every week is "Education Week."

In partnership,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent