Thursday, September 21, 2023

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

Celebrating 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!

This week at Cromwell Valley Elementary School, vocal music teacher Terri Iacarino partnered with a parent volunteer to co-teach lessons about Hispanic heritage. Students danced the merengue and bachata and learned about Salvadoran history and culture.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the BCPS Spanish Facebook page is recognizing Hispanic/Latino BCPS staff members through "Orgullo BCPS." In addition, the new "Cuentos y leyendas" series on the page explores tales and legends that are deeply rooted in Hispanic/Latino cultures.

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

Now through October 15, we invite students, staff, and families to share classroom/office activities or some of their favorite traditions on social media using #BCPSHerencia.

FEATURED VIDEO:

BCPS "Sports Scene" - September 18 Show

BCPS-TV's "Sports Scene" checked in with Milford Mill football, Dulaney High field hockey, Towson High boys soccer, and Hereford High volleyball.

In case you missed it, please review our community message regarding student athlete and spectator behavior. We are asking all members of the BCPS community to do their part to ensure sporting events remain safe, family-oriented events.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

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

Effective October 1, the Office of Logistics will be implementing the use of 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Road, Perry Hall 21128). More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Universal Fee Waiver

Families may now complete the Universal Fee Waiver through the FOCUS Parent Portal. It is no longer in hard copy format. 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, message through School Messenger, and make it available on appropriate Schoology pages.

Questions? Contact Caitlin Brennan.

• IEP/Special Education Resource Fair at Orems Elementary School



The BCPS community is invited to an IEP/Special Education Resource Fair in the gym at Orems Elementary School from 6 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27. More information is available on a digital flyer.

Registration is encouraged.

• Principal Internship Application

To build a pipeline into the principalship, a professional learning pathway for assistant principals, The Principal Internship, has been designed for the 2023-2024 school year. This professional learning pathway is a blend of coursework, opportunities to provide professional learning, and an internship.

Interested and eligible assistant principals should complete an application and refer any questions to Dr. George Roberts, consulting administrator, by Friday, September 29.

The Principal Internship candidate must have:

• MSDE 1 Administrator 1 certification.
• At least two years experience as a successful assistant principal.
• A current evaluation rating of effective or highly effective.
• An Administrator II certification or agree to take the exam by the end of the program.
• Acceptance into the Principals' Pool, or agree to participate in the Assessment Skills Center to qualify for the Principals' Pool by the end of the program.

• Seeking student leaders to represent their schools - Please spread the word!

Applications for the 2023-2024 Board of Selected Students (BOSS) will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 22.

BOSS brings together two students from each middle and high school to share their schools' views with Baltimore County Student Councils and to collaborate with other student leaders from across the county. BOSS will meet virtually, once a month, throughout the school year. BOSS applications are open to students who are not already involved in student council/government leadership at their schools.

• 2023-2024 Monthly Central Office Professionals Leadership Development

OPE supervisors and managers, and non-represented administrative assistants, directors, executive directors, and chiefs who work with departments supporting business operations, will be provided monthly professional learning opportunities focused on building leadership capacity. More information is available 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.

• Year-round New Educator Orientation Workshops



Year-round orientation will be offered each month through the Afterschool Workshop Program. The program is highly recommended, but not required, for new educators who missed the August 2023 New Educator Orientation event. New educators will be paid at least $38.62 per hour for participation. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Exchangeree shopping dates - September and October



The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will host shopping days during September and 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, September 26

• Tuesday, October 17

Windsor Mill

• Thursday, October 5

• Thursday, October 26

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• 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.

2024 Open Enrollment - October 16 - November 10

Save the date! 2024 open enrollment for BCPS employees will take place October 16 - November 10. Additional information will be forthcoming.

Here For It Attendance Campaign - Tip of the Week

When we participate in being #HereForIt, we actively promote a school culture that upholds the value of daily attendance.

Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10 percent or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire year), they are less likely to read proficiently by Grade 3, achieve in middle school, and graduate from high school.

Get your school in on the action and join us in our newest, most exciting attendance campaign yet. Remember to post all your wonderful and creative campaign fun on Twitter and include #HereForItBCPS as well as the Office of Pupil Personnel Services Twitter (@BCPS_PPW).

Questions regarding this information should be directed to:

• Dr. Kevin Roberts, Director

• Erika Hamlet, Coordinator

• Tamesha Peterson, Attendance Liaison

Monday, September 25, is a Professional Development Day

Schools are closed for students on Monday, September 25. All staff members are expected to report to their work location, unless taking personal leave time.

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.

Paraprofessional Undergraduate Program - Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant

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 (7) classes. Potential candidates must possess an Associates of Arts in Teaching (AAT) or Associates Degree (AA) in education by December 2023, assigned in an elementary or early childhood setting, and cannot already be enrolled in a teacher education program.

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

The State of the Arts in BCPS

A new blog post features interviews with BCPS fine arts administrators about what's new in arts education this school year.

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.

Coming Soon! BCPS Magnet Expo on 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.

ESOL Frequently Asked Questions document

During the August 2023 A&S Meeting, many administrators requested additional information about ESOL and English language learners (ELLs). In response, the ESOL FAQs for Administrators and Teachers document was created to provide foundational information about ESOL services, English language assessment tools, grading for students identified as ELLs, and more.

Additionally, the document has embedded links to resources, high-quality websites, and professional development opportunities to support teaching and learning for our multilingual students. Questions? Contact Jennifer Hernandez.

We're hiring! Please spread the word about our upcoming recruitment events.

Online applications are available now.

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT



Janelle Smith, Reading/English Language Arts Teacher, Virtual Learning Program Middle School

Submitted by Caroline Whittaker, Resource Teacher, Office of English Language Arts

"Janelle deserves recognition for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to student progress and growth. Janelle’s positivity, persistence, and rigorous expectations have led to the successful graduation of numerous students from literacy intervention classes.

"Janelle's influence reaches beyond intervention, instilling a

genuine love for reading and learning in her students.

She is undeniably a champion for her students.

Kudos, Janelle! BCPS is lucky to have you!"

Kieran O'Connell, Principal, Franklin High School

Submitted by Sandra Reid, Acting Executive Director, Department of Schools, Central High Schools

"Principal O'Connell was selected as a member of the Leadership Balitmore County Class of 2024. This coveted program brings together high achievers with diverse perspectives to educate them about the challenges and opportunities facing Baltimore County and inspire them to affect positive change to enrich our community."

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

Community Schools Facilitators Appreciation Week - through Saturday, September 23

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