Thursday, December 8, 2022

ICYMI: Updates on Human Resources Special Project and Enhanced Compensation Package

Update on Human Resources Special Project

On December 6, 2022, BCPS provided an update regarding its Human Resources Special Project. BCPS is taking immediate and substantive action to address concerns raised by Team BCPS employees and retirees regarding human resources services.

Current Status

Effective Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 16 clerical staff have been reassigned to Human Resources as part of the Clerical Support Project designed to address critical needs. Reassigned staff are receiving training and begin new duties Friday, December 9, 2022.

Additionally, new job postings have been advertised for 12 full-time customer service representatives, four to six part-time customer service representatives, and one supervisor to staff an onsite customer service center to respond to employee and retiree needs. The job postings close Saturday, December 10, 2022. The customer service center will be open Monday – Friday with extended hours two days per week.

The full message is available online.

Update on Enhanced Compensation Package for Team BCPS Employees

On December 2, 2022, BCPS provided an update regarding the enhanced compensation package for Team BCPS employees. The full message is available online and includes details for salaried and hourly employees regarding salary scale adjustments, retroactive pay adjustments, the top of pay scale $2,500 adjustment, and retention bonuses.

If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing your pay stub, please complete the following form: BCPS Employee Salary Inquiry Form. A Human Resources/Payroll representative will research your questions and concerns and provide a response within 48-72 hours. 

FEATURED VIDEO:

Community Conversation on Safe and Supportive Environments

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, dozens gathered at Carver Center, and hundreds watched online, for a community conversation focused on middle school safety.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair

BCPS students and families are invited to join us on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Town High School for the Sixth Annual BCPS HBCU College Fair. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

• Holidays can be for wellness, too! - A message from the Employee Wellness Program

Staying well during the holiday season often means doing the things that we do all year long! But sometimes the holidays get in the way of our wellness habits. In looking at a lot of December wellness newsletters, popular topics included stress, gift giving (how not to get stressed over them), holiday survival, and fighting holiday stress, both mentally and physically.

What is your approach to the holiday season? Do you dread it, survive it, ignore it, enjoy it, or even thrive during this time of the year? Take a holistic approach to the holiday season; although it can be stressful, be sure to give yourself grace throughout the process.

Some tips:

• Bundle up and take a winter walk! The invigorating cold is a good stress reliever because it helps clear your mind.

• Try a mindful minute by counting each breath as you inhale and exhale, just being aware.

• Send a quick text of gratitude to someone you care about.

The holiday season may lend itself to times of stress, but it is important to prioritize yourself and your mental health as you decompress from the school year so far.

Stay safe and well.

• College and University Programs - Spring 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. Please note that these programs are not cohort programs; participants may choose to apply to any of the programs based on individual needs. All costs must be paid by the participant. Participants must pay for courses in advance and, if eligible, seek individual tuition reimbursement from the Office of Certification after successful completion.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• We're hiring – Spread the word

Online applications are available for a variety of BCPS positions. Also, BCPS Recruitment is now on Twitter!

• Racial Justice Poetry Contest



Entries are being accepted now through 11:59 p.m. on March 1, 2023. Students in Grades 6 – 12 in Baltimore County public, parochial, and independent schools and homeschooled children in Baltimore County can apply. Poems must be original and no more than three pages long.

Contest details, prize information, and a submission form can be found on Schoology in the resource folder for teachers of Secondary English Language Arts. Teachers from other content areas may contact Justin DePrima at Dumbarton Middle School or the BCPS English language arts office for access.

Learn more in a BCPS blog post.

• Exchangeree shopping dates for December

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc. has a few shopping days remaining in December at the Exchangeree: Gizmos and Gadgets Galore locations in Rosedale/Golden Ring and Windsor Mill. All full-time BCPS educators and support staff (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers) can participate.

On the following dates, from 3 - 6 p.m., the Exchangerees will distribute academic school/classroom supplies and educational resources:

• Thursday, December 15, at Windsor Mill
• Tuesday, December 20, at Rosedale/Golden Ring

In addition, on Wednesday, December 21, from 3 - 5 p.m., the Exchangeree at Windsor Mill will distribute only new and gently-used leveled books.

Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Staff Bulletin Archive

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

• BCPS United Way Campaign

The BCPS campaign for the United Way of Central Maryland is back for 2022, and it's easier and more rewarding than ever to participate. This year's campaign will run through Saturday, Dec. 31, but if you wish to contribute to the United Way through a payroll deduction, make sure you pledge no later than Friday, December 16!

The United Way of Central Maryland works year-round to support our schools and students and many Baltimore County families in need. To donate, visit the "BCPS United Way 2022 page. There, use your work email address as your username and the last five digits of your employee ID number as your password to make a donation and help those who need a helping hand. Your donation will be included automatically in the BCPS campaign total when you pledge.

Thank you for your generous support of the BCPS United Way campaign!

Spread the word! We're hiring customer service representatives!

These new part-time and full-time positions offer a great opportunity to join Team BCPS in our Benefits & Retirement Office! Applications are available online.

Grow Our Own Program: Early Childhood/Special Education Paraeducator Cohort

The Early Childhood/Special Education Paraeducator program at Bowie State University offers an intense three and half OR five-year course plan where candidates can complete the requirements for certification. The successful candidate for this program will have already attained an associate degree or at least 60 transferable university or college credits. The remaining courses to earn a Bachelor of Science in early childhood/special education are arranged for the cohort.

Program information regarding these programs can be found on the Grow Our Own webpage. An information session will be held on December 13, 2022. Representatives from Bowie State University will share details about the program.

The Bowie State University application deadline is January 6, 2023. Contact: Carla Simons at 443-809-3015.

Math Homework Helpers LIVE - Wednesday, January 11

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., for the second time this school year, “Math Homework Helpers LIVE” will air on BCPS-TV Fios channel 34 / Comcast channel 73, and stream live on bcps.org and the BCPS YouTube channel.

BCPS-TV "Math Homework Helpers Shorts" are also available on the Vimeo and YouTube. These vignettes are short math lessons aligned with the math curriculum for students in Kindergarten through Grade 5.

“Share the Warmth” campaign collects winter accessories and wellness items for BCPS students

The Education Foundation effort focuses on collecting items through January

Community members are invited to contribute new/unused winter accessories and wellness items to support BCPS students during the winter. Learn more in a BCPS news release.

1) The Board welcomed newly elected members Maggie Litz Domanowski, Christina Pumphrey, Robin Harvey, Jane Litcher, and Dr. Brenda Savoy.  

2) The Board selected new officers. Jane Lichter, District 2, was selected to serve as Board chair, and Robin Harvey, District 1, was selected to serve as vice chair. Both officers will serve a one-year term.

3)Superintendent Williams provided an update on the work of the system to address employee concerns regarding human resources services and support. Additional staff will temporarily be reassigned to HR to provide support and address critical needs. 

4) Superintendent Williams highlighted recent BCPS achievements and celebrations and provided updates on teaching and learning and safety.

5) The Board received an update on the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the work of the system to implement the plan with fidelity. 



6) Staff provided the Board with an update on alternative programs in BCPS and the services and supports provided to students who are placed in these programs. 

SMOB application available now

Applications for the 2023-2024 Student Member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County are available.

Each BCPS high school can nominate up to two candidates. Applicants are required to read the application instructions and timeline carefully before submitting their online application. Only students who are current sophomores or juniors are eligible to apply.

Selected students will need to complete the online application by Friday, January 6, 2023. Applications will need to include letters of recommendation from a principal and other designated school staff, along with a resume and a short essay. Please direct students to the SMOB website for more information.

Contact: Stacey Wade.

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