Thursday, January 4, 2024

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

Welcoming in the New Year!

Happy New Year, Team BCPS! For many, the start of a new year is a time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. As 2024 begins, let's reinforce our commitment to supporting BCPS students and families.

Here's to a successful year of engaging and empowering our talented students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders, as we continue to build an innovative and collaborative learning community where all students excel and reach their highest potential.

FEATURED VIDEO:

The CTE Show - January 2024

"The CTE Show" is back with a new edition focused on BCPS automotive programs, including an inside look at the growing partnership with the BCPS Department of Transportation.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Faculty, staff, and retirees invited to submit artwork for BCPS Makes Art! Exhibition

The BCPS Makes Art! exhibition gives employees of the school system an opportunity and space to display their unique art skills. The art submission form for BCPS Makes Art! is open through Friday, January 12, for all BCPS faculty and staff, including retirees. Further details are provided in the art submission form.

This year, the BCPS Makes Art! exhibition and reception will be held at the Towson University StarTUp (307 Washington Avenue, Towson 21204). All artwork submitted will be included in the BCPS Makes Art! virtual exhibition. Only selected artwork will be displayed at the Towson University StarTUp. Space is limited, and there will be a random selection process. The art office will notify staff members of selected artworks.

Questions? Contact Camille Gibson, supervisor, Office of Visual Arts.

• Summit Park Elementary School Farewell Tour

On Monday, January 8, Summit Park Elementary School invites the community to gather from 4 - 6 p.m. for a farewell tour of the original school building. With a contribution of $20, community members can receive a commemorative brick after the building is demolished.

• Team Coaching Training

BCPS is continuing its partnership with Team Coaching International and is providing team coaching training this spring for interested participants. This method builds your skills as a coach to help teams in BCPS improve their performance.

The training will be offered as a hybrid model with asynchronous online work, synchronous online collaboration, and in-person training. The training will be paid in full through the Maryland Leads grant. An information session will be held on Tuesday, January 23, from 4:30 - 5 p.m.

If you are interested in learning more about team coaching, please complete this form to receive an invitation to the session. You may also contact Niamh McQuillan with any questions.

• Holiday Technology

Did you get a new phone for the holidays?

Remember that if you use the Microsoft authentication app for multifactor authentication (MFA), it must be removed from the old phone before activating it on your new phone.

New computer for the holidays?

• Do not use InTune for software installation on personal computers.

• Office can be installed from www.office.com after logging on with BCPS credentials.

• Adobe Creative Cloud can be installed with BCPS credentials.

• Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Nominations

Junior Achievement Maryland and Baltimore Magazine are seeking nominations for the second annual JA 18 Under 18 awards program! They are looking for young people who are reshaping the world through their entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and service to their communities. More information is available on the Junior Achievement website. Nominations close Monday, January 15. Individuals nominated must be born on or after April 30, 2005.

Spread the word! We are seeking qualified professionals to join our team. More information about upcoming recruitment events is available in a BCPS news release.

Team BCPS Day returns on Thursday, January 11!

On Thursday, January 11, Team BCPS Day will be back and bluer than ever!

The BCPS community will be encouraged to wear blue and post photos using #BCPSblue as we celebrate our schools, students, teachers, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Twenty awards will be presented for distinguished participation in Team BCPS Day. More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Superintendent's FY2025 Operating Budget proposal set for Monday, January 8

On Monday, January 8, at 9 a.m., Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) will present her Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget request. The presentation will be livestreamed on the BCPS YouTube channel. A recording of the stream will be available for viewing after the event.

Last call! SMOB application open through Monday, January 8

Applications are open for the next Team BCPS Student Member of the Board! The application deadline is January 8, at 11:59 p.m. Each high school in Baltimore County is able to nominate up to two candidates to apply. Only students who are current sophomores or juniors are eligible to apply. More information is available on the BCPS website. Questions? Contact Stacey Wade, program specialist, 443-809-4496.

Volunteers sought for interactive financial literacy programs

Volunteers are needed to assist with interactive financial literacy programs offered to BCPS students through a partnership with Junior Achievement Maryland. Those interested can sign up online. Volunteers are needed for several dates in January including January 8-11, 16-18, 23-24, 26, and 29-31. Volunteers are typically needed from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., but exact times vary.

Mental Health - Let's Talk About It! podcast

The latest Parent University podcast is by students and for students. As part of the Outstanding Young Women's Leadership (OYWL) program, some BCPS students decided to create a podcast to raise student awareness about mental health symptoms and warning signs. The podcast also includes personal stories, discussions on coping strategies, and information about available resources in BCPS schools and the community.

The Education Foundation Presents: Designer Bag BINGO on January 25

The Education Foundation's Designer Bag BINGO event will take place on Thursday, January 25, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America, 25 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville 21234. Purchase your ticket today!

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Lunch & Learn with BCPS Parent University! BCPS parents and caregivers are invited to join us for these free virtual events. Explore the Parent University Schedule and register today.

Faculty and staff who may be interested in transferring to the new northeast area middle school next school year are invited to join Principal Bryan Thanner at upcoming sessions around the county.

Share your partnership highlights with us!

Schools and offices are invited to send brief highlights and photos of their partnerships with businesses and community organizations to communications@bcps.org. This information might be featured in the monthly BCPS Partnership Spotlight Newsletter.

FOR EDUCATORS

Here For It! Attendance tip of the week

The return from winter break can be tough for both students and teachers. This is because the kiddos are well-rested, but out of their school routine. Here are a few ideas and activities you can do to help:

• Have students set resolutions and goals.
• Reteach and revisit expectations.
• Practice speaking and listening activities.
• Dive into winter themes.
• Plan a fun experiment.
• Don’t be scared to dive right into engaging content.

For the secondary school students, you can:

• Share pictures/videos: If you teach middle or high school, most of your students have phones. Tell your class to pull those phones out and share some pictures and videos from their break. Students can share other pictures they might have on their phones, too, pictures of pets, family, or stunts on their skateboards all count.
• Tell stories: Let your students tell stories!
• Make memes: Students love memes! Have students upload photos from their breaks and make memes out of them. Just be mindful of the apps you let students use as not all apps may be school-appropriate.

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Whatever you choose to do, make it fun and continue to promote an atmosphere of daily on-time attendance!

Don’t forget to visit our website for attendance tips, tools, and resources. We update the site periodically so keep checking back for exciting updates.

FOR ESPBC-REPRESENTED STAFF

ESPBC/BCPS Professional Development Day

The ESPBC/BCPS Professional Development Day has been scheduled for Friday, January 12, from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. and Tuesday, January 16, from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. at the Loyola University Maryland Graduate Center in Timonium. Participants may choose to attend either day.

Multiple breakout sessions will be offered for all ESPBC-represented employees; health assistants, interpreters, technicians, paraeducators, and office professionals, etc. Registration for the ESPBC/BCPS Professional Development Day is ongoing.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR CURRENT AND ASPIRING MENTORS OF PRESERVICE TEACHERS

Mentoring the New Teacher, Parts I and II

The Office of Teacher Development is offering these FREE 3-credit CPD courses recommended for current mentors of preservice teachers (student teachers) as well as those who want to be qualified to mentor preservice teachers. This course is also recommended for teachers who act as mentors or coaches to new or non-tenured teachers.

This is a web-based course with all class sessions taking place through the Schoology platform, with the exception of a mandatory virtual orientation. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

FOR EDUCATORS

Professional learning support for teachers planning to take the ESOL/Special Education Praxis - Spring 2024

BCPS is pleased to share information about new professional learning/support for teachers who plan to take the ESOL/Special Education Praxis in 2024.

This professional learning opportunity is designed for BCPS professionally certified teachers who are interested in taking the ESOL or Special Education PRAXIS in spring 2024 to add an ESOL or Special Education endorsement to their certificate. It will be a four-week asynchronous study course from February 3 through March 1.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Upcoming community advisory group & boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

The Superintendent's FY 2025 Budget Proposal presentation

Monday, January 8, at 9 a.m.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204.

The presentation will be live-streamed on the BCPS YouTube channel.

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, January 8, at 6 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “A Community Partner Panel for Bilingual Families”

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, January 8, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: "Advanced Placement vs. Honors, SAT vs. CAT, Sports vs. Clubs"

Central Area Education Advisory Committee meeting

Wednesday, January 17, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Facilities Planning, MYIPAS (Multi-Year Improvement Plan for All Schools), and other issues regarding repairing and updating our schools”

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT



DuWyn Goldring, Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) Teacher, Woodlawn High School

Submitted by Alicia Fales, Supervisor, Office of Career and Technical Education

"Ms. Goldring has been working to connect her TAM students to local elementary school students. Future educators in the program have planned themed educational learning experiences for Kindergarten students from Woodlawn High School's feeder elementary schools.

The Kindergarten students spend half a day at Woodlawn High, where they are greeted by the marching band, provided with a snack, and then enjoy some fun and learning with the TAM students. Each Kindergarten student takes home a book and the themed crafts they make as part of the event.

The program began with one elementary school and has expanded to all in the Woodlawn district. The Kindergarten and high school students all benefit from this collaboration! Ms. Goldring has provided the vision and support for our future educators to empower them in planning these events. Not only are the TAM students able to apply their learning to working with young learners, the Kindergarten students have a memorable day at Woodlawn High!"

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

National Mentoring Month - January

Team BCPS Day - Thursday, January 11

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, January 15

Holocaust Remembrance Day - Saturday, January 27

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org