BCPS Staff Bulletin -- Meet Edith Callahan and Christina Murphy, Health Sciences Teachers at Overlea High School

Thursday, October 26, 2023

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

Meet Edith Callahan and Christina Murphy, health sciences teachers at Overlea High School

One of BCPS' greatest strengths in its magnet and career and technical education (CTE) programs is its teachers, many of whom have years of experience working in their fields. Two wonderful examples are Edith Callahan and Christina Murphy, health sciences teachers at Overlea High School.

A new blog post by Chesapeake High School senior and BCPS Communications Apprentice Habiba Lam details their journeys from the medical field to the classroom.

FEATURED VIDEO:

In the Know: Food and Nutrition Services

In a new BCPS Parent University "In the Know" video, #TeamBCPS Director of Food and Nutrition Services Jamie Hetzler highlights changes to the school system's nutrition program.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• Schoology maintenance

On Saturday, October 28, from 5:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., the Department of Information Technology (DoIT) will perform routine annual maintenance on the login portion of Schoology. During this time, Schoology will not be accessible. If this scheduled maintenance concludes before noon, DoIT will update the “Scheduled Maintenance” section of the BCPS Tech Status webpage accordingly. Please contact Jim Corns, 443-809-5769, with any questions.

• Update from PTA Council on Multilingual Community Partnership

The PTA Council of Baltimore County, Inc., will significantly increase its outreach to multilingual students and their families through a brand-new project, the Multilingual Community Partnership (MLCP). The MLCP is a subcommittee of the PTA's Family, School, and Community Partnerships Committee.

The MLCP Steering Committee, comprising council board members, BCPS partners, and community members, has been meeting regularly to determine the MLCP’s framework, strategic plan, and course of work. The MLCP’s mission is to advocate for English learner students and their families at the BCPS school/PTA unit level.

A key part of the partnership’s structure is identifying youth delegates to advise the MLCP Steering Committee. Northwest and Southwest Area delegates have been found, and the Committee has reached out to PTSA leaders in the Central and Northeast Areas for recommendations.

Ideal delegate candidates will be bilingual, have some prior experience/knowledge of the issues and needs of multilingual students, be children of immigrant parents, or possibly have the dual role of interpreting for non-English-speaking family members. If you can recommend a student, please email president@bcptacouncil.org.

• "Operating Budget Management for Schools" courses available

The Office of Budget and Reporting is offering a series of four training courses titled "Operating Budget Management for Schools." The courses are mandatory for new bookkeepers. Current bookkeepers may take the courses as a refresher.

In this four-part series, the bookkeeper will learn (1) operating budget and account string basics, (2) how to select the correct account strings, (3) how to run and interpret financial reports, and (4) how to manage and reconcile a tracking workbook.

Registration for the courses is open for October and November. Each course in the series is scheduled for two hours and is delivered via MS Teams.

Bookkeepers should visit the Registration System for dates and times. The courses can be found by searching for course # in the “Course Search” box. Only one course can be registered for at a time.

The numbers for the courses are as follows:

Operating Budget Management for Schools, Course 1 #10904
Operating Budget Management for Schools, Course 2 #11005
Operating Budget Management for Schools, Course 3 #11006
Operating Budget Management for Schools, Course 4 #11007

Questions? Contact Susan Slade, fiscal analyst, at 443-809-9437.

• Science and social studies teachers Annual Surveys

Section 7-203(e) of the Education Code of the Annotated Code of Maryland requires the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to survey social studies and science educators annually. The surveys are to determine the amount of instructional time in those disciplines; available resources, including professional learning; and the number of classes taught by teachers certified in these content areas. All surveys will be confidential and identified only by school system and grade level (elementary, middle, and high school). MSDE is required to compile the survey results, post those results on its website, and send a report to the Governor and General Assembly each January.

The surveys will close on November 17. Questions? Contact Christine Schumacker, director of science, health, and physical education, or John Billingslea, director of social studies.

• Maryland Retired School Personnel Grant Opportunity

The Maryland Retired School Personnel Association (MRSPA), through its MRSPA Foundation, is offering six grants to classroom teachers across Maryland. The grants may be used on special projects or activities that are not funded through the school system or parent teacher organization.

Grant applications need to be completed and returned to MRSPA by November 1. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Teacher as Artist Exhibition at Greenwood

The Teacher as Artist Exhibition is recognizing Baltimore County Public Schools’ art teachers for their work outside the classroom as professional artists. The entire exhibit is available virtually and features 22 selected artworks showcased in the Superintendent’s Gallery at Greenwood, Administration Building A, 6901 Charles St., Towson 21204. Artworks will be on display through Friday, November 3.

• Become a paraeducator - Pathway for additional adult assistants

The Office of Workforce Development is pleased to offer a career pathway to additional adult assistants working in special education who are interested in becoming paraeducators. Participants will be compensated for their attendance at all training sessions, will receive ParaPro practice materials, and will have their ParaPro assessment fees paid.

Please note that capacity for the fall session is limited to 25 participants. This program will be repeated in the spring. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

BCPS IS HIRING!

We are seeking qualified professionals to join Team BCPS in facilities support positions. Please spread the word! Online applications are available now.

Highlights from the Superintendent's Oct. 24 press conference

BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) held a media availability on October 24, to share updates on the 2023-2024 school year. Dr. Rogers provided updates on the system’s response to the Israel-Gaza crisis, school safety and security, the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget, implementation of the transition team’s recommendations, and the new bus locator and mental health apps. Dr. Rogers also answered questions from the media. More information is available on the BCPS website.

FY2025 Operating Budget forums continue

Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) is hosting “Community Conversations” regarding the development of the BCPS Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget.

The final two events are scheduled for:

• Thursday, November 9, from 6-7 p.m. in the Parkville High School cafeteria

• Tuesday, November 14, from 6-7 p.m. in the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science cafeteria

A recording of the October 17 event at Pikesville High School is available online. More information is available in a BCPS community message.

Statement from Superintendent Rogers on the Israel Gaza Crisis

At her October 24 press availability, BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) shared the following remarks regarding the war in Israel and Gaza.

Open Enrollment is open now through 4 p.m. on Friday, 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 elections. Employees make enrollment selections via Employee Self-Service through Friday, November 10. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective beginning January 1, 2024.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Monthly Webinar - How to become a Youth Apprenticeship Employer

As apprenticeship opportunities for BCPS students continue to grow, prospective employers are invited to join the BCPS Office of Career and Technical Education and the Maryland Department of Labor on Thursday, November 9, at 11:30 a.m. to learn how to become a youth apprenticeship employer. More information is available on the BCPS website.

Department of Special Education Family and Community Engagement Newsletter

The November 2023 edition of the Department of Special Education's Family and Community Engagement Newsletter is available online. This edition is titled "Understanding your child's quarterly IEP Progress Report."

Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, Oct. 28

BCPS is partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to participate in the Out of the Darkness Walk. The Baltimore Walk will begin in the Inner Harbor at 401 Light St. in Baltimore on Saturday, October 28. BCPS staff, students, and community members are encouraged to participate. You can create your own team or are welcome to join Team BCPS. The start time of the walk is 9:30 a.m.

Upcoming Parent University event - Nov. 17

On Friday, November 17, parents and families are invited to join BCPS Parent University at 12:30 p.m. for a virtual Lunch & Learn event titled "Can you say 'Mama'?": How Young Children Develop Language."

More information is available on the Parent University schedule.

Things to Know About the October 24 Board of Education Meeting

1) The Board received an update on BCPS' efforts to recruit and retain high-quality, diverse teachers and leaders in alignment with the requirements of the Blueprint.

2) The Board approved a revised 2023-2024 organizational chart.

3) The Board approved two administrative appointments.

The full meeting is available for viewing online.

BCPS 2024 Graduation Schedule

The BCPS 2024 Graduation Schedule is now available online.

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.

CALENDAR REMINDER

November 3 (F) - First Marking Period Ends - Schools close three hours early for students.

November 13 (M) - Schools closed for students - Systemwide professional development day.

November 14 (T) - Report cards distributed.

November 14 - 17 (T - F) - American Education Week

November 20 (M) - PreK Conference Day - No Preschool-3 or PreK sessions

November 21 (T) - PreK and Elementary Conference Day - No Preschool-3 or PreK sessions and schools closed for elementary students - middle and high students in session full day.

November 22 - 24 (W - F) - Thanksgiving holiday - Schools and offices closed.

Calendar for the 2023-2024 School Year

BCPS events for October 2023

Upcoming community advisory group & boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

Citizens Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education meeting

Wednesday, November 1, at 7 p.m.

Meeting details

Topic: “Early College Access Program Overview”

Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study

Thursday, November 2, from 6 - 8:30 p.m.

George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 938 York Rd, Towson, MD 21204

Study webpage

Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee meeting

Monday, November 6, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Google Meets link

Guest speaker: BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough)

Northwest Elementary School Boundary Study #1 Public Information Session

Wednesday, November 8, from 7-8 p.m.

Pikesville Middle School cafeteria, 7701 Seven Mile Ln., Pikesville 21208

Northwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 13, at 6 p.m.

Location to be determined

Topic: "The Student Handbook"

Southwest Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 13, at 7 p.m.

Location to be determined

Topic: "Transportation"

Central Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Wednesday, November 15, at 7 p.m.

Virtual

Topic: "Artificial Intelligence - Electronics Use and Curricular Implications"

Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study public information session

Wednesday, November 15, from 7 - 8 p.m.

Cockeysville Middle School cafeteria, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030

Study webpage

Central Area Elementary School Capacity Relief Boundary Study public information session

Thursday, November 16, from 7 - 8 p.m.

Loch Raven High School cafeteria, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

Study webpage

Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting

Monday, November 20, at 7 p.m.

Middleborough Elementary School Library - 313 West Road, Essex, MD 21221

Topic: "Staffing"

TEAM BCPS SHOUTOUT

Hope Fields, Human Resources Analyst, Office of Staffing

Submitted by Annette Fries, Administrative Assistant III, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School

"Hope is always ready to help. I've never had a question or problem that Hope couldn't answer or fix immediately. Her willingness to help is an exemplary characteristic not frequently found nowadays. Whether I can see her on the phone screen or not, I can always tell she's smiling and ready to help!! Thanks, Hope, for all you do for me and others in Team BCPS. I appreciate you!"

Customer Service Center Team, Greenwood Building B

Submitted by Karen Bratton, Specialist, Customer Service Center

"Shoutout to the Customer Service Center (CSC) team! Together they have handled more than 11,000 calls from active and former employees and retirees since opening in January with more than 83% of calls resolved on the same day. The CSC recently celebrated National Customer Service Week (October 2 - 6) by holding several staff events, including crazy sock day, team spirit day, and Disney day. The week ended with a pizza lunch."

Shoutout Submission Form

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.

Submit News to the Staff Bulletin

Please use the form below to submit news to the BCPS Staff Bulletin. If you have trouble using the form, please contact communications@bcps.org.

Staff Bulletin News Submission Form

BCPS News Hub

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