4 BCPS students named All-State Dancers -- This Week in BCPS

Monday, October 23, 2023

4 BCPS students named All-State Dancers

Students from 6 BCPS schools to participate in state dance showcase

Four BCPS students are among the 24 statewide who have been named All-State Dancers for 2023-2024. Congratulations to Charlotte Bauermann (Hereford High School, Grade 11), Nathan Harris (Carver Center, Grade 12), Nahyah Pack (Carver Center, Grade 12), and Ray-Nyizah Waller-Jones (Carver Center, Grade 12).

Teachers for the honorees are Erin Norton at Hereford High School and Maria Royals and Stephanie Powell at Carver Center. The All-State Dance students will be recognized January 5, 2024, at the 34th Annual Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase at Goucher College.

In addition, students from four other BCPS Schools — Lansdowne and New Town high schools, Milford Mill Academy, and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts — will join those from Hereford and Carver Center in participating or performing at the state Dance Showcase in January.

More information is available in a BCPS news release.

Edith Callahan and

Christina Murphy, health sciences teachers, Overlea High School

Guiding the medical field's next generation

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 field. Two wonderful examples are Edith Callahan and Christina Murphy, health sciences teachers at Overlea High School.

Murphy and Callahan didn't start their careers as teachers; they followed fascinating twists and turns to get to where they are today. For instance, have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a career dedicated to sparkling smiles to teaching? So did Murphy. After spending 17 years as a dental hygienist, she had never considered that teaching would be her next stop.

A new blog post by Chesapeake High School senior and BCPS Communications Apprentice Habiba Lam details their stories.

Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget "Community Conversations" continue

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

Wednesday, October 25,

from 6-7 p.m.

Loch Raven High School—Cafeteria

1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson 21286

Thursday, November 9,

from 6-7 p.m.

Parkville High School—Cafeteria

2600 Putty Hill Ave., Baltimore 21234

Tuesday, November 14,

from 6-7 p.m.

Western School of Technology and Environmental Science —Cafeteria

100 W. Kenwood Ave.,

Catonsville 21228

Spanish interpretation will be provided at each 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.

Team BCPS’ heartfelt thoughts continue to be with students, families, and staff members impacted by the violent and tragic events in Israel and Gaza. As the crisis intensifies, we know the impact of violent and traumatic events can be overwhelming and frightening, resulting in feelings of fear and worry.

Our Oct. 11 community message, which included links to a variety of resources, is available online and staff are also encouraged to reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support processing these tragic events.

Magnet applications open through 1 p.m. on Friday, November 3 - Schools with magnet programs to host showcase events throughout October

Throughout October, schools with magnet programs host showcase events for students and families interested in applying to the programs for the 2024-2025 school year. In addition, online videos highlight magnet programs at each school.

Applications for magnet programs for the 2024-2025 school year are due by Friday, Nov. 3, at 1 p.m. More information, including the Magnet Program brochure and application instructions, is available on the BCPS magnet programs website.

BCPS students invited to College, Trades, and Scholarship Expo

The College, Trades, and Scholarship expo will feature representatives of more than 30 colleges and universities as well as representatives of trade schools, service learning and employment opportunities, financial partners, and more.

Students are asked to bring multiple copies of their SAT/ACT scores, resumes, unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays ("Why I want to attend college").

The expo is hosted by the Liberty Community Development Corporation in collaboration with Horus Scholars.

7th Annual HBCU College Fair

for parents

from BCPS Parent University

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

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.

for your viewing pleasure

"Alma Thomas Inspired Cut Paper" by Versone Kendrick, Grade 8, Arbutus Middle School. Work featured in the 2023 Art is for Everyone! 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

A Great Day for Giving, Golf, and Gratitude

The 2023 Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Classic was held at Greystone Golf Course on Friday, October 13, 2023. It was a great day for giving, golf, and gratitude. The weather was perfect, 144 golfers were excited to enjoy the pristine golf course, and our sponsors were happy to support our programs, initiatives, and fundraising efforts. A new Mission Moment blog post details the day.

A word from Dr. Rogers (Yarbrough)

October 23, 2023

Dear Reader:

Last Wednesday, we celebrated BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day as a way of saying “Thank you!” to the hundreds of drivers, attendants, dispatchers, mechanics, and other staff who ensure more than 80,000 Baltimore County school children get to and from school safely each day. I hope you had an opportunity to speak with a driver or attendant and thank them for the job they do each day; they are often the first BCPS employees your child sees in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon, and so their role in the successful operation of our school system cannot be overstated.

But I also hope that we extend our appreciation – for our transportation staff and for all our BCPS team – to beyond just one day. In fact, any day is a good day to think about and be thankful for the work of all the dedicated professionals who take care of our children each day – the teachers who provide learning and education, the staff who make sure our schools are clean and welcoming, the food and nutrition workers who serve up nutritious and tasty meals, and the SROs, school safety assistants, and all employees who work to keep our schools safe and secure.

So next time you visit your child’s school – or any BCPS school – take a moment to express your gratitude to any of our 20,000 dedicated Team BCPS employees. It’s easy, it feels good, and it lets our hard-working staff know how important their work is to each of us.

In partnership,

Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.

Superintendent