Thursday, October 19, 2023

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

2024 Open Enrollment is here!

Open Enrollment is open now through 4 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023. Open enrollment is the annual period in which eligible employees can make changes to their current medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending account (FSA) elections. Employees may begin enrollment via Employee Self-Service (ESS) on Monday, October 16, 2023. All elections made during open enrollment will be effective January 1, 2024.

All employees who are benefit-eligible and wish to enroll in, change, or waive medical, dental, and/or vision benefits must do so through ESS. If an employee does not wish to make any changes to these benefits, no further action is required. All employees who want to enroll in or continue an FSA (health and dependent care) must do so through ESS. Paper enrollments will not be accepted for these benefits. A paper enrollment form is required for life and accidental death and dismemberment (previously PAI). The form is available in the Forms Repository on the BCPS website. Enrollment forms should be sent to benefits@bcps.org. Required statement of health forms should be submitted to MetLife at the address on the form.

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post

FEATURED VIDEO:

Analyzing Hip-Hop at Randallstown High School

Marc Stevens, an English teacher at Randallstown High School, is captivating students with a modern take on Language Arts: analyzing Hip-Hop.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• New Educator Fall Summit

As part of the BCPS New Teacher Induction program, the Office of Teacher Development will host a seminar for non-tenured teachers. The seminar will focus on strategies from the latest edition of the Teach Like a Champion text and will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Loyola Graduate Center, 2034 Greenspring Drive, Timonium, MD 21093 from 8:30-11:00 a.m. for elementary educators and 12:00-2:30 p.m. for secondary educators.

Please encourage your new teachers to register as soon as possible by accessing the Registration System and searching for the workshop title “New Educator – Fall Seminar”. Schools are responsible for providing necessary substitute coverage.

Questions? Contact Shannon Johnson, Resource Teacher.

• Operating Budget Management for Schools

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) deep dive on 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 courses 1-4 is open for October and November. Each course in the series is scheduled for two hours (2 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, by phone at 443-809-9437.

• Science and Social Studies Teachers Annual Survey

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 in January of each year.

Surveys opened on October 16, 2023, and will close on November 17, 2023. Questions? Contact Christine Schumacker, Director, or John Billingslea, Director.

• 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, 2023. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post

• Interpreting services for elementary school conference day

Interpreting services will be provided during the elementary school conference days on Monday, November 20, 2023 (Pre-K), and Tuesday, November 21, 2023 (K – 5).

For schools that need interpreting services for more than a half day (14+ conferences at 15 minutes per conference), your school has the option of using the Language Line for your conferences or requesting a BCPS interpreter to provide services in-person. If you would like to request a BCPS interpreter, please enter a request in Fluency. Fluency requests for conference days should be entered as soon as possible. This year, the deadline for entering these requests into Fluency is Friday, Oct 20, 2023.

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 Street, Towson, Maryland, 21204.

Artworks will be on display through Friday, November 3, 2023.

• 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 within 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 Spring 2024. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Assessment Skills Center for Assistant Principals and Principals

Information about the 2023-2024 Assessment Skills Center for assistant principals and principals has been posted in Frontline. Click on the link for dates and details about the interview.

Questions? Contact Chenee Dwarte, Heather Lageman, and Niamh McQuillan, Office of Leadership Development.

• Exchangeree shopping - October 26



The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., will host its final October shopping day on Thursday, October 26 at its Windsor Mil Center. Shopping will be open to all full-time BCPS educators and support staff (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers) from 3-6 p.m.

Windsor Mill

• Thursday, October 26

Learn more 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.

7th Annual HBCU College Fair

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.

Next week, the series will continue on Wednesday, October 25, in the Loch Raven High School cafeteria from 6-7 p.m. A recording of the October 17 event at Pikesville High School is available online. More information is available in a BCPS community message.

The final two events are scheduled for:

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

• Tuesday, November 14, 6-7 p.m. in the Western Tech cafeteria

School Bus Safety Week and BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day - Oct. 18

Each year in the third week of October, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week, and on the Wednesday of that week, we celebrate BCPS Transportation Appreciation Day!

Yesterday, Wednesday, October 18, we recognized and celebrated our hardworking transportation team members who safely transport tens of thousands of students to and from school every day.

ICYMI Staff and Community Resources for Conversations About Global Crisis

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.

BCPS 2024 Graduation Schedule

The BCPS 2024 Graduation Schedule is now available online.

Here For It Attendance Campaign Tip of the Week



Teachers motivate their students and inspire them to be the best that they can be. Teachers can encourage daily attendance in school through several strategies such as:

1. Create an Engaging Learning Environment: Make your classroom an exciting and welcoming place where students feel motivated to come. Engaging lessons and activities can pique their interest.

2. Build Positive Relationships: Develop strong relationships with your students, showing care and support. When students feel valued, they are more likely to attend regularly. Make your student a valued part of their school community by encouraging daily on-time attendance.

America's Safe Schools Week - Oct. 15 - 21

BCPS is committed to providing safe and supportive learning environments for all students. The district continues to take proactive measures that help build positive school climates and ensure student and staff safety. This critical work requires collaboration across the system and partnership with all Team BCPS students, parents/guardians and staff.

Color for Character Week and Out of the Darkness Walk Oct. 28

Thank you for proudly wearing your colors and sharing photos for Color for Character Week! It's not too late to share photos; just use #BCPSCares on social media. Each day this week, students, staff, and community members are invited to wear a color that represents character traits that all people can demonstrate. More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

Additionally, we are partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk. Baltimore Walk (Inner Harbor - 401 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21202) on Saturday, October 28, 2023. We encourage BCPS staff, students, and community members 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.

Ravens mascot available for assemblies

The Baltimore Ravens are developing a school assembly program featuring their official mascot, Poe. They plan on launching this program in Fall 2024, bringing Poe and his assembly to schools throughout the Baltimore region. This program is being designed to impact elementary school students, kindergarten through Grade 5.

This program will be free for schools within the Baltimore region. Schools will be selected based on a nominations system. All schools who complete and submit this survey by Friday, October 20, will receive priority placement when scheduling and selection begins (subject to availability).

To best meet the needs of local educational community, the Ravens are seeking feedback from principals, assistant principals, administrators, etc.

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.

Upcoming community advisory group & boundary study meetings

All are welcome to attend

Northwest Elementary School Boundary Study

Wednesday, October 25, from 6 - 8 p.m.

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

Study webpage

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

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"

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



Jeffrey Hogan, Principal, Elmwood Elementary School

Submitted by Amber Cook, Assistant Principal, Elmwood Elementary School

"Mr. Hogan is a compassionate champion for students and staff! Every decision he makes is always rooted in what is best for students. Mr. Hogan continues to grow his expertise and is consistently motivated to improve systems and structures for student achievement. He is beloved by the school community and families. Mr. Hogan is the epitome of a servant leader, an inspiration to many, and is devoted to the success of our school community, and our larger Team BCPS!"

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 Principals Month - October

National Bullying Prevention Month - October

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month - October

America's Safe Schools Week - through Saturday, October 21

National School Bus Safety Week - through Friday, October 20

Color for Character Week - through Friday, October 20

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Engage. Empower. Excel.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org