What: Approximately 380 Ridgely Middle School Grade 6 students will participate in special interactive presentations on the changing states of matter with staff from the Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream store in Hunt Valley. The presentations coincide with a Grade 6 science unit on the states of matter and will include a demonstration of the scientific properties of liquid nitrogen including using liquid nitrogen to make fresh ice cream.When: Thursday, Jan. 17 (from 9:15 -10:05 a.m. and 12:15-1:05 p.m.).& Friday, Jan. 18 (8:25 - 9:15 a.m., 11:25 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., and 1:05 - 1:55 p.m.)Where: Ridgely Middle School 121 Ridgely Rd., 21093

What: More than 140 Grade 8 students at Catonsville Middle School will celebrate the work of Edgar Allan Poe, the great American author who once lived in Baltimore! This event, taking place the day before Poe’s birthday, will feature Poe-themed performances, written pieces, artwork and more with the goal of showcasing student work and Poe's influence on the arts. When: Friday, January 18, from 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Catonsville Middle School, cafeteria 2301 Edmondson Ave., 21228

Towson, MD – Due to impending inclement weather, Baltimore County Public Schools will cancel all afterschool and evening activities today, Thursday, January 17, 2019.

What: Thanks to the Baltimore County and Maryland Community College Promise scholarship programs, recent high school graduates who are college-ready can attend the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) full time without the cost of tuition and fees.BCPS high school students and their parents are invited to learn about the benefits, requirements, and application process for the Baltimore County and Maryland Community College Promise scholarships. The event is sponsored by CCBC. Upcoming winter and spring dates are available on the College Promise Information Sessions webpage. When: Saturday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. Where: CCBC Essex Student Services Center, Ste. 103, 7201 Rossville Blvd., 21237 & CCBC Catonsville Student Services Center, Rm. 004, 800 S. Rolling Rd., 21228 What: Pot Spring Elementary is hosting a Family Fitness Night offering free fitness and fun for Pot Spring families, teachers, and staff – including an obstacle course, glow stick dance party, family swim, healthy snacks, and use of acac equipment. Parents must accompany children at all times. Families are asked to RSVP by sending an email including the number and ages of participating children to jessicabi@acac.com. The fitness center is also offering a special 30-day membership for $30 with all proceeds benefitting the Pot Spring Elementary School PTA. Those interested can sign up at the event or using the above email address.When: Saturday, Jan. 19, from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Where: acac Timonium, 110 W. Timonium Rd., 21093What: Baltimore County Public Schools, the nation’s 25th largest school system, is looking for talented, dedicated teachers for Career and Technology Education courses. Candidates are sought to teach construction management, nursing, carpentry, electrical, culinary arts, CISCO, automotive services, technology education, engineering, business education, school to career, and family and consumer sciences (food and nutrition). Benefits offered by BCPS include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. No registration is required for the job fair. Interested candidates are asked to bring their resumes. Candidates can explore job opportunities online, or contact Tiffany Harris at 443-809-4453 or tharris4@bcps.org. When: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, from 4 – 6 p.m. (snow date: Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 4 – 6 p.m.) Where: Loch Raven High School,1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage. Date: Tuesday, Jan. 22When and Where: 9 a.m. at Hawthorne Elementary School, 125 Kingston Rd., 21220 6 p.m. at Saint Peter Lutheran Church, 7834 Eastern Ave., 21224When: Tuesday, Jan. 22Where: Fifth Regiment Armory, 219 29th Division St., 21201What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage. Date: Wednesday, Jan. 23When and Where: 10 a.m. at Campfield Head Start Center, 6838 Alter St., 21207 12 p.m. at North Point Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., 21222 6 p.m. at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, 901 Courtney Rd., 21227 What: Baltimore County Public Schools, the nation’s 25th largest school system, is seeking Spanish teachers interested in working with elementary, middle, or high school students. Applicants should be in a Spanish education program, a Spanish world language program, and/or be a fluent Spanish speaker holding a bachelor’s degree. Benefits offered by BCPS include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. No registration is required for any of these events. Applicants interviewed in the last 12 months need not attend. All interested candidates are asked to bring their resumes.When: Thursday, Jan. 24, from 4 – 6 p.m. Where: BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, 21204Contact: Susan Stansbury, 443.809.4146 orsstansbury@bcps.org.What: Randallstown High School is excited to announce that its students, teachers, and staff will celebrate National School Choice Week (January 20-26) with a special spotlight pep rally. Participants will receive yellow scarves as they enter the gym. The award-winning Golden Rams, Randallstown High’s marching band, and cheerleaders will set the tone and the atmosphere of the event. Hosting the event will be members of the WRHS-TV crew (Randallstown High TV station). Speakers will include the principal, school system and local political leaders, and school alumni. When: Thursday, Jan. 24, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Where: Randallstown High School, 4000 Offutt Rd., 21133Contact: Susan Ellerbee, sellerbee@bcps.orgor 443.809.0748What: Maryland 529 – formerly the College Savings Plans of Maryland – has scheduled Parent Information Night meetings this winter at six Baltimore County middle schools. The meetings are open to all Baltimore County parents who are considering a college education for their children. For more information, contact the program at 1-888-4MD-GRAD or visit theMaryland 529 website.When: Thursday, January 24, at 7 p.m.Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., 21212What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage. Date: Thursday, Jan. 24When and Where: 12 p.m. at Randallstown Elementary School, 9013 Liberty Rd., 21133 6 p.m. at Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, 4200 Annapolis Rd., 21227 When: Thursday, Jan. 24Where: Fifth Regiment Armory, 219 29th Division St., 21201What: More than 240 of Baltimore County's finest student musicians will perform at the annual Baltimore County Public Schools Middle School Honors Concert.Conductors for the concert include Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox (Chief of School Climate & Safety), directing the Honor Band; Jennifer Miller (The Children’s Chorus of Maryland), directing the Honors Chorus; and Sari O’Bryan (Howard County Public Schools), directing the Honors Orchestra. There is no charge for the concert and tickets are not required. When: Friday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m.Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236What: Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet teachers, administrators, and students will STOP: Drop Everything and S.T.E.A.M.! (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.) Participants will practice their collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity skills to solve a problem found in the book Snowflake Bentley, using The Engineering Design Process. Activities will include identifying what snowflakes look like and how they are made and using math to create symmetrical snowflakes and identify what affects the speed of falling snowflakes. When: Friday, Jan. 25 (contact the school for exact times)Where: Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, 825 Providence Rd., 21286What: BCPS wants to know what students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members think of BCPS. The annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Stakeholder Survey is available on the BCPSwebsite. Stakeholder Survey results are used to guide school improvement, identify staff training areas, improve safety, and identify emerging challenges. The survey is anonymous and takes five minutes or less to complete on a phone, tablet, or computer. The survey is available for students in Grades 3 - 12, parents, and community members in 16 languages: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, French, Gujarati, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Individuals who fit into more than one category - for example, a staff person who is also the parent of a BCPS student - can take the survey more than once in order to answer questions based on each of the categories. In addition, parents who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents can choose to take the survey at their child’s school rather than at home or at a public library.When: through Sunday, Feb. 24What: Artwork by BCPS students – and some visual arts teachers – is on display throughout the community. When & Where:

• Greenwood Building A, intermediate high school artwork – through Jan. 31
• Greenwood Building E, artwork from Logan Elementary School – through Jan. 31
• Hereford Branch of Baltimore County Public Library, artwork by Fifth District Elementary students – through Jan. 31
• Jefferson Building, artwork from Riderwood Elementary School – through Jan. 31
• Pulaski Park, artwork from Elmwood and Essex elementary schools – through Feb. 15

What: Entries are being accepted now through March 9 for the 2019 BCPS Film Expo, and the Office of Visual Arts is hopeful that more students than ever – from more schools – will participate. This year, two new features have been added. In addition to the Historic Senator Theatre showcasing films by middle and high school finalists, these finalists also will be invited to a special master class at Stevenson University. They will spend a Saturday (date to be determined) going through the entire filmmaking process from storyboarding and scriptwriting to lighting, filming, and editing. Elementary school students will have their first opportunity to participate through the new BCPS Film Expo Jr. Films can be submitted by individual students, groups of students, or entire classes. All elementary films submitted by April 5 will be shown on BCPS-TV.Interested students should ask their visual arts teachers for more information. Detailed information about the 2019 BCPS Film Expo (deadline March 9) and a Film Expo Poster Contest (deadline Jan. 10) are available online and from visual arts teachers across the county. The 2019 Film Expo is sponsored by Rosedale Federal, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Stevenson University, and BCPS. Deadlines: March 9 for BCPS Film Expo April 5 for BCPS Film Expo Jr.What: These Parent University workshops are designed to assist parents with helping their preschool to elementary children consciously manage their thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443-809-4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When & Where: Tuesdays, through February 5, from 6 – 7 p.m. Battle Grove Elementary School, 7828 St. Patricia La., 21222 Thursdays, through February 7, from 6 – 7 p.m. Campfield Early Learning Ctr., 6834 Alter St., 21207 What: Through the BCPS Scholarship Loan Program, BCPS students can apply for a loan scholarship worth $4,000 per year for up to four years. Renewal awards are automatic, pending transcript verification of grade point average (in good academic standing) and full-time status. The award may be used for tuition, fees, books, or educational supplies. The applicationanda fact sheetabout the program are available online. The application deadline is Friday, March 1. To apply, BCPS high school seniors must have a minimum GPA of 2.80 and submit an application accompanied with a resume documenting school and community activities and three letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, recipients must sign a promissory note, agreeing to teach full-time in a Baltimore County public school, one year for each year of the award; enroll full-time in an approved teacher education program at a Maryland institution; maintain Maryland residency; and begin employment within six months of college graduation. Failure to maintain eligibility for the award based on GPA, full-time status or Maryland residency, will require that the recipient repay the scholarship. The BCPS Office of Human Resources will notify scholarship recipients of their award by Monday, April 1. Deadline: Friday, March 1Contact: Carla Simons, csimons@bcps.orgWhat: The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., in partnership with Merritt Companies, invites all staff to the Grand Opening Celebration of The Exchangeree. The Exchangeree is a collaborative teacher center that, with the support of the business community, will provide school supplies throughout the entire school year for teacher classrooms, winter accessories for students, books for summer enjoyment and learning, and a collaborative location for teachers to meet, share ideas, and exchange resources throughout the year. Interested BCPS staff must register for the grand opening through Eventbrite, and present their printed ticket at the event. The celebration is to showcase the center, meet with friends, colleagues and business partners, and enjoy light refreshments provided by Baked in Baltimore. The opportunity to shop will not be offered during the event. Community partners will be recognized, and door prizes provided by Patient First will be distributed throughout the evening. Additional information about The Exchangeree will be forthcoming at a later date. To obtain the most up-to-date information about the collaborative teacher center, follow The Education Foundation on all social media platforms, and visit The Education Foundation website. Registration deadline: Friday, Jan. 25 Event date: Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Where: The Exchangeree, 2034-F Lord Baltimore Dr., 21244What:. Those interested in attending must apply online for one or more of the following positions: Cafeteria Worker, Trainee Bus Driver, Trainee Bus Attendant, Building Service Worker or Groundsworker II. Visit the BCPS job board to apply.When: Monday, Jan. 28 Transportation applicants: 8:30 – 11 a.m. Grounds worker and building service worker applicants: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cafeteria worker applicants: 2 – 4 p.m. Where: Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center, 11101 McCormick Road, Suite 102, 21031What: Visitors board the Parentmobile to learn about BCPS' curriculum, at-home learning resources, the BCPS website, community resources, and resources to support families of students with special needs or limited English proficiency. Parents and guardians are invited to visit. No registration is required. When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207 What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When & Where: Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Oak School, 8401 Leefield Rd., 21234 Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Catonsville Library, 1100 Frederick Rd., 21228 What: At this event, parents can meet local tutors, learn about Baltimore County Public Library tutoring resources, and hear from BCPS Parent University representatives. Tutors must register at towson@bcpl.net. For more information, parents can call 410.887.6166. When: Thursday, Jan. 31, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Towson branch of Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Rd., 21204 What: Student dancers from across the county will perform pieces they choreographed. Tickets ($5/adults; $3/students and seniors) will be available at the door. Only cash or checks will be accepted.When: Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222What: The Hereford High School UNICEF Club and Baltimore County Public Library are offering a free screening of “Not My Life,” a powerful 30-minute documentary about human trafficking around the world. Discussion will follow. When: Thursday, Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. Where: Hereford Library, 16940 York Rd., 21111 What: The PTA Council of Baltimore County helps locals meet their PTA members’ goals as they advocate on behalf of the needs of students. Registration is not requiredWhen: Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7 – 9 p.m. Where: Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286 What: Maryland 529 – formerly the College Savings Plans of Maryland – has scheduled Parent Information Night meetings this winter at several Baltimore County middle schools. The meetings are open to all Baltimore County parents who are considering a college education for their children. For more information, contact the program at 1-888-4MD-GRAD or visit theMaryland 529 website.When & Where: Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, 4627 Old Court Rd., 21208 Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., 21133 Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Rd., 21244 Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd., 21220 Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage.When and Where: Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. Lansdowne Library, 500 Third Ave., 21227

Towson, MD – The Board of Education of Baltimore County will be meeting in retreat on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Road, Towson, 21204. Parts of the meeting will be held in closed session. However, the public is welcome to attend all open portions of the meeting, which will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

TOWSON, MD. – Due to an unexpected maintenance-related concern, Kenwood High School, located at 501 Stemmers Run Road, Baltimore, MD 21221, will be closing at 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, January 22, 2019. All evening and afterschool activities at Kenwood High are also cancelled.

TOWSON, MD. – January is almost over, and a number of us have already given up on our New Year’s resolutions. Our arms are tired from folding our clothes into tidy little rectangles (a la Marie Kondo) and our minds are tired of coming up with excuses to skip the gym (one more time). But it is never too late to make a new (easier to keep) resolution – like keeping up with the latest news from Baltimore County Public Schools –  from awards won to new initiatives to the successes of our students, teachers, and alumni. There are so many ways to do it – like a multiple choice exam with no wrong answers.

1. Follow us on:
   • BCPS Opps– where we share opportunities for students – from summer camps and scholarships to contests and events
   • Exposure– where we share visual feature stories
   • Facebook
   • Flickr– for the latest in BCPS photos
   • Instagram
   • Twitter
   • Vimeo– for our latest videos
2. Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.
3. Visit our website.
4. Watch us on BCPS-TV on Comcast Infinity 73 or Verizon FiOS 34 in Baltimore County, or online from anywhere.  Livestreaming is also available.
5. All of the above.

What: This event is open by invitation only. Those interested in attending must apply online for one or more of the following positions: Cafeteria Worker, Trainee Bus Driver, Trainee Bus Attendant, Building Service Worker or Groundsworker II. Visit the BCPS job board to apply.When: Monday, Jan. 28 Transportation applicants: 8:30 – 11 a.m. Grounds worker and building service worker applicants: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Cafeteria worker applicants: 2 – 4 p.m. Where: Hunt Valley Workforce Development Center, 11101 McCormick Road, Suite 102, 21031What: Oakleigh Elementary is hosting a Kick Off Assembly for the Kids Heart Challenge (formerly Jump Rope for Heart). Sean Johnston from Mr. Birkmeyer’s class is the face of the American Heart Association for the Baltimore Area. Sean and his mother will be speaking at both assemblies.When: Monday, Jan. 28, at 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m.Where: Oakleigh Elementary School, 1900 White Oak Rd., 21234What: Students of Kingsville Elementary will battle to be the school's 2019 SOUP-er Bowl Champions by bringing in soup cans for a local food pantry.Cans will be used as "votes" and placed on the table for either of the Super Bowl contenders – theLos AngelesRamsor the New England Patriots. Following the Super Bowl, the grade level with the most canson the winning team's table will be declared victorious. The real winners, however, will be the recipients of the students' generosity in the local community! When: Monday, Jan. 28, to Friday, Feb. 1Where: Kingsville Elementary School,7300 Sunshine Ave., 21087Contact: Amy DeNike,410.887.5949or adenike@bcps.orgWhat: Visitors board the Parentmobile to learn about BCPS' curriculum, at-home learning resources, the BCPS website, community resources, and resources to support families of students with special needs or limited English proficiency. Parents and guardians are invited to visit. No registration is required. When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207 What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When & Where: Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Oak School, 8401 Leefield Rd., 21234 What: Tickets ($5 each) will be available at the door.When: Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 5 p.m.Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When & Where: Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Catonsville Library, 1100 Frederick Rd., 21228 What: The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., in partnership with Merritt Companies, is hosting a Grand Opening Celebration of The Exchangeree. The Exchangeree is a collaborative teacher center that, with the support of the business community, will provide school supplies throughout the entire school year for teacher classrooms, winter accessories for students, books for summer enjoyment and learning, and a collaborative location for teachers to meet, share ideas, and exchange resources throughout the year. Registration for the event is closed. The celebration is to showcase the center, meet with friends, colleagues and business partners, and enjoy light refreshments provided by Baked in Baltimore. The opportunity to shop will not be offered during the event. Community partners will be recognized, and door prizes provided by Patient First will be distributed throughout the evening. Additional information about The Exchangeree will be forthcoming at a later date. To obtain the most up-to-date information about the collaborative teacher center, follow The Education Foundation on all social media platforms, and visit The Education Foundation website. When: Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Where: The Exchangeree, 2034-F Lord Baltimore Dr., 21244What: At this event, parents can meet local tutors, learn about Baltimore County Public Library tutoring resources, and hear from BCPS Parent University representatives. Tutors must register at towson@bcpl.net. For more information, parents can call 410.887.6166. When: Thursday, Jan. 31, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Where: Towson branch of Baltimore County Public Library, 320 York Rd., 21204 What: Student dancers from across the county will perform pieces they choreographed. Participating schools for this year's showcase are: Deer Park Middle Magnet School, Dundalk High School, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Lansdowne High School, Milford Mill Academy, New Town High School, Owings Mills High School, Parkville High School, and Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts. Tickets ($5/adults; $3/students and seniors) will be available at the door. Only cash or checks will be accepted. As part of the showcase day, students will take masterclasses and receive feedback on their work facilitated by ClancyWorks Dance Company, a Maryland-based professional dance company. When: Thursday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222What: The Hereford High School UNICEF Club and Baltimore County Public Library are offering a free screening of “Not My Life,” a powerful 30-minute documentary about human trafficking around the world. Discussion will follow. When: Thursday, Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. Where: Hereford Library, 16940 York Rd., 21111 What: The PTA Council of Baltimore County helps locals meet their PTA members’ goals as they advocate on behalf of the needs of students. Registration is not requiredWhen: Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7 – 9 p.m. Where: Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286 What: Tickets ($5 each) will be available at the door.When: Thursday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m.Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222What: BCPS wants to know what students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members think of BCPS. The annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Stakeholder Survey is available on the BCPSwebsite. Stakeholder Survey results are used to guide school improvement, identify staff training areas, improve safety, and identify emerging challenges. The survey is anonymous and takes five minutes or less to complete on a phone, tablet, or computer. The survey is available for students in Grades 3 - 12, parents, and community members in 16 languages: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, French, Gujarati, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Individuals who fit into more than one category - for example, a staff person who is also the parent of a BCPS student - can take the survey more than once in order to answer questions based on each of the categories. In addition, parents who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents can choose to take the survey at their child’s school rather than at home or at a public library.When: through Sunday, Feb. 24What: Artwork by BCPS students – and some visual arts teachers – is on display throughout the community. When & Where:

• Greenwood Building A, intermediate high school artwork – through Jan. 31; artwork from Vincent Farm Elementary School – Feb. 1 - 28
• Greenwood Building E, artwork from Logan Elementary School – through Jan. 31; artwork from Dumbarton Elementary School – Feb. 1 - 28
• Hereford Branch of Baltimore County Public Library, artwork by Fifth District Elementary students – through Jan. 31
• Jefferson Building, artwork from Riderwood Elementary School – through Jan. 31; artwork from Franklin Middle School – Feb. 1 - 28
• Pulaski Park, artwork from Elmwood and Essex elementary schools – through Feb. 15

What: Entries are being accepted now through March 9 for the 2019 BCPS Film Expo, and the Office of Visual Arts is hopeful that more students than ever – from more schools – will participate. This year, two new features have been added. In addition to the Historic Senator Theatre showcasing films by middle and high school finalists, these finalists also will be invited to a special master class at Stevenson University. They will spend a Saturday (date to be determined) going through the entire filmmaking process from storyboarding and scriptwriting to lighting, filming, and editing. Elementary school students will have their first opportunity to participate through the new BCPS Film Expo Jr. Films can be submitted by individual students, groups of students, or entire classes. All elementary films submitted by April 5 will be shown on BCPS-TV.Interested students should ask their visual arts teachers for more information. Detailed information about the 2019 BCPS Film Expo (deadline March 9) and a Film Expo Poster Contest (deadline Jan. 10) are available online and from visual arts teachers across the county. The 2019 Film Expo is sponsored by Rosedale Federal, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Stevenson University, and BCPS. Deadlines: March 9 for BCPS Film Expo April 5 for BCPS Film Expo Jr.What: These Parent University workshops are designed to assist parents with helping their preschool to elementary children consciously manage their thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443-809-4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When & Where: Tuesdays, through February 5, from 6 – 7 p.m. Battle Grove Elementary School, 7828 St. Patricia La., 21222 Thursdays, through February 7, from 6 – 7 p.m. Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter St., 21207 What: Through the BCPS Scholarship Loan Program, BCPS students can apply for a loan scholarship worth $4,000 per year for up to four years. Renewal awards are automatic, pending transcript verification of grade point average (in good academic standing) and full-time status. The award may be used for tuition, fees, books, or educational supplies. The applicationanda fact sheetabout the program are available online. The application deadline is Friday, March 1. To apply, BCPS high school seniors must have a minimum GPA of 2.80 and submit an application accompanied with a resume documenting school and community activities and three letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, recipients must sign a promissory note, agreeing to teach full-time in a Baltimore County public school, one year for each year of the award; enroll full-time in an approved teacher education program at a Maryland institution; maintain Maryland residency; and begin employment within six months of college graduation. Failure to maintain eligibility for the award based on GPA, full-time status or Maryland residency, will require that the recipient repay the scholarship. The BCPS Office of Human Resources will notify scholarship recipients of their award by Monday, April 1. Deadline: Friday, March 1Contact: Carla Simons, csimons@bcps.orgWhat: Applications for students to serve on the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be available for BCPS high school principals soon. Each principal is encouraged to nominate two students who are currently in Grades 10 or 11 and in good academic standing. Student Board members are expected to be knowledgeable about Board responsibilities and the mission and vision of the school system, to be able to effectively communicate the student point of view, and to be aware of current issues impacting public education. Application packets will be available in the offices of all high school student council advisors. Information also may be available online at SMOB Application. Principals should send completed applications and required attachments to Nora Murray in the Office of Family and Community Engagement on the Greenwood campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Bldg. A, Towson, MD 21204. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m.What: Throughout February, BCPS will offer its annual ballroom dance instruction for Grade 5 students. The weeklong lessons end with inviting parents in to see their children dance and dance with them. The ballroom dance schedule for 2019 is:When & Where: February 4 – 8

• Dundalk Elementary, 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Edgemere Elementary, 2:20 – 3:20 p.m.
• Padonia International Elementary, 8:50 – 9:40 a.m.
• Pot Spring Elementary, 9:20 – 10:10 a.m.
• Seventh District Elementary, 2:20 – 3:10 p.m.
• Sparks Elementary, 11:05 – 11:55 a.m.

February 11 – 15

• Rodgers Forge Elementary, 9:10 – 10 a.m.

February 25 – March 1

• Chase Elementary, 9:10 – 10 a.m.
• Fullerton Elementary, 9:40 – 10:30 a.m.
• Middlesex Elementary, 2:50 – 3:40 p.m.

What: The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee advocates to make recommendations and assist BCPS on issues concerning children and special education services. This meeting will focus on autism. Registration is not required.When: Monday, Feb. 4, from 7 – 9 p.m. Where: Greenwood Campus, Bldg. E, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204 What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When & Where: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. White Oak School, 8401 Leefield Rd., 21234 What: At this free BCPS Parent University workshop, parents can learn techniques to help their children manage thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443.809.4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Gunpowder Elementary School, 9540 Holiday Manor Rd., 21236 What: Dancers from The Moving Company Ensembles, Hereford High School Dance Company, Dulaney High School Dance Company, and Sudbrook Middle Magnet Dancers will perform to benefit the One Love Foundation. This event is hosted by The Moving Company Dance Center. Tickets ($10/adult, $5/children ages 3-7, free/children under 3) will be available at the door.When: Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m.Where: Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120What: Maryland 529 – formerly the College Savings Plans of Maryland – has scheduled Parent Information Night meetings this winter at several Baltimore County middle schools. The meetings are open to all Baltimore County parents who are considering a college education for their children. For more information, contact the program at 1-888-4MD-GRAD or visit the Maryland 529 website. Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, 4627 Old Court Rd., 21208 Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., 21133 Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Rd., 21244 Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd., 21220 Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030What: For the sixth year running, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts and Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is bringing an internationally renowned dance company to Baltimore County —this year, the Philadelphia-basedKoresh Dance Company— and sponsoring extensive outreach activities with the company for BCPS students. More than 400 BCPS students will attend a student-only performance by Koresh Dance – free of charge. These students represent Deep Creek, Deer Park Magnet, Stemmers Run, and Windsor Mill middle schools; and Dulaney, Hereford, Lansdowne, Milford Mill, New Town, and Owings Mills high schools. In addition, BCPS students will participate in the following free of charge master classes with Koresh Dance: Wednesday, Feb. 13

• Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
• Franklin High School, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
• Pikesville Middle School, 11:30 a.m. – 1:07 p.m.
• Sudbrook Magnet Middle School, 11:35 a.m. – 1:35 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14

• Franklin Middle School, 12:40 – 1:30 p.m.
• New Town High School, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m.
• Owings Mills High School, 7:25 – 8:50 a.m.

What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage.When and Where: Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. Lansdowne Library, 500 Third Ave., 21227

TOWSON – As far as the eye could see, Baltimore County was covered in blue on Jan. 10 in honor of the 5th annual Team BCPS Day – a celebration of the progress, promise, unity, and impact of Baltimore County Public Schools. Students, staff, families, elected officials, business partners – and even school mascots and family dogs – were photographed wearing blue, and those images were posted on social media using #BCPSblue. In addition, the county’s Historic Courthouse Dome and the school system’s headquarters building were bathed in blue lights. Altogether, Team BCPS Day 2019 yielded more than 600 tweets, reaching more than 200,000 unique viewers, and #BCPSblue trended on Twitter in the Baltimore region for most of the day. Especially noteworthy this year were the number of BCPS teachers photographed holding banners indicating that they are proud BCPS alumni; the number of cafeteria workers and transportation staff who participated; and the number of photos posted by the school system’s alternative education centers and special schools. As in past years, BCPS library media specialists dazzled with their creative displays of books with blue covers or ‘blue’ in the title, and teachers creatively incorporated the theme into lessons.“We are grateful that participation remains high in this annual event,“ said Interim Superintendent Verletta White. “It is especially touching this year to see so many of our amazing teachers proudly holding Team BCPS alumni banners and hopefully encouraging our students to follow their footsteps by becoming BCPS teachers. I often talk about Team BCPS being a family, and Team BCPS Day gives us a glimpse into the many families with multigenerational connections to our schools. It was a great way to launch the second half of the school year.” Here are this year’s honorees for best BCPS blue-themed images of the day:SPECIAL RECOGNITION Best poem – Crossroads Center (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, and Part 9)PHOTOS

• Cuter than cute – All the children of Baltimore County Public Schools
• Best standing “o” – Principals’ Leadership Development
• Best play on words (“Blue”m where you’re planted) – Kingsville Elementary
• Best squad – Arbutus Elementary
• Best hair – Warren Elementary (and again!) and Randallstown Elementary
• Best book display – Norwood Elementary
• Best selfie – Deep Creek Elementary
• Best throwback Thursday pics – Dr. Kandice Taylor, Deer Park Middle Magnet principal, and her sons now and then)
• Best hands-on approach – Elmwood Elementary (and Elmwood again)
• Best alumni pennants – Chesapeake High
• Best prints – Frank Dunlap, principal, Lansdowne Middle
• Best collage – Fullerton Elementary
• Best use of frame – Padonia Elementary and Kenwood Student Government Association
• Best heart – Glyndon Elementary
• Best love – Gunpowder Elementary
• Best pup pride – Howard Franklin, pupil personnel worker, Southwest, and Missy Fanshaw, principal, Rodgers Forge Elementary
• Best grow-your-own – Westchester Elementary
• Best tutus – West Towson Elementary
• Best support – Glyndon Elementary
• Newest Team BCPS member – Westchester Elementary
• Best sentence – Owings Mills Elementary
• Best height – Office of Enterprise Applications
• Best AVID – Pikesville Middle
• Best advice from book characters – Pot Spring Elementary
• Most caped – Principals: Jennifer Gounaris, Sparrows Point Middle; Emily Caster, Sparrows Point High; Charles Ament, Edgemere Elementary; and Shandra Patrick, Chesapeake Terrace Elementary
• Best spelling – Timonium Elementary
• Best “TEAM” – Wabash Bus Lot
• Best anticipation – Daniel Pizzo, principal, Padonia Elementary
• Best heads– Human Resources
• Best neckwear – Pine Grove Elementary
• Best hand hearts – New Town Elementary
• Best emojis– Relay Elementary
• Best teeth – Mrs. Gemmell’s daughter, Arbutus Elementary
• Best jumps for joy – Edmondson Heights Elementary (and Ed Heights again and Ed Heights once again)
• Best spectacles – Sparrows Point Middle

PHOTOS from Partners/Supporters

• County Executive Johnny O and his staff
• First Financial Federal Credit Union (and FFFCU again!)
• Advance Business Systems
• Baltimore County Department of Aging
• Baltimore County Public Library: director and administrative team, North Point branch, Perry Hall branch, Reisterstown branch, Rosedale branch, Woodlawn branch
• County Councilman Izzy Patoka
• Robbie Leonard, Secretary of Maryland Democratic Party
• The Dundalk Eagle
• State and County elected officials

VIDEOS

• Best BCPS blue through bowling: Kasey Atkinson and her Owings Mills Elementary Grade 1 class
• Best way to get the wiggles out: Samantha Hopkins and her Westchester Elementary Grade 1 class
• Best secondary school spirit: Eastern Technical High cheerleaders
• Best group dance: Woodbridge Elementary student body in video posted by Lindsay Bossi
• Best student body cheer: West Towson Elementary
• Best staff sharing alumni pride: Missy Fanshaw, Rodgers Forge Elementary
• Best swimming through Team BCPS spirit: Jessica Whorton and Church Lane Elementary Technology students
• Best slideshow recap: Denise Campbell, Relay Elementary)
• Best sing-along: Fifth District Elementary students
• Best MakerSpace demonstration: Lyons Mill Elementary students in video posted by FutureMakers
• Best blue greeting: Fort Garrison Elementary teachers

Nearly 600 photos from the day can be found in a BCPS Flickr album.

TOWSON – Artwork by Baltimore County Public Schools students has earned honors in two contests and one juried art exhibition. Two BCPS students earned honors in the Maryland Art Education Association Youth Art Month Maryland Flag Contest. Kimberly Zepeda Garcia, a Grade 10 student at Parkville High School, was named the high school level winner. Her art teacher is Matt Duvall. Evelyn Epstein, a Grade 3 student at Summit Park Elementary School, was named the elementary school level winner. Her art teacher is Stacy Bentley. Both students will receive $100 in art supplies, while their teachers will receive $300 in classroom supplies from Sargent Art. (Youth Art Month is March of each year.) Epstein also emerged as the first place winner in an artwork contest, highlighting inclusivity, sponsored by The Arc Maryland, in partnership with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, the Maryland State Department of Education, and the Maryland Department of Disabilities. Epstein will receive a gift card, and Summit Park Elementary will receive a gift certificate. Epstein will be recognized at the Annual Developmental Disabilities Day event at the Hotel Annapolis on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition, four Baltimore County students are among the 22 finalists in the 11th Annual Maryland High School Juried Art Show at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Those students are:

• Jamal Bourne, Grade 12, New Town High
• Lynese Hutchinson, Grade 12, Woodlawn High
• Peace Odumeru, Grade 12, Eastern Technical High
• Rebecca Smith, Grade 12, Perry Hall High

The show is presented by the museum in conjunction with the Maryland State Education Association and is open to students from Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties. This year participants were challenged to create work inspired by Romare Bearden and reflecting on social activism, history, music, or womanhood. The exhibit is on display at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum through Feb. 28.

TOWSON, MD. – Chyler Sydnor, a Grade 5 student at Woodbridge Elementary School, earned a $5,000 prize for her school in BGE’s Natural Gas Safety Hero comic strip challenge. Sydnor’s sponsor for the contest was physical education teacher Don Garmer. Principal Lori Phelps credits Garmer’s “vote vote vote campaign” for helping Sydnor’s entry attract such a high number of votes. To accompany her comic strip, Sydnor wrote the following safety message for Captain Mercaptan, the gas safety hero: Sydnor’s cartoon was selected for one of five $5,000 prizes from a pool of more than 100 comic strips. The single first place winner received $10,000 for her school.

Towson, MD – The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson, 21204. The Board of Education’s Building and Contracts Committee is scheduled to meet at 4 p.m. The Board’s regular open session will begin at approximately 5 p.m. The Board will then meet in closed session as permitted by law. The open session will reconvene at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend all sessions. The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. Accordingly, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS website, or on BCPS-TV (Comcast Xfinity channel 73), Verizon FiOS channel 34).

Towson, MD – Due to inclement weather, Baltimore County Public Schools’ school and central offices closed today, Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 4 p.m.

Towson, MD – Due to a water main break in the area, West Towson Elementary School, located at 6914 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204, will be closing at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, January 31, 2019. All afterschool and evening activities at West Towson Elementary School are also cancelled.

What: It’s time for parents of graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All federal grant and loan awards are determined by this free application, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. To help more seniors and their families complete the FAFSA, Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events. Please use the federal student aid website to get started, and join us for a FAFSA Frenzy event.When & Where:

• Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Rd., 21221 - Friday, Feb. 15, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd., 21093 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., 21222 - Thursday, Feb. 7, and Friday, Feb. 8, 9:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Kenwood High School, 501 Stemmers Run Rd., 21221 - Thursday, Feb. 7, 7:45 – 10:45 a.m.
• Lansdowne High School, 3800 Hollins Ferry Rd., 21227 - Thursday, Jan. 31, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Ave., 21206 - Thursday, Feb. 7, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Rd., 21117 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., 21234 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, and Wednesday, Feb. 20, 8:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Randallstown High School, 4000 Offutt Rd., 21133 - Thursday, Jan. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219 - Monday, Feb. 4, and Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8 – 9 a.m.
• Towson High School, 69 Cedar Ave., 21286 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Western School of Technology, 100 Kenwood Ave., 21228 - Thursday, Feb. 7, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
• Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., 21207 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

What: Admission is $5 for spectators over the age of 7.When: Saturday, Feb. 2Where: Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120 What: Throughout February, BCPS will offer its annual ballroom dance instruction for Grade 5 students. The weeklong lessons end with inviting parents in to see their children dance and dance with them. Date: Monday, Feb. 4, through Friday, Feb. 8Where & Time: Dundalk Elementary School, 2717 Playfield St, 21222, 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Edgemere Elementary School, 7201 North Point Rd., 21219, 2:20 – 3:20 p.m. Padonia International Elementary School, 9834 Greenside Dr., 21030, 8:50 – 9:40 a.m. Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., 21093, 9:20 – 10:10 a.m. Seventh District Elementary School, 20300 York Rd., 21120, 2:20 – 3:10 p.m. Sparks Elementary School, 601 Belfast Rd., 21152, 11:05 – 11:55 a.m. What: The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee advocates to make recommendations and assist BCPS on issues concerning children and special education services. This meeting will focus on autism. Registration is not required.When: Monday, Feb. 4, from 7 – 9 p.m. Where: Greenwood Campus, Bldg. E, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204 What: It’s time for parents of graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All federal grant and loan awards are determined by this free application, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. To help more seniors and their families complete the FAFSA, Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events. Please use the federal student aid website to get started, and join us for a FAFSA Frenzy event.When: Monday, Feb. 4, 8 – 9 a.m. Where: Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: White Oak School, 8401 Leefield Rd., 21234 What: At this free BCPS Parent University workshop, parents can learn techniques to help their children manage thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443.809.4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Gunpowder Elementary School, 9540 Holiday Manor Rd., 21236 What: Activities include learning what it takes to be a civil engineer as you design your own park, thinking like a computer as you store information using binary numbers, and testing your skills as a mechanical engineer as you launch airplanes; plus more engineering and prizes.When: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6 – 8 p.m. Where: Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., 21093What: This Parent University workshop is designed to assist parents with helping their preschool to elementary children consciously manage their thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443-809-4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When: Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Battle Grove Elementary School, 7828 St. Patricia Ln., 21222 What: Teachers and staff from Grange Elementary School will play volleyball against members of the Baltimore Blast soccer team. The Blast players do not use their hands to play, only their feet, heads and bodies. This is a fun-filled event for students and families, and the book fair will also be open. The Blast players sign autographs and take pictures with the students after the game.When: Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m.Where: Grange Elementary School, Gym, 2000 Church Rd., 21222Contact: Julie Mintiens, jmintiens2@bcps.orgWhat: Through the Gifted and Talented Citizens Advisory Committee, parents, students, and advocates are encouraged to provide input on issues related to gifted and talented education. This month’s theme is “listening post”; come share your experiences with GT education. Registration is not required.When: Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.Where: Stemmers Run Middle School, 201 Stemmers Run Rd., 21221What: This workshop offered by the Special Education Resource Center seeks to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. To register, please email SERC@bcps.org or call 410.887.5443.When: Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: Reisterstown Library, 21 Cockeys Mill Rd., 21136What: Join the Franklin High School Science National Honor Society for its 5th Annual STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Night featuring free demonstrations, activities, and experiments for elementary and middle school students.When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. The snow date is Feb. 21. Where: Franklin High School, 12000 Reisterstown Rd., 21136What: This Parent University workshop is designed to assist parents with helping their preschool to elementary children consciously manage their thoughts and emotions. To register, contact Rai Cary at 443-809-4496 or rcary@bcps.org.When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Campfield Early Learning Ctr., 6834 Alter St., 21207What: Visitors board the Parentmobile to learn about BCPS' curriculum, at-home learning resources, the BCPS website, community resources, and resources to support families of students with special needs or limited English proficiency. Parents and guardians are invited to visit. No registration is required. When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 4 – 7 p.m. Where: Dundalk Middle School, 7400 Dunmanway, 21222What: Learn about the Baltimore County and the Maryland Community College Promise scholarships, the benefits, requirements, and application process. The target audiences are parents and graduates in the classes of 2018 and 2019. Registration is available online.When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: CCBC Catonsville, Student Services Center, Rm. 004, 800 S. Rolling Rd., 21228What: This workshop series aims to help parents learn what paths children with a disability will take once they finish school. The title of this session is “Meaningful Day Overview/DDA Funded Services.”When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Where: Weinberg Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., 21215Contact: To register, please call 410.843.7353 or email cwhite@jcsbaltimore.org. What: It’s time for parents of graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All federal grant and loan awards are determined by this free application, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. To help more seniors and their families complete the FAFSA, Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events. Please use the federal student aid website to get started, and join us for a FAFSA Frenzy event.When: Thursday, Feb. 7Where & Time: Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., 21222, 9:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Kenwood High School, 501 Stemmers Run Rd., 21221, 7:45 – 10:45 a.m. Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Ave., 21206, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Western School of Technology, 100 Kenwood Ave., 21228 , 6 – 7:30 p.m. What: It’s time for parents of graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All federal grant and loan awards are determined by this free application, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. To help more seniors and their families complete the FAFSA, Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events. Please use the federal student aid website to get started, and join us for a FAFSA Frenzy event.When: Friday, Feb. 8, 9:20 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. Where: Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., 21222What: Dancers from The Moving Company Ensembles, Hereford High School Dance Company, Dulaney High School Dance Company, and Sudbrook Magnet Middle Dancers will perform to benefit the One Love Foundation. This event is hosted by The Moving Company Dance Center. Tickets ($10/adult, $5/children ages 3-7, free/children under 3) will be available at the door.When: Saturday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m.Where: Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120What: Admission for spectators over the age of 7 is $12 for all day; $10 for the finals.When: Saturday, Feb. 9, scheduleWhere: North Point High School, 2500 Davis Rd., 20603 What:Applications for students to serve on the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be available for BCPS high school principals from Feb. 1 – 15, 2019. Each principal is encouraged to nominate two students who are currently in Grades 10 or 11 and in good academic standing. Student Board members are expected to be knowledgeable about Board responsibilities and the mission and vision of the school system, to be able to effectively communicate the student point of view, and to be aware of current issues impacting public education. Application packets will be available in the offices of all high school student council advisors. Starting Feb. 1, principals should send completed applications and required attachments to Nora Murray in the Office of Family and Community Engagement on the Greenwood campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Bldg. A, Towson, MD 21204. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. What: In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Social Studies and the Office of English Language Arts are co-sponsoring a writing contest for all students Grades K-12. There will be a winner selected in each of the following grade level bands: Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Student writers are invited to respond to the following prompt: “We all have dreams. In order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”--Jesse Owens. Schools may submit up to four entries by Thursday, Feb. 14 using the submission guidelines and the required cover sheet.What: BCPS wants to know what students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members think of BCPS. Results from the annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Stakeholder Survey are used to guide school improvement, identify staff training areas, improve safety, and identify emerging challenges. The survey is anonymous and takes five minutes or less to complete on a phone, tablet, or computer. The survey is available for students in Grades 3 - 12, parents/caregivers, and community members in 16 languages: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, French, Gujarati, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. Individuals who fit into more than one category - for example, a staff person who is also the parent of a BCPS student - can take the survey more than once in order to answer questions based on each of the categories. In addition, parents who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents can choose to take the survey at their child’s school rather than at home or at a public library.When: through Sunday, Feb. 24What: It’s time for parents of graduating seniors to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All federal grant and loan awards are determined by this free application, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards. To help more seniors and their families complete the FAFSA, Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events. Please use the federal student aid website to get started, and join us for a FAFSA Frenzy event.When & Where:

• Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Rd., 21221 - Friday, Feb. 15, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd., 21093 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Rd., 21286 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Rd., 21117 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., 21234 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, and Wednesday, Feb. 20, 8:15 – 10:45 a.m.
• Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Randallstown High School, 4000 Offutt Rd., 21133 - Thursday, Jan. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219 - Wednesday, Feb. 13, 8 – 9 a.m.
• Towson High School, 69 Cedar Ave., 21286 - Thursday, Feb. 14, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., 21207 - Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

What: Learn about the Baltimore County and the Maryland Community College Promise scholarships, the benefits, requirements, and application process. The target audiences are parents and graduates in the classes of 2018 and 2019. Registration is available online. CCBC Catonsville, Student Services Center, Rm. 004, 800 S. Rolling Rd., 21228

• Thursday, Mar. 7, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Apr. 10, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 6 – 7 p.m.

CCBC Dundalk, Roy N. Staten Bldg. Rm. 102, 7200 Sollers Point Rd., 21222

• Wednesday, Feb. 13, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 6, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Apr. 3, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 8, 6 – 7 p.m.

CCBC Essex, Student Services Center, Ste. 103, 7201 Rossville Blvd., 21237

• Wednesday, Mar. 13, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Apr. 4, 6 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 1, 6 – 7 p.m.

What: This workshop series aims to help parents learn what paths children with a disability will take once they finish school. To register, please call 410.843.7353 or email cwhite@jcsbaltimore.org.Where: Weinberg Park Heights JCC, 5700 Park Heights Ave., 21215 When & Topic: Thursday, Feb. 14, What’s Next? Thursday, Feb. 21, Financial Advice Thursday, Feb. 28, Understanding the Difference Between SSI & SSDIWhat: Artwork by BCPS students – and some visual arts teachers – is on display throughout the community. When & Where:

• Greenwood Building A, artwork from Vincent Farm Elementary School – through Feb. 28
• Greenwood Building E, artwork from Dumbarton Middle School – through Feb. 28
• Jefferson Building, artwork from Franklin Middle School – through Feb. 28
• Pulaski Park, artwork from Elmwood and Essex elementary schools – through Feb. 15

What: Entries are being accepted now through March 9 for the 2019 BCPS Film Expo, and the Office of Visual Arts is hopeful that more students than ever – from more schools – will participate. This year, two new features have been added. In addition to the Historic Senator Theatre showcasing films by middle and high school finalists, these finalists also will be invited to a special master class at Stevenson University. They will spend a Saturday (date to be determined) going through the entire filmmaking process from storyboarding and scriptwriting to lighting, filming, and editing. Elementary school students will have their first opportunity to participate through the new BCPS Film Expo Jr. Films can be submitted by individual students, groups of students, or entire classes. All elementary films submitted by April 5 will be shown on BCPS-TV.Interested students should ask their visual arts teachers for more information. Detailed information about the 2019 BCPS Film Expo (deadline March 9) and a Film Expo Poster Contest (deadline Jan. 10) are available online and from visual arts teachers across the county. The 2019 Film Expo is sponsored by Rosedale Federal, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Stevenson University, and BCPS. Deadlines: March 9 for BCPS Film Expo April 5 for BCPS Film Expo Jr.What: Through the BCPS Scholarship Loan Program, BCPS students can apply for a loan scholarship worth $4,000 per year for up to four years. Renewal awards are automatic, pending transcript verification of grade point average (in good academic standing) and full-time status. The award may be used for tuition, fees, books, or educational supplies. The applicationanda fact sheetabout the program are available online. The application deadline is Friday, March 1. To apply, BCPS high school seniors must have a minimum GPA of 2.80 and submit an application accompanied with a resume documenting school and community activities and three letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, recipients must sign a promissory note, agreeing to teach full-time in a Baltimore County public school, one year for each year of the award; enroll full-time in an approved teacher education program at a Maryland institution; maintain Maryland residency; and begin employment within six months of college graduation. Failure to maintain eligibility for the award based on GPA, full-time status or Maryland residency, will require that the recipient repay the scholarship. The BCPS Office of Human Resources will notify scholarship recipients of their award by Monday, April 1. Deadline: Friday, March 1Contact: Carla Simons, csimons@bcps.orgWhat: Throughout February, BCPS will offer its annual ballroom dance instruction for Grade 5 students. The weeklong lessons end with inviting parents in to see their children dance and dance with them. The ballroom dance schedule for 2019 is:When & Where: Rodgers Forge Elementary School, 250 Dumbarton Rd., 21212, 9:10 – 10 a.m. Chase Elementary School, 11701 Eastern Ave., 21220, 9:10 – 10 a.m. Fullerton Elementary School, 4400 Fullerton Ave., 21236, 9:40 – 10:30 a.m. Middlesex Elementary School, 142 Bennett Rd., 21221, 2:50 – 3:40 p.m. What: Maryland 529 – formerly the College Savings Plans of Maryland – has scheduled Parent Information Night meetings this winter at several Baltimore County middle schools. The meetings are open to all Baltimore County parents who are considering a college education for their children. For more information, contact the program at 1-888-4MD-GRAD or visit theMaryland 529 website.When & Where: Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, 4627 Old Court Rd., 21208 Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., 21133 Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Rd., 21244 Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd., 21220 Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030What: For the sixth year running, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts and Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is bringing an internationally renowned dance company to Baltimore County —this year, the Philadelphia-basedKoresh Dance Company— and sponsoring extensive outreach activities with the company for BCPS students. More than 400 BCPS students will attend a student-only performance by Koresh Dance – free of charge. These students represent Deep Creek, Deer Park Magnet, Stemmers Run, and Windsor Mill middle schools; and Dulaney, Hereford, Lansdowne, Milford Mill, New Town, and Owings Mills high schools. In addition, BCPS students will participate in the following free of charge master classes with Koresh Dance: Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., 21133, 3 – 4:30 p.m. Franklin High School, 8:30 – 10 a.m. Pikesville Middle School, 11:30 a.m. – 1:07 p.m. Sudbrook Magnet Middle School, 11:35 a.m. – 1:35 p.m. Franklin Middle School, 12000 Reisterstown Rd., 21136, 12:40 – 1:30 p.m. New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117, 7:45 – 9:30 a.m. Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Rd., 21117, 7:25 – 8:50 a.m. What: Family Literacy ESOLclasses help parents learnEnglish language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’seducation.To participate in this tuition-free program, parents must have a child (0 -16 years old) enrolled in Baltimore County Public Schools, the Judy Center of Baltimore County, or Baltimore County Head Start. The classes are sponsored by BCPS Parent University and the CCBC Family Literacy Program. Registration and more information are available on the Family Literacy ESOL Program webpage. When and Where: Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 10 a.m. Lansdowne Library, 500 Third Ave., 21227

Applications for the 2019-2020 student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be accepted beginning Friday, Feb. 1, and prospective students have until Friday, Feb. 15, to get their names and materials in for consideration. Students must be nominated by their high school principal, and each high school principal is encouraged to nominate two students who are currently enrolled in grades 10 or 11 and in good academic standing. The student board member is expected to be knowledgeable about Board of Education responsibilities and mission and vision of the school system. They must be able to effectively communicate the student point of view as well, and to be aware of current issues impacting public education. The application packet has been sent to high school student council advisors, and the application information can also be found online at the SMOB Application page. Completed applications and required attachments should be emailed to Nora Murray in the Office of Family and Community Engagement at cmurray2@bcps.org. All items must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019.

Towson, MD – Baltimore County Public Schools students have been honored with 77 Gold Keys through the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards programs. The awards, announced Feb. 1, are the most prestigious art and writing awards presented to students in Grades 7 - 12. Submissions are juried by luminaries in the visual and literary arts, some of whom are past award recipients. Panelists look for works that best exemplify originality, technical skill, and the emergence of a personal voice or vision. The following list of recognized students identifies name, grade, title of artwork/writing, and category: Gold Keys for High School Art PortfoliosGeorge Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology Kaya Abramson, 12, A Family in Disarray Lauren Cole, 12, Lauren Cole - Art Alexandra Huettner, 12, Individual Activities Lyla Mzayek, 12, Cowboys and Aliens Katia Vanlandingham, 12, Character Gold Keys for Individual Pieces of Visual ArtGeorge Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology Kaya Abramson, 12, Safe Space, Painting Kaya Abramson, 12, Portal, Painting Carolina Benavides, 10, Squeeze, Sculpture Aisha Cook, 11, For Hannah Glass, Digital Art Kate Esquivel Marcotte, 12, exhale, Digital Art Kate Esquivel Marcotte, 12, comfort in isolation, Painting Lydia Ethem, 12, Philodendron Monstera, Painting Lydia Ethem, 12, Until We Meet Again, Digital Art Lydia Ethem, 12, My Soul, It Travels, Digital Art Lydia Ethem, 12, Weight Off, Painting Lydia Ethem, 12, Demons Hide Under the Bed, Painting Lydia Ethem, 12, Won't You Haunt Me?, Painting Joelle Gentry, 12, Do You Remember, Film & Animation Sydney Gibson, 12, untitled, Photography Jaliyah Hall, 11, Domenica Di Sangue (Part 1), Photography Riley Hughes, 11, Glitched Beyond Recognition, Digital Art Alicia Ingabire, 11, My Father as an Activist, Mixed Media Taylor Jackson, 11, Fear, Drawing & Illustration Cole Johnson, 12, Envy, Painting Cole Johnson, 12, Three Cut-Up Observational Drawings, Mixed Media Cole Johnson, 12, Emerge, Photography Annabelle Jones, 11, Mom, Film & Animation Raychel Keefer, 12, Documentary Photography 04, Photography Sydney Lewis, 10, Starry Eyed, Photography Ty'Jae Little, 11, Halo, Digital Art Chelsea Liu, 11, Nothing But Technology, Drawing & Illustration Jessica Lobell, 11, You Used to Call Me on Your Cellphone, Mixed Media Chloe McFarland, 10, CARS, Photography Peter Mussie, 11, The Passion of Barbery, Film & Animation Lyla Mzayek, 12, Brian Rice: Zumba Instructor, Film & Animation Lyla Mzayek, 12, Sisterhood, Film & Animation Nga Nguyen, 11, Whale Summon, Drawing & Illustration Taemar Rollins, 11, Likeness portrait bust, Sculpture Abhay Suresh, 12, No Way Out, PaintingHereford High School Samantha McHugh, 11, Grim Night, Photography Olivia Naraval, 12, Habana, Photography Corinne Zibell, 12, Seeing Double, PhotographyOverlea High School Angelina Whye, 11, Splash, PhotographyParkville Middle School Kiran Shere-Wolfe, 8, Over the Rainbow, Ceramics & GlassPatapsco High School & Center for the Arts Amber Culotta, 12, Zach, Painting Dillon Fischer, 11, escape into the light, Photography Crystal Martinez, 11, sip of tunisa, Photography Viktoria Weichert, 11, Reflection, PhotographyPerry Hall High School Sophia Evans, 12, 30 MPH, Drawing & Illustration Crystal Weyant, 11, Morning Alarm, Drawing & Illustration Crystal Weyant, 11, Hours Before Rising, Drawing & IllustrationTowson High School Alyssa Cobb, 12, CAUTION, Mixed Media Ben Hough, 12, I got Board, Sculpture Huy Nguyen, 12, The Face of Hoy, SculptureGold Keys for Individual Pieces of Literary ArtDulaney High School Nicole Barnes, 11, Four Eyes, Humor Lilian Davison, 12, Left Behind, Poetry Tony Senatore, 11, Abstract Writing, HumorGeorge Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology Lukas Austin, 10, Thaumaturgy, Personal Essay & Memoir Sophie Claudio, 9, Immigrant Fragments: Language Barrier, Mother, Daughter, Poetry Anaiyah Conley, 10, My Image, Poetry Margot Deguet-Delury, 11, Forests of Us, Poetry Molly Gaither, 12, Ars Poetica I Wrote on Two Post-Its, Poetry Faith Jarrell, 10, I Am, Poetry Caroline Jones, 9, 13 Ways of Looking at a Sunset, Poetry Nadia Karber, 11, Things I Have Hidden, Poetry Autumn Koors Foltz, 11, Funfetti Crumb Trail, Personal Essay & Memoir Emily Leone, 11, Liars Go to Hell, Short Story Judah Lyles, 10, The Skin Split With Her, Poetry Elizabeth Mlinek, 12, Souls of the Lost, Short Story Elizabeth Mlinek, 12, Lacking Gestures, Poetry Madelyn Mueller, 10, The One, Flash Fiction Mackenzie Myers, 10, When The Devil Becomes The Advocate: A Biblical Allegory in Nine Parts, Poetry Innocenzo Rocksmith, 9, Layers, Science Fiction & Fantasy Rebecca Scherr, 11, Elegy for Grand-Mere, Poetry Lucy Van Eron, 10, that morning, Humor Connor White, 10, Her Grandson Jack, Short StoryTowson High School Kayla Yup, Grade 10, My Big Brother, Poetry Gold Key Awards are the very best works submitted to regional programs. Gold Key works are then judged nationally by an impressive panel of creative–industry experts to receive National Medals, including Gold Medals, Silver Medals, American Voices & Visions Medals, Gold Medal and Silver with Distinction Portfolio Medals, and Special Achievement Awards. In addition to Gold Keys, Silver Keys and Honorable Mentions have been presented to hundreds of BCPS students. The complete list is not publicly available.

TOWSON, MD - The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, (snow date Wednesday, February 13, 2019) to seek the community's input concerning the proposed fiscal year 2020 operating budget. The Board is expected to approve the proposed operating budget request on February 19, 2019. Sign-up for those members of the public wishing to speak at the February 12 public hearing begins at 6 p.m. at the Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204. Each speaker will be allotted three minutes and is welcome to bring a written copy of any remarks or to provide any remarks to the Board by email atboe@bcps.org. The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. Accordingly, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS website, or on BCPS-TV (Comcast Xfinity channel 73, Verizon FiOS channel 34).

Towson, MD — The Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission will hold its next meeting on Monday, February 11, 2019, in Building E, Room 123, at the Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, Maryland 21204. The Commission’s regular open session will begin at 6:30 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend all open sessions of the Commission.