Towson, MD – Due to a water main break in the area, Parkville High School, located at 2600 Putty Hill Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21234, will be closing at 10:45 a.m. today, Wednesday, February 6, 2019. All afterschool and evening activities at Parkville High School are also cancelled.

Towson, MD – After earning first place at the Maryland History Day competition, four Catonsville students were celebrated at the Maryland State House in Annapolis during the General Assembly. Sarah Broadwater, Kelsey King, Ellie Lawson, and Camryn Woods, all Grade 9 students at Catonsville High, were amongst 21 Maryland middle and high school history scholars invited by state senators and delegates. “I was so pleased to see BCPS students recognized at the state level for their hard work on a collaborative project,” BCPS Interim Superintendent Verletta White said. “After countless hours of research and interviews, they should be very proud of their accomplishments.” Last year, when the four students attended Catonsville Middle, their presentation about the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War earned them first place at Maryland History Day in the junior category for group exhibit and the Barry A. Lanman Award for oral history. Placing first at Maryland History Day qualified them for the 2018 National History Day competition in College Park. Maryland History Day is a year-long educational program with more than 25,000 middle and high school student participants that culminates in a statewide history contest. Working solo or in small groups, students create original documentary films, exhibits, performances, research papers, or websites exploring a historical topic of their choice or an annual theme. The Catonsville Middle students created a rotating box to present their project, which included conducting interviews with Vietnam War veterans. Catonsville Middle teachers Taylor Dungey and Katie Tucci supported the students throughout their project and during the competition.

What: Fifty students – half each from New Town High and Pikesville High -- will participate in a Junior Achievement Job Shadow event. During the Job Shadow, students will explore career pathways by visiting Stanley Black & Decker, the Fortune 500 manufacturer, and talk with professionals there about the demands and expectations of the world of work. Students will meet the leadership team, discuss internships and career pathways, and get an insider’s view through hands-on activities. The New Town students are in Grades 9-12. Some have an interest in engineering. Others are working on soft skills, such as communication and networking. The Pikesville students are primarily sophomores in Project Lead the Way who have an interest in engineering. When: Thursday, Feb. 7, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Stanley Black & Decker University 8701 Mylander Ln., 21286Background: February is National Career and Technology Education Month, and the Junior Achievement Job Shadow event is just one of many special activities to take place throughout the month. On Friday, Feb. 15, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., approximately 27 New Town High students will participate in a Junior Achievement Job Shadow visit to Bakery Express in Halethorpe. Students will get to explore the production of baked goods, including the machinery and processes it takes to run the business. Bakery Express employees will lead a tour of the facility and introduce students to the people who literally make the doughnuts. Students can ask questions and connect with staff about career pathways in the industry and available careers in our region.

TOWSON, MD – February is Black History Month, and schools across Baltimore County are immersing students in African American history and culture through classroom lessons, special assemblies, and the arts. Please see below a sampling of upcoming Black History Month activities across the county: BCPS writing contest in celebration of Black History Month 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. When: Entries due by Thursday, Feb. 14 Where: All BCPS schools Dumbarton Middle offering a Question of the Day What: Each morning in February, Dumbarton Middle students are presented with a new Question of the Day for Black History Month. In addition, some extended background is provided about the previous day's answer to enrich student understanding of well and lesser-known African American role models. All homerooms are participating in a Door-Decorating contest that asks each class to pick an African American role model as their homeroom's representative based on a shared trait, talent, or other connection. Students are solely in charge of the creation of the door decorations, giving them ownership over the experience. The school's hallway monitors showcase professional and societal contributions of African Americans in history. The slides shown also serve to reinforce the information presented on the school's morning show. When: Throughout February Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., 21212Edmondson Heights Elementary celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities What: Black History Month celebrations are in full swing at Edmondson Heights Elementary. This year’s theme is Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Each class has been assigned a HBCU to research, and they are competing in a door-decorating contest, with doors being decorated to represent a HBCU. Students also have been given the opportunity to participate in a writing contest where they will write about their Champion of Courage. This champion can be an African American who they know personally or one who is famous. Fifteen winners will be selected to read their short essays on the morning announcements! When: Throughout February Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207 Fifth District Elementary students to identify famous African Americans What: Every Friday in February, students will read a fact about a famous African American on the morning announcements. Then all students in the school are challenged to guess who the fact is about. Students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 will have six choices to choose from, while students in Grades 3-5 will have a list of 12 choices. Winning students will be drawn from those who submit correct answers, and they will receive Black History Month books. When: Every Friday in February Where: Fifth District Elementary School, 3725 Mount Carmel Rd., 21155 Pot Spring Elementary celebrates The Best Part of Me What: The Best Part of Me Black History Month display at Pot Spring Elementary shares various parts of African American heroes related to what has made them well known. For example, Bessie Coleman’s head because she wore many helmets as the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license, or Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mouth for his ability to speak out for the Civil Rights Movement. Daily morning announcements will tell the stories of these heroes. In addition, Pot Spring staff wanted to stress that, like these African American heroes, students and teachers, too, have talents, which contribute to and unify the school community. Students and teachers are sharing their best parts – with photos and messages on a display across from the African American heroes. When: Throughout February Where: Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., 21093 Timonium Elementary learning about African Americans and jazz What: Timonium Elementary special area teachers are sharing information on the morning announcements about African American leaders in their fields. In addition, vocal music teacher Kristin Farrell is teaching a unit about African American Jazz Composers to our Grades 4 and 5 students, and a jazz unit for K-5. When: Throughout February Where: Timonium Elementary School, 2001 Eastridge Rd., 21093Wellwood International studying Black History Month through poetry and in French What: Every Friday in February, students in Grade 2 will read aloud new poems by, or about, African Americans to practice reading fluency. The poems are I Dream a World by Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman by Eloise Greenfield, and two biographical poems about George Washington Carver and Jackie Robinson. In French class, Grade 5 students are celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day by learning the verb “like/love” and looking at sentences about loving and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and also about the International Baccalaureate theme of problem, resolution, and revolution. When: Throughout February Where: Wellwood International School, 2901 Smith Ave., 21208 Franklin High Black Student Union hosting a movie night What: Members of the Black Student Union are presenting black history facts every day in February during the school's morning announcements. The Black Student Union also is sponsoring a screening of the film The Hate U Give. Tickets are being sold at lunch shifts for $3. The event is open to the public. When: Friday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Where: Franklin High School, 12000 Reisterstown Rd., 21136Hebbville Elementary’s Black History Program What: The theme of Hebbville Elementary’s Black History Program is Dream Big Dreams and You'll Do Great Things. The school also has a Black History Museum in the hallway for the students. When: Tuesday, Feb. 12 (contact the school for exact time) Where: Hebbville Elementary School, 3335 Washington Ave., 21244 Door decorating contest at Dundalk Middle What: In addition to highlighting a different person on the announcements every morning, Dundalk Middle also is having a homeroom door-decorating contest. Each homeroom is supposed to decorate their classroom door by Thursday, Feb. 14. The main office and guidance office are even participating. Student council will pick three of their favorite doors. Those three doors will be pictured on the morning announcements for the entire student body to vote for their favorite door. The winner will receive a free breakfast from Ms. Adams, the school principal. When: Thursday, Feb. 14 deadline for doors to be decorated Where: Dundalk Middle School, 7400 Dunmanway, 21222It Takes a Village Luncheon at Pikesville High What: The annual It Takes A Village Luncheon at Pikesville High celebrates student success and cultural pride. Savoy Adams, Champions of Courage winner for Pikesville High, will be the student guest speaker. When: Friday, Feb. 15, at 2:20 p.m. Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208100 Men of Color event at Woodmoor Elementary What: Woodmoor Elementary will host its inaugural 100 Men of Color event. Local volunteers, community members, and organization representatives will spend the day working alongside students empowering them with the theme of literacy. The BCPS Career and Technology Education partnership with Under Armour will provide meaningful STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Where: Woodmoor Elementary School, 3200 Elba Dr., 21207 Poetry Slam at Pikesville High What: At Pikesville High’s poetry slam, students will voice original poetry, exhibit art, and share musical selections and dance. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20 (contact the school for exact time) Where: Pikesville High School, Learning Commons, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208 Black Male Forum at Pikesville High What: High-achieving African American male students at Pikesville High will participate in a forum. When: Thursday, Feb. 21 (contact the school for exact time) Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208Journey Through Time: Randallstown High School Living History Museum What: Randallstown High students will embody prominent figures of yesteryear as they take visitors on a journey through time via their fifth annual Living History Museum. The theme this year is The Resistance. When: Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Randallstown High School, lobby, 4000 Offutt Rd., 21133 Black Saga finals: Elementary and middle school teams test their knowledge of black history and culture What: The public is invited to witness the finals of the annual BCPS Black Saga challenge. Approximately 12 teams from elementary and middle schools will compete in a demonstration of their knowledge of black history and culture. Teams advanced to the finals by excelling in regional competitions Feb. 7-8. This year, in addition to studying facts, teams also participated in a book study and will be asked questions about the following books: The Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down (for elementary students) and The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano (for middle school students). The competition began with 44 teams from 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools. When: Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (Check-in at 8 a.m.) Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204Black History Month Character Debate at Pikesville High What: Hosted by social studies teacher Ethan Goodman and English teacher Natalie Bailey, students will debate modern figures who are socially conscious and “woke” to the issues of social injustice. When: Tuesday, Feb. 26 (contact the school for exact times) Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208 Edmondson Heights Elementary Celebrates Historically Black Colleges and Universities What: Edmondson Heights Elementary will culminate its Black History activities with an all-school assembly where students will perform plays, step shows, poems, songs, music, and a host of other creative acts to inform their schoolmates of what they learned about their assigned HBCU. When: Wednesday, Feb. 27 9 a.m. – performance by students in Grades K, 1 & 4 10:15 a.m. – performance by students in Grades 2, 3, & 5 Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, auditorium, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207A Journey Through African American Art at Johnnycake Elementary What: This year’s Black History Month Assembly at Johnnycake Elementary will focus on African American art. Student performers will dance, sing and share information with the audience. When: Thursday, Feb. 28, from 2 – 2:45 p.m. and 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Johnnycake Elementary School, 5910 Craigmont Rd., 21228 Annual Black History Month assembly at Gunpowder Elementary What: Our annual Black History Month assembly will be on. This year each grade will be contributing one presentation (song, poem, slideshow, etc.) for the assembly. When: Thursday, Feb. 28 9:15 a.m. – assembly for students in Grades K – 2 2 p.m. – assembly for students in Grades 3 – 5 Where: Gunpowder Elementary School, 9540 Holiday Manor Rd., 21236

What: Before an audience of nearly 400 guests, Baltimore County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Verletta White will be honored for preparing students for college and career success. The award will be presented by the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Association and the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Foundation at their 37th Annual Carver-Washington Scholarship Awards Breakfast. When: Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Where: The Forum 4210 Primrose Ave. Baltimore 21215 Background: The award White will receive is presented annually to Baltimore-area individuals who exhibit the values of Dr. George Washington Carver and Dr. Booker T. Washington. At the breakfast, awards also will be presented to Rev. Dr. Douglas B. Sands, Sr., pastor of White Rock Independent Methodist Episcopal Church, and Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to provide scholarships to Baltimore-area students attending Tuskegee University. Located in Alabama, Tuskegee University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) founded in 1881 by the legendary educator and presidential advisor Dr. Booker T. Washington.

What:Verletta White will be honored as the First African American Female (Interim) Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. The award will be presented by The Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Inc., Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, Inc.When:Saturday, Feb. 9, from 1 – 3 p.m. Where:Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum 300 Oella Ave. Catonsville 21228 Background: For the past 15 years, The Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Inc., and the Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, Inc., have recognized African American Firsts in Baltimore County. This event also will feature a presentation on Black Migrations, honoring the legacies of Benjamin Banneker, Patrick Miles, Maxine Beatrice Baker, and Marvin Russell Lett.

TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools interim superintendent, a Towson High student, and three educators were honored with statewide awards for excellence in gifted and talented education. The awards were presented at the Celebrating Gifted and Talented Education in Maryland celebration on Feb. 5, sponsored by the Maryland Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education and the Maryland State Department of Education. The BCPS honorees were:

• Interim Superintendent Verletta White– Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education – School or School System Administrator
• Macie Hakim, Towson High student– Student Accomplishment in Gifted and Talented Education
• Mary McMullen, Winand Elementary teacher– Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education – Teacher as Leader
• Jennifer Meehan, Office of Advanced Academics resource teacher– Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education – Teacher as Leader
• James Pettitt, Office of Advanced Academics resource teacher– Outstanding Educator in Gifted and Talented Education – Teacher as Leader

The awards ceremony was held at North County High School in Glen Burnie.

Towson, MD – Colophon, the literary magazine from Towson High School, has been awarded REALM First Class, in the Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Program of the National Council of Teachers of English. This is the top honor in this nationwide contest – and this is the ninth consecutive year that Colophon has earned this distinction. “The honored 2018 Colophon issue titled, ‘If You Hadn’t Been,’ is an outstanding collaboration of design, writing, and art,” said Nicholas Busselman, one of the publication’s three faculty advisors. “Under the management of student editors Hannah Weinstein, Oscar Harris, and Shayna Blinkoff, Colophon is not only a visually stunning and emotionally powerful magazine, but it again shined as the finest literary and arts magazine in the state of Maryland, and again distinguished itself as among the best student-run arts publications in the nation.” Noah Belt and Dr. Andrew Freeburger are the other two faculty advisors for Colophon. Student editors Weinstein and Harris graduated from Towson in May 2018. Blinkoff is in Grade 12. This year, 358 literary magazines were submitted to the REALM competition for review. Of that number, 28 received the elite designation of REALM First Class. National reviewers complete first round judging based on a point system. Magazines scoring 93–100 are recommended for REALM First Class and then go on to an additional level of review by the REALM Advisory Committee at the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention in November. The Committee determines whether a magazine meets enough criteria to win the honor of REALM First Class. Colophon has earned the REALM First Class honor (previously called PRESLM) every year since 2010 and a total of 18 times since 1994. In addition, Colophon has earned multiple honors from the American Scholastic Association, Columbia Scholastic Press Association, Maryland Scholastic Press Association, and National Scholastic Press Association.

TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools students in Grades 3 – 12, and all parents/caregivers, community members, and staff, are encouraged to participate in the online BCPS Stakeholder Survey – available through Sunday, Feb. 24. The survey is available on the BCPS website in 16 languages: Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, French, Gujarati, Korean, Nepali, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu, Uzbek, Vietnamese, and Yoruba. It is anonymous and takes five minutes or less to complete on a phone, tablet, or computer. “We use Stakeholder Survey results to guide school improvement, identify staff training areas, improve safety, and identify emerging challenges," said BCPS Interim Superintendent Verletta White. “Your responses to this year’s survey can help us improve even more. We are especially interested in greater participation from parents/caregivers, community members, and secondary school students." Individuals who fit into more than one category - for example, a staff person who is also the parent/caregiver 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/caregivers who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents/caregivers can choose to take the survey at their child’s school rather than at home or at a public library. The community is welcome to preview survey items or review reports from past years on the Stakeholder Survey website.

What: 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., 21120 What: Before an audience of nearly 400 guests, Baltimore County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Verletta White will be honored for preparing students for college and career success. The award will be presented by the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Association and the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Foundation at their 37th Annual Carver-Washington Scholarship Awards Breakfast.When: Saturday, Feb. 9, from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Where: The Forum, 4210 Primrose Ave., 21215What: Verletta White will be honored as the First African American Female (Interim) Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. The award will be presented by The Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Inc., Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, Inc.When: Saturday, Feb. 9, from 1 – 3 p.m. Where: Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, 300 Oella Ave., 21228 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.When: Monday, Feb. 11, to Friday, Feb. 15, from 9:10 – 10 a.m. Where: Rodgers Forge Elementary School, 250 Dumbarton Rd., 21212What: Schools in the Sparrows Point Feeder Pattern, in the 21219 zip code, are celebrating 21219 Day on February 12, 2019! Students and staff at Battle Grove Elementary, Chesapeake Terrace Elementary, Edgemere Elementary, Sparrows Point Middle and Sparrows Point High will dress in school spirit wear and celebrate the great things happening in 21219!When: Tuesday, Feb. 12Where: Battle Grove Elementary School, 7828 Saint Patricia Ln., 21222 Chesapeake Terrace Elementary School, 2112 Lodge Farm Rd., 21219 Edgemere Elementary School, 7201 North Point Rd., 21219 Sparrows Point Middle School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219 Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219What: 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.Date: Tuesday, Feb. 12When & Time:

• Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd., 21093 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120 – from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Woodlawn High School, 1801 Woodlawn Dr., 21207 – from 5:30 – 7 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 the Maryland 529 website.When: Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m.Where: Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, 4627 Old Court Rd., 21208What: The theme of Hebbville Elementary’s Black History Program is Dream Big Dreams and You'll Do Great Things. The school also has a Black History Museum in the hallway for the students. When: Tuesday, Feb. 12 (contact the school for exact time)Where: Hebbville Elementary School, 3335 Washington Ave., 21244What: The Special Education Resource Center offers free workshops to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. This workshop will focus on behavior management at home. Please register at SERC@bcps.org or 410.887.5443.When: Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Where: White Oak School, 8401 Leefield Rd., 21234What: Bear Creek Elementary staff members will be playing volleyball against the Baltimore Blast players – but here's the catch: the soccer players can only use their feet! When: Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 6:30 pmWhere: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, gymnasium, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222What: 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: Wednesday, Feb. 13Where:

• Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Rd., 21286 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Parkville High School, 2600 Putty Hill Ave., 21234 – from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219 – from 8 – 9 a.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.When: Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 6 – 7 p.m. Where: CCBC Dundalk, Roy N. Staten Bldg. Rm. 102, 7200 Sollers Point Rd., 21222What: For the sixth year running, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is bringing an internationally renowned dance company to Baltimore County —this year, the Philadelphia-based Koresh Dance Company— and sponsoring master classes with the company for BCPS students. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 13Where & Time: 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. 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. Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 14What: 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.Date: Thursday, Feb. 14When & Time:

• Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Rd., 21286 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Rd., 21117 – from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222 – from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Towson High School, 69 Cedar Ave., 21286 – from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

What: For the sixth year running, the Gordon Center for Performing Arts at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is bringing an internationally renowned dance company to Baltimore County —this year, the Philadelphia-based Koresh Dance Company— and sponsoring master classes with the company for BCPS students. Date: Thursday, Feb. 14Where & Time:

• 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: In addition to highlighting a different person on the announcements every morning, Dundalk Middle also is having a homeroom door decorating contest. Each homeroom is supposed to decorate their classroom door by Feb. 14. The main office and guidance office are even participating. Student council will pick three of their favorite doors. Those three doors will be pictured on the morning announcements for the entire student body to vote for their favorite door. The winner will receive a free breakfast from Ms. Adams, the school principal.When: Feb. 14 deadline for doors to be decoratedWhere: Dundalk Middle School, 7400 Dunmanway, 21222What: Thirty-eight BCPS students will perform side by side with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The program also features Alan Mao, a Grade 10 pianist from Towson High School, as a soloist. He will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Orchestra. Dr. Michael Repper will conduct. Prior to this performance, the BCPS students participated in sectional rehearsals led by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians and rehearsed with the BSO conductor. They then come together for a rehearsal with the orchestra. This is a ticketed event, and all tickets have already been reserved. When: Thursday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.Where: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., 21201What:Applications for students to serve on the Board of Education of Baltimore County are available for BCPS high school principals through Feb. 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. 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: 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. 15, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Rd., 21221What: The annual It Takes A Village Luncheon at Pikesville High celebrates student success and cultural pride. Savoy Adams, Champions of Courage winner for Pikesville High, will be the student guest speaker.When: Friday, Feb. 15, at 2:20 p.m.Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208When: Friday, Feb. 15, from 4 – 7 p.m. Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117What: Students in all BCPS schools are encouraged to submit a musical composition to the Office of Music and Dance Education that incorporates the theme CAPTURING A MOMENT. Works will be reviewed by a panel and outstanding compositions in Elementary, Middle, and High School will have various opportunities to be recognized. Students are also encouraged to submit their compositions used for the BCPS Composition Project to the Maryland Music Educators Association Young Composers Project in the spring. The BCPS Composition Project is open to all BCPS students PreKindergarten through Grade 12 who are enrolled in a music class at their school. The Composition Project supports music educators as they incorporate the National Core Music Standards and the Maryland State Music Standards in their classrooms. As such, the Composition Project is designed to encourage and enhance the instructional experiences of BCPS students and music educators through providing professional critiques, enhanced recognition, and selected presentations for the ongoing creative work of students in BCPS. Deadline: Friday, Feb. 15When: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117What: 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: 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 is 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 application and a fact sheet about 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: Each morning in February, Dumbarton Middle students are presented with a new Question of the Day for Black History Month. In addition, some extended background is provided about the previous day's answer to enrich student understanding of well and lesser-known African American role models. All homerooms are participating in a Door-Decorating contest that asks each class to pick an African American role model as their homeroom's representative based on a shared trait, talent, or other connection. Students are solely in charge of the creation of the door decorations, giving them ownership over the experience. The school's hallway monitors showcase professional and societal contributions of African Americans in history. The slides shown also serve to reinforce the information presented on the school's morning show. When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., 21212What: Black History Month celebrations are in full swing at Edmondson Heights Elementary. This year’s theme is Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Each class has been assigned a HBCU to research, and they are competing in a door-decorating contest, with doors being decorated to represent a HBCU. Students also have been given the opportunity to participate in a writing contest where they will write about their Champion of Courage. This champion can be an African American who they know personally or one who is famous. Fifteen winners will be selected to read their short essays on the morning announcements! When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207What: Every Friday in February, students will read a fact about a famous African American on the morning announcements. Then all students in the school are challenged to guess who the fact is about. Students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 will have six choices to choose from, while students in Grades 3-5 will have a list of 12 choices. Winning students will be drawn from those who submit correct answers, and they will receive Black History Month books. When: Every Friday in FebruaryWhere: Fifth District Elementary School, 3725 Mount Carmel Rd., 21155What: The Best Part of Me Black History Month display at Pot Spring Elementary shares various parts of African American heroes related to what has made them well known. For example, the part might be Bessie Coleman’s head because she wore many helmets as the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license, or Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mouth for his ability to speak out for the Civil Rights Movement. Daily morning announcements will tell the stories of these heroes. In addition, Pot Spring staff wanted to stress that, like these African American heroes, students and teachers, too, have talents, which contribute to and unify the school community. Students and teachers are sharing their best parts – with photos and messages on a display across from the African American heroes. When: Throughout Feb.Where: Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., 21093What: Timonium Elementary special area teachers are sharing information on the morning announcements about African American leaders in their fields. In addition, vocal Music teacher Kristin Farrell is teaching a unit about African American Jazz Composers to our Grades 4 and 5 students, and a jazz unit for K-5. When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Timonium Elementary School, 2001 Eastridge Rd., 21093What: Every Friday in February, students in Grade 2 will read aloud new poems by, or about, African Americans to practice reading fluency. The poems are I Dream a World by Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman by Eloise Greenfield, and two biographical poems about George Washington Carver and Jackie Robinson. In French class, Grade 5 students are celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day by learning the verb “like/love” and looking at sentences about loving and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and also about the International Baccalaureate theme of problem, resolution, and revolution. When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Wellwood International School, 2901 Smith Ave., 21208What: 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: 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:

• George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 - Tuesday, Feb. 19, and Wednesday, Feb. 20, 8:15 – 10:45 a.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.When & Where: 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, 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: 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 25 – March 1 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 the Maryland 529 website.When & Where: Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m. Deer Park Middle Magnet School, 9830 Winands Rd., 21133 Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Rd., 21244 Wednesday, Mar. 13, at 6 p.m. Middle River Middle School, 800 Middle River Rd., 21220 Monday, Mar. 25, at 7 p.m. Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030 What: Attendance is by invitation only. Interested applicants 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.When: Monday, Feb. 25 Where: Liberty Center, 3637 Offutt Rd., 21133What: Family Literacy ESOL classes help parents learn English language skills for life, work, and to fully partner in their children’s education. 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 What: Woodmoor Elementary will host its inaugural 100 Men of Color event. Local volunteers, community members, and organization representatives will spend the day working alongside students empowering them with the theme of literacy. The BCPS Career and Technology Education partnership with Under Armour will provide meaningful STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Where: Woodmoor Elementary School, 3200 Elba Dr., 21207What: At Pikesville High’s poetry slam, students will voice original poetry, exhibit art, and share musical selections and dance. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20 (contact the school for exact time)Where: Pikesville High School, Learning Commons, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: High-achieving African American male students at Pikesville High will participate in a forum.When: Thursday, Feb. 21 (contact the school for exact time)Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: Randallstown High students will embody prominent figures of yesteryear as they take visitors on a journey through time via their fifth annual Living History Museum. The theme this year is The Resistance.When: Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Randallstown High School, lobby, Offutt Rd., 21133What: The public is invited to witness the finals of the annual BCPS Black Saga challenge. Approximately 12 teams from elementary and middle schools will compete in a demonstration of their knowledge of black history and culture. Teams advanced to the finals by excelling in regional competitions Feb. 7-8. This year, in addition to studying facts, teams also participated in a book study and will be asked questions about the following books: “The Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down” (for elementary students) and “The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano” (for middle school students). The competition began with 44 teams from 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools. When: Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (Check-in at 8 a.m.)Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204What: Hosted by social studies teacher Ethan Goodman and English teacher Natalie Bailey, students will debate modern figures who are socially conscious and “woke” to the issues of social injustice. When: Tuesday, Feb. 26 (contact the school for exact times)Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: Edmondson Heights Elementary will culminate its Black History activities with an all-school assembly where students will perform plays, step shows, poems, songs, music, and a host of other creative acts to inform their schoolmates of what they learned about their assigned HBCU. When: Wednesday, Feb. 27 9 a.m. – performance by students in Grades K, 1 & 4 10:15 a.m. – performance by students in Grades 2, 3, & 5 Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, auditorium, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207What: This year’s Black History Month Assembly at Johnnycake Elementary will focus on African American art. Student performers will dance, sing and share information with the audience. When: Thursday, Feb. 28 from 2 – 2:45 p.m. and 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Johnnycake Elementary School, 5910 Craigmont Rd., 21228What: This year at Gunpowder Elementary’s annual Black History Month assembly, each grade will contribute one presentation (song, poem, slideshow, etc.) When: Thursday, Feb. 28 9:15 a.m. – assembly for students in Grades K – 2 2 p.m. – assembly for students in Grades 3 – 5 Where: Gunpowder Elementary School, 9540 Holiday Manor Rd., 21236

TOWSON, MD - The Board of Education of Baltimore County has added a work session on the proposed operating budget on February 12, 2019 (snow date Wednesday, February 13, 2019). The Board’s regular 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 5:30 p.m., and the public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. The Board seeks additional community 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 at boe@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 Board of Education of Baltimore County’s work session and public hearing on the proposed operating budget scheduled for Tuesday, February 12, 2019, has been postponed due to inclement weather and school closures. It will now be held on the scheduled snow date, Wednesday, February 13, 2019. The Board’s regular 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 5:30 p.m., and the public hearing will begin at 7 p.m. The Board seeks additional community input concerning the proposed fiscal year 2020 operating budget. The Board is expected to approve the proposed operating budget request on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Sign-up for those members of the public wishing to speak at the February 13 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 at boe@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 – Before an audience of nearly 400 guests and in front of her family, Baltimore County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Verletta White was honored for preparing students for college and career success. The award was presented by the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Association and the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Foundation at their 37th Annual Carver-Washington Scholarship Awards Breakfast, held at The Forum in Baltimore City on Saturday, Feb. 9. The award White received is presented annually to Baltimore-area individuals who exhibit the values of Dr. George Washington Carver and Dr. Booker T. Washington. In accepting the award, White shared her appreciation for their legacies. “Both men demonstrated the highest standards for academic excellence, and I am deeply humbled to be recognized in their names,” White said. “We are following in their example by raising our graduation rate and closing the graduation rate gap between African American and white students—something that few large school systems have done. But I never forget my mother’s wise words. Getting students across the stage is just our reasonable service. I am passionate about graduating every student with not only a diploma, but also a resume.” At the breakfast, awards also were presented to Rev. Dr. Douglas B. Sands, Sr., pastor of White Rock Independent Methodist Episcopal Church, and Dr. David Wilson, president of Morgan State University. Proceeds from the breakfast will be used to provide scholarships to Baltimore-area students attending Tuskegee University. Located in Alabama, Tuskegee University is an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) founded in 1881 by the legendary educator and presidential advisor Dr. Booker T. Washington.

TOWSON, MD – After being honored as the First African American Female (Interim) Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, Verletta White asked all the children in attendance to come forward, and she addressed her remarks to them, reminding them of their potential and that there is no telling what firsts they will achieve. White’s award was presented by The Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Inc., Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, and Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, Inc. County Executive John Olszewski was among the elected officials present who thanked White for her educational leadership. The presentation was made at an afternoon ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 9, held at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Catonsville. For the past 15 years, The Friends of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Inc., and the Baltimore County African American Cultural Festival, Inc., have recognized African American Firsts in Baltimore County. Saturday’s event also featured a presentation on Black Migrations, honoring the legacies of Benjamin Banneker, Patrick Miles, Maxine Beatrice Baker, and Marvin Russell Lett. A highlight of the afternoon was the performance of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing, known as the black national anthem, by Morgan Bank, a student from Woodlawn High School (White’s alma mater).

What: The public is invited to attend the finals of the annual BCPS Black Saga competition. Teams from elementary and middle schools across the county will compete in a demonstration of their knowledge of black history and culture. The finals are free and open to the public. Participating Teams: The elementary competition will consists of 12 teams from eight schools. The middle school competition will feature six teams from four schools. Teams have been awarded their placement in the finals based on their regional competition scores. Participating elementary schools:

• Berkshire
• Cedarmere
• Chapel Hill
• Joppa View
• Mars Estates
• Milbrook
• Stoneleigh*
• West Towson*

Participating middle schools:

• Catonsville*
• Deer Park
• Dumbarton
• Northwest Academy of Health Sciences

*Denotes that a team from this school won their regional competition. When: Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (Check-in at 8 a.m.) Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology 938 York Rd., 21204 Background: This year, in addition to studying facts, teams also participated in a book study and will be asked questions about the following books: “The Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down” (for elementary students) and “The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano” (for middle school students). The competition began with 44 teams from 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools.

What: Before an audience of elementary, middle, and high school students, 38 high school musicians will perform alongside members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during the Baltimore County Public Schools' annual Side By Side concert. The students, all members of the county's high school honors band or orchestra, were selected through a highly competitive audition process. The program also features Alan Mao, a Grade 10 pianist from Towson High School, as a soloist. He will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Orchestra. Dr. Michael Repper will conduct. This is a ticketed event, and all tickets have already been reserved. When: Thursday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.Where: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall 1212 Cathedral Street Baltimore 21201Background: Prior to this performance, the BCPS students participated in sectional rehearsals led by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians and rehearsed with the BSO conductor. They then come together for a rehearsal with the orchestra. The students performing represent eight BCPS high schools: Catonsville, Dulaney, Eastern Tech, Franklin, Hereford, Loch Raven, Perry Hall, and Towson. Side by Side Ensemble Roster 2018 – 2019Violin I Tony Yao Dulaney Linna Cui Perry Hall Ashley Wu Hereford Brandon Yoon TowsonViolin II Zoe Hsieh Hereford Alan Zhang Dulaney Nina Cui Perry Hall James Nguyen Franklin Kaitlyn Crowley Hereford Dennis Lin Catonsville MacKenzie Hoey TowsonViola Jane Lee Eastern Tech Maya Seitz HerefordCello Sarah Bennett Hereford Neal Lim Dulaney Loren Lee Dulaney Tyler Yup TowsonString Bass Lucas Gorlin Tarbell Catonsville Nicholas Scholl TowsonPiccolo Kyla Perkinson TowsonFlute Kyla Perkinson (1st) Towson Christie Lin (2nd) CatonsvilleOboe Kara Poling (1st) FranklinEnglish Horn Kara Poling FranklinBassoon Isabelle Zhang (1st) Towson Madison Henn (2nd) CatonsvilleClarinet Katherine Urrutia (1st) Dulaney Zhengya Nie (2nd) TowsonFrench Horn Juliana Salehi (1st) Towson Michael Behnke (2nd) Perry HallTrumpet Ben McLaughlin (1st) Towson Nathaniel Lechtzin (2nd) Towson George Harney (3rd) Dulaney Luke Guonjian-Pettit (4th) TowsonTrombone Justin Headley (1st) Perry Hall Ian Shors (2nd) TowsonTuba Tim Paulis TowsonPercussion Jack Felts Loch Raven Dhruv Srinivasan Dulaney Sara Ostermeier Towson

What: More than 225 students from 18 Baltimore County high schools will spend a Saturday testing their science knowledge by participating in the annual BCPS Physics Olympics and Chemathon. The challenges aren’t revealed until the day of the event, but in general, students work collaboratively to apply their science skills and creativity to solve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) challenges in their respective disciplines (physics or chemistry). This year’s theme is Science is the Name of the Game. Participating High Schools: Chemathon Chesapeake Dulaney Hereford Loch Raven Perry Hall Pikesville TowsonPhysics Olympics Catonsville Dulaney Eastern Tech Franklin George Washington Carver Center Hereford Kenwood Loch Raven Overlea Owings Mills Parkville Patapsco Perry Hall Pikesville Randallstown Towson Western Tech When: Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Dulaney High School 255 Padonia Rd., 21093

TOWSON - The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204. The Board of Education’s Building and Contracts Committee is scheduled to meet at 3:45 p.m.  The Board’s regular open session will begin at approximately 5:15 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 open 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).

When: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117What: Student artworks of animals that are up for adoption are available for purchase. This is the largest exhibition yet with 37 participating schools (including 25 BCPS schools). Molly Schappel, art teacher at Perry Hall Middle School, started this project six years ago to benefit Maryland SPCA as a service learning unit for Grade 7 students. It has grown to include students of all ages. All proceeds from Kindness for Paws goes to support homeless pets at the Maryland SPCA.When: Sunday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Where: White Marsh Mall, lower level Macy’s home court, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., 21236What: First Lady of Maryland Yumi Hogan will be the special guest for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Pennies for Patients Campaign Assembly. Sparrows Point High School will be recognized for raising over $40,000 since 2011.When: Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 9 a.m.Where: Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219What: 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.Date: Tuesday, Feb. 19Where & Time: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204 - from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 - from 8:15 – 10:45 a.m. What: Woodmoor Elementary will host its inaugural 100 Men of Color event. Local volunteers, community members, and organization representatives will spend the day working alongside students empowering them with the theme of literacy. The BCPS Career and Technology Education partnership with Under Armour will provide meaningful STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Where: Woodmoor Elementary School, 3200 Elba Dr., 21207What: At Pikesville High’s poetry slam, students will voice original poetry, exhibit art, and share musical selections and dance.When: Wednesday, Feb. 20 (contact the school for exact time)Where: Pikesville High School, Learning Commons, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: The Special Education Resource Center offers workshops to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. This workshop is Help, My Child is Anxious. Please register at SERC@bcps.org or 410.887.5443. When: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: White Marsh Library, 8133 Sandpiper Cir., 21236 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: Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 8:15 – 10:45 a.m. Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 What: High-achieving African American male students at Pikesville High will participate in a forum.When: Thursday, Feb. 21 (contact the school for exact time)Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: Randallstown High students will embody prominent figures of yesteryear as they take visitors on a journey through time via their fifth annual Living History Museum. The theme this year is The Resistance.When: Thursday, Feb. 21, at 9 – 11:30 a.m. Where: Randallstown High School, lobby, 4000 Offutt Rd., 21133What: The purpose of the annual Cultural Coalescence is to broaden the horizons of students at Eastern Tech, opening them up to different cultures present at the school and the backgrounds from which they have come. This year 124 students representing 49 different cultures will become the teachers and educate peers and educators about topics which are familiar.When: Thursday, Feb. 21, and Friday, Feb. 22 (contact the school for exact times)Where: Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., 21221What: More than 120 gifted and talented American Government students from 10 schools will simulate the legislative process, led by upperclassmen trained at the Princeton Model Congress. Students research and construct bills based upon the committee they are assigned, so the issues vary. But, since the topic or issue is chosen by the students, they have high personal interest. Students will be participating from the following high schools: Catonsville, Dundalk, Eastern, Franklin, Kenwood, Loch Raven, Randallstown, Sparrows Point, Towson, and Western.When: Friday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Where: Cockeysville Middle School, multipurpose room, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030What: Camden, the "Puppy with a Purpose" from WBAL-TV News, will visit Sparrows Point High School. Students taking animal behavior and zoology classes, as well as other interested students, will participate in a meet and greet and question and answer session with Camden's handler.When: Friday, Feb. 22, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Where: Sparrows Point High School, 7400 North Point Rd., 21219What: The public is invited to witness the finals of the annual BCPS Black Saga challenge. Eighteen teams from 12 elementary and middle schools will compete in a demonstration of their knowledge of black history and culture. Teams advanced to the finals by excelling in regional competitions Feb. 7-8. This year, in addition to studying facts, teams also participated in a book study and will be asked questions about the following books: “The Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down” (for elementary students) and “The Kidnapped Prince: The Life of Olaudah Equiano” (for middle school students). The competition began with 44 teams from 19 elementary schools and seven middle schools. When: Saturday, Feb. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (Check-in at 8 a.m.)Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204What: More than 225 students from 18 Baltimore County high schools will spend a Saturday testing their science knowledge by participating in the annual BCPS Physics Olympics and Chemathon. The challenges aren’t revealed until the day of the event, but in general, students work collaboratively to apply their science skills and creativity to solve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) challenges in their respective disciplines (physics or chemistry). This year’s theme is Science is the Name of the Game.When: Saturday, Feb. 23, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Rd., 21093What: 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: 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 is 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: Each morning in February, Dumbarton Middle students are presented with a new question of the day for Black History Month. In addition, some extended background is provided about the previous day's answer to enrich student understanding of well and lesser-known African American role models. All homerooms are participating in a Door-Decorating contest that asks each class to pick an African American role model as their homeroom's representative based on a shared trait, talent, or other connection. Students are solely in charge of the creation of the door decorations, giving them ownership over the experience. The school's hallway monitors showcase professional and societal contributions of African Americans in history. The slides shown also serve to reinforce the information presented on the school's morning show. When: Throughout February Where: Dumbarton Middle School, 300 Dumbarton Rd., 21212What: Black History Month celebrations are in full swing at Edmondson Heights Elementary. This year’s theme is Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Each class has been assigned a HBCU to research, and they are competing in a door-decorating contest, with doors being decorated to represent a HBCU. Students also have been given the opportunity to participate in a writing contest where they will write about their Champion of Courage. This champion can be an African American who they know personally or one who is famous. Fifteen winners will be selected to read their short essays on the morning announcements! When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207What: Every Friday in February, students will read a fact about a famous African American on the morning announcements. Then all students in the school are challenged to guess who the fact is about. Students in Kindergarten – Grade 2 will have six choices to choose from, while students in Grades 3-5 will have a list of 12 choices.Winning students will be drawn from those who submit correct answers, and they will receive Black History Month books. When: Every Friday in FebruaryWhere: Fifth District Elementary School, 3725 Mount Carmel Rd., 21155What: The Best Part of Me Black History Month display at Pot Spring Elementary shares various parts of African American heroes related to what has made them well known. For example, the part might be Bessie Coleman’s head because she wore many helmets as the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license, or Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mouth for his ability to speak out for the Civil Rights Movement.Daily morning announcements will tell the stories of these heroes. In addition, Pot Spring staff wanted to stress that, like these African American heroes, students and teachers, too, have talents, which contribute to and unify the school community. Students and teachers are sharing their best parts – with photos and messages on a display across from the African American heroes. When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Pot Spring Elementary School, 2410 Springlake Dr., 21093What: Timonium Elementary special area teachers are sharing information on the morning announcements about African American leaders in their fields. In addition, vocal Music teacher Kristin Farrell is teaching a unit about African American Jazz Composers to our Grades 4 and 5 students, and a jazz unit for K-5. When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Timonium Elementary School, 2001 Eastridge Rd., 21093What: Every Friday in February, students in Grade 2 will read aloud new poems by, or about, African Americans to practice reading fluency. The poems are I Dream a World by Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman by Eloise Greenfield, and two biographical poems about George Washington Carver and Jackie Robinson.In French class, Grade 5 students are celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day by learning the verb “like/love”and looking at sentences about loving and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and also about the International Baccalaureate theme of problem, resolution, and revolution.When: Throughout FebruaryWhere: Wellwood International School, 2901 Smith Ave., 21208What: 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 Battle Monument, Maiden Choice, Ridge Ruxton, and White Oak schools – Feb. 18 through March 15

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.When & Where: 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, 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: 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: 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: 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:Attendance is by invitation only. Interested applicants 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.When: Monday, Feb. 25Where: Liberty Center, 3637 Offutt Rd., 21133What: 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 Thursday, Feb. 28, at 10 a.m. Cockeysville Community Center, Greenside Dr., 21030 What: Hosted by social studies teacher Ethan Goodman and English teacher Natalie Bailey, students will debate modern figures who are socially conscious and “woke” to the issues of social injustice.When: Tuesday, Feb. 26 (contact the school for exact times)Where: Pikesville High School, 7621 Labyrinth Rd., 21208What: Edmondson Heights Elementary will culminate its Black History activities with an all-school assembly where students will perform plays, step shows, poems, songs, music, and a host of other creative acts to inform their schoolmates of what they learned about their assigned HBCU. When: Wednesday, Feb. 27 9 a.m. – performance by students in Grades K, 1, and 4 10:15 a.m. – performance by students in Grades 2, 3, and 5 Where: Edmondson Heights Elementary School, auditorium, 1600 Langford Rd., 21207What: The Special Education Resource Center offers workshops to help parents with specific strategies that have been proven successful with children with special needs. This workshop is Understanding Your Child’s IEP. Please register at SERC@bcps.org or 410.887.5443. When: Wednesday, Feb. 27, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Where: North Point Library, 1716 Merritt Blvd., 21222What: This year’s Black History Month Assembly at Johnnycake Elementary will focus on African American art. Student performers will dance, sing and share information with the audience.When: Thursday, Feb. 28 from 2 – 2:45 p.m. and 6 – 7 p.m. Where: Johnnycake Elementary School, 5910 Craigmont Rd., 21228What: This year at Gunpowder Elementary’s annual Black History Month assembly, each grade will contribute one presentation (song, poem, slideshow, etc.) When: Thursday, Feb. 28 9:15 a.m. – assembly for students in Grades K – 2 2 p.m. – assembly for students in Grades 3 – 5 Where: Gunpowder Elementary School, 9540 Holiday Manor Rd., 21236

TOWSON, MD – Two Baltimore County Public Schools administrators have been selected to serve as national staff developers for the 2019 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Summer Institute. Michael Barberesi, supervisor in the Office of College and Career Readiness, and Molly LaBricciosa, AVID site team coordinator at Pikesville High School, will facilitate professional learning strands at AVID Summer Institutes across the country. Barberesi, a Pikesville resident, has been chosen to facilitate the Digital Teaching and Learning – Advancing strand at the 2019 Orlando and San Antonio AVID Summer Institutes. This is his sixth year facilitating AVID professional learning strands. In the past, he has facilitated Implementing the AVID Elective – High School strand. LaBricciosa, a resident of Parkville, has been selected to facilitate the Culturally Relevant Teaching strand for the second summer. She will facilitate this strand at the 2019 Philadelphia AVID Summer institute. “National AVID Staff Developers are able to facilitate AVID’s brand of high-interest, engaging, and meaningful Professional Learning Paths for teachers, counselors, and administrators in their district, which opens access to high-quality professional learning to BCPS teachers, school counselors, and administrators,” says Barberesi. BCPS has 22 high schools, 22 middle schools, and 1 elementary school implementing the AVID College Readiness System. Ten additional elementary schools and 4 additional middle schools are preparing to implement AVID in the 2019-2020 school year. In 2018, AVID reported that 86% of AVID seniors were accepted and 74% enrolled into four-year colleges or universities. AVID is a nonprofit organization that changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach. AVID trains 70,000 educators annually to close the opportunity gap, so they can prepare all students for college, careers, and life. More than 6,000 schools rely on AVID to transform the lives of nearly 2 million students each year.