News from Baltimore County Public Schools, Maryland

TOWSON, MD —Baltimore County Public Schools, a member of the prestigious League of Innovative Schools, will participate in Digital Promise’s second annual Innovation Workshop in Washington, D.C., on July 16. During the workshop, BCPS Superintendent S. Dallas Dance, superintendents from leading school districts from across the country, and senior White House officials will convene to discuss methods of spurring innovation in schools through incorporation of breakthrough technology. “To accelerate Baltimore County Public Schools’ progress, it is essential for us to share what we know and to take advantage of lessons learned from other districts,” said Superintendent Dance. “This workshop will support our growth in the effective use of instructional technology.” Digital Promise is a congressionally-authorized, bipartisan organization launched by the White House in late 2011 as a national center for research and development in education technology. The League of Innovative Schools, an alliance of 32 districts — representing 2.5 million students nationwide — that partner with technology developers, research institutions and one another to deliver better results for students, is one of its major initiatives. BCPS received invitation to the League of Innovative Schools in February 2013.

TOWSON, MD — Overlea High School received PrintED accreditation in the areas of Introduction to Graphic Communications and Binding and Finishing from the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF). Effective from June 2013 through June 2018, PrintED accreditation distinguishes Overlea High as a nationally-accredited institution in the graphic communications industry. “We are excited that, under the guidance of graphics teacher Lauren De Feo, Overlea received accreditation for our program,” said Dr. Marquis Dwarte, principal of Overlea High. “Students are required to meet strenuous guidelines, and they rose to the challenge utilizing real-world applications of classroom learning.” To receive PrintED accreditation, graphic communications programs must complete an application and meet industry standards in Introduction to Graphic Communications and a minimum of one additional area of accreditation. Additional areas of accreditation include Advertising and Design, Digital File Preparation, Offset Press Operations, Binding and Finishing, Digital File Output, Digital Production Printing, Screen Printing Technology, Advanced Offset Press Operations and Advanced Digital File Preparation. Each area of accreditation consists of competencies around which graphic communications instruction centers. Since 1986, PrintED has recognized secondary and post-secondary institutions for their mastery of industry-standard competencies in the 10 graphic communications accreditation areas.

Monday, July 22

Team BCPS “Moore Change” effort to donate funds to Red Cross

What: Led by Superintendent Dallas Dance and organizer Randy Quinn of Essex Elementary School, the Team BCPS “Moore Change” campaign will present a check for $51,835.20 to the American Red Cross to benefit the victims of the Moore, Okla., tornado in May. More than 100 BCPS schools participated in the coin drive, and principals from several participating schools will join Dr. Dance and Randy Quinn in presenting the check to Red Cross officials. When: 10:15 a.m., Monday, July 22Where: Essex Elementary School, 100 Mace Ave., EssexContact: Randy Quinn, 410.887.0117

Summer school classes continue

What: BCPS summer school classes begin and will operate through Tuesday, August 2. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Old Court (northwest), Sparrows Point (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Sparrows Point (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) high schools.When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon for elementary and middle school, 7:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. for high school, Monday, July 15 – Friday, August 2 Where: Designated summer school sitesContact: Judy Bisasky or Cindy Massey, 410.887.2270

Ongoing!

School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading

What: Thirteen BCPS libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading over the summer months. On select days during the summer, students may visit their schools’ library to borrow books, participate in special reading-related activities and register for Baltimore County Public Library’s “Dig into Reading” Summer Reading Club. For a complete list of participating schools and their summer hours, visit http://www.bcps.org/news/articles/article4293.html. When: Varying by locationWhere: Select BCPS librariesContact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4036

Parents encouraged to register children now

What: Parents and guardians who must register children for the 2013-14 school year should do so as soon as possible. Early registration allows schools time to plan for each child and adjust staffing. Parents or guardians should contact their local schools to schedule appointments. For more information about who must register their children, parents or guardians may call their local schools or visit www.bcps.org/system/policies_rules on the Web to view policy and rule 5150.When: Business hours, Monday through FridayWhere: All BCPS schoolsContact: Office of Pupil Personnel Services, 410.887.0404

TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools experienced smaller one-year (2012 to 2013) student performance declines than statewide averages, according to 2013 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) test scores released today by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). While results declined in elementary reading and mathematics, BCPS middle school reading performance improved. The percentage of BCPS elementary students scoring proficient or advanced in reading decreased 1.5 percentage points, from 90.9% to 89.4%, while math performance dropped 2.8 percentage points, from 90.8% to 88%. Statewide performance fell by 2.4 percentage points in reading and 4.1 percentage points in math. At the BCPS middle school level, reading performance increased 0.5 percentage points from 81.7% to 82.2%, while math scores decreased 2.8 percentage points from 74% to 71.2%. In comparison, statewide middle school performance improved 1.3 percentage points in reading and dropped 4.5 percentage points in math. While performance of BCPS subgroups decreased in reading and math at the elementary school level, progress was achieved at the middle school level. Middle school reading performance rose in all racial/ethnic subgroups with Hispanic students demonstrating the largest increase of 1.6 percentage points. Notably, middle school English language learners showed an increase of 13.1 percentage points in reading proficiency and an increase of 1 percentage point in math. Middle school students eligible for free and reduced-price meals (FARMS) also demonstrated an increase of 0.8 percentage points in reading. The Maryland State Department of Education has suggested several reasons for the statewide declines in MSA scores, including misalignment between the MSA and new curricula aligned to the Common Core State Standards; elimination of the Modified MSA resulting in inclusion of more special education students in the pool of students taking the regular MSA; decreased morale due to plans to tie teacher and principal evaluations to student test scores; high staff turnover; and fewer resources for public education. “We take any drop in student achievement in test scores seriously. However, this year our focus shifted to implementing the more rigorous Common Core State Standards,” said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. “The Common Core State Standards are not aligned to MSA tests; therefore, the taught curriculum was not the tested curriculum and this led to a decrease in student test scores but not necessarily a decrease in a student’s understanding of the material.” Dr. Dance emphasized. The Maryland School Assessment is a mandatory assessment of reading and mathematics achievement that is administered each spring to students in grades 3 through 8. State, BCPS, and school-level MSA data are available on the Maryland State Department of Education's report card website at www.mdreportcard.org. MSDE uses MSA data to set annual schoolwide and subgroup improvement targets for student achievement, achievement gap reduction, and student growth. From these three indicators, each school receives a School Progress Index score, which evaluates progress in improving student performance. The Maryland State Department of Education has not yet reported School Progress Index scores for 2013.

TOWSON, MD — Baltimore County Public Schools has taken a bright and bold approach to sharing information with its stakeholders with the newly-launched redesign and reorganization of its website, www.bcps.org. “Making relevant and useful information more accessible to students, families, communities and partners is essential to maintaining two-way communication and facilitating engagement,” said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. “Our technology and communications teams worked with staff from throughout the school system as well as board members, staff, parents and students to revamp our website and make it more user-friendly, flexible and content-rich.” The website features:

A multimedia tour (found in the back-to-school focus area box on the home page) to introduce visitor to website enhancements.
Direct links on the home page to assist families who speak Chinese, Spanish and Korean. (Another link also connects families who speak other languages to information about English for Speakers of Other Languages services as well as translated documents.)
Home page focus area boxes with links to information about back-to-school, academic initiatives, such as Common Core and Instructional Digital Conversion, and school safety news. The focus of the boxes will change periodically to reflect new initiatives or timely topics.
A spotlighted video. Now playing is “BCPS Year in Review 2012-2013.”
A “What’s Happening” section of the home page that spotlights special initiatives and programs within the school system, such as updates on construction projects or recently released reports of special interest.
A larger, more dynamic “big picture” feature that incorporates video, photography and text to highlight recent news and happenings across BCPS.

Significant changes have also been made to the organization of the Students, Parents and Community portals to the website, and additional content will be added to these pages over the coming weeks. The new home page also incorporates a convenient index at the bottom of the page for easy navigation to many of the site’s most popular topics and pages. The redesign is the first significant change to the BCPS website since 2009. The school system’s website is one of the easiest and most comprehensive ways to access information about the school system and receives more than 663,000 unique visits each August as the new school year begins. The public is invited to provide feedback about the new website and ideas for additional enhancements by completing a form available at http://www.bcps.org/system/sitefeedback.asp.

TOWSON, MD — The Baltimore County Public Schools class of 2013 reported receiving $139.1 million in college scholarship offers, according to a survey conducted by the school system’s Office of School Counseling. This amount of scholarships is $35.4 million higher than scholarships earned by 2012 graduates. A total of 7,252 BCPS students graduated at the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year. This figure represents a 164-student increase over the number of graduates in 2012. Using data collected from BCPS’ 25 high schools, the survey reveals that, of the 7,252 students, 5,595 graduates (77.4 percent) plan to attend two- or four-year colleges. This approximates the 78 percent of 2012 graduates who had planned to attend college. Among the 2013 graduates, 17 were National Merit finalists, and 24 received acceptance to Ivy League schools. In addition, 681 graduates say that they will join the workforce, 292 graduates plan to begin military service and 256 graduates report that they will enter trade schools or apprenticeships. “We are thrilled when students graduate from our schools prepared for college and careers,” said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. “However, we are always looking to expand and improve the college- and career-readiness resources available to our students to ensure that, when our students graduate, they graduate as globally-competitive citizens. To help with this effort, we will be offering Naviance, a college and career software system, in all of our high schools. This tool will allow students and parents to better manage the college application and scholarship process.” In addition to Naviance, BCPS promotes college- and career-readiness by maintaining a longstanding partnership with the College Board, which allows all Grade 8 and 9 students to take the Readistep assessment and all Grade 10 and Grade 11 students to take the PSAT in the fall. In addition, BCPS makes it possible for all Grade 11 students to take the SAT in the spring during the school day at no cost to them or their families. Other BCPS college- and career-readiness activities include:

Diploma to Degree, which enables selected students to earn both an associate’s degree from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) and a high school diploma at the same time.
The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college prep program for students in the “academic middle.”
Parallel enrollment, which allows students to take college classes while in high school.
Gateway College Preparatory Project, which takes Grade 8 students from selected schools for one-day, college experiences at CCBC or Morgan State University.
The Senior College Application Bootcamp, which premiered in 2013 and provides rising seniors and their parents with information and resources related to applying to colleges and for financial aid.

TOWSON, MD — Maria Gore, a social studies teacher at Deep Creek Middle School and a resident of Highlandtown, and Joquetta Johnson, a library media specialist at Pikesville High School and resident of Gwynn Oak, will participate in the weeklong “Teaching with Primary Sources” Summer Teacher Institute at the Library of Congress. During the five-day program, which begins August 5, Gore and Johnson will work with Library of Congress education specialists and subject-matter experts to learn effective practices for using primary sources in the classroom and to explore the digitized historical artifacts and documents available on the Library of Congress website. Selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants, the BCPS educators will develop primary source-based teaching strategies that they can take back to their schools, apply in the classroom and pass along to colleagues. All educators can access classroom materials, teaching tools and strategies for teaching with primary sources from the Library of Congress website for teachers at www.loc.gov/teachers. Each year, the Library of Congress provides the opportunity for a carefully-chosen group of K-12 educators to attend one of its five teacher institutes held in Washington, D.C. Applicants to the “Teaching with Primary Sources” Summer Teacher Institute reflect the diversity of the world of K-12 education. Participants in a teacher institute session typically include school library media specialists and school administrators, in addition to classroom teachers. Those selected come from many different states, representing large, metropolitan school districts and smaller, rural school districts. The Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, is the world’s preeminent reservoir of knowledge, providing unparalleled integrated resources to Congress and the American public. The Library of Congress serves the public, scholars and members of Congress. Many of Library of Congress resources may also be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

Monday, July 29

Last week of summer school classes begins

What:BCPS summer school classes finish up for most programs on Friday, August 2. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Old Court (northwest), Sparrows Point (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Sparrows Point (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) high schools.When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon for elementary and middle school, 7:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. for high school, daily through Friday, August 2 Where: Designated summer school sitesContact:Judy Bisasky or Cindy Massey, 410.887.2270

Ongoing!

School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading

Parents encouraged to register children now

TOWSON, MD — Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Baltimore County Public Schools superintendent, and Dr. John Mayo, BCPS assistant superintendent of middle schools, were honored by their alma mater, Virginia Union University, at a gala reception July 25 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. The two, along with Valerie Green, former senior associate counsel for the Baltimore City Public School System, were honored for their contributions to educational progress in the Baltimore region. “From day one, the Virginia Union brand has stood for stellar preparation of individuals who make a difference in American society,” said Virginia Union President Dr. Claude G. Perkins. “We are proud to have Dr. Dance, Dr. Mayo and Attorney Green listed among our outstanding alumni.” Superintendent Dance earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Virginia Union University before completing both Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at Virginia Commonwealth University. Assistant Superintendent Mayo holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Union and earned his Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, respectively. Founded in 1865, Virginia Union University held its first classes in a former jail for runaway slaves in Richmond, Virginia. A liberal arts university with African American and Christian heritage, Virginia Union today serves approximately 1,700 students on its historic 84-acre campus. “U.S. News and World Report” recently recognized Virginia Union as one of the nation’s “Best Regional Colleges.”

TOWSON, MD - This morning, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance, announced plans to build a new 14,260 square foot Padonia Community/Police Athletic League (PAL) Center adjacent to Padonia International Elementary School, at 9834 Greenside Drive in Cockeysville. Because the new center's 6,000 square foot gymnasium will be used as the school's official gymnasium, when completed, the school's current gymnasium will become available as space for additional instructional activities, thereby increasing the capacity of Padonia International. "By utilizing the new recreation center as the gymnasium for the school, the school system will be able to add additional seats at Padonia International - a significant step toward easing current and future elementary overcrowding issues which exist along the York Road corridor," said Kamenetz. "With this project and across the board, we are working collaboratively with Dr. Dance and his leadership team to creatively share resources in a way that benefits students and teachers as well as offering greater opportunities for after-school activities for the school system and our communities." The Padonia Community/PAL Center will replace a PAL center located across the street from the school. Construction on the new $3 million Padonia Community/PAL Center is expected to begin in January 2014 and be completed in one year. The PAL Center's gym, which will include a stage, will be used by both Baltimore CountyPublic Schools and the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks. "Once again, our outstanding relationship with Baltimore County government has yielded a significant win for our schools and our community," said BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance. "We have been working extremely closely with our central area families to find solutions to elementary school overcrowding. As we finalize solutions for adding additional seats in the central area to present to the community, this will be a significant part of the package." "I am very excited that the County is going to build a brand new Community Center and PAL Center in the Cockeysville area," said third district Councilman Todd Huff. "The fact that this project will also be able to provide a stage and gym for the school system and recreation programs freeing up space for additional seats at Padonia International is icing on the cake. I appreciate County Executive Kamenetz's support for this project." PadoniaInternational Elementary School is a community-based school that follows the traditional BCPS curriculum. The word "International" was added to the name of the school to reflect its significant diversity. Padonia International families come from more than 30 countries, and almost 25 percent of the students participate in English for Speakers of Other Languages services. At its nine centers located throughout Baltimore County, the Police Athletic League offers educational and athletic programs for youth ages 8-17. Activities are designed to support positive youth development and foster constructive relationships between police officers and youth. In addition to Cockeysville, centers are located in Dundalk, Hillendale, Lansdowne, Mars Estates, Scotts Branch, Shady Spring, Winfield and Woodmoor. For additional information, please visit http://bit.ly/13bmEDy.

TOWSON, MD - The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. The Building and Contracts Committee of the Board will meet at approximately 5:00 p.m. The full Board will meet in open session at approximately 5:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming school board association events, school system and community meetings, and items of interest to Board members. The Board will then move immediately into closed session. The Board will resume its open session at approximately 7:00 p.m. The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. To that end, the Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org). The meeting(s) will be held at Building E, Room 114, Greenwood, 6901 Charles Street, Towson. The public is welcome to attend all open sessions of the Board.

Ongoing!

School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading

Parents encouraged to register children now

Coming up! Monday, August 12

RMS Summer Robotics Camp 2013 begins

What: The Ridgely Middle School Summer Robotics Camp starts its weeklong program for students in Grades 6-8. Students participating in the robotics camp will receive the opportunity to explore driving, lifting and sensor-guided robots; program robots to operate autonomously and with remote control; and compete in an end-of-camp tournament. When: 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, August 12 – Friday, August 16 Where: Ridgely Middle School, 121 E. Ridgely Road, LuthervilleContact: Greg Kallaur, 410.887.7650

What: Ten students from Sparrows Point High School will show their creations in this year’s Baltimore Fashion Week. The students are Lacey Harris, Taryn Hauer, Allison Kiel, Danielle Lamp, Kim Londer, Ashley Struble, Reghan Swann, April Theiss, Cassie Wolinski and Elaina Wolinski. Responsible for researching and collecting potential materials and designing and sewing their garments, the students also will wear their creations as they walk the runway during the show. All outfits are produced from at least 85 percent recyclable materials. Among the used materials are bingo cards, bottle caps, CDs, cardboard cereal boxes, coffee filters and various types of papers and plastics. When: Friday, August 9, 2013 at 8 p.m.Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel 1726 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208Background: In 2010, under the direction of Victoria Ali, Sparrows Point High art teacher, students first designed wearable clothing from recycled materials. In an effort to raise awareness about pollution in the school community, Sparrows Point High then hosted its inaugural Trashy Fashion Show. Since then, the Trashy Fashion Show has become an annual school event, and students have exhibited their recycled fashions at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Goucher College, the Maryland State Department of Education building, Maryland Art Education Association (MAEA) conventions and the National Art Education Association convention.

TOWSON, MD — The Baltimore County Public Schools Allied Sports program received a 2013 Ravens Play 60 Grant of $3,500 from the Baltimore Ravens All Community Team (ACT) Foundation. One of 27 grant recipients this year, the BCPS Allied Sports program will use the money to purchase new soccer equipment for the 2013 fall sports season. Since 1994, the all-inclusive, BCPS Allied Sports athletic program has afforded students with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate alongside their non-disabled peers in an interscholastic format. Last school year, more than 500 BCPS students participated in allied soccer, bowling and softball programs in the fall, winter and spring, respectively. “We are most grateful and appreciative of the Ravens’ continued support,” says Bradley Kressman, resource teacher for the BCPS Allied Sports program, about receiving the grant. This year marks the second consecutive year that the BCPS Allied Sports program has received the Ravens Play 60 grant from the Baltimore Ravens ACT Foundation. Programs that provide nutrition education and/or physical activity opportunities for youth apply for the grants by submitting an application to the Baltimore Ravens ACT Foundation in the spring. Following a thorough review and selection process, the Foundation announces the grant recipients in the summer. Over the last six years, the Baltimore Ravens ACT Foundation has served more than 10,000 Maryland youth in 128 programs with grants totaling approximately $550,000.

What: As construction of Dundalk and Sollers Point Technical high schools culminates, Baltimore County Public Schools will host a tour of the new building for local media. Located on the former Dundalk High School campus, the 349,365-square foot high school and technical high school building features a 500-seat auditorium, a gymnasium, health/fitness areas and a music suite. A separate technology section includes allied health laboratories; automotive, diesel, construction and maritime laboratories; a cosmetology suite; and a culinary arts café. The new building also has state-of-the-art computer, telephone, video and wireless technology to enhance classroom instruction. When: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at 10 a.m.Where: Dundalk High School and Sollers Point Technical High School 1901 Delvale Avenue Dundalk, MD 21222Background: The original Dundalk High School building was constructed in 1959, and the original Sollers Point Technical High School building was constructed in 1948, with additions built in 1953 and 1976. The three-phase construction of the new building began in November 2010, shortly after the groundbreaking event in October 2010.

TOWSON, MD. – A special “summer edition” episode of “BCPS News,” which spotlights Baltimore County Public Schools’ achievements and progress, is on the air through Sunday, September 1. The show is hosted by Mary Beth Marsden, a local Emmy Award®-winning broadcaster. Produced twice monthly during the school year by BCPS-TV, “BCPS News” airs daily at 12:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Comcast Cable Channel 73 and Verizon FiOS Channel 34 in Baltimore County. Additionally, the program is available online at www.bcps.org/news/ed_channel and http://www.youtube.com/user/BaltCoPS. This special 15-minute episode includes stories about:

Effective middle school instructional practices that enhance student achievement at Perry Hall, Catonsville, Hereford and Southwest Academy middle schools.
The enthusiasm for learning and passion for teaching that former BCPS student and current Halstead Academy Kindergarten teacher Michelle Kremer brings to the classroom each day.
The Gateway to Technology program at Pine Grove Middle School, one of seven BCPS schools using the hands-on program to expose students to engineering and other technology-related fields.
Students and teachers from Crossroads Center who enhanced their 21st-century learning skills through an experiential learning program at Eastern Regional Park.
A profile of John Dugent, a custodian at Parkville High School and Center of Mathematics, Science and Computer Science, whose devotion to his school, job and community have made him a local hero.
A look back and a look ahead for several BCPS students who, in the STAR Video (Spotlighting Talent, Achievement and Results), will reflect on their BCPS education and where it will lead them.

Since 1983, the school system’s television station has produced original and instructional programming, interactive DVDs, commercial satellite downlinks and live telecasts to serve the informational needs of students, parents, educators and citizens of Baltimore County. BCPS-TV also provides opportunities for BCPS students, staff and stakeholders to learn about and gain experience in television and video production. BCPS-TV student interns for the 2012-2013 school year were seniors Abby Kousouris of Hereford High School, Khalida Volou of Chesapeake High School and Erin Tyszko of Perry Hall High School. Other original programs airing on BCPS-TV include “High School Sports Scene,” “Math Homework Helpers,” “SAT Review,” “Student Art Break,” “Student Production Showcase,” “Up Beat” and “The Chalkboard.” The Education Channel also records and airs systemwide music and recognition events as well as recorded and live-stream broadcasts of the public meetings of the Baltimore County Board of Education. A viewing schedule for BCPS-TV is available at www.bcps.org/apps/edchannel_schedule/.

What: Baltimore County Public Schools invites the media to an informal roundtable discussion with Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance. Dr. Dance will discuss the school system’s initiatives and goals for the upcoming school year, to include discussions about Instructional Digital Conversion, initiatives to raise the bar and close achievement gaps, and upcoming community meetings. Following the roundtable discussion, media will have a chance to ask questions and if time permits, there may be an opportunity for quick one-on-one interviews with the superintendent. When: Tuesday, August 20, 2013, from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Where: Baltimore County Public Schools Headquarters Administration Building Boardrooms A & B 6901 Charles Street Towson, MD 21204

TOWSON, MD — Starting today, communicating with the Board of Education of Baltimore County is as easy as the click of a computer mouse. The Board now includes a “Contact Us” button on its web page at http://www.bcps.org/board/contactus.asp. The Board’s new contact page may be used to communicate with either the entire 12-member Board or with individual Board members, according to Board President Lawrence E. Schmidt. “The Board has made transparency and increased and open communications among its most important goals and priorities, and this web feature is one more way we can honor that commitment,” Schmidt says. “We look forward to hearing from parents, teachers, students – any member of Team BCPS who wants to share their views, concerns or questions with us.” Within the past year, the Board has instituted a number of operational changes designed to increase transparency and communications, including live-streaming Board meetings. Information about the Board and its operations, including agendas, minutes and responsibilities, remains available on the Board’s main page (http://www.bcps.org/board/) on the BCPS website. The improvement is also part of a new redesigned and reorganized BCPS website aimed at both engaging constituents and enhancing public access to information about the school system.

Monday, August 12

RMS Summer Robotics Camp 2013 begins

What: The Ridgely Middle School Summer Robotics Camp starts its weeklong program for students in Grades 6-8. Students participating in the robotics camp will receive the opportunity to explore driving, lifting and sensor-guided robots; program robots to operate autonomously and with remote control; and compete in an end-of-camp tournament. When: Monday, Aug. 12 – Friday, Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon Where: Ridgely Middle School, 121 E. Ridgely Rd., LuthervilleContact: Greg Kallaur, 410.887.7650

Tuesday, August 13

New Teacher Orientation welcomes Baltimore County’s newest educators

What: Baltimore County Public Schools will hold its annual New Teacher Orientation program – “Success from the Start”– to welcome hundreds of teachers new to Baltimore County’s classrooms. The three-day orientation welcomes new teachers and introduces them to BCPS and facets of curriculum, assessment and other aspects of teaching in Baltimore County. When: Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 15, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Teachers will work at their home schools on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Perry HallContact: BCPS Department of Organizational Development, 410.887.6400

Wednesday, August 14

BCPS to host media tour of new Dundalk/Sollers Point Technical high schools

What: As construction of Dundalk and Sollers Point Technical high schools culminates, Baltimore County Public Schools will host a tour of the new building for local media. Located on the former Dundalk High School campus, the 349,365-square foot high school and technical high school building features a 500-seat auditorium, a gymnasium, health/fitness areas and a music suite. A separate technology section includes allied health laboratories; automotive, diesel, construction and maritime laboratories; a cosmetology suite; and a culinary arts café. When: Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m.Where: Dundalk High School and Sollers Point Technical High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., Dundalk Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908

Friday, August 16

Superintendent to discuss new school year goals with administrators

What: Starting his second year leading Baltimore County Public Schools, Superintendent S. Dallas Dance will address principals, administrators and supervisory personnel of Baltimore County Public Schools in preparation for the 2013-2014 school year, which begins for students on Monday, Aug. 26. When: Friday, Aug. 16, at 8:30 a.m.Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts & Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908

Saturday, August 17

Summer school graduation ceremony honors students who completed courses

What: BCPS will honor students who have successfully completed coursework, AdvancePath work and other requirements needed for graduation during a special ceremony. When: Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m.Where: Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Ave., Towson Contact: Roger Plunkett, 410.887.2373

Ongoing!

School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading

What: Four BCPS libraries continue to hold off-season hours to encourage reading over the summer months. On select days during the summer, students may visit the schools’ library to borrow books, participate in special reading-related activities and register for Baltimore County Public Library’s “Dig into Reading” Summer Reading Club. For a complete list of participating schools and their summer hours, visit http://www.bcps.org/news/articles/article4293.html. When: Varying by locationWhere: Select BCPS librariesContact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4036

Parents encouraged to register children now

What: A total of 75 students have completed all required coursework and will graduate from Baltimore County Public Schools summer school. Representing all 29 high school-level schools, centers and programs, the 40 graduates in attendance during BCPS’ first summer school graduation ceremony will wear caps and gowns in their respective schools’ colors. Also in attendance will be Superintendent S. Dallas Dance and Baltimore County Board of Education Vice President David Uhlfelder as well as Board members George J. Moniodis and Romaine N. Williams, Esq. When: Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 10 a.m.Where: Loch Raven High School 1212 Cowpens Avenue Towson, MD 21286Background: Under the direction of Superintendent Dance, the BCPS approach to education and dropout prevention has assumed a more personal, student-centric form through the increased availability of alternative education programs, such as AdvancePath, which allows at-risk and accelerated students to complete their education online. Of the 75 students who qualified to graduate this summer, 22 completed their requirements through AdvancePath. Students of alternative education programs continue to receive support for continued learning after graduation from BCPS through the school system’s partnerships with the Community College of Baltimore County and other local colleges and universities.

BCPS to participate in White House workshop on education innovation : BCPS invited as member of League of Innovative Schools

Overlea High School receives PrintED graphic communications accreditation: Accreditation given in the areas of Introduction to Graphic Communications and Binding and Finishing

BCPS News Tips – July 20–27, 2013: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools

Baltimore County Schools declines slightly on reading, math tests but improves in middle school reading: Some BCPS subgroups make gains

Baltimore County Public Schools launches redesigned, reorganized website : Upgrades made to improve public access to information

BCPS class of 2013 reports $139.1 million in college scholarships: 77 percent of graduates plan to attend college

Two BCPS educators to participate in Library of Congress summer program: Program focuses on teaching with primary sources

BCPS News Tips – July 27–August 3, 2013: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools

Superintendent, assistant superintendent honored by their alma mater, Virginia Union University

New Padonia Community/PAL Center to serve youth, increase school capacity: Project will enrich community and ease central area school overcrowding

Board of Education of Baltimore County to Meet on Tuesday, August 6, 2013

BCPS News Tips – August 3–August 10, 2013: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools

Sparrows Point High students to participate in Baltimore Fashion Week

BCPS Allied Sports program receives 2013 Ravens Play 60 Grant: Grant provided by the Baltimore Ravens All Community Team (ACT) Foundation

BCPS to host media tour of Dundalk/Sollers Point Technical high schools

New summer edition episode of “BCPS News” now airing on BCPS-TV: Experiential learning, middle school achievement are among features

BCPS to host media roundtable discussion with Superintendent

Contacting Baltimore County’s Board of Education just became easier : New website feature improves communication with the Board

BCPS News Tips – August 10–17, 2013: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools

75 students to graduate from BCPS summer school: Ceremony to be a first for school system