Who: Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will join Hampton Elementary School Principal Patricia Kaiser in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of an $18.9 million renovation and addition project at the school. The celebration will include student performances and tours of the new addition and renovation. What: The project includes a 22-classroom addition and renovations to existing classrooms, a relocated library, art room, administrative and health suites, and main entrance. The project was undertaken to help accommodate the school’s growing enrollment as well to update and improve the existing school building, including the installation of air conditioning throughout the building.
When: Friday, September 27, 2013, at 10 a.m. Where: Hampton Elementary School
1115 Charmuth Road
Lutherville, MD 21093
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County, school dignitaries to cut ribbon on Hampton Elementary addition and renovation
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New “BCPS One” student information system approved by Board of Education : Comprehensive online data repository to be “one-stop” site for users
TOWSON, MD. – The Board of Education of Baltimore County on Tuesday approved plans for construction of a new, web-based information portal designed to provide a centralized location for student and system instructional information.
Once operational, the new system will be known as “BCPS One.”
“Our goal is to provide one, easy to use but secure location for accessing everything from classroom assessments to student grades,” said BCPS Superintendent S. Dallas Dance. “Not only will this be a beneficial tool for parents and students, it will also help teachers and administrators create and deliver more personalized instruction based on an individual student’s learning needs.
“We’re calling it ‘BCPS One’ to emphasize our goal of creating a single, unified place for parents, teachers, and students to access and use data and resources to support student learning.”
To build and deploy “BCPS One,” the Board of Education approved contracts with Engrade, Inc., of Santa Monica, Calif., and Custom Computer Specialists of Hauppauge, N.Y.
“BCPS One” will be designed to incorporate much of the current BCPS data systems, including the STARS student information system and the Blackboard Connect notification system used to inform households of school- or system-based information. A new system, for example, would make it easier for parents to update contact numbers or for students to take assessments placed online by teachers.
“This innovation will include a powerful suite of tools for teachers, parents, and others seeking to use,” said Lloyd Brown, executive director for the BCPS Office of Information Technology. “Ultimately, we believe it will facilitate increased communication and engagement with our community.”
Added Ryan Imbriale, BCPS executive director for digital learning, “’BCPS One’ will be one-stop shopping. It will accelerate achievement by enabling educators to connect the right learning resources to the right student at the right time.”
Elements of the new system are scheduled to be in place by the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.
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2013 AP, SAT results post gains in Baltimore County schools
TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools saw solid progress in both SAT tests and Advanced Placement (AP) exams for 2013, with the county’s overall SAT scores surging by 23 points since last year.
Preliminary data for the school system showed that the combined countywide SAT mean score increased from 1,476 points in 2012 to 1,499 in 2013, a 23-point gain that followed a 17-point gain in 2012. The county’s SAT participation rate for 2012 sagged slightly, going from 57.5 percent in 2012 to 55 percent this year.
On the AP exams, passing rates of exams taken by diploma-bound senior students increased from 2012 to 2013. The school system’s overall pass rate – the percentage of tests scoring 3 points or above on the 5-point test – rose from 67.1 percent last year to 67.5 percent in 2013. The percentage of county students taking one or more AP tests remained flat, going from 18.1 percent in 2012 to 18 percent in 2012.
“We are proud of the hard work and preparation that went into these scores, both from our students and from our teachers,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “SAT and AP success continues to be an important variable for our college-bound students, so it is clear that we have work to do in addressing why some schools perform well on these assessments while others do not. We cannot be satisfied with that disparity, and we will look for ways to address it effectively.”
Seventeen of Baltimore County’s 24 high schools recorded increases in their SAT mean scores, including at Franklin (61 points), Owings Mills (58), Patapsco (53), Sparrows Point (52), and Pikesville (51) high schools.
In 2013, five high schools – George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Loch Raven Academy, Milford Mill Academy, Pikesville High School, and Sparrows Point High School -- achieved increases in both participation rates and scores. Sparrows Point saw a mean score jump of 52 points while increasing participation by 11 percentage points.
“Participation and performance are certainly linked when we talk about the SAT and AP tests,” Dr. Dance said. “To have both increase is the goal – that tells us that even as opportunities open for students to participate in these tests, the level of performance remains steady or improves. That’s where we would like to see every school.”
Five schools had average combined 2013 SAT scores greater than 1600: Hereford High (1702), Dulaney High (1676), Towson High (1656), George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (1631), and Eastern Technical High (1624).
Through its longstanding partnership with the College Board, which administers the SAT and PSAT/NSMQT assessments, Baltimore County Public Schools provides funding so that all Grade 10 and Grade 11 students can take the PSAT/NSMQT at no charge to them or their families. The test provides practice for the SAT and provides BCPS educators with important assessments of student strengths and challenges. In April, BCPS offered administration of the SAT to all high school juniors at no cost to them or their families.
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County, state dignitaries to cut ribbon on new Dundalk, Sollers Point Technical High
Who: Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will join principals Tom Shouldice of Dundalk High School and Michael Weglein of Sollers Point Technical High School in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the new 349,365-square-foot Dundalk and Sollers Point High Schools building. The celebration will include student performances and tours of the new building for ceremony guests. State officials also will be on hand to celebrate the project. What: The new building replaces the aging Dundalk and Sollers Point school buildings and provides both schools with a showplace building, complete with lobby exhibits and state-of-the-art learning spaces for each school. The spacious and airy new building, which is nearly as long as the warehouse at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, includes an 800-seat auditorium, music suites, shared cafeteria, gymnasium, and media center, and technology sections dedicated to culinary arts, allied health labs, automotive technology, cosmetology, and construction and maritime shops. When: Tuesday, October 1, 2013, at 10 a.m. Where: Dundalk / Sollers Point Technical High Schools
1901 Delvale Avenue
Dundalk, MD 21222
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BCPS News Tips: September 28 – October 5, 2013: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, September 28
Public invited to comment about BCPS magnet programs
What: Students, parents and other Baltimore County Public Schools stakeholders are invited to offer feedback on the implementation of the school system’s magnet programs and equity and access to the programs. Public comment from the meetings will be incorporated into an ongoing magnet audit commissioned by BCPS.
When &Where: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 28, at New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., Owings Mills 21117, and
1:30 – 3:30 p.m., Saturday, September 28, at Greenwood Administrative Offices, Building E, 6901 Charles St., Towson 21204
Contact: Bryan Stoll, 410.887.4127Monday, September 30
Swing for Education Golf & Tennis Classic to support scholarships
What: The Swing for Education Golf & Tennis Classic brings together golfers and tennis players from across the region to help raise funding for scholarships for students with a variety of needs. Sponsored by the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, the Maryland Association of Nonpublic Special Education Facilities, and Baltimore Tennis Patrons, the tournament draws civic and education leaders from across Maryland. When: Beginning at 7:30 a.m. through noon, Monday, September 30Where: Woodholme Country Club, 300 Woodholme Ave., Pikesville 21208Contact: Deborah Phelps, 410.887.8962Tuesday, October 1
Dundalk High, Sollers Point Technical High schools celebrate their new building with ribbon cutting
What: County and school officials will celebrate the construction of the new Dundalk High and Sollers Point Technical High schools building with an official ribbon-cutting for the project. The new building brings a bold design and state-of-the-art learning spaces to students at both schools. When: 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 1, 2013 Where: Dundalk High and Sollers Point Technical High schools building, 1901 Delvale Rd., Dundalk 21222Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908Superintendent Dance hosts fourth of five fall community meetings
What: For the second year, Baltimore County Public Schools’ Superintendent S. Dallas Dance will host a series of community meetings to meet the public and discuss education and school-related issues with interested citizens. The five fall meetings are part of Dr. Dance’s commitment to have timely, transparent and clear communications and to be responsive to the community. Another series of five meetings will be held in the spring.
When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 1 Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908McDonald’s celebrates BCPS Teacher of the Year Sean McComb
What: McDonald’s restaurant in Dundalk will celebrate its “McTeacher of the Year,” the BCPS Teacher of the Year Sean McComb of Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts. The restaurant will contribute 20 percent of its evening sales to Patapsco High School in honor of McComb.
When: 5 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, October 1
Where: McDonald’s restaurant, 7734 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222
Contact: Liberty Grayek, 410.887.7060Wednesday, October 2
Transition Fair open to parents of students graduating from special needs programs
What: Baltimore County Public Schools will sponsor a fall transition fair for parents and caregivers of 2014 and 2015 graduates of BCPS special needs programs. The fair offers resources to help families of students needing lifelong supports, including information about the school-to-adult-services transition process, researching job and day program providers, filling out Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) applications and choosing an adult provider by the November 22, 2013, deadline. Representatives of adult service providers will be on hand to meet with families.When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 2
Where: Oregon Ridge Lodge, 13555 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville 21030Contact: Mary Scott, 410.821.1082Biomedical and mass communications magnet programs are the focus of Randallstown High open house
What: Randallstown High School will hold an open house for current Grade 8 and 9 students interested in the school’s biomedical or mass communications magnet programs. Visitors will be able to meet teachers and students and view live demonstrations pertaining to the programs.
When: 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 2
Where: Randallstown High School, 4000 Offutt Rd., Randallstown 21133Contact: Jim Dyson, 410.887.0748Thursday, October 3
BCPS welcomes guests to help “Read for the Record”
What: Special guests will visit schools across Baltimore County to participate in Jumpstart's "Read for the Record" campaign. Presented in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, "Read for the Record" invites guests into the schools to join teachers with primary grades in reading books selected for this event. The program is designed to raise public awareness about the importance of early childhood education programs, early literacy, and community involvement for all children. This year, readers will be sharing the book "Otis" by Loren Long with students at schools across the district. When: Throughout the day, Thursday, October 3Where: BCPS elementary schoolsContact: Sharon Hoffman, 410.887.4313Saturday, October 5
“Super Saturday” event to offer free flu vaccines at five BCPS schools
What: Baltimore County Public Schools and the Baltimore County Department of Health are sponsoring the annual “Super Saturday" free flu vaccination program again this year at five BCPS schools. Any Baltimore County resident six months or older who has not yet received a flu vaccination is invited to the clinics.
When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, October 5
Where: Five BCPS Schools:
• Hereford Middle – 712 Corbett Road, Monkton 21111
• Holabird Middle – 1701 Delvale Avenue, Dundalk 21222
• Lansdowne Middle – 2400 Lansdowne Road, Lansdowne 21227
• Middle River Middle – 800 Middle River Road, Middle River 21220
• Pikesville High – 7621 Labyrinth Road, Pikesville 21208
Contact: Debbie Somerville, 410.887.6368Ongoing!
Pikesville Middle School students to participating in Respect Challenge all year
What: Having recently explored the meaning of respect in language arts classrooms, Pikesville Middle School students will embark upon the school’s “Respect Challenge” for the remainder of the school year. Students are encouraged to earn “Respect Points” in all classes by demonstrating cooperation and respectful behavior toward peers and adults. At the end of each month, students who have reached “Respect Quotas” will participate in school-wide incentives such as having an outdoor class period, participating in a fall festival or enjoying the talents of a visiting step team.
When: Ongoing throughout 2013-14 school yearWhere: Pikesville Middle School, 7701 Seven Mile La., Pikesville 21208Contact: Amanda Doran, 410.887.1207
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Fundraiser to support BCPS student travel to China: Proceeds from dining at 5 restaurant locations to support exchange program
What:The Office of World Languages is working with schools to raise funds to support student participation in the Baltimore County Public Schools China Cultural Exchange Program. Students taking Chinese language classes at 12 BCPS high schools have the opportunity to live and attend school in Xi'an, China during May and June of 2014. For one day, 10 percent of food and beverage purchases at five Applebee's locations will support the program. A special coupon (available at http://www.bcps.org/news/flyers/DiningToDonateFlyer.pdf) must be presented for the donation to be made.When: Tuesday, November 12, 2013Where: The following Applebee’s locations:
7760 Eastpoint Mall, Dundalk
6506 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville
2450 Broad Avenue, Timonium
8610 LaSalle Road, Towson
6798 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore
Background: Baltimore County Public Schools has had a China Cultural Exchange program with Tie Yi School since the 2006-2007 school year. It is now open to students in all high schools that teach Chinese language: Dulaney, Eastern Technical, Hereford, Kenwood, Loch Raven, Owings Mills, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville, Randallstown, Towson, and Woodlawn.
While in China, the BCPS students will stay with the families of Chinese students. Two days each week, the students will take field trips. When the students are in school, they will take English classes with Chinese students. They will also take special classes in Chinese language, art, cooking, music and physical education.
Earlier this year, 27 students (from nine schools) and four educators lived and studied in China from May 18 – July 8. Their journey experiences are captured on a travel blog available to the public at http://blog.travelpod.com/members/bcpschina. Also found at the same Web address are blogs from earlier delegations.
Numerous past participants in the program are now in college studying Chinese language, Asian studies, international business and diplomacy. Three of the five BCPS students who were part of the first cohort in 2007 have gone back to study and/or work there.
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Redistricting meetings for new elementary school at Mays Chapel to be livestreamed: Committee to meet next on Wednesday, Nov. 13
What:Meetings now underway to consider options for redistricting to accommodate the new elementary school at Mays Chapel will be livestreamed for the public beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 13. The meeting will be the third by a committee charged with considering scenarios that create boundary lines for the new school. The upcoming meeting is the first time that the committee, which is composed of school officials, parents, community members, and representatives of schools likely to be affected by the new attendance lines, will be able to fully discuss, evaluate, and develop several redistricting scenarios. In addition, scenarios and meeting materials are available online at http://www.bcps.org/construction/mayschapel/. A feedback form and email address for comments may be found at http://www.bcps.org/construction/mayschapel/feedback.asp. The meeting livestream will be available on the BCPS website at http://www.bcps.org/video/liveStream.html.
Individuals who are not on the committee are welcome to attend its meetings to observe the process, but not to actively participate.
A public information meeting about the redistricting and scenarios has been scheduled from 7 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, at Dulaney High School, 255 Padonia Road, Timonium 21093. Following the December information meeting, the committee will provide an online survey to incorporate public input into its decision-making process and recommend a scenario to present to the Board of Education for its approval in January.
When: All committee meetings will be from 6 – 7:30 p.m. and are scheduled for the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 13
- Wednesday, November 20
- Wednesday, December 18 (Any postponements due to inclement weather will be posted on the BCPS website.)
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New episode of “BCPS News” now airing on BCPS-TV: Instructional digital conversion among features of new show
TOWSON, MD. – A new episode of “BCPS News,” which spotlights Baltimore County Public Schools’ achievements and progress, is on the air through Sunday, November 24. 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 https://vimeo.com/bcps.
This 15-minute episode includes stories about:
- The school system’s plans for Instructional Digital Conversion, its progress and timeframe and its impact on parents, educators and students. BCPS Digital Learning Executive Director Ryan Imbriale is the guest.
- Why BCPS teachers teach, and the inspiration behind what they do every day in the classroom.
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Three BCPS high schools named STEM Innovation Schools
Towson, MD. – Chesapeake, Owings Mills and Pikesville high schools were among 49 schools from across Maryland that were named STEM Innovation Schools during the annual meeting on November 7 of the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education.
The designation means those schools will receive additional resources designed to ensure that more students have at least four opportunities during the school year to interact with and benefit from the expertise and advice of workplace professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Innovation Schools and their teachers will have access to scores of volunteers from area businesses and industries who will act as teachers and mentors, a wide range of STEM resources to supplement curriculum, and challenges and activities designed to stimulate student participation and problem-solving.
“The opportunity for students to learn from professionals in their fields of study is among the most important resources we can work with our business partners to provide,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance. “This recognition and support from MBRT will be invaluable in preparing our students for the kinds of 21st century workplaces they will encounter.”
MBRT Executive Director June Streckfus announced the expansion of resources and services available to the designated schools as a way to support student post-secondary success. The group’s efforts to develop the Maryland STEM Innovation Network, or STEMnet, were applauded during the group’s meeting by Gov. Martin O’Malley and State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lillian Lowery.
“Together (with MBRT) we are providing teachers a wide range of resources . . . that meet the needs of teachers and students,” said Dr. Lowery. “STEMnet gives schools significant value they can’t get elsewhere.”
While most counties had two high schools recognized as STEM Innovation Schools, Baltimore County was one of only three Maryland school systems to have three schools honored.
Companies and organizations participating in the program include Lockheed Martin, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Stevenson University, the Community College of Baltimore County, T. Rowe Price, Northrop Grumman and NASA Goddard.
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Schools prepare to welcome parents, community for American Education Week: BCPS schools planning special events, visitations for Nov. 18-22
TOWSON, Md. -- Baltimore County Public Schools will celebrate American Education Week 2013 with a variety of countywide and school-based activities designed to showcase teaching and learning.
During American Education Week, most schools set aside specific times for parents to visit their children’s classrooms. In addition, many schools also host special events, including book fairs, reading nights, book swaps, music lessons, and more.
Countywide events during American Education Week include the BCPS High School Honors Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center at Morgan State University, and the Board of Education’s Fall Recognition Ceremony from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, at Owings Mills High School.
“American Education Week is a great opportunity to visit our schools and make a renewed commitment to supporting student success,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance. “Innovative and meaningful teaching and learning take place in every school in Baltimore County. I am inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and staff. I hope that everyone who visits a school during American Education Week can feel that same energy.”
Among the many special events planned in BCPS schools are the following:
- Deep Creek Elementary School, 1101 E. Homberg Avenue in Essex, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Friday, November 22, at 9 a.m. A special anniversary assembly will feature presentations from each grade level and burying a time capsule.
- Eastern Technical High School, 1101 Mace Avenue in Essex, will host a “Coffee with the Administration” breakfast from 7 – 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, in the Eastern Inn, the school’s café. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions of Principal Thomas Evans and his assistant principals and hear about the programs and curriculum at Eastern.
- Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Avenue in Overlea, will host an Academy of Finance Shadow Day from 8:30 – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, for parents and for Grade 8 students from feeder schools. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with current AOF students, receive an overview of the national program, and learn more about the benefits of the AOF program.
- Randallstown Elementary School, 9013 Liberty Road in Randallstown, invites parents and community members to an interactive workshop during American Education Week. The workshop, “Take a Bite Out of Common Core in Math & Reading,” will be offered each day at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Seven Oaks Elementary School, 9220 Seven Courts Drive in Perry Hall, will end with the week with a demonstration of Grade 5 students’ newly acquired ballroom dancing skills. On Friday, parents will have the opportunity to see their children glide across the floor as part of the culminating activity for a special ballroom dancing unit.
- Sollers Point Technical High School, 1901 Delvale Avenue in Dundalk, will offer a series of special programs and learning opportunities for visitors throughout the week based on the school’s curriculum and programs. For instance, students in the school’s cosmetology classes will offer free manicures, thermal hairstyles, haircuts, and brow waxing to their parents, while parents of students in automotive technology classes can receive free oil changes during their visits.
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to meet on Tuesday, November 19, at Owings Mills High School
TOWSON, MD. - The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Road in Owings Mills.
The Board’s Building and Contracts Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. The full Board will then convene an open session at approximately 4:00 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 into closed session.
The Board of Education’s annual Fall Recognition Ceremony will take place in the school auditorium from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Board will resume its open session at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. To that end, the Board is holding several meetings in the community to facilitate stakeholder attendance. Additionally, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org).
Owings Mills High School is located at 124 Tollgate Road, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117. Directions to the school are: I-695 (Beltway) to Exit 20 Reisterstown Road (MD-140 North). Follow Reisterstown Road north to Tollgate Road; turn left onto Tollgate Road and proceed to the school located on the right. The public is welcome to attend all open sessions of the Board.
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BCPS High School Honors Concert features more than 250 of region’s best student musicians : Annual event takes place Nov. 18 at Morgan State University
What: More than 250 of Baltimore County’s finest student musicians will perform at the annual Baltimore County Public Schools High School Honors Concert. Conductors for the concert include Julien Benichou, music director for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra & Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, directing the Honor Orchestra; Arian Khaefi, assistant professor at Towson University, directing the Honor Chorus; and Marcellus Brown, associate professor at Boise State University, directing the Honor Band. Mark Malinowski, an announcer with WBJC-FM radio, will serve as the guest narrator. The concert is free, however tickets are required due to limited seating. To reserve tickets, please call the BCPS Music Office at 410-887-4024.When: Monday, November 18, 2013, at 7:30 p.m. Where: James H. and Louise Hayley Gilliam Concert Hall
Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center
Morgan State University
2201 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21251
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Board of Education to recognize honorees at November 19 ceremony: Dozens of students, staff, community members to be recognized
What: Members of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will recognize students, educators and community members who have achieved success and contributed to the goals and mission of Baltimore County Public Schools. Honorees include those who have won local, state or national awards and others who have significantly benefited their schools and the school system. When: Tuesday, November 19, 2013, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Owings Mills High School
124 Tollgate Road, Owings Mills 21117Background:
One of the highlights of the school system’s calendar, this fall ceremony is the first of two events to be hosted by the Board of Education this school year. For the first time this year, the Fall Recognition Ceremony will be incorporated into the Board’s regularly scheduled business meeting. The names and school affiliations of the ceremony’s recipients are available upon request.
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BCPS News Tips: November 16 – 23, 2013 American Education Week: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, November 16
Lansdowne High School Dance Company to perform with ClancyWorks Dance Company & The Collective at Theatre Project in Baltimore
What: Through a Maryland State Arts Council matching grant, Lansdowne High School’s dance company students will work with dancers from ClancyWorks Dance Company during more than 10 visits to the Theatre Project in Baltimore. The dancers created a piece of original choreography to be debuted during a dance concert featuring two dance companies, ClancyWorks and The Collective. This is the first opportunity for the high school students to perform in this venue and in a professional concert.
When: 8 p.m., Saturday, November 16 Where: The Theatre Project, 45 W. Preston St., Baltimore 21201 Contact: Sharon Murphy, 410.887.1415, ext. 231Monday, November 18
Patapsco High School helps students “Think Before You Type”
What: Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts kicks off “Think Before You Type,” a weeklong campaign sponsored by the Patapsco Women’s Leadership Council designed to encourage students to use the Internet responsibly and for positive outcomes. Council members will set up a table in the cafeteria during each lunch shift daily where students can sign pledges and pick up anti-cyber-bullying information, buttons, and materials. On Friday, November 22, the school will suspend its social media filters briefly during homeroom period so that students have a “moment to delete” any unkind posts and harmful texts tweets, instagrams, and other negative postings from social media sites.
When: Throughout the week; please contact the school for specific timesWhere: Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222Contact: Liberty Grayek or Craig Reed, 410.887.7060Randallstown Elementary School invites visitors to “Take a Bite” of the Common Core
What: Randallstown Elementary School will sponsor interactive workshops called “Take a Bite Out of Common Core in Math & Reading” for parents and visitors each day during American Education Week.
When: 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, Monday, November 18, through Friday, November 22Where: Randallstown Elementary School, 9013 Liberty Rd., Randallstown 21133Contact: Betsy Book or Lois Stokes, 410.887.0746 Sollers Point Technical High students show what they learn during American Education Week
What: Students at Sollers Point Technical High School will offer a series of special programs and learning opportunities for visitors throughout the week based on the school’s curriculum and programs. For instance, students in the school’s cosmetology classes will offer free manicures, thermal hairstyles, haircuts, and brow waxing to their parents, while parents of students in automotive technology classes can receive free oil changes during their visits.
When: Contact the school for specific times and datesWhere: Sollers Point Technical High School, 1901 Delvale Ave. Dundalk 21222Contact: Greta Gay or Michael Weglein, 410.887.7075MdBioLab comes to Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts
What: The Maryland BioLab, a custom-built mobile bioscience laboratory on wheels, will be visiting Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts during the week to supplement the school’s science program. The mobile lab contains 32 lab stations equipped with advanced scientific apparatus that will allow students to do complex experiments such as DNA electrophoresis.
When: Throughout each day during the week from Monday, November 18, through Friday, November 22Where: Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222Contact: Liberty Grayek or Craig Reed, 410.887.7060Local author Ginger Wich to visit Milbrook Elementary School
What: Ginger Wich, whose books include “Jack the Yack: Something’s Out of Whack with Jack,” “Neil the Eel,” and “Claire the Hare: Goes to the Fair,” will read from her books to children in an event sponsored by the Carson Scholars Fund.
When: 9 – 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 18
Where: Milbrook Elementary School, 4300 Crest Heights Rd., Baltimore 21215Contact: Laurie Rosenberg, 410.887.1225BCPS High School Honors Concert features 250+ of region’s best student musicians
What: More than 250 of Baltimore County’s finest student musicians will perform at the annual Baltimore County Public Schools High School Honors Concert. Conductors for the concert include Julien Benichou, music director for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra & Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, directing the Honor Orchestra; Arian Khaefi, assistant professor at Towson University, directing the Honor Chorus; and Marcellus Brown, associate professor at Boise State University, directing the Honor Band. The concert is free, however tickets are required due to limited seating.When: 7:30 p.m., Monday, November 18 Where: Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Morgan State University, 2201 Argonne Dr., Baltimore 21251 Contact: Office of Music, 410.887.4024Tuesday, November 19
Prospective teachers invited to first of two information sessions about the new elementary school at Mays Chapel
What: Teachers interested in learning more about Baltimore County’s newest elementary school at Mays Chapel are invited to attend the first of two information sessions scheduled for teachers. The school is scheduled to open in August 2014.
When: 5 p.m., Tuesday, November 19. A second session is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10Where: West Towson Elementary School, 6914 N. Charles St., Towson 21204Contact: Steve Coco, 410.887.4134Shadow Day at Overlea High School’s Academy of Science
What: Overlea High School will host a “shadow day” for parents and Grade 8 students from Overlea feeder schools who are interested in learning more about the school’s Academy of Finance. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with current AOF students, hear an overview of the national program, and learn more about the program’s benefits.
When: 8:30 – 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 19
Where: Overlea High School, 5401 Kenwood Ave., Overlea 21206Contact: Marquis Dwarte, 410.887.5241 Board of Education to recognize students, staff during fall ceremony
What: Members of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will recognize students, educators and community members who have achieved success and contributed to the goals and mission of Baltimore County Public Schools. Honorees include those who have won local, state or national awards and others who have significantly benefited their schools and the school system. When: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 19
Where: Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Rd., Owings Mills 21117Contact: Diana Spencer, 410.887.4243Wednesday, November 20
Eastern Technical High School to start the day with coffee and conversation
What: Eastern Technical High School will host a “Coffee with the Administration” breakfast in the Eastern Inn, the school’s café. Visitors will have the opportunity to ask questions of Principal Thomas Evans and his assistant principals and hear about the programs and curriculum at Eastern.
When: 7 – 8 a.m., Wednesday, November 20
Where: Eastern Technical High School, 1101 Mace Ave., Essex 21221Contact: Thomas Evans, 410.887.0190Annual “Respite and Resources Fair” returns to Battle Monument School
What: A tradition at Battle Monument School, the annual “Respite and Resources Fair” offers information about 15 state and local nonprofit agencies for caregivers, school families, and the community to access. Attendees are invited to visit each display to obtain detailed information regarding respite care, daycare, future planning, home assistance, recreational programs, workshops, and parent support network/ programs. Many services will have information about adaptive equipment, specialized communication, in-home services, as well as enrichment and support services.
When: 10 a.m. – noon, Wednesday, November 20
Where: Battle Monument School, 7801 E. Collingham Dr., Dundalk 21222Contact: Hilary Hellerbach or Melissa Perlin, 410.288.0391Common Core standards to be the topic of Southwest Advisory Council meeting
What: The Southwest Area Education Advisory Council will host a meeting to discuss Common Core state standards and special populations, including special education and Gifted and Talented students. Presenters from BCPS include Debra Brooks speaking about special education, MaryCay Ricci speaking about Gifted and Talented, and John Staley speaking about academics.When: 7 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 20
Where: Halethorpe Elementary School, 4300 Maple Ave., Halethorpe 21227Contact: Beverly Coleman, coleman.beverlya@gmail.comVictory Villa Elementary School kicks off weekly initiative to assist victims of Philippines typhoon
What: For the next five Wednesdays, students at Victory Villa Elementary School will collect donations on “Red Cross Wednesdays” to send to the American Red Cross for Philippine relief following the devastation following the passing of Typhoon Haiyan. Donations will be accepted from the entire school community, including faculty and staff.
When: Consecutive Wednesday mornings from Wednesday, November 20, through Wednesday, December 18Where: Victory Villa Elementary School, 500 Compass Rd., Middle River 21220Contact: Marcia Darney, 410.887.0184Boundary line committee for elementary school at Mays Chapel to hold 4th meeting
What: The committee charged with considering where to draw attendance boundary lines for the new elementary school at Mays Chapel will have its fourth meeting to examine data and options to help relieve enrollment pressures in the central area. Individuals who are not on the committee are welcome to attend the meetings to observe the process but not to actively participate. The meeting will be livestreamed via the BCPS website. When: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 20
Where: Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., Cockeysville 21030Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908Thursday, November 21
Greek tragedy “Medea” to be performed at Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Black Box Theater through November 24
What: Patapsco Theatre presents the classic Greek tragedy, "Medea." Spurned by the husband whose life she saved, the legendary sorceress Medea exacts a terrible revenge on the man she once loved. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.When: 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, through Saturday, November 23, as well as 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, and Sunday, November 24Where: Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., Dundalk 21222Contact: Kelly Carlson, Liberty Grayek or Craig Reed, 410.887.7060Friday, November 22
Deep Creek Elementary School celebrates 50 years
What: Deep Creek Elementary School will celebrate 50 years of serving the community with an assembly featuring former principals, presentations from each grade level representing each decade, and the preparation of a time capsule to bury beneath the school sign.When: 9 a.m., Friday, November 22Where: Deep Creek Elementary School, 1101 E. Homberg Ave., Essex 21221Contact: Sharon Mason, 410.887.0110BCPS, Baltimore County Public Libraries to launch “SAIL” partnership
What: Baltimore County’s school system and library system will renew their partnership with the launch of the SAIL initiative. “Students Achieve in Libraries” will be formally announced by BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance, BCPL Director James Fish, and County Executive Kevin Kamenetz with a variety of new programs and features designed to promote reading and library use among Baltimore County children.
When: 9:30 a.m., Friday, November 22Where: Martin Boulevard Elementary School, 210 Riverton Rd., Middle River 21220Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908Right foot, left foot – Seven Oaks Elementary School demonstrates students’ dancing skills
What: Grade 5 students at Seven Oaks Elementary School will end the week with a demonstration for family and friends of their newly acquired ballroom dancing skills, part of a special ballroom dancing class offered to BCPS elementary schools.When: Friday, November 22; please contact the school for specific timesWhere: Seven Oaks Elementary School, 9220 Seven Courts Dr., Perry Hall 21236Contact: Carol Wingard, 410.887.6257
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Two information sessions set for teachers interested in the new elementary school at Mays Chapel : Meetings scheduled for November 19, December 10
What: Teachers who are interested in job opportunities planned at the new elementary school at Mays Chapel are invited to two informational sessions about the new school, its programs, and the plans of Principal Steve Coco for the new school when it opens in August 2014. When: 5 p.m. on both Tuesday, November 19, and Tuesday, December 10, 2013 Where: West Towson Elementary School
6914 N. Charles Street
Towson MD 21204Background:
As construction continues on the new elementary school, which is located at 12250 Roundwood Road in Mays Chapel, Principal Steve Coco is at work on plans ranging from designing the learning environment to choosing the school’s staff. The informational sessions will be an opportunity for teachers who are interested in working at the new school to ask questions and to hear from Principal Coco about his vision and plans for the new school.
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BCPS students, parents invited to learn more about College 4 Free and Parallel Enrollment Program : CCBC to offer sessions on how to take college classes and save money while still in high school
Towson, Md. – Baltimore County Public Schools sophomores, juniors, seniors and their parents are invited to attend the Community College of Baltimore County’s Early College Access Information Sessions to find out how to earn college credits while attending high school.
In partnership with BCPS, CCBC offers the popular Parallel Enrollment Program, where high school students can take CCBC courses at half the tuition cost, and the newly implemented College 4 Free program, where students can take up to four courses tuition-free at CCBC. Both allow students to accelerate their college goals and save money on tuition.
Upcoming sessions will share information about both the Parallel Enrollment Program and College 4 Free. The information sessions are being held at 6 p.m. at the following campus locations:
Tuesday, Dec. 10:
CCBC Essex
Administration Bldg., Rm. 137
7201 Rossville Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21237
Wednesday, Dec. 11:
CCBC Catonsville
Center for the Arts, Lounge
800 S. Rolling Rd.
Catonsville, MD 21228
Thursday, Dec. 12:
CCBC Dundalk
Roy N. Staten Bldg., Rm. 100
7200 Sollers Point Rd.
Dundalk, MD 21222
To register, visit www.ccbcmd.edu/infosessions or call 443-840-1377.
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Superintendent Dance credits Team BCPS with White House honor
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Statement regarding TABCO grievance
Towson, Md. – In response to a Common Core-related grievance filed by the Teachers Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), the following statement has been issued by Lawrence Schmidt, president of the Board of Education of Baltimore County, and S. Dallas Dance, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools:
We have just received a copy of the grievance, and we are reviewing it now, so it would be premature to comment on its contents. We will be looking at the remedy, which every grievance must have, to determine what are federal/state versus local concerns. It is important to note when we signed on to Race to the Top, which the prior administration and TABCO agreed to, everyone accepted certain reforms.
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BCPS, Baltimore County Public Library to renew partnership, launch SAIL program: County, school officials to kickoff program at Martin Boulevard Elementary
What: BCPS Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz will join Jim Fish, director of the Baltimore County Public Library, to kick off a renewed partnership between the school and library systems. The new partnership, “Students Achieve In Libraries” (SAIL), will include a variety of elements scheduled to debut over the next several months, including a campaign to get a newly-designed BCPL card in the hands of every Baltimore County schools student and an extension of the BCPS wireless network into every Baltimore County library branch. Sneaks the Cat will deliver a special announcement to be read by the county and schools leaders.
When: 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2013Where: Martin Boulevard Elementary School
210 Riverton Road
Middle River, MD 21220
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BCPS director of mathematics named president-elect of national education group
Towson, Md. – Dr. John W. Staley, director of mathematics Pre-K-12 for Baltimore County Public Schools, has been voted president-elect of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.
He will serve for one year as president-elect before assuming the organization’s presidency. In both positions, Staley will provide direction to the 1,200-member organization and its board.
“We are proud of Dr. Staley for his latest achievement,” said S. Dallas Dance, BCPS superintendent. “His leadership on the national stage will bring attention to the strengths of the mathematics program in Baltimore County Public Schools and will afford him the opportunity to study the best practices of other school systems across the nation and beyond.”
In his election statement to the membership, Staley wrote, “Touching the life of each student one at a time has been my mission and purpose for the past 26 years as I’ve served as a mathematics teacher and central office mathematics administrator.”
A resident of Randallstown, Staley earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from George Mason University, a Master of Education degree from Temple University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland, College Park.
After beginning his educational career elsewhere, Staley joined BCPS as a teacher at Sparrows Point Middle School and Hereford High School. For his excellence, he earned a prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics and Science. Staley was appointed coordinator of secondary mathematics in 2004 and director of mathematics in 2012. In addition to numerous professional affiliations, he has served as an adjunct professor at several local universities.
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