What: Baltimore County Public Schools’ Parent University will host an event centered on the relationship between communications and child development called “Change Your Language, Change Their Lives.” Featuring child advocate Frank Kros, president of the Upside Down Organization and executive vice president of The Children’s Guild, the presentation – free for those who signed up to the sold-out event – will focus on the four “Languages of the Brain” that adults can use with children to boost cognitive learning, promote innate motivation and stimulate creative thinking.
When: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2014Where: Cockeysville Public Library
9833 Greenside Drive
Cockeysville, MD 21030Background: Parent University offers a variety of in-person workshops throughout the community as well as online resources and videos to meet the unique needs of all families. The mission of Parent University is to provide centralized access to resources that support parents in guiding their children to academic success and enhancing personal growth and family wellness. For more information, visit the Parent University website at: http://www.bcps.org/parentu/.
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BCPS’ Parent University hosts “Change Your Language, Change Their Lives” event: “Languages of the Brain” to be discussed by presenter Frank Kros
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Educators to learn how Lighthouse Schools will work: Institute kicks off two-day orientation
What: More than 300 teachers, administrators and staff from Baltimore County’s 10 “Lighthouse Schools” will attend a two-day professional development conference to learn about how their schools and students will adapt to the school system’s initiative to personalize learning through digital technology. Participants will attend workshops on topics including characteristics of a student-centered learning environment, databases for digital learning, social media and online research, among other subjects. The keynote speaker for the institute will be education innovator Hall Davidson of Discovery Education.
When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on both Thursday, June 26, and Friday, June 27, 2014Where: Cockeysville Middle School
10401 Greenside Drive
Cockeysville, MD 21030Background: Baltimore County Public Schools’ Lighthouse Schools are the first 10 pilot elementary schools to incorporate the BCPS S.T.A.T. initiative into the entire schoolhouse. S.T.A.T., or Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow, is the multi-year transformation of BCPS into a complete 21st century technology learning environment to prepare globally-competitive graduates. BCPS is first redesigning curriculum in the core content areas to redefine what instruction will look like in a blended learning environment, while placing a stronger emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. This transformation is necessary to provide personalized learning through personal digital devices and other tools to our increasingly diverse student population at a time when the economy requires more from our students for future success.
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BCPS News Tips: June 28 – July 5, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Coming up!
Monday, July 7
The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program 2014 begins
What: The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program 2014, an annual offering from the BCPS Office of Visual Arts, begins. The program provides students in Grades 3-12 with an opportunity to develop and refine personal art skills through five-hour studio sessions and art-related field trips. At the conclusion of the program on Thursday, July 17, students will exhibit works completed over the two-week period during an open house / reception.When: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18
Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Road, Perry HallContact: Linda Popp, 410.887.4030Summer school classes begin
What: BCPS summer school classes begin and will operate through Friday, August 2. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Windsor Mill (northwest), General John Stricker (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Dundalk (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 7 – Friday, August 1
Where: Designated summer school sitesContact: Leeann Schubert or Robert Pettebone, 410.887.2270Ongoing!
School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading
What: Twelve 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 Summer Reading Club.
When: Varying by location – contact each school for library dates and hours.
Where: Libraries open at the following schools: Berkshire, Martin Boulevard, McCormick, Padonia International and Winand elementary schools; Deep Creek Magnet and Lansdowne middle schools; and Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Owings Mills, and Western Technical high schools. Contact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4035
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12 BCPS libraries to hold off-season hours: School libraries lend books to students to encourage summer reading
TOWSON, MD. – Beat the heat and get hooked on a new book at Baltimore County Public Schools’ libraries.
Twelve BCPS elementary, middle and high school libraries will hold off-season hours to encourage reading over the summer months.
On select days during the summer, students may visit their schools’ libraries to borrow books through Destiny, the BCPS online catalog and circulation system; participate in special reading-related activities, such as Spanish storytime at Padonia International Elementary; and register for Baltimore County Public Library’s “Fizz, Boom, Read” Summer Reading Club 2014.
Students also may use library computers to browse e-books and interactive digital content at http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/feebased/index.html. To access online materials, students should consult the password handouts that they received during the 2013-2014 school year or contact the Department of Digital Learning at 410-887-4035 for another copy.
The schools libraries and their respective library media specialists and summer hours are:
Berkshire Elementary School
7431 Poplar Avenue, Highlandtown 21224
Pat Fiero, 410-887-7141
Wednesday, July 9 and Wednesday, July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.Deer Park Magnet Middle School
9830 Winands Road, Randallstown 21133
Amanda Cochran, 410-887-0736
Monday, June 30; Wednesday, July 16; and Thursday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Tuesday, August 12 from 12 to 4 p.m.Dulaney High School
255 Padonia Road, Timonium 21093
Chris Senft, 410-887-7644
Monday, July 7 to Friday, August 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.Dundalk High School
1901 Delvale Avenue, Dundalk 21222
Pamela Cline, 410-887-7030
Weekdays from Monday, July 7 to Friday, August 1Eastern Technical High School
1100 Mace Avenue, Essex 21221
Deborah Lambert, 410-887-0210
Monday, June 23 to Tuesday, July 8 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; closed Friday, July 14Lansdowne High School
3800 Hollins Ferry Road, Lansdowne 21227
Kerry Lynaugh, 410-887-1462
Wednesdays from July 9 to July 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.Martin Boulevard Elementary School
210 Riverton Road, Middle River, 21220
Karen Pavelka, 410-887-0158
Thursdays from June 26 to August 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Thursday, July 17McCormick Elementary School
5101 Hazelwood Avenue, Raspeburg 21206
Nicole Marcellino, 410-887-0522
Wednesdays from June 25 to August 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Wednesday, July 9Owings Mills High School
124 Tollgate Road, Owings Mills 21117
John Novicki, 410-887-1709
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 8 to July 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Padonia International Elementary School
9834 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville 21030
Jennifer Sheggrud, 410-887-7813
Wednesdays from June 25 to August 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Western School of Technology and Environmental Science
100 Kenwood Avenue, Catonsville 21228
Rob Zienta, 410-887-0945
Fridays from June 27 to August 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Friday, July 4 and 11
Informational sessions from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 2 p.m.Winand Elementary School
8301 Scotts Level Road, Pikesville 21208
Christine McSwain, 410-887-0777
Tuesday, July 8 and Monday, August 11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
For more information on a school’s summer library hours, contact the school’s library media specialist. For more information on summer reading programs, visit http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/summerread/summerread2014.html.
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Vincent Farm teacher to develop model lesson plans for nation’s educators : Yablonski one of five Grade 1 science teachers invited to participate
TOWSON, MD— Across the nation, when educators go online to find Grade 1 science lessons that align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), they will be likely to find model lesson plans created by Kathryn A. Yablonski, a teacher at Vincent Farm Elementary School.
Yablonski was accepted into the Better Lesson Master Teacher project for NGSS Science after a rigorous application process and four stages of interviews. Only five teachers were chosen nationally per grade for the 2014-2015 school year. Released in April 2013, the Next Generation Science Standards is based on the National Research Council’s Framework for K-12 Science Education. The standards and framework emphasize science instruction that merges classroom content with real-world application to prepare students for college and careers.
“This summer and next year, I will write NGSS-aligned units,” says Yablonski. “Then, I will upload the lessons with reflections, videos and resources to the BetterLesson.com website. This project, supported by the National Education Association, provides free lessons to teachers across the country as we all transition to new standards.
“This project is so meaningful to me because it incorporates so many skills – teaching and classroom environment, writing standards-aligned curriculum, designing and providing resources, and reflecting in a way that will help other teachers come to a deeper understanding of the standards.”
A resident of Joppatowne in Harford County, Yablonski has a master’s degree in teaching from Towson University and has been teaching at Vincent Farm Elementary School since it opened six years ago.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Yablonski is working on curriculum-writing projects with the Baltimore County Public Schools offices of English language arts and science. During the past year, she created a popular Edmodo website to allow BCPS Grade 1 teachers to share resources and communicate more effectively. Yablonski was honored for her work in education with a 2014 Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce Award of Excellence for the northeast area.
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to Meet on Tuesday, July 8, 2014
TOWSON, MD. - The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 6901 Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204.
The Board’s Building and Contracts Committee will meet at 4:15 p.m. The full Board will then convene an open session at approximately 5:00 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 meet in closed session.
The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. Additionally, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the Web site (www.bcps.org).
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BCPS News Tips: July 5 – 12, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, June 7
The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program 2014 begins
What:The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program, an annual offering from Baltimore County Public Schools' Office of Visual Arts, begins. The program provides students in Grades 3-12 with an opportunity to develop and refine personal art skills through five-hour studio sessions and art-related field trips. At the conclusion of the program on Thursday, July 17, students will exhibit works completed over the two-week period during an open house/reception. When: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18 Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Road, Perry Hall 21236Contact: Linda Popp, 410.887.4030
Summer school classes start
What:BCPS summer school classes start and will operate through Friday, August 1. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are at Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Windsor Mill (northwest), General John Stricker (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are at Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Dundalk (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 7 – Friday, August 1 Where: Designated summer school sitesContact: Leeann Schubert or Robert Pettebone, 410.887.2270
Two-week Computer Science and Creativity session begins
What:The Maryland Summer Center for Computer Science and Creativity, hosted by resource teacher Karena Curtis of the BCPS Office of Science PreK-12, begins. During the two-week session, students in Grades 3-8 will learn to program using Alice and Scratch software, investigate the importance of Internet safety, and explore career options in computer science and cyber-security.When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, July 7 – Friday, July 18 Where: Community College of Baltimore County – Essex, 7201 Rossville Boulevard, Essex 21237 Contact: Karena Curtis, 410.887.2945
Campfield Early Learning Center Kindergarten Summer Science Camp starts
What:Campfield Early Learning Center's four-week Kindergarten Summer Science Camp starts. Sponsored by Baltimore County Public Library, the Maryland Zoo, Port Discovery and the University of Maryland Extension Office, the camp offers rising kindergarten students an opportunity to strengthen their school-readiness skills by studying ecology. When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, July 7 – Friday, August 1 Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter Street, Gwynn Oak 21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266
Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program begins
What:The Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program, which assists children ages birth through 36 months with developmental disabilities or special health needs, begins. The BCPS Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with Dr. Kay Holman of Towson University to guide children and their parents through the transition from Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with take-home learning activities and in-house parenting sessions. When: 10 – 11:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Monday, July 7 – Friday, August 8 Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter Street, Gwynn Oak 21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266
Ongoing!
School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading
What:Twelve 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 Summer Reading Club. When: Varying by location – contact each school for library dates and hours Where: Libraries open at the following schools: Berkshire, Martin Boulevard, McCormick, Padonia International and Winand elementary schools; Deep Creek Magnet and Lansdowne middle schools; and Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Owings Mills and Western Technical high schoolsContact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4035
BCPS hosts Summer Food Service Program at county library branches
What:Longtime partners BCPS and Baltimore County Public Library are joining forces for the school system's Summer Food Service Program, which provides children ages 18 and under with nutritious meals. The program is part of a national effort to maintain high levels of health and wellness among students from low-income families between successive school years. When & Where: 12 noon – 1 p.m., Arbutus branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus 21227; 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Lansdowne branch, 500 Third Avenue, Lansdowne 21227; 12 noon – 12: 30 p.m., Randallstown branch, 8604 Liberty Road, Randallstown 21133; and 1 – 1: 30 p.m., White Marsh branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Nottingham 21236 Contact: Karen Levenstein, 410.887.7855
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Uhlfelder, McDaniels elected officers of Board of Education of Baltimore County
TOWSON, MD. – The Board of Education of Baltimore County elected David Uhlfelder as its president and chose Charles McDaniels, Jr., as its new vice president during its annual election of officers on Tuesday, July 8.
Uhlfelder and McDaniels both thanked their fellow board members for their confidence and support. Uhlfelder said that he was “very humbled” to assume the presidency and described the current board as “the most constructive board we’ve ever had.” McDaniels added that he looked forward to helping the board become “more responsive” and “more data-driven.”
Uhlfelder is a Pikesville resident who began his second five-year term on the board last year and who served last fiscal year as vice president of the board. He is a certified public accountant who attended the University of Maryland College Park and earned his degree in business and public administration. Uhlfelder is a life member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the board of directors for the Pikesville Chamber of Commerce. He is also vice president of the board of the Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.
McDaniels was appointed to the board in 2011. A lifelong Marylander, he became a steel sales and technical consultant after completing a 33-year career as a metallurgical engineer and sales/marketing manager. His educational background includes a bachelor of sciences degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in business administration from Loyola University of Maryland.
Board officers serve a one-year term beginning with the July meeting of the board each year.
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Proposed designs for Catonsville and Loch Raven elementary schools available online
TOWSON, MD. – Proposed schematic designs for the Catonsville Elementary School at Bloomsbury project and the Loch Raven Elementary School project are now available online at the Baltimore County Public Schools website, www.bcps.org. Links to the preliminary designs can be found under What’s Happening, Construction Projects, Relief Strategies Updates, Southwest and Central Areas.
The BCPS Office of Physical Facilities presented these design proposals to the Board of Education of Baltimore County at its meeting on July 8, 2014.
The projects are part of a plan, approved by the Board of Education in November 2013, to relieve school capacity issues in the southwest and central areas of Baltimore County. For both projects, BCPS administrators have met with committees of community representatives for input. Meetings scheduled for later this month will be an opportunity to receive additional input from the larger community.
The new 700-seat Catonsville Elementary School building, to be constructed on the site of the current Bloomsbury Community Center, will increase the capacity of that school by 295 seats. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2015, with the building being ready to open for the 2016-2017 school year.
The public is invited to a community input meeting about the Catonsville Elementary School project on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Avenue, 21228.
In the central area, the school system will reopen Loch Raven Elementary School as a 610-seat building and relocate the students and staff of Halstead Academy there. The current Halstead Academy building will be renovated to accommodate a new countywide school.
Plans are to begin renovations of Loch Raven Elementary School in May 2015 and to have that building ready for Halstead Academy students by the 2016-2017 school year.
A community input meeting regarding the Loch Raven Elementary School project will be held at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 N. York Road, 21204, on Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m.
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BCPS News Tips: July 12 – 19, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, July 14
HZR Summer Robotics Camp boots up
What:The HZR Summer Robotics Camp, an activity of the Hereford Zone Robotics club of Hereford Middle School, starts its third annual weeklong program of designing, building and understanding sensor-guided, remote-controlled robots. The program is aimed at introducing students in Grades 5-11 to the world of robotics as well as preparing them to participate and compete in robotics competitions. For more information, visit: www.tinyurl.com/hzrcamp. When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18
Where: Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., Parkton 21120Contact: Christopher Putnam or Michael Dodd-O, 410.887.1905The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program 2014 continues
What:The Summer Visual Arts Enrichment Program 2014, an annual offering from the BCPS Office of Visual Arts, continues into its second and final week. The program provides students in Grades 3-12 with an opportunity to develop and refine personal art skills through five-hour studio sessions and art-related field trips. At the conclusion of the program on Thursday, July 17, students will exhibit works completed over the two-week period during an open house/reception. When: 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18
Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Road, Perry Hall 21236Contact: Linda Popp, 410.887.4030Summer school classes continue
What: BCPS summer school classes operate through Friday, August 1. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are at Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Windsor Mill (northwest), General John Stricker (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are at Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Dundalk (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 7 – Friday, August 1
Where: Designated summer school sitesContact: Leeann Schubert or Robert Pettebone, 410.887.2270Two-week Computer Science and Creativity session begins second week
What:The Maryland Summer Center for Computer Science and Creativity, hosted by resource teacher Karena Curtis of the BCPS Office of Science PreK-12, opens its second week as students in Grades 3-8 learn to program using Alice and Scratch software, investigate the importance of Internet safety and explore career options in computer science and cyber-security.When: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18
Where:Community College of Baltimore County – Essex, 7201 Rossville
Boulevard, Essex 21237
Contact: Karena Curtis, 410.887.2945Campfield Early Learning Center Kindergarten Summer Science Camp starts
What:Campfield Early Learning Center's four-week Kindergarten Summer Science Camp begins its second week. Sponsored by Baltimore County Public Library, the Maryland Zoo, Port Discovery and the University of Maryland Extension Office, the camp offers rising kindergarten students an opportunity to strengthen their school-readiness skills by studying ecology. When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, July 14 – Friday, August 1
Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter Street, Gwynn Oak
21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program continues
What:The Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program, which assists children ages birth through 36 months with developmental disabilities or special health needs, continues its summer programming. The BCPS Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with Dr. Kay Holman of Towson University to guide children and their parents through the transition from Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) with take-home learning activities and in-house parenting sessions. When: 10 – 11:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Friday, August 8
Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter Street, Gwynn Oak
21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266Tuesday, July 15
Visitors' Day offers look at school system's 2014 Curriculum Writing Workshops
What:Guests and leaders in education from across Baltimore County have the opportunity to visit and observe the school system's 2014 Curriculum Writing Workshops. When: 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Tuesday, July 15 (The event will be repeated on Monday, July 21)
Where: Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Rd., Essex 21221Contact: Richard Weisenhoff, 410.887.4671Public invited to a community input meeting about plans for a new Catonsville Elementary School
What:The public is invited to a community input meeting regarding a new 700-seat Catonsville Elementary School planned for the current Bloomsbury Community Center. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2015 with the building ready to open for the 2016-17 school year. The project is part of a plan to relieve school capacity issues in the southwest area of Baltimore County. When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15 Where: Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., Catonsville 21228Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908Thursday, July 17
Public invited to a community input meeting about plans for reopening Loch Raven Elementary School
What:The public is invited to a community input meeting regarding the reopening of the 610-seat Loch Raven Elementary School and relocation of students and staff at the current Halstead Academy to the reopened school. Plans are to begin renovation of Loch Raven Elementary School in May 2015 and to have that building ready for Halstead Academy students by the 2016-17 school year. The project is part of a plan to relieve school capacity issues in the central area of Baltimore County. When: 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 17 Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., Towson 21204Contact: Mychael Dickerson, 410.887.5908Education Foundation's Deborah Phelps to be honored with 2014 Brava! Award from SmartCEO
What:Deborah Phelps, executive director of the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, will be presented with a 2014 Brava! Award from SmartCEO during a reception among top business and education leaders. SmartCEO, which highlights the region's top business and professional innovators, sponsors the Brava! Awards as a way of recognizing female CEOs who "combine … irrepressible entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for mentoring and giving back to the community." When: 6 – 9 p.m., Thursday, July 17
Where: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 300 Light St., Baltimore 21202Contact: Katelyn Mattingly, 443.278.9444Ongoing!
School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading
What:Twelve 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 Summer Reading Club. When: Varying by location – contact each school for library dates and hours
Where: Libraries are open at the following schools: Berkshire, Martin Boulevard, McCormick, Padonia International and Winand elementary schools; Deep Creek Magnet and Lansdowne middle schools; and Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Owings Mills and Western Technical high schools.Contact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4035BCPS hosts Summer Food Service Program at county library branches
What:Longtime partners BCPS and Baltimore County Public Library are joining forces for the school system's Summer Food Service Program, which provides children ages 18 and under with nutritious meals. The program is part of a national effort to maintain high levels of health and wellness among students from low-income families between successive school years. When & Where: 12 noon – 1 p.m., Arbutus branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus 21227; 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Lansdowne branch, 500 Third Avenue, Lansdowne 21227; 12 noon – 12: 30 p.m., Randallstown branch, 8604 Liberty Road, Randallstown 21133; and 1 – 1: 30 p.m., White Marsh branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Nottingham 21236
Contact: Karen Levenstein, 410.887.7855
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BCPS Curriculum Writing Workshop visits to highlight technology in creation of lesson plans: Two “Visitors’ Day” events offer peek at process
What: The BCPS Division of Curriculum and Instruction will host two Visitors’ Days to the 2014 Curriculum Writing Workshops, annual summer events that help to craft curriculum for the upcoming school year. This summer’s visitor events will highlight the use of BCPS One and the conversion to the S.T.A.T. digital instruction in the creation of lesson plans. The Visitors’ Days are open to invited guests, system educators and the media.
When: 10 a.m. – 12 noon on both Tuesday, July 15, and Monday, July 21, 2014
Where: Chesapeake High School
1801 Turkey Point Road
Essex, MD 21221Background: This year, the school system’s curriculum writing workshops will incorporate BCPS One, an initiative that connects all district programs with student data, assessments, instruction, reporting, and analysis in a single digital platform. In addition, the workshops also will focus on transitioning curriculum and instruction to the BCPS S.T.A.T. initiative (Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow), which seeks to move BCPS to learning environments that incorporate 1:1 individualized digital learning experiences.
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Parent University to host three workshops this month: Workshops on developing children’s self-esteem, math skills and relationships
TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools’ Parent University will host three workshops during the last two weeks of July.
The first workshop, “Choosing to Control (My Destiny),” will focus on the benefits of building children’s self-esteem. During the workshop, field experts will discuss homework help, learning activities and study strategies geared toward transforming youth into confident and responsible learners. Hosted at Sandy Plains Elementary School, 8330 Kavanagh Road in Dundalk, 21222, the workshop will run from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22.
Also held at Sandy Plains Elementary, the second workshop, “Countdown to Number Logic,” will center on helping children hone basic number concepts. From 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 24, parents will explore strategies for using mathematics to develop their children’s problem-solving and critical thinking and reasoning skills.
For more information on “Choosing to Control (My Destiny)” and “Countdown to Number Logic,” contact Anani Negrete Garcia at anegretegarcia@bcps.org.
The third workshop, “Nurturing Parenting Classes,” is part of a six-week program that runs Mondays and Wednesdays beginning on Monday, July 28. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day, parents will learn strategies and techniques for strengthening their relationships with their children. Children up to age four may accompany their parents to the workshop, but parents first must submit a copy of their children’s vaccination records.
To register for the “Nurturing Parenting Classes” workshop, hosted at the Young Parent Support Center, 201 Back River Neck Road in Essex, 21221, contact Nancy Wagner at nancy.wagner@maryland.gov or 410-686-5479.
Created in April 2013, Parent University is an engaging and innovative BCPS program designed to educate and empower families. Accessible from www.bcps.org/ParentU, Parent University provides print and video resources promoting academic progress, health and wellness and personal growth.
For a schedule of other upcoming Parent University workshops, visit http://www.bcps.org/parentu/schedule/.
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to Hold Leadership Retreat
TOWSON, MD. - The Board of Education of Baltimore County will hold a leadership retreat on Saturday, July 26, 2014, beginning at about 8:30 a.m. at the Baltimore County Public Schools Administration Building, located at 6901 Charles Street, Towson, MD, 21204.
The Board will meet in open session beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a closed session at approximately 10 a.m. The public is welcome to attend the open session.
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BCPS News Tips: July 19 – 26, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, July 21
Summer school classes continue
What: BCPS summer school classes operate through Friday, August 1. Elementary and middle school summer centers for this year are at Ridgely (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), Windsor Mill (northwest), General John Stricker (southeast) and Catonsville (southwest) middle schools. High school summer centers for this year are at Dulaney (central area), Perry Hall (northeast), New Town (northwest), Dundalk (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 7 – Friday, August 1
Where: Designated summer school sitesContact: Leeann Schubert or Robert Pettebone, 410.887.2270Campfield Early Learning Center Kindergarten Summer Science Camp resumes
What: Campfield Early Learning Center’s four-week Kindergarten Summer Science Camp begins its third week. Sponsored by Baltimore County Public Library, the Maryland Zoo, Port Discovery and the University of Maryland Extension Office, the camp offers rising kindergarten students an opportunity to strengthen their school-readiness skills by studying ecology.
When: 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, July 14 – Friday, August 1
Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter St., Gwynn Oak
21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program continues
What: The Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program, which assists children ages birth through 36 months with developmental disabilities or special health needs, continues its summer programming. The BCPS Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with Dr. Kay Holman of Towson University to guide children and their parents through the transition from Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with take-home learning activities and in-house parenting sessions. When: 10 – 11:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Friday, August 8
Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter St., Gwynn Oak
21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266Second Visitors’ Day offers look at school system’s 2014 Curriculum Writing Workshops
What: Guests and leaders in education from across Baltimore County have the opportunity to visit and observe the school system’s 2014 Curriculum Writing Workshops, where educators are crafting lesson plans for the upcoming school year. The first open house was held on Tuesday, July 15.
When: 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday, July 21
Where: Chesapeake High School, 1801 Turkey Point Rd., Essex 21221Contact: Richard Weisenhoff, 410.887.4671Tuesday, July 22
Parent University offers workshop centered on building children’s self-esteem
What: The BCPS Parent University will offer a workshop focused on the benefits of building children’s self-esteem. Titled “Choosing to Control (My Destiny),” the workshop will cover homework help, learning activities and study strategies designed to transform youth into confident and responsible learners. Parent University (www.bcps.org/ParentU) is an engaging and innovative BCPS program designed to educate and empower families.
When: 9:15 – 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, July 22
Where: Sandy Plains Elementary School, 8330 Kavanagh Rd., Dundalk 21222Contact: Anani Negrete Garcia, anegretegarcia@bcps.orgThursday, July 24
Honing basic number concepts is the focus of Parent University workshop
What: The BCPS Parent University will offer a workshop focused on helping children to sharpen their basic number skills and concepts. Titled “Countdown to Number Logic,” the workshop will explore strategies for using mathematics to develop a child’s problem-solving and critical thinking and reasoning skills. Parent University (www.bcps.org/ParentU) is an engaging and innovative BCPS program designed to educate and empower families.When: 9:15 – 10:45 a.m., Thursday, July 24
Where: Sandy Plains Elementary School, 8330 Kavanagh Rd., Dundalk 21222Contact: Anani Negrete Garcia, anegretegarcia@bcps.orgOngoing!
School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading
What: Twelve 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 Summer Reading Club.
When: Varying by location – contact each school for library dates and hours
Where: Libraries are open at the following schools: Berkshire, Martin Boulevard, McCormick, Padonia International and Winand elementary schools; Deep Creek Magnet and Lansdowne middle schools; and Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Owings Mills and Western Technical high schoolsContact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4035BCPS hosts Summer Food Service Program at county library branches
What: Longtime partners BCPS and Baltimore County Public Library are joining forces for the school system’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides children ages 18 and under with nutritious meals. The program is part of a national effort to maintain high levels of health and wellness among students from low-income families between successive school years.
When & Where: 12 noon – 1 p.m., Arbutus branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus 21227; 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Lansdowne branch, 500 Third Avenue, Lansdowne 21227; 12 noon – 12: 30 p.m., Randallstown branch, 8604 Liberty Road, Randallstown 21133; and 1 – 1: 30 p.m., White Marsh branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Nottingham 21236
Contact: Karen Levenstein, 410.887.7855Parents encouraged to register children now
What: Parents and guardians who must register children for the 2014-15 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 website to view policy and rule 5150.When: Business hours, Monday through FridayWhere: All BCPS schoolsContact: Office of Pupil Personnel Services, 410.887.0404
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Four BCPS students earn honors in business competition: Students rank among top five percent of 10,000 participants nationwide
TOWSON, MD. – A group of 34 Baltimore County Public Schools students returned home earlier this month after the four-day National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Among the students were four competitors whose business knowledge and skills earned them “Top 10” distinction in their respective Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitions.
The four winners, who ranked among the top five percent of nearly 10,000 FBLA student members participating nationwide, were Cristin Arrup of Loch Raven High School; Matthew Miklosovich of Eastern Technical High School; and Michelle Njau and CeCe Ukejianya of Dulaney High School.
Arrup placed second – the highest position for any Maryland participant – in the Microsoft Office Specialist Word competition. Close behind, Miklosovich finished third in the Health Care Administration competition, while Njau and Ukejianya came in ninth in the Marketing Team competition.
“The ‘Top 10’ is a coveted position at the conference,” said Patrick Holt, Dulaney High business education and family/consumer science department chair who accompanied the students in Nashville.
Forming the largest BCPS group to travel to the annual summer conference, the 34 students represented Catonsville, Chesapeake, Dulaney, Eastern Technical, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Hereford, Loch Raven and Overlea high schools.
“The students earned the right to compete at the national level by qualifying at regional and state levels,” said Holt.
Regional, state and national FBLA competitions consist of online and performance exercises. A panel of judges scores individual, team and chapter events and selects winners according to standardized rating sheets.
FBLA competitions are sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL). FBLA-PBL is a non-profit education association that promotes business career-readiness for more than 215,000 high school students and 11,000 college students nationwide.
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Not just for kids: Back to School Involves You, Too!: Baltimore County Public Schools invites community to gear up for new school year
TOWSON, MD. – You can’t miss the signs of a new school year approaching – store shelves filled with school supplies, supermarket displays stocked with lunchtime snacks and endless advertisements splashed with children’s fall fashions. This year, Baltimore County Public Schools wants to spread the word that – whether you have children in school or not – “Back to School Involves You, Too!”
“The wellbeing of neighborhoods in Baltimore County is directly connected to the success of our schools,” says Dr. S. Dallas Dance, BCPS superintendent. “While the majority of county households do not have students in our schools, our schools benefit the entire community by developing future workers, citizens and innovators, raising property values and maintaining recreational spaces. We consider all county residents, businesses and institutions to be important members of Team BCPS and invite their engagement in improving education.”
Launching on Friday, August 1, the Back to School Involves You, Too!, campaign will continue through October. It will include BCPS Parent University workshops, special programming on BCPS-TV, contests and more.
Beginning Friday, ways for the community to get involved will be highlighted at www.bcps.org/teamBCPS/, where visitors can view “Back to School Involves You, Too!” public service announcements, download the BCPS Now mobile app, subscribe to the e-newsletter, become a business partner or volunteer and more.
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10 BCPS schools to be honored for their character education programs
TOWSON, MD. – Ten Baltimore County schools will be honored by the Maryland Center for Character Education at Stevenson University (MCCE@SU) for their outstanding character education programs.
The 10 schools – Bear Creek, Mars Estates, Logan, Norwood STEM, Randallstown and Winand elementary schools; Loch Raven Technical Academy and Pine Grove middle schools; and Dundalk and Pikesville high schools – will be recognized as 2013-2014 Schools of the Year at the MCCE@SU’s annual awards luncheon and program on Thursday, October 9.
The selected character education programs include the Logan “SOAR” program, the Norwood “‘R’ is for ‘Responsibility Centered Practices’” program, the Loch Raven Technical “Mentoring New Leaders” program and the Pine Grove “TRACS” program. Other initiatives include observations of the trait and virtue of the month at Randallstown and Pikesville, respectively.
The 10 BCPS schools will be among 55 Maryland schools to receive recognition during the ceremony, which will be held in the Rockland Center on Stevenson University’s Owings Mills campus.
The awards program, coordinated by MCCE@SU in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Character Education Partnership, recognizes schools or districts with outstanding character education programs that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance. Eligible programs must meet at least three of the Character Education Partnership’s 11 principles of Effective Character Education. The principles range from promoting core ethical values as the basis of good character to creating a caring school community and fostering students’ self-motivation.
For more information about the awards luncheon and program, contact Linda Muska, Executive Coordinator for MCCE@SU, at MCCEcharacter@aol.com or visit www.mdctrcharacter.org.
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Three Chesapeake High students win congressman’s app challenge: Carver Center student in second place
TOWSON, MD. – Three Chesapeake High School students – Austen Edelenbos, Christopher Delen and Ruth Ndekhedehe – were honored by Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger as the winners of his first-ever annual high school “App Challenge.”
The competition, which was open to all high school students residing in Maryland’s Second Congressional District, required students to create an original software application for mobile, tablet or other computer devices on a platform of their choice.
Edelenbos, Delen and Ndekhedehe created an app that serves as a personal guide for a walking tour of popular sites around the National Mall in Washington, DC. The software uses cell phones' GPS systems to deploy text and audio information about nearby attractions. The team visited Washington to test the app in person and gather more accurate GPS coordinates. The students have made their app publicly available for free on Google Play. A short video about the app can be seen here.
The members of the winning team are participants in their school’s Bayhawk APPlied Club, led by teacher Justin Patterson. Much of the student work occurred in interactive media production classes, which are part of a BCPS Career and Technology Education completer program.
The second place winner, Peter Collin of George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, created an app for students to track their service learning hours. A short video about his app can be seen here.
The contest was part of a national effort established by the U.S. House of Representatives to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) innovation. Experts estimate that the United States will not produce enough professionals to fill 8.5 million STEM jobs over the next decade.
“I want to congratulate these Second District students for winning my first-ever app challenge,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “Their creativity and technical expertise is remarkable and I see bright futures ahead for each of them. If they are any example, our community will be generating impressive talent that will help our country innovate and create jobs.”
The winning apps will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives’ website and displayed in a U.S. Capitol exhibit.
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BCPS News Tips: August 2 – 9, 2014: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, August 4
Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program continues
What: The Baltimore County Infants and Toddlers Program, which assists children ages birth through 36 months with developmental disabilities or special health needs, continues its summer programming. The BCPS Office of Early Childhood is collaborating with Dr. Kay Holman of Towson University to guide children and their parents through the transition from Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) to Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with take-home learning activities and in-house parenting sessions. When: 10 – 11:30 a.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Friday, August 8 Where: Campfield Early Learning Center, 6834 Alter St., Gwynn Oak 21207Contact: Kathleen Mitchell, 410.887.1266
Saturday, August 9
"Kickin' it with Dogwood" celebrates community heading back to school
What: Sponsored by the Falls Road AME Church, "Kickin' it with Dogwood" is a community-wide back-to-school festival for the Dogwood Elementary School neighborhood. Donations of school supplies will benefit Dogwood students and are strongly encouraged as "admission" to the festival, though children age 12 and under are admitted free. The festival will feature live entertainment, a moon bounce, games, catering by Jimmy's Famous Seafood Truck and more. When: 12 – 4 p.m., Saturday, August 9 Where: Dogwood Elementary School, 7215 Dogwood Rd., Windsor Mill 21244Contact: Mallori Stones, mallori.stones@fallsroadamechurch.org or 410.922-3190
Ongoing!
School libraries hold off-season hours to encourage reading
What: Twelve 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 Summer Reading Club. When: Varying by location – contact each school for library dates and hours Where: Libraries are open at the following schools: Berkshire, Martin Boulevard, McCormick, Padonia International and Winand elementary schools; Deep Creek Magnet and Lansdowne middle schools; and Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Owings Mills and Western Technical high schoolsContact: Fran Glick, 410.887.4035
BCPS hosts Summer Food Service Program at county library branches
What: Longtime partners BCPS and Baltimore County Public Library are joining forces for the school system's Summer Food Service Program, which provides children ages 18 and under with nutritious meals. The program is part of a national effort to maintain high levels of health and wellness among students from low-income families between successive school years. When & Where: 12 noon – 1 p.m., Arbutus branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus 21227; 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon, Lansdowne branch, 500 Third Avenue, Lansdowne 21227; 12 noon – 12: 30 p.m., Randallstown branch, 8604 Liberty Road, Randallstown 21133; and 1 – 1: 30 p.m., White Marsh branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Nottingham 21236 Contact: Karen Levenstein, 410.887.7855
Parents encouraged to register children now
What: Parents and guardians who must register children for the 2014-15 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 website to view policy and rule 5150.When: Business hours, Monday through FridayWhere: All BCPS schoolsContact: Office of Pupil Personnel Services, 410.887.0404
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Statement from Superintendent Dance regarding plans for central area schools
TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Schools Superintendent S. Dallas Dance has issued the following statement regarding plans to address school capacity and facilities enhancements in the central area of Baltimore County:
“I value the suggestions received today from the county executive regarding BCPS physical facilities plans for selected central area schools. The county executive and I have an ongoing dialogue concerning a wide range of school matters. His latest suggestions, along with student needs, input from the Halstead, Dumbarton and Loch Raven school communities and staff expertise, will all factor into the continued evolution of plans to address school capacity and modernization. Throughout the remainder of the summer and into the fall, I will work closely with the community as we gain input into our capital options for the central area. I encourage community members to contact me at ddance@bcps.org to offer any suggestions for the central area as we move forward. Any plans for changes to these central area schools will be included in the FY 2017 budget.”
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