What: Hawthorne Elementary School administrators and more than 100 Hawthorne students involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities will gather for an assembly to celebrate a $10,000 STEM grant received from Verizon. Hawthorne Elementary plans to use the Verizon grant to create a “maker space” for students, offering them more opportunities for choice and exploration in STEM activities.
When: Thursday, Jan. 14, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.Where: Hawthorne Elementary School
125 Kingston Rd., 21220
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Hawthorne Elementary to celebrate a $10,000 STEM grant from Verizon
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BCPS News Tips: Jan. 16 - 23, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, Jan. 16
Magnet auditions held at Patapsco High School
What: Students who applied to Patapsco's visual, performing, and literary arts magnet programs for the 2016 – 2017 school year should schedule an appointment online or with the Office of Magnet Programs to audition Saturday, Jan. 16 or Saturday, Jan. 23. Applicants must have submitted an application to the Magnet Office by the deadline (Nov. 30, 2015) to audition.
When: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 16
Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Craig Reed, 410.887.7060, or Liberty Grayek, 410.282.6380Sunday, Jan. 17
Student artwork on display at Reginald F. Lewis Museum
What: Artwork by 11 BCPS students will be featured as part of the 8th Annual Reginald F. Lewis Museum Juried High School Art Show. Selected works will be exhibited at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore from Jan. 16 to Mar. 6. The art exhibition also will be shown at the headquarters of the Maryland State Department of Education in March and April. Students whose artwork is featured are Dayna Jones of Woodlawn High, Jarrin Jacobs of Dulaney High, Jordan Opher of Franklin High, Nathaniel Cambridge of Western Tech, Sumaiya Mahmoodi of Western Tech, Camille McCain of Patapsco High, Imani Jackson of Lansdowne High, Madelyn Pertresses of Western Tech, Ryan Neukam of Western Tech, Tori Peterson of Patapsco High, and Keisha Dukes of the George Washington Carver Center. When: Opening reception: Sunday, Jan. 17Where: Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E Pratt St., 21202 Contact: Linda Popp, 443.809.4030Tuesday, Jan. 19
Indoor Track – Baltimore County Varsity Championship meet
What: Please note that current photo identification is needed to enter the armory.When: 3:45 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 19Where: Fifth Regiment Armory, 219 29th Division St., 21201Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Wednesday, Jan. 20
Sussex Elementary parents invited to “Explore the World of a Digital Learner!”
What: Sussex Elementary School invites parents to “Explore the World of a Digital Learner!” Parents and students will delve into the digital resources students use daily in the classroom and learn how to access them at home. Activities include using devices to complete a guided reading activity, a math game, a math “practice buddy” (lesson) and/or a scavenger hunt. When: 6 – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20
Where: Sussex Elementary School, 515 S. Woodward Dr., 21221
Contacts: Thomas Bowser, Meghan Kovacs, or Sharon Greason, 410.887.0182Northeast Area to host meeting about Advanced Academics
What: A meeting of the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council will focus on Advanced Academics (formerly known as Gifted and Talented Education). Registration is not required.When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 Southwest Area to discuss language barriers
What: A meeting of the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council will focus on language barriers and changes to the English for Speakers of Other Languages program. Registration is not requiredWhen: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20Where: Halethorpe Elementary School, 4300 Maple Ave., 21227 Thursday, Jan. 21
Indoor Track – Baltimore County Freshman/Sophomore meet
What: Please note that current photo identification is needed to enter the armory.When: 3:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21Where: Fifth Regiment Armory, 219 29th Division St., 21201Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Book club to meet at Seventh District Elementary
What: At Seventh District Elementary School’s Winter Book Club meeting, primary students and their parents will discuss Kate Messner’s book “Marty McGuire.” Marty is a girl in Grade 3 who would rather spend recess catching frogs than playing dress-up like the other girls.When her teacher casts her as the princess in the class play, things get interesting. When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 21
Where: Seventh District Elementary School, school library, 20300 York Rd., 21120Contact: Patricia Nestor or Glenda Carman, 410.887.1902Saturday, Jan. 23
Parent University Event: Say Yes to Success!
What: Are you struggling with getting your child to go to school or to complete work while in school? Learn how to partner with administrators and school staff to ensure your child meets with success. This event is sponsored by Perry Hall High School administrators and the BCPS Parent University. When: 9 – 11 a.m. or 1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23
(Snow Date: Jan. 30)
Where: Perry Hall High School, school library, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236 Contact: Kathleen Watkins, kwatkins@bcps.org, 410.887.5108Ongoing!
Team BCPS featured in Mother and Child art exhibit
What: Sixteen Team BCPS members including teachers, administrators, and alumni are showcasing their artwork in a “Mother and Child" exhibit. The exhibit features paintings, photography, and other art forms by female artists and their adult children.When: Exhibition hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. until Jan. 22Where: Towson Arts Collective, 40 W. Chesapeake Ave., 21204Contact: Linda Popp, 443.809.4030
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Two Baltimore County Public Schools Closing Early
TOWSON, MD -- Due to a lack of water in the buildings, Catonsville High School, located at 421 Bloomsbury Avenue, and Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies, located at 901 South Rolling Road, will close at 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, January 20, 2016. All after-school and evening activities are also cancelled.
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Team BCPS Day 2016 – bigger and bluer than ever
TOWSON – Just when we think it can’t get any bigger – or bluer, it does! Team BCPS Day 2016, Baltimore County Public Schools’ annual celebration of pride, unity, impact, and all-around awesomeness yielded more than 3,000 tweets, reaching 2.3 million unique viewers, and #BCPSBlue trending in the middle of the day.
Team BCPS stakeholders were asked to photograph themselves wearing blue and to send or post on social media those photos as well as photos showcasing BCPS history. But they did so much more. Pinewood Elementary School incorporated a “blue” theme into its curriculum for the day with students listening to bluegrass, writing blues songs, learning about blue mountains, and more. Many spirited music videos were created. Schools expressed their positive feelings about BCPS using sign language, artwork, and writing. Hair was sprayed blue. Families posed in blue before leaving for work and school. Business partners including Ashley’s Bakery, Boscov’s, Camp Puh’Tok, Cisco, Daly Computers, Discovery Education, Engrade, First Financial Federal Credit Union, Knovation, Lakeshore Learning, Maryland Collision Center, Microsoft, Rouge Catering, and Zest Social Media Solutions – boosted BCPS. Even family pets proudly wore Team BCPS swag.
“Since we held our first Team BCPS Day in January 2014, every year it has grown to be more successful and meaningful,” said Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “It really has become a great event to launch the second half of the school year and to celebrate our connections to the community. We deeply appreciate our stakeholders for their participation and for the pride they demonstrate in being part of Team BCPS."
Even as snapshots and tweets continued well into Friday, judging commenced for the best blue-themed images of the day. Here are this year’s honorees:
Best Office Spirit
- The Department of Information Technology Office of Enterprise Applications Team
- Office of Purchasing
- Greenwood Administration Building
- Adriana Dowell, Grade 3, Kingsville Elementary School
- Brigid Gucwa, Grade 3, Catonsville Elementary School
- The blue buddies at story time, Deer Park Elementary School
- Gus the dog, Lyons Mill
- Woodholme Elementary’s blue paper person
- Sky
- Hotel lit in blue, both submitted by Lloyd Brown, executive director, Department of Technology
- Logan Elementary School Kindergarten students signing
- Charlesmont Elementary School
- Gunpowder Elementary (Ms. Schuchardt’s class)
- Deer Park Elementary School building 21st century bridges
- Discovery Education
- First Financial Federal Credit Union
- Zest Social Media Solutions
- Engrade
- Daly Computers
- Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum
- Baltimore County Executive’s Office
- District 44B delegates
- Baltimore County Councilman Crandell
- Baltimore County Public Library
- Owings Mill Elementary School, Grade 1
- Teacher Da’Nall Wilmer and students at Randallstown Elementary School
- The West Towson BCPS Fairy (otherwise known as Karen Kuebler, dance integration teacher, West Towson Elementary School)
- Martin Boulevard Elementary School circa 1940
- Kenwood Concert Choir from Kenwood High School, circa 1993
- Vicki Rippin, proud alum, Dundalk High, now a resource teacher, Office of Mathematics, BCPS
- Riverview Elementary School Grade 3
- Randallstown Elementary School cheerleaders
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Baltimore County schools closed tomorrow, offices to close four hours early
TOWSON – Due to approaching weather conditions, Baltimore County’s public schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. In addition, all offices will close four hours early and all afterschool activities are cancelled for Friday. Baltimore County Public Schools’ activities scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, also have been cancelled.
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to meet on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
TOWSON – The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204.
The Building and Contracts Committee will meet at 5 p.m. The Board will convene in open session at approximately 5:15 p.m. The Board will then meet in closed session as permitted by law. Following closed session, the Board will have a brief dinner recess. The open session will reconvene at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend all open sessions.
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 BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org).
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BCPS News Tips: Jan. 23 - 30, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools Due to anticipated weather conditions, please check www.bcps.org or the local news for updates on possible closings or delays.
Monday, Jan. 25
Parent Information Night to be held at Victory Villa
What: Victory Villa Elementary School will host a Parent Information Night during which parents can learn more about foundational reading skills and how they are assessed in school as well as how to build those skills at home. Additionally, parents will learn more about some of the fun educational activities their children have been engaged in at school while using their devices. Wixie, Padlet, Dreambox, Wonders Phonics games and the new math program, Envision for Grades 3, 4, and 5, will be explored. Free homework passes and ice cream sundaes will be available for all who attend. When: 6:30 - 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25Where: Victory Villa Elementary School, 500 Compass Rd., 21220Contact: Margaret Roberts, 410.887.0184, or Gina Simmons, gsimmons@bcps.orgVarsity Cheerleading Baltimore County Championships 1A/2A
When: 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25Where: George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Rd., 21204Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Tuesday, Jan. 26
Math workshop offered for Hebbville Elementary parents
What: Parents of Hebbville Elementary School students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 are invited to a special workshop about math instruction and how to support math lessons with activities at home. When: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26Where: Hebbville Elementary School, 3335 Washington Ave., 21244Contact: Sandra Wilkins or Annie Gordon, 410.887.0708Parents of Dundalk Elementary Grade 3 students invited to Math Night
What: Parents of Dundalk Elementary School students in Grade 3 are invited to learn more about the math their children are learning during third quarter.When: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26
Where: Dundalk Elementary School, 2717 Playfield St., 21222Contact: Michael Parker, 410.887.7015 Family Paint Night scheduled at Halethorpe Elementary
What: Halethorpe Elementary’s art teacher, Sara Murphy, will lead a group with step-by-step directions to create a winter landscape, which includes a snowman, a tree, and a cardinal, using acrylic paint. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and prices vary from $10 to $20 depending on the size of the canvas.When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26
Where: Halethorpe Elementary School, 4300 Maple Ave., 21227Contact: Jill Carter or Sara Murphy, 410.887.1406 Wednesday, Jan. 27
On the breakfast menu at Fort Garrison? Doughnuts with Dads
What: At Fort Garrison Elementary School’s Doughnuts with Dad event, students and their dads will read together – and eat doughnuts – before school.
When: 8:30 – 9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27
Where: Fort Garrison Elementary School, cafeteria, 3310 Woodvalley Dr., 21208Contact: Karen Harris, 410.887.1203Visit the Parentmobile at Deer Park Elementary
What: The BCPS Parentmobile, an award-winning mobile resource center, brings information about at-home learning, the BCPS website, community services, and available supports for families of students with special needs or limited English proficiency. Parents and guardians are invited to visit. No registration is required. When: 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27Where: Deer Park Elementary School, 9809 Lyons Mill Rd., 21117 Contact: Renee Jenkins, 410.887.0723Visit the Parentmobile at McCormick Elementary
What: The BCPS Parentmobile, an award-winning mobile resource center, brings information about at-home learning, the BCPS website, community services, and available supports for families of students with special needs or limited English proficiency. Parents and guardians are invited to visit. No registration is required. When: 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27
Where: McCormick Elementary School, 5101 Hazelwood Ave., 21206Contact: Pamela Crosell, 410.887.0500Thursday, Jan. 28
What’s a Parent University? Learn more at PTA Council General Meeting
What: The PTA Council General Meeting will feature a special “Introduction to Parent University” presentation. Come to learn more about the online, on-air, and in-person resources offered by Parent University to help parents support their children’s academic success and promote family well-being.When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28Where: Baltimore County Public Schools headquarters, Greenwood Campus, Building E, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204Contact: Sue Hahn, 443.809.0365Varsity Cheerleading Baltimore County Championships 3A/4A
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Friday, Jan. 29
Student dance concert to be held at Patapsco High
What: Come see the hard work Patapsco High School’s senior dancers have put forth to create their own senior pieces. This highly diverse show ranges from contemporary to classical dancing. Admission is $3 for students and seniors and $5 for adults with tickets sold at the door. When: 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 29Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Craig Reed, 410.887.7060 Upcoming! - Monday, Feb. 1
Annual Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey to begin
What: The annual Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey is an opportunity for students (in Grades 4 – 12), parents, teachers, BCPS staff, and community members to let us know what they think about individual schools and about Baltimore County Public Schools. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, is anonymous, and will be available in English plus 14 additional languages for parents and community members. The survey has also been customized so that there are different (but related) questions for students in Grades 4-12, parents, community members, and staff. If you are both a BCPS parent and a BCPS staff member or if you are a BCPS parent with children in more than one school, you are encouraged to take the survey more than once to reflect these different experiences. Taking the survey is a quick way to demonstrate your support for BCPS and to help us meet our goal of preparing and graduating globally competitive students!
When: Monday, Feb. 1, through Monday, Feb. 29 Where: The survey will be available at the BCPS website (www.bcps.org) and can be taken using a phone, tablet, or computer. Parents also can go to their child’s school to use a computer to take the survey. Thursday, Feb. 4
Time for the annual BCPS Student Choreography Showcase
What: Students in fine arts dance programs from across Baltimore County Public Schools will present their choreography at the Student Choreography Showcase. This concert is the finale of a daylong event in which students take master classes from professional dancers in improvisation and composition, as well as special workshops on other aspects of dance performance. Works for the evening concert are selected through an adjudication process, providing students with a feedback opportunity prior to the performance. The evening concert is open to the public. A $5 donation for admission is encouraged.When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Sonia Synkowski, 443.809.4024
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It’s almost here! BCPS online stakeholder survey to begin on Monday
TOWSON, MD. – Starting Monday, Feb. 1 and continuing throughout the month of February -- the annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey will be available online at www.bcps.org.
How are Baltimore County’s public schools preparing students for college or careers? Are BCPS schools safe and secure? Do you get the kind of information you want from your child’s school?
Those and other questions await survey-takers, who include BCPS students in Grades 4-12, parents, teachers, staff, business and community members, and any other members of Team BCPS.
“Taking this survey is a great way to contribute to improving our schools and school system,” says BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “The views of each of our stakeholders are important to us, and we will use the survey to help determine how best to improve instruction, communications, and other important services.”
As in last year’s survey, the 2016 version is confidential and takes about five minutes to address a number of topics including academic rigor, school culture, safety and technology. Participants may complete the survey using their smart phones, tablets, or computers. The survey has also been customized so there are different (but related) questions for school-based staff, parents, students in Grades 4-12, community members and central office staff.
With almost 75,000 respondents last year – an 87.5 percent increase over 2014 – the school system hopes this year to attract even more survey takers – especially more students, parents, and community members. Individuals who fit into more than one category – for example, a staff person who is also the parent of a BCPS student – can take the survey more than once in order to answer questions based on each of the categories. In addition, parents who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents can choose to take the survey at their children’s schools rather than at home or at a public library.
In addition to English, this year’s survey is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Urdu, Arabic, Nepali, Yoruba, Russian, French, Tagalog, Uzbek, Amharic, Korean and Gujarati. When a participant starts the survey, the website checks the language in the browser setting and displays the survey in that language if the translation is available. In addition, those who take the survey identifying themselves as parents/guardians and community members can choose their preferred language at the top right of every survey page.
Team BCPS can’t wait to hear from all of its members. Please take the time to tell us what you think!
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Weekend activities cancelled for Baltimore County Public Schools
TOWSON, MD. – Due to the continuing efforts to ensure the safe return of students and staff to schools, all weekend activities for Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016, and Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, have been cancelled.
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BCPS News Tips: Jan. 30 – Feb. 6, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, Feb. 1
Annual Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey to begin
What: The annual Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey is an opportunity for students (in Grades 4 – 12), parents, teachers, BCPS staff, and community members to let us know what they think about individual schools and about Baltimore County Public Schools. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, is anonymous, and will be available in English plus 14 additional languages for parents and community members. The survey has also been customized so that there are different (but related) questions for students in Grades 4-12, parents, community members, and staff. If you are both a BCPS parent and a BCPS staff member or if you are a BCPS parent with children in more than one school, you are encouraged to take the survey more than once to reflect these different experiences. Taking the survey is a quick way to demonstrate your support for BCPS and to help us meet our goal of preparing and graduating globally competitive students!
When: Monday, Feb. 1, through Monday, Feb. 29 Where: The survey will be available via the BCPS website (www.bcps.org) and can be taken using a phone, tablet, or computer. Parents also can go to their child’s school to use a computer to take the survey.
Tuesday, Feb. 2
Edgemere Elementary PTA to host FIT Family Night
What: Edgemere Elementary School’s PTA is sponsoring a family wellness event featuring a kid-friendly boot camp and opportunities to practice karate, Zumba, and yoga. Information available at the event will include wellness tables and a parent workshop on nutrition. The event will end with a dance party finale. Students who attend must be accompanied by parents/guardians, and everyone should come dressed to exercise. Families can register for the event at www.fit2order.com. Once on the site, hover over Wellness Programs, and from the dropdown menu, select registration and then FIT Family Edgemere. On the registration form, use “add additional registrants” to include all family members attending.
When: 6 – 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 2
Where: Edgemere Elementary School, 7201 North Point Rd., 21219Contact: Susan Smith, 410.887.7507Wednesday, Feb. 3
Social justice research activities taking place at Patapsco High School
What: A social justice research project at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts will culminate with a Living Museum Exhibit around the refugee crisis, a series on music as an entry point to conversations on racial social justice, a racial justice art installation and privilege walk, and a gender and sexual identity installation (similar to Humans of New York style profiles). When: 10:35 - 11:35 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Craig Reed or Sean McComb, 410.887.7060On the breakfast menu at Fort Garrison? Doughnuts with Dads
What: At Fort Garrison Elementary School’s Doughnuts with Dad event, students and their dads will read together – and eat doughnuts – before school.
When: 8:30 – 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3
Where: Fort Garrison Elementary School, cafeteria, 3310 Woodvalley Dr., 21208Contact: Karen Harris, 410.887.1203Gifted and Talented meeting to be held
What: The Gifted and Talented Citizens Advisory Committee meets on topics of interest for advocates of gifted and talented education. Meetings are open to the public.When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3Where: BCPS Headquarters, Greenwood Campus, Building E, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204Contact: Office of Advanced Academics, 443.809.4330Thursday, Feb. 4
Varsity Cheerleading Baltimore County Championships
When: 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, for 1A/2A
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, for 3A/4AWhere: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Time for the annual BCPS Student Choreography Showcase
What: Students in fine arts dance programs from across Baltimore County Public Schools will present their choreography at the Student Choreography Showcase. This concert is the finale of a daylong event in which students take master classes from professional dancers in improvisation and composition, as well as special workshops on other aspects of dance performance. Works for the evening concert are selected through an adjudication process, providing students with a feedback opportunity prior to the performance. The evening concert is open to the public. A $5 donation for admission is encouraged.When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Sonia Synkowski, 443.809.4024Friday, Feb. 5
Student dance concert to be held at Patapsco High
What: Come see the hard work Patapsco High School’s senior dancers have put forth to create their own senior pieces. This highly diverse show ranges from contemporary to classical dancing. Admission is $3 for students and seniors and $5 for adults with tickets sold at the door.
When: 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Craig Reed, 410.887.7060
Upcoming!
Monday, Feb. 8
Parent Information Night to be held at Victory Villa
What: Victory Villa Elementary School will host a Parent Information Night during which parents can learn more about foundational reading skills and how they are assessed in school as well as how to build those skills at home. Additionally, parents will learn more about some of the fun educational activities their children have been engaged in at school while using their devices. Wixie, Padlet, Dreambox, Wonders Phonics games and the new math program, Envision for Grades 3, 4, and 5, will be explored. Free homework passes and ice cream sundaes will be available for all who attend. When: 6:30 - 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8Where: Victory Villa Elementary School, 500 Compass Rd., 21220Contact: Margaret Roberts, 410.887.0184, or Gina Simmons, gsimmons@bcps.orgWhat’s Parent University? Learn more at Boscov’s White Marsh
What: Boscov’s in White Marsh Mall will host a special “Introduction to Parent University” presentation. Come to learn more about the online, on-air, and in-person resources offered by Parent University to help parents support their children’s academic success and promote family well-being. Please call 410.931.7100 to register.
When: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8Where: Boscov’s community room, White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., 21236
Contact: Sue Hahn, 443.809.0365
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It’s here! BCPS online stakeholder satisfaction survey begins today
TOWSON, MD. – Starting today, Monday, Feb. 1, and continuing through Monday, Feb. 29, the annual Baltimore County Public Schools’ Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey is available online at https://bcps.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_eQm7Z37Wguu2eRT.
How are Baltimore County’s public schools preparing students for college or careers? Are BCPS schools safe and secure? Do you get the kind of information you want from your child’s school?
Those and other questions await survey-takers, who include BCPS students in Grades 4-12, parents, teachers, staff, business and community members, and any other members of Team BCPS.
“Taking this survey is a great way to contribute to improving our schools and school system,” says BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance. “The views of each of our stakeholders are important to us, and we will use the survey to help determine how best to improve instruction, communications, and other important services.”
As in last year’s survey, the 2016 version is confidential and takes about five minutes to address a number of topics including academic rigor, school culture, safety and technology. Participants may complete the survey using their smart phones, tablets, or computers. The survey has been customized so there are different (but related) questions for school-based staff, parents, students in Grades 4-12, community members and central office staff.
With almost 75,000 respondents last year – an 87.5 percent increase over 2014 – the school system hopes this year to attract even more survey takers – especially more students, parents, and community members. Individuals who fit into more than one category – for example, a staff person who is also the parent of a BCPS student – can take the survey more than once in order to answer questions based on each of the categories. In addition, parents who have students in more than one school are encouraged to take the survey specific to each school their children attend. Parents can choose to take the survey at their children’s schools rather than at home or at a public library.
In addition to English, this year’s survey is also available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Urdu, Arabic, Nepali, Yoruba, Russian, French, Tagalog, Uzbek, Amharic, Korean and Gujarati. When a participant starts the survey, the website checks the language in the browser setting and displays the survey in that language if the translation is available. In addition, those who take the survey identifying themselves as parents/guardians and community members can choose their preferred language at the top right of every survey page.
Team BCPS can’t wait to hear from all of its members. Please take the time to tell us what you think!
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BCPS News Tips: Feb. 6 - 13, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, Feb. 6
Junior Varsity Wrestling – Baltimore County Tournament
When: 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 6Where: Hereford High School, 17301 York Rd., 21120Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Winter Cheerleading – North Region Championship Competition
When: 3A/4A – 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 6 1A/2A – 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6 Where: Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Rd, 21015Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328
High School All Honors Jazz Concert – free and open to the public
What: Baltimore County Public Schools invites the public to attend its 2016 High School All-Honors Jazz Concert, featuring performances by 40 students accepted into this year’s Honors Jazz Band and Honors Jazz Chorus. The vocal jazz conductor will be Martin Lassman of Cab Calloway School for the Arts in Delaware. The instrumental jazz conductor will be Roxanne Stevenson of Chicago State University. Admission to the concert is free.When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6Where: Walters Art Museum
(Graham Auditorium), 600 N. Charles St., 21201Contact: Office of Music, 443.809.4024
Monday, Feb. 8
Parent Information Night to be held at Victory Villa
What: Victory Villa Elementary School will host a Parent Information Night during which parents can learn more about foundational reading skills and how they are assessed in school as well as how to build those skills at home. Additionally, parents will learn more about some of the fun educational activities their children have been engaged in at school while using their devices. Wixie, Padlet, Dreambox, Wonders Phonics games and the new math program, Envision for Grades 3, 4, and 5, will be explored. Free homework passes and ice cream sundaes will be available for all who attend. When: 6:30 - 8 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8Where: Victory Villa Elementary School, 500 Compass Rd., 21220Contact: Margaret Roberts, 410.887.0184, or Gina Simmons, gsimmons@bcps.org
What’s Parent University? Learn more at Boscov’s White Marsh
What: Boscov’s in White Marsh Mall will host a special “Introduction to Parent University” presentation. Come to learn more about the online, on-air, and in-person resources offered by Parent University to help parents support their children’s academic success and promote family well-being. Please call 410.931.7100 to register.When: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8Where: Boscov’s community room, White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd., 21236Contact: Sue Hahn, 443.809.0365
Special education committee to discuss early college access, career and technology education
What: The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee will devote this meeting to discussing early college access opportunities and career and technology education programs for BCPS students. The meeting is open to the public. Registration is not required. When: 7 – 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8
Where: BCPS headquarters, Greenwood Campus, Bldg. E, Room 114, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204 Tuesday, Feb. 9
JV Cheerleading – Baltimore County Winter Competition
When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9Where: Dundalk High School, 1901 Delvale Ave., 21222Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Can Twitter help your child learn?
What: Norwood Elementary School will present a parent workshop on how social media, specifically Twitter, can help parents stay connected to their children’s school communities and provide a source for learning. When: 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9Where: Norwood Elementary School, 1700 Delvale Ave., 21222 Contact: 410.887.7055Southeast Educational Council to discuss grading system and policy
What: The members of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council will devote this meeting to discussing the BCPS grading system and grading policy. The meeting is open to the public. Registration is not required.When: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 9Where: General John Stricker Middle School, school library, 7855 Trappe Rd., 21222 Wednesday, Feb. 10
Allied Bowling West Conference Championship
When: 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10Where: AMF Woodlawn Lanes, 6410 Security Blvd, 21207Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Learn more about Maryland College Savings Plans
What: Parents and guardians are invited to learn more about how they can start saving for college for their children. Presentation presented by College Savings Plans of Maryland. When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 10Where: Hereford Middle School, 712 Corbett Rd., 21111Contact: 410-887-7902 (to register and for more information) Thursday, Feb. 11
Allied Bowling East Conference Championship
When: 3 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11Where: Brunswick Perry Hall Lanes, Perry Hall Square Shopping Center, 4359 Ebenezer Rd, 21236Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328Winter Cheerleading – State Championship Competition
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 11Where: Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Rd, 21015Contact: Office of Athletics, 443.809.2328
Friday, Feb. 12
Planetary Astronomer to visit Seventh District Elementary
What: Grades 4 and 5 students at Seventh District Elementary will attend a presentation by Dr. Heidi Hammel, a planetary astronomer and world authority on the planets Neptune and Uranus. Dr. Hammel often uses the Hubble Space Telescope in her work, and she has received numerous awards for her achievements, including the Carl Sagan Medal. Currently, Dr. Hammel is helping to develop the James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to be launched in 2018 and to succeed the Hubble. After her presentation, Dr. Hammel will answer questions from students. In addition, a select number of students will be invited to have lunch with her and continue the discussion.When: 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb.12Where: Seventh District Elementary School, 20300 York Rd., 21120 Contacts:
Kelly Lehto or Glenda Carman, 410.887.1902
Padonia International to host sock hop fundraiser
What: Padonia International Elementary School is hosting a Kids Helping Hopkins Sock Hop to raise funds for the Johns Hopkins Children Center. Donations will be accepted at the door. Activities include dancing, hula hoop contests, and crazy sock design drawings. Light refreshments will be served.When: 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12Where: Cockeysville Recreation Center, 10401 Greenside Dr, 21030Contact: Melissa DiDonato or Katie Gilman, 410.887.7646
Family Paint Night scheduled at Halethorpe Elementary
What: Halethorpe Elementary’s art teacher, Sara Murphy, will lead a group with step-by-step directions to create a winter landscape, which includes a snowman, a tree, and a cardinal, using acrylic paint. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and prices vary from $10 to $20 depending on the size of the canvas.When: 6:30 – 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12
Where: Halethorpe Elementary School, 4300 Maple Ave., 21227Contact: Jill Carter or Sara Murphy, 410.887.1406 Saturday, Feb. 13
Can a play be written and produced in 24 hours? See how well Patapsco High students do with that challenge!
What: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts students are participating in the 24-Hour Play Project. Come see the Saturday culmination of 24 hours of hard work! Beginning Friday, several teams, each consisting of one playwright, one tech/production member, two to four actors, and a director, all running on adrenaline and caffeine, will produce a set of original short plays. Come see what the students create! Tickets are $5.00 at the door.When: 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13Where: Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Craig Reed, 410.887.7060
Perry Hall and General John Stricker Middle Schools students create art to benefit the SPCA
What: Students from Perry Hall Middle School and General John Stricker Middle School are participating in a third annual art show and sale to benefit the SPCA. Students have created portraits of foster animals and these portraits will be on display at White Marsh Mall. Some foster animals will be present at the reception and sale on Sunday. All proceeds from “Kindness to Paws” will support homeless pets at the Maryland SPCA.When: Exhibit: Saturday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 14 Reception and sale” 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 14 Where: White Marsh Mall, 8200 Perry Hall Blvd, 21236Contact: Cindy Garcia, 410.887.7038
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Parent University 101: Here’s your chance to learn more about BCPS’ popular parent resource
What: You’ve heard about it from friends. You’ve seen references to it on the BCPS website and BCPS-TV. You’ve wondered what it’s all about, and now is your opportunity to learn everything there is to know about Parent University. Through a new workshop, parents can explore the many advantages to Parent University, a special resource provided by BCPS that offers workshops throughout Baltimore County as well as online educational resources and videos to meet the unique needs of all families as they support their students.
When: Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Where: Boscov’s at White Marsh Mall
8200 Perry Hall Blvd. 21236
How: To register for this special workshop, call 410-931-7100
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Enjoy a free performance by the BCPS High School All-Honors Jazz Band and Chorus: Annual concert to be held Saturday at Walters Art Museum
What: Baltimore County Public Schools invites the public to attend its 2016 High School All-Honors Jazz Concert, featuring performances by the Honors Jazz Band and Honors Jazz Chorus. The vocal jazz conductor will be Martin Lassman of Cab Calloway School for the Arts in Delaware. The instrumental jazz conductor will be Roxanne Stevenson of Chicago State University. Admission to the concert is free.When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, February 6, 2016Where: The Walters Art Museum (Graham Auditorium)
600 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201Background:
The annual BCPS event features elite musicians and vocalists from high schools across Baltimore County who auditioned for acceptance into the jazz ensembles. The performers are:
HONOR JAZZ CHORUS
Soprano Emily Comer - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Francise Martinez - Dundalk High School Cheyenne Mason - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Kayla Wittman - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Anne Zappas - Towson High SchoolAlto Coralie Boly - Lansdowne High School Alexis Horney - Dundalk High School Jessica Johnson - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Lucy Welker - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Ma’Issa Wright-Kerr - Towson High School Tenor Klein Arias - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Kianna Cobb - Patapsco High School & Center for the Arts Peter Demestihas - Towson High School Frederico Jones - Owings Mills High School Raphael Stancil - Lansdowne High SchoolBass Daniel Morthole - Dulaney High School Colton Ridgely - Hereford High School Elijah Tackaberry - Perry Hall High School Ryan Watkins - Sparrows Point High School Louis Witt - Dulaney High SchoolHONOR JAZZ BAND
Saxophone Christopher DeMallie - Towson High School Kenneth Fang - Dulaney High School Micah Herman - Towson High School Vaughn Parts - Towson High School Nathan Schumaker - Hereford High SchoolTrumpet Luke Guonjian-Pettit - Towson High School Zachary Jablow - Towson High School Nathaniel Lechtzin - Towson High School Matthew Vorsteg - Towson High SchoolTrombone Jack Christofersen - Perry Hall High School Hannah Warren - Perry Hall High School Holly Watson - Hereford High SchoolRhythm Section Randall Ainsworth - Towson High School Jakob Coburn - Towson High School Liam Jones - Towson High School Matthew Nikzad - Perry Hall High School Jonathan Lindell - Dulaney High School Graham von Briesen - Towson High School Matthew Ziegelstein - Pikesville High School
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Baltimore County Public Schools celebrates Black History Month
TOWSON, MD. – The contributions African Americans have made to American history and culture are being celebrated in myriad ways throughout the month of February (Black History Month) by the students and staff of Baltimore County Public Schools.
Here are just a few examples:
At Catonsville High School, a different African American is being spotlighted each day on the morning announcements and through posters around the school. A student, Diamond Pryor, initiated this activity and is coordinating it with Tracy Rehmert, department chair of business and technology education. Grade 9 government students at the school are traveling to the Newseum in Washington, D.C., to visit two exhibits that celebrate African American History: The Civil Rights Act 50 years later and Making Some Noise: Students and the Civil Rights Movement. In addition, the social studies department is working with AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students to create morning announcements that highlight African American accomplishments, and intercultural nutrition and foods classes are studying the cultures and foods of Africa.
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, Chase Elementary School honored Black History Month with a schoolwide assembly called “Meet Dr. King.” This assembly was presented by the Bright Stars Touring Theatre and sponsored by the school’s PTA.
Grade 5 students at Church Lane Elementary School researched famous African Americans and showcased traits of these leaders in colorful Taguls (“word clouds”).
Black History Month events at Pikesville High School will include: a debate among historical characters on Wednesday, Feb. 17; a poetry slam and step team performance on Thursday, Feb. 18; the It Takes a Village luncheon on Friday, Feb. 19; and a World Read Aloud Day celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 24. All events will take place in the school’s library media center.
Pinewood Elementary School’s Black History Month activities involve history, art, music, and biographies. Throughout the month, Black Saga club members (under the direction of teacher Crystal Westerberg) will read a different African American trivia question on the morning announcements each day so that all students may have the chance to win prizes from the school store. A student teacher, working with art teacher Sheldon Lebowitz, will lead Kindergarten students in making cut paper African masks. Vocal music teacher Katrina Godfrey and her Grade 5 students will read the book “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” learn the spiritual, and create a bird’s eye view map of the Underground Railroad. Godfrey will work with her Grade 1 students to explore the call and response singing technique featured in many old Negro spirituals. Instrumental music teacher Karen Seward and her Grade 4 students will read the book “We Shall Overcome,” learn the song, and study the work “Parting the Waters,” which uses the vocal inflections of a Martin Luther King speech as melody. In addition, they will create new verses to the song, and design a book to showcase their new verse and a transposed version of the melody for their instruments. Teacher Tara Brickley has created an informative, decorative Black History Month display at the entrance to the 4th grade wing. Finally, throughout the month, Pinewood Grade 5 students will read short biographies of notable African Americans and will write summaries of their lives and contributions.
Randallstown High School has produced a special issue of Rams Horn, their monthly school news magazine, focused on Black History Month. Students in BCPS elementary and middle schools are wrapping up their involvement in Black Saga, a competition that challenges students to learn facts about African American history and culture. Middle school semifinals were held on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Forty-five elementary school teams will participate in semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Thursday, Feb. 11. The county finals will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, beginning at 8 a.m. at Dumbarton Middle School.
To learn more about how BCPS schools are recognizing Black History Month, please visit @BaltCoPS on Twitter and look for #BCPSblackhistory.
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Superintendent Dance featured as a thought leader for creating dynamic digital learning environments: Presentation now available online
TOWSON, MD. – Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance is among 15 superintendents featured in a new online library of thought leadership presentations regarding how to create dynamic digital learning environments.
The library, available at http://www.discoveryeducation.com/California/index.cfm, was produced by Discovery Education and CUE, based on presentations given at a July 2015 leadership symposium the two organizations hosted with California State Parks. The symposium was designed specifically for California educators, and Dr. Dance, invited to participate because of his national renown in the field of learner-centered environments, was the only presenter who was not a California-based superintendent. The presentations included in the library explore a variety of critical topics, including using professional development to support device deployment, communicating with stakeholders, improving attendance and discipline during the digital transition, and more.
Recently awarded a second four-year term as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, Dr. Dance has led the school system to make fundamental shifts in teaching and learning through groundbreaking initiatives such as S.T.A.T. (Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow), designed to create learner-centered environments for all 111,000 students, and Passport Schools, which launch world language instruction at Grade 4.
His contributions to creating learner-centered environments have been honored with two successive Digital Innovation Learning Awards from Digital Promise and Ed Surge. Dr. Dance was appointed to the 12-member board of directors for the International Society for Technology in Education, was named one of eight eSchool News 2014 Tech-Savvy Superintendents, and was named a White House Connected Educator Champion of Change in 2013.
BCPS became a District of Distinction in 2015 for personalizing learning through S.T.A.T. as well as earning the Digital Content and Curriculum Achievement Award from the Center for Digital Education. Also in 2015, Microsoft selected BCPS as its sole “Showcase” school system for innovative digital teaching and learning. BCPS was accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded BCPS a $1.5 million grant to advance equity and digital learning.
Additional areas of focus for the Dance administration have been raising the graduation rate; enhancing special education services and magnet programs; expanding preschool access; increasing equity and rigor; rethinking middle schools; and engaging stakeholders through two-way outreach. Through critical strategies to make high school graduation a districtwide priority, the BCPS graduation rate surged to 87.6 percent for the Class of 2014, up nearly four percentage points since Dr. Dance’s tenure began in 2012, and earning BCPS a 2014 District of Distinction award from District Administration magazine. In recognition of their commitment to communications, Dr. Dance and BCPS Chief Communications Officer Mychael Dickerson received the prestigious 2015 Leadership Through Communication Award from AASA (the School Superintendents Association), the National School Public Relations Association, and Blackboard.
Dr. Dance’s leadership and influence were recognized through his 2014 appointment to President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans. He was selected by colleagues to serve on the executive committee for AASA. Most recently, Dr. Dance was named one of 10 LinkedIn Next Wave education professionals, one of the National School Board Association’s 20 to Watch educators, one of the Baltimore Daily Record’s Most Admired CEOs for 2015, and one of the Baltimore Daily Record’s Most Influential Marylanders for 2016.
For more information about Discovery Education’s other services and resources, visit www.discoveryeducation.com. For more information on CUE’s efforts to inspire innovative learners in the classroom, visit www.cue.org. CUE is a Future Ready coalition partner.
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“Night of Innovation" welcomes community to watch the S.T.A.T. transformation to student-centered learning
What: Rodgers Forge Elementary will host a “Night of Innovation" open house to demonstrate how teaching and learning is being transformed in Baltimore County through the instructional digital conversion known as S.T.A.T. (Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow). The event will allow visitors to experience hands-on, interactive learning stations, a student showcase, the capabilities of BCPS One, as well as an online scavenger hunt to learn the ins and outs of how students are advancing in learner-centered environments.
Visitors will also get the opportunity to take the online BCPS Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, from 6 – 7 p.m.
(If schools are closed on Tuesday, Feb. 9, due to inclement weather, the make-up date for the event will be Tuesday, Feb. 16.)
Where: Rodgers Forge Elementary School
250 Dumbarton Rd., 21212Background: Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.) is a fundamental shift in teaching and learning to create 21st century digital learning environments designed to prepare globally competitive graduates. At the heart of Students and Teachers Accessing Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.) is a learner-centered approach to instruction. Students are active participants in the learning process and make choices about how and where they learn. Using redesigned curriculum in core content areas, S.T.A.T. creates a blended learning environment and places an emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Core S.T.A.T. components include BCPS One, a comprehensive platform providing information and resources to educators, parents and students; a 1:1 initiative to provide every student and teacher with a digital device to enhance personalized learning; and wireless and broadband infrastructure in every school.
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Students, parents, teachers invited to learn more about a special STEM learning opportunity
What: Students, parents, and teachers are invited to an information session to learn more about the new Vivian Burey Marshall STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) 4-year pilot that will offer out-of-school activities and support to 50 selected students in Grades 6-9 as well as professional development opportunities for teachers. Launched by The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Vivian Burey Marshall STEM pilot will provide stipends, supplements, and transportation assistance for student and teacher fellow participants.When: Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m.Where: Baltimore County Public Schools headquarters, Greenwood campus, Administration Building, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204Background: The goal of the initiative is to engage students in STEM education, leading to both STEM literacy and an increase in participation in the STEM workforce.
Student participants will:
- Be assessed to determine their interests and critical thinking abilities.
- Work with mentors who will guide and advise them regarding STEM academic and career choices.
- Participate in out-of-school activities such as:
- Hands-on STEM workshops with local businesses and community members.
- Visits to the U.S. Army Laboratories and Research Centers and local historically black colleges and universities.
- Field trips to the National Science Museum, NASA, etc.
- STEM competitions at the regional, state, and national level.
- Creating a quarterly STEM publication that highlights various STEM careers and updates on STEM competitions across the region.
- Experiment with information technology.
- Participate in summer enrichment initiatives including Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science and the Army Educational Outreach Initiative (UNITE).
- Receive ongoing professional development.
- Participate in STEM activities at the U.S. Army Laboratories and Research Centers and local historically black colleges and universities.
- Participate in a one-week annual summer enrichment initiative.
- Accompany scholars on field trips and STEM competitions.
- Serve as initiative ambassadors and share instructional strategies with fellow BCPS teachers.
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Pikesville Middle School teacher wins national STEM educator award: Christopher McChesney honored by PASCO Scientific
TOWSON, MD. – Christopher McChesney, a science and engineering teacher at Pikesville Middle School, is one of three teachers nationally to be honored with a PASCO NSTA STEM Educator Award.
The annual awards, which are sponsored by PASCO® Scientific in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), honor middle and high school educators who are implementing innovative inquiry-based, technology-infused programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
As an honoree, McChesney, a Lutherville resident, will receive up to $1,000 for travel expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference and be part of a STEM share-a-thon workshop, a $500 monetary gift, and a $5,000 certificate for PASCO products. The conference is being held in Nashville from March 31 – April 3. Winners will be formally recognized during the conference’s awards banquet.
The description of McChesney’s work on the PASCO website lauds him for employing “innovative lesson plans that use hands-on science and which incorporate cross disciplinary content” as “an ideal way to bridge gaps and enhance student engagement.” NSTA notes that McChesney “has the challenge of teaching not just students of widely varying ability levels but also of widely different socioeconomic backgrounds.” McChesney’s lessons include having Grade 6 students create and test homemade multicell batteries, challenging Grade 7 students to use engineering orthographic and isometric drawings to build a “skimmer," and tasking Grade 8 engineering students with designing and building the fastest air-powered dragsters.
As part of the application process, educators submitted a narrative describing how they address real-world applications or problems integrating the elements of STEM, differentiate their instruction for students of varying ability levels, incorporate sensor-based data collection and visualization technologies, and support national science education standards. They also included student examples, along with letters of support from education colleagues.
“Research shows that students learn best with inquiry-based teaching that puts real-world tools and technology into their own hands. These incredible educators have taken this to heart and are using PASCO’s science solutions in imaginative and innovative ways that help students connect STEM to the world around them,” said Steven Korte, CEO of PASCO.
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to meet on Tuesday, February 16, 2016
TOWSON – The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2016, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204.
The Building and Contracts Committee will meet at 4:45 p.m. The Board will convene in open session at approximately 5:15 p.m. The Board will then meet in closed session as permitted by law. The open session will reconvene at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend all open sessions.
The school system is committed to accessible communication with its stakeholders. Additionally, all Board of Education meetings are live-streamed and can be viewed on the BCPS Web site (www.bcps.org).
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