What: The Academy of Finance Program in Baltimore County Public Schools is hosting an annual Professional Development Student Conference. Approximately 100 students in Grades 10 and 11 from Lansdowne, Overlea, and Randallstown high schools will participate. The Towson University College of Business and Economics, an Academy of Finance post-secondary education partner and conference co-sponsor, has secured grant funds to offset the costs of hosting the student conference. The morning’s opening remarks will be provided by David Biglari, assistant dean of the College of Business and Economics and an Academy of Finance alum who graduated from Lansdowne High School. The conference is being held in partnership with the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants, and the afternoon keynote speaker, Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, is vice chairman of the institute’s board of directors. In addition to hearing the keynote address, students will participate in mock interviews and attend workshops on topics including dressing for success, career planning, and what the future looks like for millennials.
When: Friday, Mar. 11, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Towson University, University Union Building, 2nd floor, 8000 York Rd, 21252Background: The Academy of Finance is a national program that introduces high school students to business and the financial services industry, while ensuring that they are college and career ready. For more information about the Academy of Finance in BCPS, please contact Erik F. Grooms, AOF director, at 443.809.9590 or egrooms@bcps.org. The governing organization of the AOF Program is NAF (www.naf.org).
At this conference, AOF board members, business partners, and supporters will volunteer to participate in the mock interview component, providing feedback to AOF juniors as they sharpen their skills for internships and part-time employment opportunities.
Partners involved in leading conference workshops include the Maryland Association of CPAs and The Men’s Warehouse.
Keynote Ellison-Taylor is currently the global accounting strategy director for the financial and professional services industries for Oracle America, a leader in cloud solutions and enterprise technology.
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100 BCPS students to participate in Academy of Finance Professional Development Conference
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Board of Education of Baltimore County to meet on Tuesday, March 15, 2016
TOWSON – The Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at its Greenwood Campus, 6901 Charles Street, Building E, Towson, Maryland 21204.
The Board will convene in open session at approximately 5:00 p.m. The Board will then meet in closed session as permitted by law. The open session will reconvene at 7:30 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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Deer Park Elementary School wins a Follett Challenge Award for its teaching and learning
TOWSON – Deer Park Elementary School has been named one of 10 People’s Choice Award Winners in the national 2016 Follett Challenge.
The school, which received the third most online votes in the competition (3,557 votes) will receive a prize of $8,000 worth of Follett products and services.
The Follett Challenge is a national competition sponsored by Follett, the preK-12 content and educational technology company, to find and reward schools that are designing and implementing 21st century teaching and learning programs. To enter, schools were required to submit written applications and videos.
Keishauna Banks, Deer Park’s library media specialist, initiated the school’s entry into the Follett Challenge because, she says, “We’re proud of our school’s innovation, and we welcome the platform and opportunity to share it with our school community and beyond!”
Upon learning of Deer Park’s success in the challenge, Kayla Pack, a Grade 3 student, said, “This is awesome. We are proud. We are over the moon that others believe in us and in our school and voted.”
Fellow Grade 3 student Ta’ana Franklin exclaimed, “We have a thousand thank you’s.”
The video Deer Park entered (which can be seen at www.follettchallenge.com/video.cfm?id=639) showcases the cross-curricular role that the school’s library media program plays in the comprehensive education and development of students. “We can go anywhere and do anything,” says Principal Renee Jenkins, “with knowledge obtained through quality school library media programs.”
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Half-day “Early Entry Day” to be held for students entering Grades 6 and 9
What: Baltimore County Public Schools will host a half-day “Early Entry Day” for rising Grades 6 and 9 students for the 2016–2017 school year. Students will start their day in period one and continue through their entire class schedule, including lunch. Students also will have the opportunity to engage in various activities designed to acclimate them to their new school environments; such as visiting their lockers, taking school tours, and meeting teachers and school counselors. Transportation will be provided for those students who will take buses to middle and high school. Those students will be picked up at their assigned bus stops at their regular scheduled times and will be transported home at the end of the half-day schedule. A complimentary lunch will be served to all participating students, and students will be able to add funds to their cafeteria accounts in preparation for the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016.
When: Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, half-day morning schedule (specific times determined based on schools’ start times)
Where: All middle and high schools in Baltimore County Public Schools where students will attend for the 2016-2017 school yearBackground: The Early Entry Day is for students only and will not replace other school-based student-parent orientation activities such as Sneak-a-Peak, evening student-parent orientation, or Back-to-School Night. More detailed information regarding the Early Entry Day, such as specific bus stops, exact hours of the morning half-day, student schedules, and school-based agendas for the day will be included in each school’s “Welcome Back” correspondence in early August 2016.
Current research and best practices on student transitions from elementary to middle and middle to high school indicate that students experience a broad array of socio-emotional and academic concerns as they enter into these transitions. Student transitions are much more efficient and effective when students are given an opportunity to meet their teachers, walk throughout the school building, visit their lockers, visit the cafeteria, and begin meeting their new classmates in an environment that is exclusive to them. By limiting Early Entry Day to only transitioning students, these students are provided an opportunity to build community and familiarity with school staff and new classmates.
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BCPS News Tips: Mar. 12 - 19, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, Mar. 12
Closing reception for Baltimore County Student Art Exhibition at The Walters
What: In celebration of Youth Art Month, artwork by Baltimore County students is on display at The Walters Art Museum. When: Closing reception: 1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 12
Exhibition: Opened Tuesday, Mar. 1, and continues through Sunday, Mar. 13
Where: The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., 21201Contact: Linda Popp, 443.809.4030Monday, Mar. 14
Visit the Parentmobile at Riverview 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: 4:30 – 6 p.m., Monday, Mar. 14
Where: Riverview Elementary School, 3298 Kessler Rd., 21227Contact: Mary Maddox, 410.887.1428Tuesday, Mar. 15
Public invited to Parent University focus group on BCPS One
What: The Parent University Advisory Group will host a meeting to solicit user experiences with the BCPS One digital platform, including its appearance, functionality, and how it is used. Parents interested in participating are asked to RSVP to Rai Cary at 443.809.4496 or rcary@bcps.org. The BCPS Parent University provides online print and video resources that promote academic progress, health and wellness, and personal growth. Parent U also offers in-person and interactive parent workshops during the year. When: 6 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 15Where: Wellwood International Elem. School, 2901 Smith Ave., 21208 Contact: Rai Cary, 443-809-4496 or rcary@bcps.orgVisit the Parentmobile at Padonia International 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 - 7 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 15Where: Padonia International Elementary, 9834 Greenside Dr., 21030Contact: Melissa DiDonato, 410.887.7646Graphic novelist to visit Pikesville Middle for three days
What: Author George O’Connor, best known for his graphic novel “The Olympians,” about Greek gods and goddesses, will visit Pikesville Middle School for three days. During his stay, he will make presentations to classes and lead workshops with small groups of students.
When: Tuesday, Mar. 15 through Thursday, Mar. 17 (please contact the school for exact times)Where: Pikesville Middle School, 7701 Seven Mile Ln., 21208Contact: Diane Richmond, 410.887.1207Wednesday, Mar. 16
Eastern Tech to host county town hall meeting regarding youth access to tobacco
What: The Baltimore County Health Department is hosting three Town Hall meetings to address youth access to tobacco, including laws designed to restrict access. The first of the three "Kick Butts Day" meetings will include dinner, giveaways, and performances by students at Eastern Technical High School. The event is open to parents, students, tobacco retailers, and interested or concerned residents. Interested participants are asked to RSVP to 410.887.3828 or tobacco@baltimorecountygov. When: 5 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 16 Where: Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., 21221 Contact: 410.887.3828 or tobacco@baltimorecountygovVisit the Parentmobile at Colgate 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: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Mar. 16
Where: Colgate Elementary School, 401 51st St., 21224Contact: Erin DiCello, 410.887.7010Thursday, Mar. 17
Japanese students to visit Catonsville High
What: Every year Catonsville High School hosts a delegation of approximately 20 students from Japan. When: Thursday, Mar. 17 through Saturday, Mar. 26Where: Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228Contact: Matthew Ames or Angie Williams, 410.887.0808 “Into the Woods, Jr.” staged at Perry Hall Middle
What: Students will perform the musical “Into the Woods, Jr.” with support from school staff and parent and community volunteers. Students began working on this production in October.
When: Performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 17, Friday, Mar. 18, and Saturday, Mar. 19, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Mar. 20 Where: Perry Hall Middle School, 4300 Ebenezer Rd., 21236Contact: Allen Zink, 410.887.5100Groundbreaking to be held at Relay Elementary
What: BCPS, county, and school leaders will gather for an official groundbreaking ceremony for a new building to house Relay Elementary School. The new building is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2017-2018 school year. When: 10 a.m., Thursday, Mar. 17Where: Relay Elementary School, 5885 Selford Rd., 21227Contact: Lisa Dingle, 410.887.1426Friday, Mar. 18
Student Member of the Board Selection Forum to be held
What: For the first time, representative students from BCPS middle and high schools are helping to select a nominee for student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County. Two students, selected through an application and initial interview process, will be vetted at this forum by 150 peer students. The two candidates will offer speeches and participate in a question and answer session. The gathered students will then vote to select which student they want to nominate for consideration by the governor for appointment to the board. When: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, Mar. 18
Where: Loch Raven High School, 1212 Cowpens Ave., 21286Contact: Nora Murray, 443.809.4329Saturday, Mar. 19
M&T Bank 24 Challenge Countywide Tournament to be held
What: M&T Bank will once again sponsor the 24 Challenge tournament for students in Grades 5-8. This initiative is designed to improve skill in mental computation and reasoning. Students will experience the challenge of solving mathematical puzzles offered by 24® Games involving single-digit numbers, double-digit numbers, or integers.
When: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 19
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton – Baltimore North, 1726 Reisterstown Rd, 21208
Contact: Vicki Rippin, 443.809.3486
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Two candidates vying for student member of the Board of Education position to speak at forum : Students will select a candidate to recommend to Gov. Hogan
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Ridge Ruxton School to host Multicultural Showcase Day
What: On their annual Multicultural Showcase Day, Ridge Ruxton School students will engage in a series of learning stations highlighting various countries and cultures, through art, music, and reading. The featured country for this year is Nepal, and students will participate in activities related to that nation’s culture and geography. These activities will include creating large paper murals in the shape of elephants; practicing climbing surrounded by images of Nepal’s Mt. Everest and other mountains; smelling spices used in Nepalese cooking; reading stories; and making necklaces with flowers.
When: Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2016, from 9 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Ridge Ruxton School, 6916 Charles St., Towson, 21204Background: Located in Towson, Ridge Ruxton School is a special education school serving the central region and portions of the northeast and northwest regions of Baltimore County. Ridge Ruxton School provides programs for students from three to 21 years of age who have been identified as developmentally delayed, intellectually limited, autistic-like, and/or multi-handicapped. Class sizes are small with a teacher and full time instructional assistant assigned to every class to provide individualized and small group instruction.
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Parents of children and young adults with disabilities invited to Resource and Respite Fair
What: Ridge Ruxton School invites parents of children and young adults with disabilities to attend its third annual Resource and Respite Fair. The fair is open to all, not just to families of Ridge Ruxton students. Twenty-one vendors will participate, providing information about services such as summer camps, respite opportunities, and other general resources available in Baltimore County Public Schools and the community. The fair is free, and no pre-registration is required. When: Thursday, Mar. 17, 2016, from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Ridge Ruxton School, 6916 Charles St., Towson, 21204Background: Located in Towson, Ridge Ruxton School is a special education school serving the central region and portions of the northeast and northwest regions of Baltimore County. Ridge Ruxton School provide programs for students from three to 21 years of age who have been identified as developmentally delayed, intellectually limited, autistic-like, and/or multi-handicapped. Class sizes are small with a teacher and full time instructional assistant assigned to every class to provide individualized and small group instruction.
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BCPS to break ground for new Relay Elementary School
What: Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance and county and state officials will join Principal Lisa Dingle in a ceremonial groundbreaking to celebrate the construction of a new Relay Elementary School adjacent to the current school building. When: Thursday, March 17, 2016, at 10:00 a.m.Where: Relay Elementary School
5885 Selford Ave.
Catonsville, Maryland 21227Background:
Projected to open for students in August 2017, the new Relay Elementary School will have a seating capacity of 700 students, compared with the current school’s seating capacity of 415.
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Carver Center Middle School Writing Competition winners announced!
TOWSON – The George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology’s senior Literary Arts students recently honored winners of the 19th annual Carver Center Middle School Writing Competition.
The competition, coordinated by the literary arts students, draws hundreds of entries, and winners are selected based on voice, originality, diction, structure, and content. All winners and their teachers will attend a celebration on April 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Carver Center, and winners will receive prizes sponsored by the Carver Center Foundation.
This year’s winners are:
Poetry
First Place: Elliot Mingori Genus of Dumbarton Middle School for “Transitions”
Second Place: Trinity Anne Eimer of Catonsville Middle School for “El Ojalá”
Third Place: Jillian I. Krinsky of Franklin Middle School for “The Beautiful and Ugly Earth”
Honorable Mention:
Kathryn Elizabeth Chrzanowski of Sudbrook Magnet Middle School for “Leave This Place”
Fiction
First Place: Cecilia Millan of Hereford Middle School for “The Dyatlov Pass”
Second Place: Guinivere Roberts of Dumbarton Middle School for “Kindred Hearts”
Third Place: Micah Miller of Ridgely Middle School for “I’ve Known Rivers”
Honorable Mention:
Kailey Gee of Perry Hall Middle School for “The Beast”
Nonfiction
First Place: Gustavo Mejias of Dumbarton Middle School for “Rising Income Inequality and the Decline of the American Dream”
Second Place: Jada Iwuoha of Sudbrook Magnet Middle for “Newest Baby Boys in My Life”
Third Place: Anning Cui of Ridgely Middle School for “A Sense of Winter”
Honorable Mention:
Emily Chamish of Ridgely Middle School for “Being in the Now”
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BCPS celebrates 20th M&T Bank 24 Challenge® Grand Tournament
What: Approximately 250 Baltimore County Public Schools’ students, in Grades 5-8, will compete in the prestigious M&T Bank 24 Challenge®. School system and bank officials will be among the community leaders, parents, and teachers cheering on the area’s best “mathletes.” M&T Bank serves as the sole corporate sponsor of this mathematics initiative in the county schools. In addition, a grant from the National Security Agency’s Mathematics Education Partnership Program covers some of the costs.
When: Saturday, Mar. 19, 2016, beginning at 9 a.m.
Awards ceremony at approximately 11:30 a.m.Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Baltimore North, 1726 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville 21208.Additional information:
Developed by Suntex International, Inc., the 24 Challenge® game is designed to improve skills in mental computation, pattern recognition, and deductive reasoning. Each card presents four numbers that can be combined to total 24. The challenge is to determine what combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and/or division of whole numbers, fractions, or integers will yield that solution.
This is the 20th consecutive year for this tournament.
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BCPS News Tips: Mar. 19 - 26, 2016: Activities, events and news from Baltimore County Public Schools
Saturday, Mar. 19
M&T Bank 24 Challenge Countywide Tournament to be heldWhat: M&T Bank will once again sponsor the 24 Challenge tournament for students in Grades 5-8. This initiative is designed to improve skill in mental computation and reasoning. Students will experience the challenge of solving mathematical puzzles offered by 24® Games involving single-digit numbers, double-digit numbers, or integers.
When: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturday, Mar. 19
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton – Baltimore North, 1726 Reisterstown Rd, 21208
Contact: Vicki Rippin, 443.809.3486Sunday, Mar. 20
PTA to host Reflections Awards CeremonyWhat: The PTA Council of Baltimore County will hold its annual Reflections Awards Ceremony. Reflections recognizes Pre-K through Grade 12 students for their participation in the literary, visual, and performing arts.Registration is not required. Through training and support, the PTA Council helps PTA/PTSA locals meet their members’ goals as they advocate on behalf of the needs of students. The council links 153 locals to state and national PTA programs, initiatives, purposes, and missions. When: 2 – 4 p.m., Sunday, Mar. 20
Where: Cockeysville Middle School, 10401 Greenside Dr., 21030Contact: president@bcptacouncil.org
Monday, Mar. 21
Pinewood Elementary presents “The Lion King”What: Pinewood Elementary School’s drama club will present their performances of “The Lion King,” led by Grade 1 teacher Ms. Caruccio. The actors, actresses, and stage crew are students in Grades 1 - 5. Tickets for these performances may be purchased at the door for $5 each.When: 6 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 21, and Tuesday, Mar. 22Where: Pinewood Elementary School, cafeteria, 200 Rickswood Rd., 21093Contact: Franchesca Brown, 410.887.7663Northeast Advisory group to take a look at transportationWhat: A meeting of the Northeast Area Education Advisory Council will focus on learning more about transportation procedures and challenges in Baltimore County Public Schools. When: 7 p.m., Monday, Mar. 21Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236Tuesday, Mar. 22
BCPS students to play Side by Side with BSOWhat: Before an audience of 1,600 elementary, middle, and high school students, 39 high school musicians will perform alongside members of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra during the Baltimore County Public Schools' annual Side By Side concert. The students, all members of the county's high school honors band or orchestra, were selected through a highly competitive audition process. They have participated in master classes with members of the BSO and engaged in five rehearsals. The concert will feature an oboe solo performance by Towson High School senior Leo Sarbanes. The honor music students performing (list is below) represent Catonsville, Dulaney, Eastern, Hereford, Perry Hall, and Towson high schools. The collaborative concert is a tradition in BCPS and a high-level learning opportunity for the young musicians. The program will feature music by Wagner, Tchaikovsky, and Williams, and it will be led by Nicholas Hersh, assistant conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Public admission to the concert is free; however, tickets are required due to limited seating. For tickets, please e-mail kstewart@bcps.org.When: 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Mar. 22Where: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., 21201Contact: Amy Cohn, 443.809.4024Time for Hebbville Elementary’s Multicultural FairWhat: Hebbville Elementary students and their families are invited to the school’s second annual Multicultural Fair. Parents will wear clothing representing their culture and participate in a fashion show. Parents also will teach participants how to say a few words in other languages. Students will perform group and individual dances from around the world. Attendees will receive a cookbook featuring recipes that families have sent to highlight their heritage. When: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 22Where: Hebbville Elementary School, 3335 Washington Ave., 21244Contact: Sandra Wilkins or Annie Gordon, 410.887.0708Night of Innovation to be held at Red House Run Elementary What: Red House Run’s Night of Innovation evening event will showcase to families how the school is transforming teaching and learning to ensure that all students will be 21st century globally competitive graduates. During this event, families will learn about and experience the tech tools that are integrated into Red House Run’s learner-centered environments on a daily basis and how these tools are used to customize and personalize instruction for every student. Parents will interact with various tech tools on the HP Revolve devices, and “student ambassadors” from every grade level will be on hand to lend their expertise and support. When: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 22
Where: Red House Run Elementary School, 1717 Weyburn Rd., 21237Contact: Drue Whitney, 410.887.0506 Time to eat your art at Catonsville High! What: Catonsville High School is hosting its 22nd Annual Edible Art Show. Students, parents, and community members are invited to bring edible art to be included in the show. Entries will be judged in three categories: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School/Community. Great prizes will be awarded. Admission is $1 or a canned food item. When: Tuesday, Mar, 22
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Set-up artwork for judging
7:15 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
7:45 p.m. – Time to eat the art
Where: Catonsville High School, cafeteria, 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228Contact: Matthew Ames, 410.887.0808Catonsville High seniors to practice interviewing What: Catonsville High School will hold its annual Senior Interview Day. Students are already diligently working in their Grade 12 English classes to prepare resumes and cover letters for this day. Each year, local professionals volunteer at the school to interview seniors and give them valuable experience with the interview process. When: Tuesday, Mar. 22 (contact school for exact times)Where: Catonsville High School. 421 Bloomsbury Ave., 21228Contact: Matthew Ames or Tracy Rehmert, 410.887.0808Wednesday, Mar. 23
Announcing the New Town - Pikesville Partnership College Fair!What: Announcing the first collaborative college fair in Northwest Baltimore County! Pikesville and New Town high schools are partnering to present a college fair. Representatives of at least 50 colleges will be on hand to provide information and answer questions from students of both schools (and any others who wish to attend). In addition, Pikesville High School's own Jeremy Goldman and Molly LaBricciosa will present workshops on “Getting Money for College” and “Being College and Career Ready.”When: 6 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 23
Where: New Town High School, 4931 New Town Blvd., 21117Contact: Sharonda Gregory, 410.887.1541BCPS hosts 7th Annual Middle School Juried ExhibitWhat: The BCPS Office of Visual Arts hosts its 7th Annual Middle School Juried Exhibit. When: Exhibit: through Mar. 24
Reception and Awards: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 23Where: Patapsco High School and Center For the Arts, 8100 Wise Ave., 21222Contact: Linda Popp, 443.809.4030Learn more about what to do if your child is anxious What: The Special Education Resource Center is hosting a free event, open to the public titled “Help, My Child is Anxious.” Registration is required. To register, contact ldiffenderfer@bcps.org.When: 7 – 9 p.m., Wednesday, Mar. 23
Where: Greenwood Campus, Bldg. E, 6901 N. Charles St., 21204Contact: Jean Considine, 410.887.5443 Thursday, Mar. 24
Maiden Choice students will be on the move!What: As part of the school’s mobility initiative, Maiden Choice School is holding its inaugural MOVE-a-thon. Students are invited to participate in a walking or wheeling excursion around the Maiden Choice campus using MOVE equipment or their own mobility. All proceeds will be used to support community-based instructional trips for students. Friends and family and community members are invited to donate to the event and to attend. The event will feature music and prizes. When: 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 22
Where: Maiden Choice School, 4901 Shelbourne Rd., 21227Contact: Nancy Briganti or Taylor Riley, 410.887.1431Upcoming! - Thursday, March 31
Owings Mill senior to be honored as Baltimore County Young Woman of the YearWhat: The Baltimore County Commission for Women has selected Owings Mills High School senior Kenisha Brannon as its 2016 Young Woman of the Year. Brannon is president of the Owings Mills High School Student Government Association and competes in track and field. She has spearheaded fundraising drives at the school, including leading the school’s Red Cross blood drive and a basketball exhibition by the Harlem Wizards, which benefitted school programs. She is a member of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. In college, she plans to double major in health sciences and biology with a minor concentration in business management. Brannon will be honored at a Women of the Year awards ceremony. Other honorees at the ceremony will be Nancy Hafford, who is the 2016 Baltimore County Woman of the Year, and Anita Rozenel, a retired BCPS music teacher, who will be awarded the LaFrance Muldrow Woman Making a Difference Award.When: 6 p.m., Thursday, Mar. 31 Where: Historic Towson Courthouse, 400 Washington Ave., 21204 Contact: Baltimore County Commission for Women, 410.887.3448
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Parents, students invited to Chinese Cultural Exchange information night: Students in Grades 9 – 12 have opportunity to spend 6 weeks in China
What: All Baltimore County Public Schools students who will be in Grades 9 – 12 during the 2016 – 2017 school year can apply to participate in the BCPS Chinese Cultural Exchange Program. Through this program, students spend six weeks in China (typically from mid-May through early July) attending special classes and visiting historic and cultural sites. The information night will provide more information about the program and the application process. Students and parents are encouraged to attend together.
When: Thursday, Apr. 28, 2016, at 6:30 p.m.Where: Baltimore County Public Schools Headquarters, Greenwood Campus, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Room 114, Towson 21204Background: This is the 10th year for the BCPS China Cultural Exchange program with Tie Yi (First Railway) School in Xi’an, China. The partnership involves students from each school district living with families in the community and attending school in the host country for a six to eight week period.
While in China, BCPS students reside with the families of Chinese students. Two days each week, the students take field trips. When the students are in school, they take English classes with Chinese students. They also take special classes in Chinese language, art, cooking, music, and physical education.
Participation in the program does not require being able to speak or having studied the Chinese language. The cost for participation in the program is approximately $2,600. Scholarships are available for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
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Apply now for summer Construction Technology Academy at Perry Hall High
TOWSON – The Construction Technology Academy at Perry Hall High School is accepting applications for its July 5-29 session.
The four-week program for Baltimore County Public Schools’ juniors, seniors, and recent graduates emphasizes skills needed by electricians, HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) technicians, carpenters, plumbers, and more. The academy is sponsored by Associated Builders and Contractors Baltimore in collaboration with BCPS and the Community College of Baltimore County.
Classes will be held Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will include lessons on construction safety, power and hand-tools, construction math, and the construction process. Hands-on projects in electrical work, plumbing, and carpentry will allow students to practice what they have learned.
Participants who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to interview with commercial builders.
The cost of the program is $150 per student to cover lab and supply expenses. The fee must accompany the application and will be refunded in full if the application is not accepted. Seats will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants. Applications are available from school counselors in BCPS high schools and at http://www.bcps.org/offices/cte/pdf/CTA-ConstructionBrochure.pdfand must be submitted by Friday, Apr. 15, along with the results of a “5-panel” drug screen and the program fee.
For more information, contact Michelle Butt at mbutt@abcbaltimore.org or 443-742-6125.
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Finalists announced for 2016-17 Baltimore County Principal of the Year: Winner to be announced during April 20 ceremony
TOWSON – Six Baltimore County Public Schools principals have been named finalists for the school system’s Principal of the Year Award for 2016-2017. The Baltimore County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year Award recognizes outstanding school leaders who create a culture of deliberate excellence for every student. New this year, a Principal of the Year will be announced at both the elementary and the secondary levels.
“Through the Principal of the Year program, we are able to recognize these dedicated leaders of our school system," said BCPS Superintendent S. Dallas Dance. “These principals are outstanding models of how Team BCPS strives to meet the needs of every child, and they lead by example in their buildings every day.”
This year's finalists are as follows:
Elementary
- Mr. Kevin Connelly of Bel Air, principal of Villa Cresta Elementary School
- Ms. Missy Fanshaw of Glyndon, principal of Rodgers Forge Elementary School
- Ms. Lois Stokes of Owings Mills, principal of Randallstown Elementary School
- Mr. Harvey Chambers of Owings Mills, principal of Windsor Mill Middle School
- Dr. Marquis Dwarte of Towson, principal of Overlea High School
- Ms. Sandra Reid of Towson, principal of Pikesville High School
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BCPS announces additional supports to promote equity, academic progress: 4th Annual State of the Schools reviews achievements, challenges
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BCPS teacher honored as Eastern District Dance Education Teacher of the Year
TOWSON –Maria Royals of George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology will be honored as the Eastern District Dance Education Teacher of the Year by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators at its 131st National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis, April 5-9.
SHAPE America’s Eastern District represents 11 states from Maryland to Maine, including the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The award is given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance and the ability to motivate today's youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity through dance.
Royals, a Gwynn Oak resident who has taught dance at Carver Center for the past three years, will vie with one other district winner for the distinguished honor of National Dance Education Teacher of the Year. Previously, she taught at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School for 12 years.
Creation and performance are the hallmarks of her dance classes. Her approach to teaching is student-centered; providing an array of learning experiences where students are involved in the planning, implementation, and assessment of their learning. Students are taught choreographed pieces and produce research on well-known dance innovators from different eras. They present their research by teaching it to the class as part of group presentations. The class also takes part in self- and peer-assessment.
Cross-curricular collaboration is another key component of her teaching philosophy. “This practice supports our school mission and is an excellent means of building community by recognizing disciplines and fostering the transfer of knowledge,” says Royals.
As a high school dance educator, Royals recognizes the opportunity to foster her students’ growth in their maturity. Her dance curriculum addresses this developmental stage in life by placing an emphasis on honing their study skills, self-discipline, self-motivation, resourcefulness, and collaborative skills. “By senior year they can successfully produce their own Senior Showcase, take ownership of all the responsibility and hard work they put into it, and have something tangible to share in the real-world, once they leave high-school,” says Royals.
The educator’s creativity has led the way to piloting two projects including “Coffee House” and a “Portfolio Project.” Dancers choreograph, perform, and read poetry in collaboration as part of the Literary Arts Coffee House event. And, unlike the Senior Showcase, Portfolio Project is for all dance students at the school. They collect artifacts reflecting their accomplishments over their high school careers, prepare a resume, and collect videos of their dance presentations, photos, and documents. This allows them to gain perspective on their growth and refine their personal dance goals.
BCPS Dance Resource Teacher Sonia Synkowski says, “Maria gives students access to both local and national opportunities to connect with professional artists, enrichment programs, and performance opportunities. She also has served as a curriculum writer for middle and high school in Baltimore County. Her contributions have helped to advance our dance education programs – as her work is always rich, responsive, and in alignment with the current educational initiatives.”
Royals received a bachelor’s degree in dance from Butler University and a master’s in education from Northcentral University.
At the convention, SHAPE America and SPARK & Sportime – innovators of equipment and evidence-based programs for physical educators – will celebrate the 27th anniversary of this Teacher of the Year awards collaboration.
The National Dance Education Teacher of the Year award recipient will be announced on Friday, April 8, at the SHAPE America Hall of Fame Banquet, sponsored by Human Kinetics, an employee-owned company committed to serving the physical activity field. Lindsay Whalen, U.S. Olympian, five-time WNBA All-Star and point guard for the Minnesota Lynx, and Alan Faneca, former Pittsburgh Steeler All-Pro Guard, will be inducted into the SHAPE America Hall of Fame that evening.
For more information about SHAPE America’s National Convention & Expo, visit the website and follow hashtag #SHAPEMinneapolis.
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17 BCPS students win 20 National Medals in Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards
TOWSON - Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards have announced that 17 Baltimore County Public Schools’ students are National Medalists for 2016.
The honored students are:
Franklin High School Alexa Walls, Grade 12 - Gold Medal, poetryGeorge Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology Justin Bassett, Grade 12 - Silver Medal, art portfolio Isabelle Cagle, Grade 9 - Silver Medal, poetry Julia Gould, Grade 11 - Silver Medal, painting - Silver Medal, drawing and illustration Omar Harris, Grade 11 - Gold Medal, drawing and illustration Monica Ikegwu, Grade 12 - Silver Medal, art portfolio - Silver Medal, painting Nicholas Kilner-Pontone, Grade 12 - Gold Medal, drawing and illustration - Silver Medal, drawing and illustration Natalie Mallinoff, Grade 11 - Gold Medal, painting Katie Mlinek, Grade 11 - Silver Medal, personal essay/memoir Viviana Prado-Núñez, Grade 12 - Gold Medal, short story Joey Reisberg, Grade 10 - Gold Medal, poetry Catherine Rosas, Grade 12 - Silver Medal, art portfolio Jade Santillan, Grade 10 - Silver Medal, drawing and illustration Conor Twohy, Grade 12 - Gold Medal, art portfolio Flynn Walkinshaw, Grade 11 - Silver Medal, painting Reigna Wren, Grade 11 - Gold Medal, painting Perry Hall High School Rose Sebastian, Grade 12 - Gold Medal, drawing and illustrationNational Medalists represent less than 1% of submissions to the 2016 Scholastic Awards. This year students submitted nearly 320,000 works of art and writing. About 19,000 submissions received Gold Keys. Only 2,400 Medals are awarded at the national level. BCPS students received 20 of the 52 National Medals awarded to Maryland students. Gold Medals for art portfolios are the highest individual award offered. One was awarded this year to Twohy, a George Washington Carver Center senior. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, sponsored by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, began in 1923 to honor talented secondary school writers and artists in the nation. Since its founding, the Awards program has identified the early promise of some of our nation’s most exceptional visionaries. Alumni include artists Andy Warhol, Philip Pearlstein, and Cy Twombly; writers Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Ned Vizzini, and Joyce Carol Oates; photographer Richard Avedon; actors Frances Farmer, Robert Redford, Alan Arkin, Lena Dunham, and John Lithgow; fashion designer Zac Posen; and filmmakers Stan Brakhage, Richard Linklater, and Ken Burns. For more information about the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, please visit the following website: http://www.artandwriting.org/.
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Students invited to 3rd annual Prom Dress Giveaway at Perry Hall High
What: More than 200 nearly new and gently used formal dresses, jewelry items, and shoes will be available for free for BCPS students preparing to attend an upcoming prom. Every attendee will receive a prom dress and accessory. The event is sponsored by A.S.C.E.N.D., LOV Charities, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter (www.akaupsilonepsilonomega.org). A.S.C.E.N.D. is a club at Perry Hall High that is sponsored by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Upsilon Epsilon Omega Chapter. To donate items to the event, please contact ASCEND@akaupsilonepsilonomega.org. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.When: Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Where: Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., 21236Background: A.S.C.E.N.D. stands for Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Developmental Skills. The group focuses on developing as leaders and providing community service.
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BCPS students invited to special Saturday placement testing days at CCBC: Students interested in taking college classes while in high school and seniors planning to enroll in fall 2016 semester encouraged to attend
What: The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is offering special Saturday placement testing days for Baltimore County Public Schools’ students. Students interested in enrolling in an Early College Access Program (taking college classes while in high school) and BCPS seniors who will attend CCBC starting in the fall 2016 semester are encouraged to participate. Admissions and financial aid representatives will be available to talk to parents about entry processes and how to pay for college. Seats are limited. Students are asked to register by clicking “CCBC info session” at www.ccbcmd.edu/infosessions by the deadlines below to secure their testing date. When & Where:Saturday, April 16 (registration deadlineWednesday, April 13)
CCBC Owings Mills Center
Enrollment and Student Services Center, Room 402
10300 Grand Central Avenue
Owings Mills, MD 21117 CCBC Essex Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 012 7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237-3899Saturday, April 23(registration deadline Wednesday, April 20) CCBC Catonsville Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 150 800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228-5317 CCBC Dundalk Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Room 101F 7200 Sollers Point Road
Baltimore, MD 21222-4649Saturday, April 30 (registration deadline Wednesday, April 27) CCBC Catonsville Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 150 800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228-5317 CCBC Essex Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 012 7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237-3899Time: For all dates, check-in is from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m., and placement testing begins at 9:30 a.m.Background: To prepare for Testing Day, students are asked to take one hour to study for the placement test at www.ccbcmd.edu/practicetest. Students who have not yet applied to CCBC should complete an Application for Admission at www.ccbcmd.edu/apply before their test date. Students should bring with them:
Owings Mills, MD 21117 CCBC Essex Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 012 7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237-3899Saturday, April 23(registration deadline Wednesday, April 20) CCBC Catonsville Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 150 800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228-5317 CCBC Dundalk Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Room 101F 7200 Sollers Point Road
Baltimore, MD 21222-4649Saturday, April 30 (registration deadline Wednesday, April 27) CCBC Catonsville Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 150 800 South Rolling Road
Baltimore, MD 21228-5317 CCBC Essex Student Services Center, Admissions Office, Suite 012 7201 Rossville Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21237-3899Time: For all dates, check-in is from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m., and placement testing begins at 9:30 a.m.Background: To prepare for Testing Day, students are asked to take one hour to study for the placement test at www.ccbcmd.edu/practicetest. Students who have not yet applied to CCBC should complete an Application for Admission at www.ccbcmd.edu/apply before their test date. Students should bring with them:
- A photo ID that includes their name and a recognizable photograph. This is required for check-in and to take the placement test. For a list of acceptable forms of photo identification, visit www.ccbcmd.edu/placement-prep (What to bring on the day of the test).
- Their CCBC ID number.
- SAT test scores if they are 500 or above in Critical Reading, Writing or Math; or ACT test scores if they are 21 or above in Reading, Writing or Math.
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