TOWSON, MD— Every Baltimore County Public Schools student will graduate bilingual and every middle and high school student will be provided with a personal digital device under the plan laid out today by Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance at the inaugural State of the Schools luncheon at Valley Mansion in Cockeysville. “Instead of heavy backpacks weighing them down, our students will arrive at school with a digital device armed with their schedules, books, assignments and calendars,” Dr. Dance said. “Instead of language courses starting in middle school, that instruction will begin in elementary classes. BCPS students will graduate bilingual—a skill that will boost not just their college applications, but their job opportunities and incomes for the rest of their lives.”
Dr. Dance’s keynote address called out digital conversion and elementary-level world language curriculum as critical steps toward producing globally competitive graduates. Both areas will be included in the system’s five-year Blueprint 2.0 strategic plan, which will guide system initiatives upon its completion this summer. Dance unveiled the plan’s four pillars—academics, communications, safety and organizational effectiveness—and highlighted several of the plan’s programs currently underway.
“Already in academics, we have ramped up our work on bringing common core curriculum to the school system and are set to release it for the 2013-2014 school year,” Dr. Dance said. “We have begun a thorough audit of our special education program, defined a trajectory to get our students globally competitive and college and workforce ready, and restructured our administration to ensure more targeted support to those schools that need it most. And there is more to come. We are reviewing our alternative education options to ensure that we are offering opportunities for those students whoaren’t well-served by the traditional educational environment, and we are examining how we can expand access to prekindergarten systemwide.”
In the area of safety, Dr. Dance called attention to a strengthened partnership with the Baltimore County Police Department and described prevention-focused safety programs underway in the system’s newly created Office of Safety and Security. He also referenced the first systemwide anti-bullying day, held March 1, 2013.
Additional programs underway including an ongoing website revamp and increased town hall meetings, community forums and advisory groups in the area of communications. Plans are also underway to strengthen administrative mentoring programs and develop a 10-year capital program in the area of organizational effectiveness.
Student performances, speeches
The event featured art displays and centerpieces made by BCPS elementary, middle and high school students. The Dulaney High School Orchestra, New Town High School Drumline, Honors Dance Ensemble and Milford Mill Academy Choir gave rousing performances. Three BCPS high school students spoke to the crowd about how education has shaped their lives. Owings Mills High School student Mamadou Aliou Diallo talked about how his school’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program helped him achieve his goal of learning English upon arriving in the U.S. from West Africa. Woodlawn High School senior Duvall Howard spoke about how he struggled in the traditional school environment before becoming one of the first students to take advantage of his school’s alternative education/electronic learning program, which is helping him graduate ready to attend college in the fall. Perry Hall High School seniorMcCall Behringer’s speech described how her school experience has helped propel her into leadership roles with the Young Marines and National Kidney Foundation.
“From teaching me the importance of learning to work with a team to helping me find a place to belong, BCPS has done more for me than help me earn the credits required for a diploma,” McCall said. “The combination of challenging coursework and a rigorous schedule has given me a solid foundation of knowledge and a sense of preparedness to meet the demands of life beyond graduation.”
More than 1,000 students, parents, business leaders, government officials and administrators attended the inaugural State of the Schools luncheon, which filled Valley Mansion to capacity. Viewers also tuned in via live-stream at www.BCPS.org. The complete archived video can be seen at www.BCPS.org or on BCPS-TV, available on Comcast cable channel 73 or Verizon FiOS channel 34.
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools hosted the event in conjunction with nearly 50 business sponsors. Pearson, a global provider of educational materials, technologies and assessments, was the presenting sponsor.
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BCPS Superintendent announces new digital conversion and world language initiatives : Producing globally competitive graduates the key topic at inaugural State of the Schools
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BCPS News Tips – The Week of March 23 – 30, 2013: Activities, Events, and News from Baltimore County Public Schools
Sunday, March 24
Elementary, middle school students exhibit artwork at The Walters Art MuseumIn celebration of National Youth Art Month, students from 78 Baltimore County Public Schools elementary and middle schools are exhibiting more than 400 pieces of artwork at The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles Street in Baltimore City, through Sunday, April 7. The featured artwork showcases students' mastery of art techniques in a variety of media. The museum will host an exhibition reception on Sunday, March 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., when student artists will receive certificates for their contributions to the exhibition and an opportunity to participate in studio activities. General admission is free to the museum, which is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact: Linda Popp, Office of Visual Arts, 410.887.4030
Monday, March 25
Catonsville High School celebrates Diversity Week 2013 Beginning Monday, March 25, and going through Thursday, March 28, Catonsville High School will celebrate its Diversity Week 2013 project with the theme, "Embrace Diversity." During the week, four students – Josseline Alvarado, Tony Kelly, Peace Onokala and Krishna Pani – will relate their diverse stories in videotaped presentations to all classrooms. Students also are creating videos to celebrate the school's diverse student population, which will be judged by the student body later in the week. Catonsville's Student Government Association will sponsor a variety of different music each school day during lunch periods and will include a "Mix It Up at Lunch" activity to encourage students to sit with classmates they may not know well. Please contact the school for additional information and specific times. The school is located at 421 Bloomsbury Avenue in Catonsville. Contact: Beverly Hickman, Catonsville High School, 410.887.0808Tuesday, March 26
Science comes alive at the Pot Spring Elementary School STEM FairPot Spring Elementary School will hold its annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fair on Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, at the school, located at 2410 Springlake Drive in Timonium. The fair, which features science projects and displays from children at the school, will be open for families to visit from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and during the school day on Wednesday. Contact: Joy Brown or Michelle Doyle, Pot Spring Elementary School, 410.887.7648Edible art again comes to Catonsville High SchoolThe National Art Honor Society at Catonsville High School will host the school's 19th Annual Edible Art Show from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the school, located at 421 Bloomsbury Avenue in Catonsville. The show features works of student and community art made with non-traditional, edible foodstuffs. Entries will be judged in three categories for elementary school, middle school, and high school/community. Art work set-up will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony taking place at 7:15 p.m. And, at 7:45 p.m., visitors and participants alike will turn the exhibit into a truly participatory event by "digging in" and consuming the creative entries. In addition, Giant Food will sponsor a "Principal's Challenge" competition at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium – led by Principal Deborah Bittner, a team of faculty will face off in a trivia tournament against the school's "It's Academic" squad, who won the show's Baltimore area championship last year. The event will end with the presentation of a $1,000 donation to the school by Giant Food. Admission to the Edible Art Show and Principal's Challenge is $1 or a canned food item.Contact: Joel Miller or Windy Spiridigliozzi, Catonsville High School, 410.887.0808Glenmar Elementary School goes global with its annual "Night of the Arts"To celebrate Youth Art Month, Glenmar Elementary School will host its annual "Night of the Arts" this year with a multicultural theme on Tuesday, March 26, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at the school, located at 9700 Community Drive in Middle River, as the school will be transformed into an art museum complete with a variety of family activities from around the world, including global crafts, dances from different countries, international music, and more.Contact: Mike Parker or Eileen Fitzgerald, Glenmar Elementary School, 410.887.0127Dinner theater at Orems Elementary School to feature "Alice in Wonderland" The Unicorn Players at Orems Elementary School will present its third annual dinner theater evenings on Tuesday, March 26, and Wednesday, March 27, beginning with a pre-show pasta dinner at 5:30 p.m. The student production of "Alice in Wonderland" will begin at 7 p.m. Suggested donations are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and tickets may be ordered in advance by contacting the school. The school is located at 711 Highvilla Road in Middle River.Contact: Anita Franz or Grace Hulse, Orems Elementary School, 410.887.0172
Thursday, March 28
Wonka Day is the "Golden Ticket" at Hillcrest Elementary SchoolWonka Day, a tradition at Hillcrest Elementary School, again brings second-grade children together for a morning of reliving the fanciful story of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," as told in the 1964 book by Roald Dahl and in the Willy Wonka movies of 1971 and 2005. Having read the novel and watch the movie, Hillcrest students spend the day before Wonka Day transforming their classrooms into scenes from the story. On Wonka Day, grade 2 students, their parents, and teachers will spend the morning visiting each room and scene, each of which features a game or activity. Please contact the school for specific times and additional information. The school is located at 1500 Frederick Road in Catonsville. Contact: Peter Schmidt or Theresa McVey, Hillcrest Elementary School, 410.887.0820Artists are celebrated at Fourth Annual Middle School Juried Art Exhibit at Patapsco High School and Center for the ArtsThe creative and accomplished art work of BCPS' middle school students will be on display at the Fourth Annual Middle School Juried Art Exhibit from Monday, March 25, through Sunday, April 7, at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts, 8100 Wise Avenue in Dundalk. A reception and awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the school. The event is hosted by the school and by the BCPS' Office of Visual Arts.Contact: Linda Popp, Office of Visual Arts, 410.887.4030↧
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Seven BCPS teams advance to VEX Robotics World Championship: Teams to represent five high schools and one middle school
TOWSON, MD— Seven teams representing Baltimore County Public Schools have qualified to participate in the VEX Robotics World Championship, which will be held April 17–20, 2013 in Anaheim, Calif.
The participating teams are Hereford Middle School Team 929C, Chesapeake High School Team 944B, Dulaney High School Team 1727E, Hereford High School Teams 929W and 929V, Pikesville High School Team 1399A and Towson High School Team 934D.
To compete in the world championship, teams must excel in local qualifying events held from May 2012 to March 2013. This year, more than 400 teams will participate in the world championship representing Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and the United States.
The competition is sponsored by Autodesk, Chevron, EMC Corporation, Microchip, NASA, Northrop Grumman Foundation, Texas Instruments and the Future Foundation.
VEX Robotics offers middle school, high school, and university students a way to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math while practicing teamwork, leadership and problem solving.
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BCPS website to experience intermittent outages during spring break closure
TOWSON, MD— Access to Baltimore County Public Schools’ internal and public websites will be intermittently unavailable from the evening of Thursday, March 28, to Sunday, April 7, 2013, as the servers supporting the websites move to a new data center location.
The downtime will occur during the school system’s spring break closure. They will affect all internal and external BCPS web systems, including email. Some systems will be unavailable for up to 48 consecutive hours as they are physically relocated, while others will only have brief outages during the move. Individual school websites will remain functional during the relocation.
Students and parents are advised to use their individual school websites for information or calendars while the BCPS site is down. Affected staff will be notified directly when internal systems are down and can check the intranet in advance of the outage for a complete list of affected systems.
The downtime is a result of BCPS’s data center being relocated from Timonium to Towson.
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20 students honored in Baltimore County Middle School Writing Contest: Annual contest coordinated by Carver Center literary arts students
TOWSON, MD. – Twenty students have been recognized for their submissions to the 16th Annual Baltimore County Middle School Writing Contest, sponsored and judged by the senior literary arts students at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. This year, 334 entries were received for the contest.
The honored students are:
Fiction Winners
1st Place: Sarah Westrick, Catonsville Middle School, Teacher: David Kraus
2nd Place: Corrina Gallagher, Catonsville Middle School, Teacher: David Kraus
3rd Place: Lauren Alberg, Catonsville Middle School, Teacher: David Kraus
Honorable Mentions:
Nevitt Edwards, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrima Alyssa Green, Franklin Middle School, Teacher: Peggy Zink Bryan Green, Southwest Academy, Teacher: Lisa Washington Autumn Roulhac, Southwest Academy, Teacher: Lisa WashingtonPoetry Winners 1st Place: Genevieve Schuh, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrima 2nd Place: Jasmine Booker, Cockeysville Middle School, Teacher: Christina Turner 3rd Place: Elizabeth Meehan, Parkville Middle School, Teacher: Frances Holstein Honorable Mentions:
Isabel Armbruster, Catonsville Middle School, Teacher: David Kraus Catherine Mlinek, Franklin Middle School, Teacher: Peggy Zink Lydia Park, Arbutus Middle School, Teacher: Lynn Elliott Carly Specht, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrimaNonfiction Winners 1st Place: Julia Pascale, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrima 2nd Place: Julia Lowman, Ridgely Middle School, Teacher: Stephanie Fanshaw 3rd Place: Kelsey Arenson, Franklin Middle School, Teacher: Peggy Zink Honorable Mentions:
Marjorie Antonio, Parkville Middle School, Teacher: Susan Miller Caroline Keller, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrima Sydney Siegmeister, Dumbarton Middle School, Teacher: Justin DePrimaThe students will receive awards at a ceremony to be held on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Carver Center, 938 York Road in Towson, Maryland. Winners will receive certificates as well as gift cards to Barnes and Noble. “There were a few teachers with multiple winners,” said Suzanne Supplee, Carver Center’s literary arts department chair. “All submissions were scored blindly, so we didn’t realize this until the winners were selected. We plan to recognize teachers at the celebration as well.”
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New episode of “BCPS News” airing on BCPS-TV: State of the Schools, Academy of Finance are among features
TOWSON, MD. – A new episode of “BCPS News,” which spotlights Baltimore County Public Schools’ achievements and progress, is on the air through Sunday, April 21. The show is hosted by Mary Beth Marsden, a local Emmy Award®-winning broadcaster.
Produced twice monthly during the school year by BCPS-TV (The Education Channel), "BCPS News" airs daily at 12:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. on Comcast Cable Channel 73 and Verizon FiOS Channel 34 in Baltimore County. Additionally, the program is available online at www.bcps.org/news/ed_channel and http://www.youtube.com/user/BaltCoPS.
The latest 15-minute episode includes stories about:
- “Experiential Learning,” as students and teachers from Crossroads Center work to enhance their 21st century learning skills during a trip to Eastern Regional Park.
- BCPS’ Academy of Finance program, which is offered in three high schools and introduces students to the financial services industry. The program has begun a new partnership with Stevenson University to increase awareness about career paths and opportunities.
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Board of Education to recognize honorees at Thursday, April 11, ceremony
What: Members of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will recognize more than 120 students, educators, and community members who have achieved success and contributed to the goals and mission of Baltimore County Public Schools. Honorees include those who have won local, state, or national awards and others who have significantly benefited their schools and the school system. When: Thursday, April 11, 2013, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Where: Kenwood High School
501 Stemmers Run Road
Essex, MD 21221Background: One of the highlights of the school system calendar, this spring ceremony is the final of three such events hosted by the Board of Education each school year. The names and school affiliations of the ceremony’s recipients are available upon request.
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BCPS educator featured in Pearson Foundation’s “Five Things I’ve Learned” project : Former Maryland and Baltimore County Teacher of the Year shares insights on education
TOWSON, MD. – Joshua Parker, 2011-2012 Maryland Teacher of the Year and Baltimore County Teacher of the Year, is being featured on the Pearson Foundation’s digital project, “Five Things I’ve Learned.” Parker’s contributions and insights are included among other leaders whose efforts are improving outcomes for students.
Parker, a Randallstown resident who was the language arts and world languages department chair at Windsor Mill Middle School, now serves as the Title I gap reduction specialist for Baltimore County Public Schools. His "five things" submission can be found at http://bit.ly/YVYzyD along with a short video feature at http://bit.ly/10UK56J. "Five Things I've Learned"chronicles personal and professional lessons learned from decades of real-world experience, sharing proven practice and wisdom about learning, teaching and helping others. The series, available at www.thefivethings.org, extends the Pearson Foundation's mission to share the best practices of the innovators shaping education today. Contributors to "Five Things I've Learned" share a common commitment to improving the fortunes of others through learning.
Current contributors include:
- Public leaders Claudine K. Brown, assistant secretary for education and access, Smithsonian Institution; and Linda McCulloch, Montana Secretary of State;
- Global researchers, including Tony Jackson, vice president for education, Asia Society; Fernando Reimers, founding director, International Education Policy Program, Harvard Graduate School of Education; and Andreas Schleicher, special advisor on education policy to the OECD’s Secretary-General and Head of the Indicators and Analysis Division; and
- Education business leaders, including Tom Vander Ark, author, “Getting Smart,” and CEO, Open Education Solutions; Tim Waters, president and CEO, McRel; and Julie Young, president and CEO, Florida Virtual School.
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Baltimore County STEM Alliance to host second annual leadership summit : Group to unveil latest tools to support preparing youth for STEM careers
What:
The Baltimore County STEM Alliance (BCSA) will host its second annual Leadership Summit, bringing together nearly 200 executive leaders to improve and expand educational pathways into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. At the summit, BCSA will launch two new tools: STEM Central, a repository for resources and information on local STEM initiatives, and the GeoCollaboration Project, which will map STEM events to identify opportunities and needs. In addition to a keynote address from Dr. John D. Evans, vice president of corporate engineering and technology for Lockheed Martin Corporation, the event will feature two panel discussions as well as remarks by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance, Community College of Baltimore County President Dr. Sandra Kurtinitis and Maryland Business Roundtable for Education Executive Director June Streckfus.
When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 5015 Campbell Blvd, White Marsh, MD 21236
Background: About the summit The STEM Leadership Summit panels – one focused on education and the other on business and industry – will be moderated by Claudia Morrell, chief operations officer, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity. Education panelists are:
When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 5015 Campbell Blvd, White Marsh, MD 21236
Background: About the summit The STEM Leadership Summit panels – one focused on education and the other on business and industry – will be moderated by Claudia Morrell, chief operations officer, National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity. Education panelists are:
- Douglas Handy, Supervisor, Career and Technology Education, Baltimore County Public Schools
- Dr. William LaCourse, Interim Dean, Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Dr. Susan Gorman, Dean, School of Sciences, Stevenson University
- Michael Netzer, Dean, Applied and Information Technologies, Community College of Baltimore County
- Dr. David Vanko, Dean, Fisher College of Science and Mathematics, Towson University
- Craig Cash, Director, Ethics and Business Conduct, Lockheed Martin
- Bob Aydukovic, President, Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation
- Dr. Mike Galiazzo, President, Regional Manufacturing Institute
- Frank Vivirito, CEO, Immersive 3D, LLC
- Melissa Sandlin, Manager, Community & Education Outreach, Northrop Grumman
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Superintendent Dance to host second BCPS Student Town Hall meeting : Purpose is to hear students’ views on array of school issues
What: BCPS Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance will host the second of two Student Town Hall meetings for the 2012-13 school year. As with the first Town Hall in December 2012, the event allows students to express their viewpoints on education and school-related topics of their choosing. A diverse group of about 70 students for this second Town Hall has been selected by principals from high schools in the western half of Baltimore County. Participating students will represent Catonsville, Dulaney, Franklin, Hereford, Lansdowne, New Town, Owings Mills, Pikesville, Randallstown and Woodlawn high schools, as well as the Catonsville Center for Alternative Studies, George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Milford Mill Academy and Western School of Technology. In addition, the meeting will be available to high school students throughout the county and to the public through live-streaming on BCPS-TV (Comcast Cable Channel 73 and Verizon FiOS Channel 34 in Baltimore County) and the BCPS Web site, www.bcps.org. Student viewers will be able to submit questions to Dr. Dance via Twitter. Media are invited to attend.When: Thursday, April 18, 2013, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.Where: Owings Mills High School
124 Tollgate Road
Owings Mills, MD 21117Background:
During the Town Hall meeting, students will ask and discuss unscripted and unedited questions. The exchanges will provide Dr. Dance with the opportunity to learn from students about how best to address their educational needs and issues.
On December 5, 2012, Dr. Dance hosted the inaugural Student Town Hall meeting at Chesapeake High School with students from the eastern half of Baltimore County.
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BCPS to host Maryland Multicultural Conference April 20: Educators, community members and business partners invited to attend
TOWSON, MD— Baltimore County Public Schools, the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) invite educators, community members, students, parents and higher education partners to participate in discussions about multicultural education and outreach at the annual Maryland Multicultural Conference being held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Parkville High School in Parkville, Md.
This year’s conference theme is “Deliberate Excellence: Pursuing High Expectations for ALL Learners.” Distinguished author and educator Geneva Gay will offer a keynote speech on using culturally responsive instruction to meet the learning needs of increasingly diverse student and community populations. Comcast Parent Matters Award winner Ambareen Jafari will also give remarks on how connections with parents can drive student results.
More than two dozen breakout sessions will explore topics including reaching and teaching students in poverty, engaging multicultural students and creating educational equity for all learners, regardless of location, language, race or socioeconomic background.
Conference registration is open to the public until April 16 at a cost of $10 for high school students, $20 for undergraduate/graduate students, $35 for NAME members and $40 for non-members. Continental breakfast and lunch are provided. Registration instructions are available at http://bit.ly/10Lkufu.
This is the first year that BCPS has hosted the Maryland Multicultural Conference. It is hosted in conjunction with NAME, a non-profit organization that advances and advocates for equity and social justice through multicultural education.
For more information on the conference or to arrange for group pricing or disability accommodations, contact Lisa Williams at 410-887-2444 or lwilliams13@bcps.org.
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U.S. Secretary of Education to host School Safety Town Hall at Loch Raven High School: Media invited to Wednesday, April 10 event
What: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and National PTA President Betsy Landers will speak about school safety at a town hall meeting being held this Wednesday at Loch Raven High School. Duncan and Landers will give remarks and participate in a school safety panel discussion alongside local leaders and school safety experts including Bill Bond, school safety specialist with the National Association of Secondary Schools; James W. Johnson, chief of police for Baltimore County; Rita Lowman, president of Maryland PTA; and Kelly Vaillancourt, director for government relations at the National Association of School Psychologists. Community members and media are invited to attend; registration for the public is available at http://bit.ly/Z3Pg3V. The event will also be live-streamed at www.bcps.org. When: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 6 – 7:45 p.m.
Where: Loch Raven High School
1212 Cowpens Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21286
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BCPS launches free mobile app: “BCPS Now” offers news, events and announcements for Android and Apple users
TOWSON, MD—Today, Baltimore County Public Schools is launching a free mobile application that offers up-to-date news, school closing announcements, event information and Team BCPS spotlights in an easy-to-access mobile format.
The “BCPS Now” app is available for Android and Apple iOS platforms, including iPhones and iPod touches. It can be downloaded free of cost through Google play for Android users, or the app store for Apple users.
In addition to offering news and information, the app indicates the last time it was refreshed so users can ensure they are accessing the most up-to-date information.
For more information on the app, go to http://bit.ly/113Iivk. Share your feedback on the app by emailing webteam@bcps.org.
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BCPS News Tips – The Week of April 13 – 20, 2013: Activities, Events, and News from Baltimore County Public Schools
Monday, April 15
Campfield Early Learning Center celebrates Week of the Young Child
Campfield Early Learning Center will observe the Week of the Young Child from Monday, April 15, through Friday, April 19, through a series of events and activities at the school, located at 6834 Alter Street in Pikesville. Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the week is designed to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Among the activities at Campfield during the week will be a book festival, guest readers, a day of learning on Tuesday, April 16, and a family fun and fitness night on Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. Please contact the school for additional information and specific times.
Contact: Julia Hamilton, Campfield Early Learning Center, 410.887.1227
Dancing with the fifth-grade stars comes to Milbrook Elementary School
During the week of Monday, April 15, through Friday, April 19, fifth-grade students at Milbrook Elementary School will participate in a special enrichment program called "Fifth-Grade Ballroom Stars." This BCPS program brings together a professional ballroom dancer and teacher to instruct students in a variety of dances, including the merengue, tango, swing and cha-cha. The program aligns with the school system's physical education curriculum and values from the system's character education program, including respect, courtesy, honesty, responsibility and human dignity. All fifth-grade students will participate in the dance program and receive lessons, culminating with a final dance event at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19. Studentswill be encouraged to dress up for the final event, and parents will be invited to attend. Milbrook Elementary School is located at 4300 Crest Heights Road in Pikesville.
Contact: Eric Nowicki or Christina Byers, Milbrook Elementary School, 410.887.1225
Tuesday, April 16
Friends School returns to Ridge Ruxton School for an encore performance
The Friends School Wind Ensemble will again visit Ridge Ruxton School on Tuesday, April 16, and entertain the students and staff with a selection of special music. The concert will take place at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium at 6916 Charles Street in Towson.
Contact: Laura Dennis or Ed Bennett, Ridge Ruxton School, 410.887.3495
Event at Essex Elementary School focuses on the health and creativity of the mind
"The Art of the Mind" activity will be held at Essex Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in the school's cafeteria, located at 100 Mace Avenue in Essex. Student art work will be on display during the event, and parents can also learn about mental health resources available in the community as well as signs and symptoms of mental health issues. Refreshments will be served, and attendees will have a chance to win prizes, including a new iPad.
Contact: Rebecca Price or Amy Grabner, Essex Elementary School, 410.887.0117
Weather's the word at Glenmar Elementary School's annual STEM Fair
The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair at Glenmar Elementary School will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. While student science projects and class work will be on display in the gymnasium, the fair also will feature "Wonderful Weather" science stations set up in several rooms for students to complete hands-on, weather-related activities. The school is located at 9700 Community Drive in Middle River.
Contact: Jen Mola or Mike Parker, Glenmar Elementary School, 410.887.0127
Winand Elementary School invites students, parents, and the community to appreciate art at the library
Winand Elementary School will host an art appreciation evening at the Randallstown Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, the artwork of 60 Winand students will be on display. The evening's activities also will include coloring events and a live painting demonstration. The library is located at 8604 Liberty Road in Randallstown.
Contact: Meghan Covert, Winand Elementary School, 410.887.0763
Chatsworth School's carnival focuses on reading
The Chatsworth School will host a Reading Carnival on Tuesday, April 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants will learn reading comprehension strategies and fluency tips, and there will be opportunities for parents to create reading games to play with their students at home. The school is located at 222 New Avenue in Reisterstown.
Contact: Maria Ramos, Chatsworth School, 410.887.1103
Wednesday, April 17
Southwest Area Advisory Council hosts discussion on technology and learning
The BCPS Southwest Area Advisory Council will host a presentation on "Technology and Learning" at Powhatan Elementary School at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. Ryan Imbriale, principal at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts and recently appointed to become the new BCPS executive director for instructional technology, will make a presentation. The school is located at 3300 Kelox Road in Woodlawn.
Contact: Beverly Coleman, Southwest Area Education Advisory Council, coleman.beverlya@gmail.com
Thursday, April 18
Superintendent Dance to host second BCPS Student Town Hall meeting
BCPS Superintendent Dallas Dance will host the second of two Student Town Hall meetings for the 2012-13 school year on Thursday, April 18, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. The meeting will be held at Owings Mills High School, 124 Tollgate Road, Owings Mills. As with the first Town Hall in December 2012, the event allows students to express their viewpoints on education and school-related topics of their choosing. The exchanges will provide Dr. Dance with the opportunity to learn from students about how best to address their educational needs and issues. A diverse group of about 70 students for this second Town Hall has been selected by principals from high schools in the western half of Baltimore County. In addition, the meeting will be available to high school students throughout the county and to the public through live-streaming on BCPS-TV (Comcast Cable Channel 73 and Verizon FiOS Channel 34 in Baltimore County) and the BCPS Web site, www.bcps.org. Student viewers will be able to submit questions to Dr. Dance via Twitter.
Contact: Charles Herndon, Office of Communications, 410.887.6111
"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" to be performed at Dundalk Middle School
The rejuvenated drama club of Dundalk Middle School will perform "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" on Thursday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the school, which is located at 7400 Dunmanway in Dundalk. The musical is based on the 1964 novel "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl, which was made into a film in 1971. Tickets are $2 for students and $5 for adults and are available by contacting the school office at 410.887.7018.
Contact: Sharon Gibson, Dundalk Middle School, 410.887.7018
"Li'l Abner" to be performed at Parkville High School
Parkville High School will present "Li'l Abner," a musical comedy by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, for three performances. Based on the comic strip characters created by Al Capp, the musical is set in Dogpatch, U.S.A., and features singing, dancing, comedy, and both student and teacher performances. Under the direction of Sharon Harris, the stage show will be performed on Thursday, April 18, Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20, at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are only $5.00 at the door of the school, located at 2600 Putty Hill Avenue, Parkville.
Contact: Sharon Harris or Lexa Newman, Parkville High School, 410.887.5257
Catonsville Elementary School celebrates science with the STEM Fair
Catonsville Elementary School at 615 Frederick Road in Catonsville will host its annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair for parents and students on Thursday, April 18, at 6 p.m. On Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m. in the school auditorium, community members will judge the projects created by the school's students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Certificate and ribbons will be awarded to all participants.
Contact: Ann Pietrowiak or Linda Miller, Catonsville Elementary School, 410.887.0800
Friday, April 19
Senator James Brochin to participate in "Family Friday" at Seventh District Elementary School
Each Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. through the end of May, first-grade students at Seventh District Elementary School will enjoy Family Fridays, a weekly event that has guests or parents read stories to children. On Friday, April 19, Senator James Brochin will be the guest reader. Seventh District Elementary School is located at 20300 York Road in Parkton.
Contact: Glenda Carman or Leslie Brooks, Seventh District Elementary School, 410.887.1902
"Banking on Our Future" program brings financial literacy to students at Randallstown Elementary School
A program designed to promote financial literacy skills comes to Randallstown Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19. The "Banking on Our Future" program sponsored by the Hope Corporation brings trained volunteer teachers into the classroom to introduce financial principles and curriculum aligned with the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics compiled by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The teaching volunteers at Randallstown will not only provide information that is critical in establishing a strong financial foundation, but they also will discuss opportunities and professional avenues in the financial fields. Volunteer teachers will come from Stevenson University. The school is located at 9013 Liberty Road in Randallstown.
Contact: Lois Stokes, Randallstown Elementary School, 410.887.0746
Saturday, April 20
BCPS to host Maryland Multicultural Conference
Baltimore County Public Schools, the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) invite educators, community members, students, parents and higher education partners to participate in discussions about multicultural education and outreach at the annual Maryland Multicultural Conference being held from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at Parkville High School. The school is located at 2600 Putty Hill Avenue in Parkville. This year's conference theme is "Deliberate Excellence: Pursuing High Expectations for ALL Learners." Distinguished author and educator Geneva Gay will offer a keynote speech on using culturally responsive instruction to meet the learning needs of increasingly diverse student and community populations. More than two dozen breakout sessions will explore topics including reaching and teaching students in poverty, engaging multicultural students and creating educational equity for all learners, regardless of location, language, race or socioeconomic background. Conference registration is open to the public until April 16 at a cost of $10 for high school students, $20 for undergraduate/graduate students, $35 for NAME members and $40 for non-members.
Contact: Lisa Williams, Office of Equity and Cultural Proficiency, 410.887.2444
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Superintendent Dance shares plans for FY 2014 funds from Baltimore County: School system responds to county executive’s budget presentation
TOWSON, MD—This morning, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz presented his proposed FY 2014 budget for the county, including its support for Baltimore County Public Schools.
In response to the budget proposal, Lawrence Schmidt, president of the Board of Education of Baltimore County, and Dr. S. Dallas Dance, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, issued the following statements: From Lawrence Schmidt: The Board of Education is pleased that the county executive continues to demonstrate his strong support for Baltimore County Public Schools and for Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance. In tough fiscal times, it is essential to continue investing in the future, and, through his support for our schools and students, that is what the county executive is doing. He clearly shares our vision of moving this school system forward both in terms of its facilities and its academic programs. From Dr. S. Dallas Dance: We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the county executive for our public schools. The funds proposed by the county executive for our schools reflect a shared understanding of our moral obligations to the next generation and the economic and social benefits of investing in our youth. Included in the county executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget are funds to cover the cost of fulltime school resource officers for six middle schools – Cockeysville, Dumbarton, Hereford, Ridgely, Sparrows Point, and Sudbrook. School resource officers, who are officers of the Baltimore County Police Department, play critical roles in improving the safety and security of our middle and high schools. With the additional funds, every BCPS secondary school could benefit from the services of these key team members. In addition, the county executive proposes an even larger investment of capital funds for school improvements to address the need to accommodate more students in the southwest, northwest and central areas of the county. To effectively utilize these funds, we have already begun discussions with the Board of Education’s Area Education Advisory Councils and with school and community leaders. Our work with them will continue and intensify as we seek solutions that benefit broad segments of the county, rather than focusing on one school or a few schools. As with all capital improvement planning conducted by the school system, establishing the priority of specific projects will be based on facilities assessments, enrollment trends and educational programming needs. Before any plan is crafted or implemented, we will engage the community in meetings to discuss and refine viable long-term strategies to address immediate overcrowding and anticipated future growth. By taking this strategic approach, we can maximize the impact of the funds and integrate their use into our systemwide plan to ensure that every school environment facilitates high-quality teaching and learning. As we align the infrastructure of Baltimore County schools to our vision of graduating globally competitive young adults and as we implement plans to expand world languages instruction and to move toward a 1:1 digital learning community, we know that we will have additional financial needs, and we look forward to working with our stakeholders to secure the required support.
In response to the budget proposal, Lawrence Schmidt, president of the Board of Education of Baltimore County, and Dr. S. Dallas Dance, superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, issued the following statements: From Lawrence Schmidt: The Board of Education is pleased that the county executive continues to demonstrate his strong support for Baltimore County Public Schools and for Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance. In tough fiscal times, it is essential to continue investing in the future, and, through his support for our schools and students, that is what the county executive is doing. He clearly shares our vision of moving this school system forward both in terms of its facilities and its academic programs. From Dr. S. Dallas Dance: We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of the county executive for our public schools. The funds proposed by the county executive for our schools reflect a shared understanding of our moral obligations to the next generation and the economic and social benefits of investing in our youth. Included in the county executive’s proposed FY 2014 budget are funds to cover the cost of fulltime school resource officers for six middle schools – Cockeysville, Dumbarton, Hereford, Ridgely, Sparrows Point, and Sudbrook. School resource officers, who are officers of the Baltimore County Police Department, play critical roles in improving the safety and security of our middle and high schools. With the additional funds, every BCPS secondary school could benefit from the services of these key team members. In addition, the county executive proposes an even larger investment of capital funds for school improvements to address the need to accommodate more students in the southwest, northwest and central areas of the county. To effectively utilize these funds, we have already begun discussions with the Board of Education’s Area Education Advisory Councils and with school and community leaders. Our work with them will continue and intensify as we seek solutions that benefit broad segments of the county, rather than focusing on one school or a few schools. As with all capital improvement planning conducted by the school system, establishing the priority of specific projects will be based on facilities assessments, enrollment trends and educational programming needs. Before any plan is crafted or implemented, we will engage the community in meetings to discuss and refine viable long-term strategies to address immediate overcrowding and anticipated future growth. By taking this strategic approach, we can maximize the impact of the funds and integrate their use into our systemwide plan to ensure that every school environment facilitates high-quality teaching and learning. As we align the infrastructure of Baltimore County schools to our vision of graduating globally competitive young adults and as we implement plans to expand world languages instruction and to move toward a 1:1 digital learning community, we know that we will have additional financial needs, and we look forward to working with our stakeholders to secure the required support.
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Web feature celebrates Baltimore County Public Schools 2013 graduating seniors: New profile to be posted every school day until May 24
TOWSON, MD. – Each school day until Friday, May 24, Baltimore County Public Schools will feature the profile of an outstanding graduating senior on its website, www.bcps.org.
A link to the feature will be found among the rotating images on the homepage of the BCPS website. The first profile can be accessed directly at http://bit.ly/14pQ9sr. The 30 seniors to be profiled were selected by their principals and represent Catonsville, Chesapeake, Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Franklin, George Washington Carver Center, Hereford, Kenwood, Lansdowne, Loch Raven, Milford Mill, New Town, Overlea , Owings Mills, Parkville, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville , Randallstown, Sollers Point Technical, Sparrows Point, Towson, Western Technical and Woodlawn high schools as well as the evening high schools at Dundalk, Overlea, Pikesville and Woodlawn, and the Saturday high school at Loch Raven. The profiles will be posted in random order and include photos, students’ reflections on their high school years and future plans, and testimonials from school staff members. The last day of the profile project coincides with the last day of school for seniors.
A link to the feature will be found among the rotating images on the homepage of the BCPS website. The first profile can be accessed directly at http://bit.ly/14pQ9sr. The 30 seniors to be profiled were selected by their principals and represent Catonsville, Chesapeake, Dulaney, Dundalk, Eastern Technical, Franklin, George Washington Carver Center, Hereford, Kenwood, Lansdowne, Loch Raven, Milford Mill, New Town, Overlea , Owings Mills, Parkville, Patapsco, Perry Hall, Pikesville , Randallstown, Sollers Point Technical, Sparrows Point, Towson, Western Technical and Woodlawn high schools as well as the evening high schools at Dundalk, Overlea, Pikesville and Woodlawn, and the Saturday high school at Loch Raven. The profiles will be posted in random order and include photos, students’ reflections on their high school years and future plans, and testimonials from school staff members. The last day of the profile project coincides with the last day of school for seniors.
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After-school activities cancelled today at Owings Mills High School
TOWSON, MD. – Due to a lack of water at the school, all afternoon and evening activities at Owings Mills High School are cancelled for today, Monday, April 15, 2013. The school is located at 124 Tollgate Road in Owings Mills.
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Washington Post ranks 13 BCPS high schools among most challenging in nation : Annual Challenge Index gauges academic rigor
TOWSON, MD. – The national High School Challenge project has named 13 Baltimore County public schools – more than half of the county’s 24 traditional and magnet high schools – to its list of the nation’s top schools.
The Challenge list, compiled and published by The Washington Post since 1998, ranks the nation’s most challenging high schools for academic rigor. From more than 22,000 high schools across the nation, the list spotlights more than 1,900 high schools, representing the top 9 percent of high schools based on total student participation in highly rigorous coursework and exams.
This year’s 13 BCPS schools, which are among 123 Maryland schools on the roster, also made the honor roll last year. They are:
- Catonsville High School in Catonsville (ranked 50 in Maryland / 869 nationally)
- Dulaney High School in Timonium (27/487)
- Eastern Technical High School in Essex (36/716)
- Franklin High School in Reisterstown (84/1,427)
- George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in Towson (45/812)
- Hereford High School in Hereford (26/485)
- Loch Raven High School in Towson (61/1,008)
- Owings Mills High School in Owings Mills (111/1,841)
- Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts (114/1,852)
- Perry Hall High School in Perry Hall (83/1,420)
- Pikesville High School in Pikesville (56/942)
- Towson High School in Towson (21/415)
- Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Catonsville (74/1,262)
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BCPS general counsel to be honored for pro bono immigration law services : Margaret-Ann Howie to be honored by Tahirih Justice Center
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BCPS hosting first ever countywide SAT day today: County is first in state to provide testing for juniors free of charge
TOWSON, MD. – All Grade 11 students in Baltimore County Public Schools will take the SATs for free today, April 17, 2013, during “SAT Day,” aimed at promoting college readiness.
“This is a game changer,” Superintendent Dr. S. Dallas Dance said. “Many of our students would like to take the SAT yet can’t afford the test fee or can’t make it to the weekend test time. Regardless of whether students decide to go to college, enter the military or begin careers, offering free SAT testing during the school day gives them more options for their future."
SAT results are automatically sent free of charge to up to four colleges or universities of the test taker’s choice, thereby beginning a relationship between the student and the institutions. Scores are also sent to students’ high schools, where they can be used to offer tailored college counseling and instruction.
BCPS is the first school system in the state to fund school-day SAT testing for high school juniors. Prince George’s County held a similar SAT day this fall for seniors.
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