TEAM BCPS: The Latest News From Baltimore County Public Schools
From BCPS to Washington: Students participate in White House visits
The Chesapeake High Girls Empowerment Mission Club visited the White House during a club-sponsored visit to Washington Dec. 1. And they weren’t alone.
Students from the Randallstown High Academy of Health Professions and the Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts also made their way to Washington for educational trips.
Learn more about the trips and see some of the photos taken in our latest Deliberate Excellence blog update.
Video of the Week: Northwest Academy of Health Sciences pinning ceremony
The Northwest Academy of Health Sciences held its first pinning ceremony for Grade 6 students. Formerly Old Court Middle, the Northwest Academy of Health Sciences prepares students for Randallstown High’s Academy of Health Professions program. We appreciate Northwest Academy student Morlyne explaining why she is enjoying the program.
Pinning Ceremony – N.W. Academy of Health Sciences and Randallstown High School
Mission Moment: The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., reaches into the community searching for TEAMBCPS Ambassadors. They serve in many capacities by providing their time and their talents in support of the foundation’s vision, mission and goals. Interested in becoming an ambassador? Contact Deborah S. Phelps, Director. You can see the full list of ambassadors who provided their time and talents to be 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grants judges in our latest blog update. Read more .
Parenting Tip of the Week:
Find the resources your family needs to be successful
Earlier this week, we shared the story of how Woodholme Elementary Kindergarten students, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s iconic book, The Giving Tree, were collecting mittens, hats, and scarves for those in need during the holiday season. Each December, the Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless holds a memorial service for those who have experienced homelessness and passed away. This is an important time of year for parents to encourage students to give back in any way they can. There are many people in need in our community! Also keep in mind, while December can be a busy time, we have several events for parents planned this month.
Photo of the Week – from Arbutus Elementary
After meeting attendance goals in November, the Warren Elementary, Padonia International Elementary, Pot Spring Elementary, and Mays Chapel Elementary principals dressed up as the school mascots and visited each school. Kudos to principals Jason Barnett, Melissa DiDonato, Jane Martin, and Stephen Coco for being great sports. And a salute to students at all four schools for achieving average attendance of 95.9 percent or better in November. Read more.
Correspond-DANCE
A weekly memo from the superintendent
Dear Team BCPS:
The Baltimore County Board of Education experienced a number of changes last week. On Monday, Julie Henn was sworn in as a new member. She replaces Michael Collins, whose term expired this month. We welcome Ms. Henn and look forward to working with her.
The following day, the Board elected Edward J. Gilliss, Esq., as chair and Marisol A. Johnson as vice chair. On behalf of Team BCPS, I congratulate them both as they assume leadership of the Board.
I also want to extend sincere appreciation for the leadership and support of Charles McDaniels, Jr., who served as chair this past year and who will continue to serve as a Board member.
At my Student Town Hall meeting last week, a middle school student asked me what I liked best about my job. My answer was that the best part of my job is talking with students and visiting schools. So, spending last Thursday with about 75 high school students in the morning and about 75 middle school students in the afternoon was a great day for me. I am always impressed with the caliber of questions students ask. I anticipated many questions about grading and reporting, especially from high school students. But beyond those questions, students asked about afterschool activities, their school buildings, and how we can better help them prepare for adulthood (especially with finances).
Last week’s Student Town Hall, with students from the west side of the county, was my first of the year. Later in the school year, there will be one on the east side.
Take care,
Dr. Dance
Happening This Week…
12/13 Seventh District Elementary holds Winter Concert
12/13 Visit BCPS Parentmobile at Reisterstown Elementary
12/14 CTE Expo and Bazaar at Milford Mill Academy
12/14 Visit BCPS Parentmobile at Edgemere Elementary
12/15 Pikesville High students read to Wellwood International students
12/16 BCSC General Assembly meets at Goucher College
Visit here to learn more about these and many other events this week.