Connecting with Students

Staying connected while shifting through the parameters of the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, however, for some it is more difficult than others.  Access to computers, cell phones, internet, and the media are the basic ways in which many stay connected.  Yet, there are those who are limited in their access to these forms of communication.   There are also those who are experiencing social and emotional disconnections.  The BCPS community is working hard to ensure that students are connected to the resources available   On-line learning through BCPS is the way in which BCPS students will be provided the opportunity to continue their education.

In an effort to re-engage students and families who have not been actively participating in online learning, The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools has partnered with the United Way of Central Maryland, the Michael Phelps Foundation, and Under Armour to create 2,555 BCPS Connects tool kits.  These social-emotional support kits for students have been provided to over 100 schools in Baltimore County.  During the week of July 27 through July 31, 2020 volunteers and volunteens packed and distributed these kits.

The goal of the initiative is share the understanding with students who have disengaged with BCPS that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may be overwhelming, as friends in the school house are not as accessible as they used to be, that activities have changed, and that the world of education has shifted.  Even so, we are encouraging students to reach out and connect with their schools before the first day to identify resources and support systems.

The contents of the kits sends a message that, not only is the school system there to support them, but also community partners truly care and have joined this initiative to show their support.  Our thanks go out to our three key sponsors, United Way of Central Maryland, Michael Phelps Foundation, and Under Armour.  Appreciation also goes to organizations and resources provided by Aetna, First Financial Federal Credit Union, and Baltimore County Public Library.   The project received assistance from BCPS Department of Facilities Management and Strategic Planning: Logistics, and BCPS Department of Communications and Community Outreach; Print and Copy Services, and Design and Digital Media.

We invite you to follow the foundation and its efforts to support the students, educators, and administrators of the BCPS Community through our Mission Moment series as well as our web site at www.educationfoundationbcps.org .  You can also join our social medial communities found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Facebook:         The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools and The Exchangeree

Instagram:        foundationbcps and theexchangeree

Twitter:             @foundationbcps

LinkedIn:           The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc.

Click on the links below to view media coverage about the events

Broadcast

FOX 45 Good Day Baltimore

Source

WBFF-TV – Jul 29, 2020

WMAR-2 News: Good Morning Maryland 6:30 AM

Source

WMAR-TV – Jul 29, 2020

 

Online

Mental health kits assembled for Baltimore County students

Source

WMAR-TV Online – Jul 29, 2020

Mental health kits assembled for Baltimore County students

Source

The Baltimore Post – Jul 29, 2020

Groups Create Mental Health Tool Kits For Baltimore County Public Schools Students

Source

The Baltimore Post – Jul 28, 2020

Groups Create Mental Health Tool Kits For Baltimore County Public Schools Students

Source

WJZ-TV Online – Jul 28, 2020

Visit our website and learn more about: RISE for a Brighter Future (Relief in Securing Education) campaign sustains equitable access to curricular materials for students,

as well as equal access to process and to grow during these challenging times.

 

The Foundation is a 501 C (3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization, under Internal Revenue Service regulations to attract and direct public financial contributions to programs and activities of the school system in support of quality education for all children.

Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.