📸: Mrs. Jones, a Special Education Paraeducator from Park Heights Academy, smiles for the camera. City Schools celebrated Paraprofessional Appreciation Day on April 3, 2024, and highlighted their critical roles in supporting our students. |
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April 8, 6 - 8 p.m. SECAC Meeting |
| April 8, 7 - 8 p.m. National Board Certification Teacher (NBCT) Panel Discussion |
| April 9, 3 - 4 p.m. Code of Conduct Feedback Session - District Staff |
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April 9, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Public Board Meeting |
| April 11, 5 - 6 p.m. Code of Conduct Feedback Session - School Based Administrators |
| April 16, 5 - 6 p.m. Code of Conduct Feedback Session - Teachers |
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| AMP Phase 3 Rollout: Naming Contest |
As part of the Administrative Modernization Project (AMP), City Schools will use a new, more modern electronic evaluation platform to complete steps in the evaluation process for all team members.
The new electronic evaluation platform will be more engaging and accessible than the system we have used to date - without diminishing the security and accuracy of employee performance information. This investment in resources is to ensure people leaders, those who support the evaluation process, and team members have the tools and system they deserve to engage in evaluations.
This is a brand-new electronic platform for City Schools, and we’d like your help to name it! We’re accepting naming suggestions by Friday, April 19. The top suggestions will be shared in the following Inside Scoop for a vote. The person who submits the winning name will receive a prize and bragging rights! |
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| COVID-19 Guidelines Update |
City Schools is updating its COVID-19 quarantine guidance policies in alignment with the recent updates released by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The new guidelines for COVID-19 share similarities with those for other respiratory viruses, such as flu and RSV.
Important things to know if you have either been diagnosed or are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus: - Please stay home and social distance from others immediately
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Seek treatment as soon as possible to relieve symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness (*treatment is available for COVID-19 and Influenza)
- Do not return to normal activities until symptoms consistently improve overall for at least 24 hours
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Do not return to normal activities until fever (if present) has been gone without use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours
- Please wear a well-fitting mask and continue to social distance for 5 days after returning to normal activities to reduce the spread of illness
If you have any questions or concerns about the updated guidelines, please review the updated guidelines for respiratory viruses on the CDC’s website here. |
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In April, we will be celebrating the following staff and the amazing work that they do in their roles. We would love to highlight staff members who have positively impacted you, so please send us your school’s stories featuring these critical roles by clicking here. - Paraprofessionals Day
- Occupational Therapy Month
- School Librarian Appreciation Day
- Assistant Principal Week
- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
Thank you to our staff; we truly appreciate your hard work and dedication! |
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| City Schools Prepare for Solar Eclipse on April 8 |
On April 8, the Great Northern American solar eclipse will occur, which we won’t see again until 2044.
In Baltimore, this will manifest as a partial eclipse, potentially coinciding with school dismissal. While the regular school day will continue as planned, it's crucial to remember the importance of protecting our eyes when observing the sun.
Ensure you have certified eclipse viewing glasses to avoid any risk of eye injury. By taking precautions, we can enjoy the wonder of this celestial event safely, and it'll surely be a memorable experience for students. |
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| Code of Conduct Feedback Sessions |
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| COVID-19 Guidelines Update |
City Schools is updating its COVID-19 quarantine guidance policies in alignment with the recent updates released by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The new guidelines for COVID-19 share similarities with those for other respiratory viruses, such as flu and RSV.
Important things to know if you have either been diagnosed or are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus: - Please stay home and social distance from others immediately
-
Seek treatment as soon as possible to relieve symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness (*treatment is available for COVID-19 and Influenza)
- Do not return to normal activities until symptoms consistently improve overall for at least 24 hours
-
Do not return to normal activities until fever (if present) has been gone without use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours
- Please wear a well-fitting mask and continue to social distance for 5 days after returning to normal activities to reduce the spread of illness
If you have any questions or concerns about the updated guidelines, please review the updated guidelines for respiratory viruses on the CDC’s website here. |
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| Math Curriculum Feedback Session |
City Schools is updating its COVID-19 quarantine guidance policies in alignment with the recent updates released by The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The new guidelines for COVID-19 share similarities with those for other respiratory viruses, such as flu and RSV.
Important things to know if you have either been diagnosed or are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory virus: - Please stay home and social distance from others immediately
-
Seek treatment as soon as possible to relieve symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness (*treatment is available for COVID-19 and Influenza)
- Do not return to normal activities until symptoms consistently improve overall for at least 24 hours
- Do not return to normal activities until fever (if present) has been gone without use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours
-
Please wear a well-fitting mask and continue to social distance for 5 days after returning to normal activities to reduce the spread of illness
If you have any questions or concerns about the updated guidelines, please review the updated guidelines for respiratory viruses on the CDC’s website here. |
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| Math Curriculum Feedback Session |
City Schools is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on a new comprehensive mathematics curriculum! Please join virtually on Thursday, April 11 from 3 - 4 p.m. to hear from the final three potential vendors and ask them questions. https://bcps-k12-md-us.zoom.us/j/83990489054#success |
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| Extended: United Way Annual Campaign |
Please support the United Way of Maryland through the annual charitable giving campaign, which will run through April 30. The United Way has been an invaluable source of support for thousands of families throughout Baltimore City and across central Maryland, providing a wide range of services to those in need.
City Schools' team members can make easily make donations through our payroll deduction plan outlined here: how to donate online by payroll deduction and credit card (form attached).
You can access the ePledge Login Page at https://epledge.uwcm.org. Enter your Username, which is BCPS plus your employee ID (i.e., BCPS12345). Enter your Password, which is your birth month and birth year (i.e., 011990) Follow the prompts. Paper forms are available from coordinators. | |
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| Cut-off Dates for POS, Invoices, and Expense Reimbursements |
All purchase requisitions must be entered by Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Please take time with your teams to consider any purchases that you will need to make before the end of the school year and have them entered as requisitions before the deadline. This deadline applies to all schools and offices, and all funds. Please review this notice for additional deadlines related to non-PO AP invoices and expense reimbursements for the 2023-24 school year, as well as information about applying for an exception.
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Teachers: DonorsChoose Funds Wishlist Items up to $330; Quick Turnaround!
Following spring break, be sure to place your order for a wide range of great classroom supplies with DonorsChoose! Our teachers know our students best, so take this opportunity to get games, curated books, sensory materials, and even 3D models to help support student learning. After submitting a short application and shopping directly from the DonorsChoose site, you can have your items delivered to your school as early as the same week! The district will fund up to $300 of the total cost of your project and DonorsChoose will fund an additional $30 (including shipping and fee costs), while funding lasts.
Read the full instructions on the DonorsChoose site here. Summer Work Schedule
Similar to previous years, traditional schools and the district office will close on Fridays for part of the summer. Summer Fridays will start the work week beginning June 24 and end on July 26. Buildings will be closed on June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, and July 26. All schools and offices will also be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth and Thursday, July 4 to observe Independence Day. Beginning the work week of July 29, the district will resume operations five days a week. Additional details are available here.
Heart of School Announces 2024 Winners The Heart of the Schools, a program of the Fund for Educational Excellence, proudly announces the 2024 Heart of the School Winners.
Congratulations to Principals Justin Holbrook, Rashida Ford, Benjamin Mosley, Natasha Pouncey and Amanda Rice. Learn more at www.heartoftheschools.org. Update: Timeclock Installation for Digital Timekeeping
City Schools is currently installing UKG timeclocks in schools and district offices as part of the new UKG Ready timekeeping system. While most employees will not use these timeclocks (or the accompanying mobile app) until late 2024, timeclocks are being installed now to perform testing, configuration, and training. Training will be provided closer to the anticipated go-live date in Winter 2024. If you have any questions, please contact ampcommunications@bcps.k12.md.us.
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| Calling Middle and High School Student Leaders: Associated Student Congress of Baltimore City (ASCBC) Student Applications are Open! The Associated Student Congress of Baltimore City (ASCBC) is Baltimore’s elected student government who represents our students, and the Student Commissioner is the student who sits on the School Board. They have a say in City Schools policy (rules for all schools), the City Schools budget, and more.
If you are passionate about leadership and advocating for other youth? Apply as a candidate by April 8! In May, ALL middle and high school students can vote for their candidates of choice! Save the dates:
April 8, 5 p.m.: Deadline to apply to be a candidate April 29-May 19: Candidates will be campaigning. Keep an eye out for posters, a voter guide, and election events at your school. May 9, 6-7 p.m.: Meet the candidates at the Candidate Town Hall, streaming live on City Schools’ Youtube. May 20-23: Election week! May 28: Election results announced
To learn more, ask the student government advisor at your school, check out ASCBC’s website, or email hjtilt@bcps.k12.md.us. |
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| Partnership for Reading Success
City Schools invites families to the Partnership for Reading Success event on Wednesday, April 10, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. This fun evening focuses on boosting reading skills for kindergarten to third-grade students. Enjoy hands-on activities, refreshments, childcare, and valuable resources to support your child's reading journey. Date: April 10, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Katherine Johnson Global Academy
1101 Braddish Avenue Baltimore, MD 21216
To register, please click HERE. |
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| City Schools Hosts Districtwide Math Night at the B&O
All aboard for a fun, education evening of learning! City Schools is hosting a Districtwide Math Night at the B&O Railroad Museum on Wednesday, April 17 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Families and students can engage in math activities and take home resources to support learning at home. Interpretation will be available. Register to join - https://bit.ly/MathNightBO24
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Pre-K and Kindergarten Enrollment Opens!
It's time to Rock and Enroll in City Schools' pre-K and kindergarten! Enrollment is now open with a new, hassle-free online system. No school visits needed! Everything's at your fingertips. Visit the City Schools pre-K and kindergarten page for details. | |
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| Registration for Summer Learning is open!
Get ready for an epic summer with City Schools' Summer Learning programs! Registration is now open! Explore a variety of exciting learning options in our Summer Learning directory and enroll today.
Some schools may offer their own summer programs that are not listed in the directory. Those schools will share information with families directly. |
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| Complete the family survey!
City Schools wants your feedback! Please share your school experience by taking the family survey. School and district leaders will review your input when planning for next school year. This confidential survey is available now through Friday, April 19. Let your voice be heard! Click HERE to complete the survey.
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Good News from City Schools!
To share the district's good news stories amongst our students, staff, families, and partnering organizations, please visit the City Schools website and watch our brief video. | |
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| Have some good news from your school or office you'd like to share in this week's Winning Wednesday? |
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| Did you find this information helpful? |
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Baltimore City Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy/parenting status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations, as outlined in Board Policies JBA, JBB, JICK, ACA, ACB, and ACD. Read the full nondiscrimination notice.
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