Category: School Notebook

The Perry Hall High School Administrators decided to honor the PHHS graduating Class of 2020 with a banner on the school building. The banner can be seen on Ebenezer Road and has a list of all the PHHS graduating seniors inside the 2020 banner. Many seniors and parents have stopped by the school to locate the student’s names and many have taken a photo.

PHHS, along with all high schools in the county, have had their prom and senior activities canceled as a result of COVID-19. The school is having a virtual graduation on Monday, June 15 at 2 p.m.

Councilman David Marks, who is an alum of PHHS, thanks the school administrators for paying tribute to the Class of 2020.

“This was a wonderful way to honor our graduates,” Marks said.

To honor its extraordinary Class of 2020 during these extraordinary times, Baltimore County Public Schools is pleased to share the schedule for upcoming upcoming virtual high school graduations. Additional information about how to view the ceremonies and how graduating seniors will receive their caps and gowns will be forthcoming from school principals. Here is a list of graduating dates and times for Eastern Baltimore County high schools:

Wednesday, June 10
Battle Monument School – 4 p.m.

Thursday, June 11
Eastern Technical High School – 10 a.m.

Monday, June 15
Perry Hall High School – 2 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16
Sparrows Point High School – 10 a.m.
Chesapeake High School – 2 p.m.
Patapsco High School and
Center for the Arts – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17
Parkville High School – 10 a.m.
Overlea High School – 2 p.m.

Thursday, June 18
Dundalk High School – 2 p.m.
Kenwood High School – 4 p.m.

A full list can be found for all of Baltimore County

After Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020, BCPS board members described their decision to host virtual graduations for BCPS seniors in a statement.

“This was a difficult decision for all of us,” said Board Chair Kathleen Causey.
“We have heard from students and parents that what they want is an in-person graduation. We want that for them, too, but in the midst of this pandemic, for the safety of everyone, that is simply not possible. These virtual graduations will still provide opportunities to recognize students individually and to celebrate online together. In fact, the degree of personalization will be even higher than a standard graduation.”

“If it becomes possible, perhaps this summer, to host in-person celebrations, we want to make that happen,” said Board Vice Chair Julie Henn. “We are committed to honoring our seniors for their hard work and accomplishments in whatever ways we can. We recognize the tremendous disappointment our seniors and their families are feeling right now. But we also know that our graduates will remain connected to one another and to their extended BCPS family and that we will cheer and celebrate their successes – past, present, and future long beyond our current circumstances.”

Once plans are finalized, the revised graduation schedule will be posted on the BCPS website.

After Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020, BCPS board members described their decision to host virtual graduations for BCPS seniors in a statement.

Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) announced on its Twitter page that it will hold virtual graduations for the Class of 2020.

“This spring our graduations will be held online. We will explore face-to-face celebrations when it is safe to do so in accordance with the Governor’s orders. Once finalized, the revised graduations will be posted online,” said the statement.

BCPS announced in April that all physical high seniors activities, including graduations, were canceled because of COVID-19

When Robert Runk started coaching his children in soccer, many parents asked if he was a teacher because of how well he communicated with the young players.

He was not. But the enjoyment he experienced from working with youth motivated him to get involved with public education – first as a substitute teacher, then as a paraeducator, and now, as a special education teacher focused in science and social studies. During his 17 years serving the Parkville Middle School community, he has also served as a student mentor. Runk has eagerly taken on so many roles, and now he has a new one to celebrate.

Runk is the 2020 Baltimore County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He is the first educator from Parkville Middle to earn this honor since the recognition program began in 1988. BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams surprised Runk with the news during a virtual staff meeting Monday.

“Mr. Runk has made a significant difference in the lives of so many students at Parkville Middle,” Dr. Williams said. “It is clear he is respected by his peers, and his teaching and mentorship serve as a treasure for the community.”

Runk, in his sixth year as a special educator, leads the mentorship program at Parkville Middle, which started as a lunch bunch for young male students who needed support. Now, it includes students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, both male and female.

“I often find it the most fulfilling part of being an educator,” Runk wrote in his BCPS Teacher of the Year application. “Having a strong person that builds relationships and cares can make all the difference in the world to these students.

Runk has served as an access point for the Maryland Food Bank at Parkville Middle. He also serves as a martial arts coach for Parkville Parks and Recreation. Runk earned his bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in education from Walden University.

He is a Sparrows Point High graduate and resides in Lutherville.

The BCPS Teacher of the Year is selected by a committee of administrators, teachers, students, and BCPS staff. Each BCPS school, program, and center can nominate one teacher for consideration. Runk will be the BCPS representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.

Holabird East Apartments, Martin Boulevard Elementary School and Norwood Elementary School have been added to the list of distribution locations for the Baltimore County Public Schools’ Mobile Meal Program, effective Monday, May 4.

At all sites, students will receive a breakfast, lunch, and snack on Monday through Wednesday. On Thursday, students will receive two breakfasts, two lunches, and two snacks for Thursday and Friday. Meals are no longer distributed on Friday.

Meals will be distributed from the following 66 locations. While students are encouraged to be present when picking up meals, accommodations will be made for students who are unable to be present. Please note the specific distribution times for each location:

•Arbutus Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Baltimore Highlands Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Battle Grove Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Bear Creek Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Berkshire Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carney Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Carriage Hill Apartments, 3456 Carriage Hill Cr., 21133, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Chadwick Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Chesapeake High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Church Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deep Creek Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Deer Park Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Drumcastle Apartments, 6306 Holly Ln., 21212, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Dulaney High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dumbarton Middle School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dundalk High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Dunfield Apartments, 55 Insley Way, 21236, in front of leasing office, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Elmwood Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Featherbed Lane Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Garrison Forest Apartments, at the corner of Beaver Head and Tahoe Circle, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•General John Stricker Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Glyndon Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Grange Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Halstead Academy, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hawthorne Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Hereford High School, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

•Holabird East Apartments, 1705 Holaview Rd., 21222, from 12:10 – 1 p.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Johnnycake Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Kings Point Shopping Center in front of Kiddie Koach, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Lansdowne High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Logan Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Martin Boulevard Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Middle River Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Milbrook Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•New Town High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Norwood Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m. (new location as of Monday, May 4)

•Oakleigh Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Owings Mills Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Padonia International Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Parkville High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Patapsco High School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pine Grove Elementary School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Pleasant Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Riverview Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Rosedale Library, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Saddle Brooke Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sandy Plains Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Scotts Branch Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Seneca Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Sollers Point Multipurpose Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sparrows Point High School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave., from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Stemmers Run Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Sussex Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Wellwood International School, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Westchester Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westland Gardens Apartments, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Westowne Elementary School, from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

•Whispering Woods Complex, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Winfield Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodbridge Elementary, from 12:10 – 1 p.m.

•Woodlawn Middle School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Elementary School, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

•Woodmoor Shopping Center, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

BCPS announces six finalists for 2020 Principals of the Year. Two of the six are school leaders from eastern Baltimore County.

“We are so fortunate to have these dedicated school leaders providing dynamic leadership in the communities they serve,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said of all of the nominees. “Our students and staff have continuously turned to them for guidance, especially during these unexpected recent challenges.”

Kelly O’Connell is one of the three principals in the Elementary nominees. She is her fourth year as principal at Mars Estates Elementary and her 18th year with BCPS. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in human resources school leadership from Towson University. Jane Martin of Pot Spring Elementary and Brian Williams of Baltimore Highlands are the other two elementary nominees.

Kenwood principal Brian Powell is in his fourth year as the principal at the Essex school and his 12th year working for BCPS. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in education from Salisbury University.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve our terrific Kenwood community! I’m grateful to be considered in this category considering all of the outstanding principals in BCPS. I consider this as great recognition for our entire Kenwood school community, our staff, and our students,” Powell told East Baltco News on Friday evening.

“Congratulations to my elementary colleague, Kelly O’Connell for her nomination and excellent support of our community as well!”

Kalisha Miller of Pikesville Middle and Rochelle Archelus of Woodlawn Middle are the other two Secondary nominees.

In 2019, Charlene Behnke of Honeygo Elementary School was named the Elementary School winner Monica Sample of Overlea High School was named the best principal for Secondary Schools.

The Principal of the Year selection process started this year with an opportunity for community members to nominate school leaders. BCPS received 3,905 nominations, which were taken into consideration by the Principal of the Year selection committee led by the Office of Organizational Effectiveness.

BCPS will name the 2020-21 BCPS Principals of the Year later this month.