Category: School Notebook

Hogan Appoints Dr. Erin Hager to BCPS Board of Education


Dr. Erin Hager, an associate professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), has been appointed by Gov.Larry Hogan to serve on the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

Hager was nominated by the Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission and appointed by the governor to fill the remaining term created by the death of Board member Roger Hayden. She will officially join the Board as soon as she can be sworn in by the Clerk of the County. County courts are officially closed through Friday, May 1.

“I look forward to working with Dr. Hager as she joins the Board,” said Baltimore County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “I am certain that the Board will benefit from her unique perspectives as a parent and as a health and higher education professional.”

Hager holds faculty appointments in the UMSOM departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology & Public Health and is the director of the UMSOM Program in Health Equity and Population Health. In her research, she implements and evaluates strategies to promote healthy eating and physical activity among children in schools and communities. Since 2018, she has served as the elected chair of the Maryland State School Health Council. Hager (formerly Sterner) graduated from Lansdowne High School in 1996 and then earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola College in Maryland (now Loyola University Maryland) and a doctorate in human nutrition from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She lives in Catonsville with her husband and three children who attend BCPS elementary, middle, and high schools.

“We eagerly await welcoming Dr. Hager to the Board,” said Board Chair Kathleen Causey. “Her multiple connections to the school system – as a graduate, a parent, and as an advocate for children’s health – will enrich our discussions and decision-making.”

Eastern Tech Student Takes 1st place in Regional Brain Bee


Amanda Nwokoro, a senior at Eastern Technical High School, earned first place in a regional Brain Bee held at Stevenson University and had qualified to compete in the 2020 USA Brain Bee Championship to be held March 27 – 29 on the campus of the Northeast Ohio Medical School before it had been postponed to the Coronavirus.

The Brain Bee is an international neuroscience competition for high school students ages 13 – 19. During the competition, students answer questions related to their readings in neuroscience and participate in a neuroanatomy lab component. The winner of the national competition will participate in the international final round to be held in Washington, D.C.

The Eastern Tech delegation also consisted of Keanna Brown and Ami Day. The three students have worked throughout the year to learn about neurology and cerebral anatomy. By the local Brain Bee’s end, three of the four spots in the final round were acquired by Eastern Tech students.

BCPS Student and Staff Recognitions From First Half of Year


As Baltimore County Public Schools an unprecedented transition to distance learning during the mandated school closure, the school system continues to celebrate state, regional, and national recognitions from the third quarter ending March 31.

Student and staff recognitions at the national and state levels are highlighted below, adding to achievements from the first and second quarters of the school year. Here is a look back at those honors.

Students
•The 31st Annual Maryland Public High School Dance Showcase involved 10 students from five high schools, including Patapsco and Perry Hall.

•The 8th Annual Maryland Dance Alliance involved students from eight high schools including Parkville and Patapsco.

•Students earned 343 Regional Scholastic Awards for 2020 including 24 Gold Keys in visual arts and 17 in writing.

•The Deep Creek Middle Drama Club and Sarah Nelson (Dulaney High) were named two of the six honorees in the 2020 Young Playwrights Festival presented by Baltimore Center Stage.

•Student leaders Sean Davis (Chesapeake) and Carmelli Leal (Eastern Technical) were featured speakers on a panel at the Champion Our Children Forum at the National School Board Association’s Advocacy Institute.

•Josh Hunt (Kenwood High) is one of just 200 Air Force Junior ROTC cadets worldwide to earn a Chief of Staff Private Pilot Scholarship from Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC.

•Amanda Nwokoro (Eastern Technical High) earned first place in a regional Brain Bee held at Stevenson University and has qualified to compete in the 2020 USA Brain Bee Championship.

•Fourteen BCPS students competed in the inaugural MPSSAA Girls State Wrestling Championships, including two Dundalk High students

Staff
Casey Lane (English teacher, Deep Creek Middle) achieved National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Her new designation brings the total number of National Board-certified teachers in Baltimore County Public Schools to 140.

•Anthony V. Carter, Jr. (career and technical education department chair, Middle River Middle) was selected as a 2019–20 Teacher Fellow in the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy.

•Two staff earned recognition from the Maryland Society for Education Technology: Stacy Barry (resource teacher, Innovation and Digital Safety) was named 2020 Maryland Outstanding Leader Using Technology, and Kimberly Burton-Regulski (mathematics department chair, Eastern Technical) was named 2020 Maryland Outstanding Educator.

•Robert M. Ball was named the Most Inclusive Public School Minority Business Enterprise Outreach Liaison of the Year by the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association.

All BCPS Senior Class Activities Cancelled


As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, BCPS superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams announced that proms and all high school senior activities have been cancelled for the rest of this year. He sent out a letter to parents and students of the BCPS Class of 2020.

“These past few weeks I have been thinking about you and I know you did not anticipate that your
senior year would include a Stay-at-Home executive order by our governor effective March 30,” Williams wrote in the letter.

Williams also noted that these cancellations hit home as he has a graduating high school senior and a graduating college student in his family.

“We will continue to work with our school leadership regarding possible alternatives including virtual graduations, but no final decision has been made at this time,” Williams said. “We recognize that your senior year is a milestone in your educational journey and you worked hard to achieve this senior status.”

Fifth District School Board Member Julie Henn shared the letter on her social media page and is sad that the events are cancelled but told the students to appreciate their accomplishments.

“I am heartbroken for our seniors and their families whose special events have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Please know you are in my thoughts and that you have my full support. I will urge the system to pursue all safe avenues to celebrate your accomplishments,” Henn wrote.

Maryland State Schools are all closed until at least April 24 but there is concern that date could be extended as Maryland still has a Stay-at-Home order for the foreseeable future.

American Flag at PHHS Fixed By Fire Department


Old Glory is back in its right position at Perry Hall High School.

Councilman David Marks reported that his office received a phone call complaining that American flag at the high school was “tattered and upside-down”.

Marks explained that he later received an email from Perry Hall High Principal Craig Reed explaining that the flag pole was broken and could not be fixed since the school was shutdown due to COVID-19.

After word leaked about this problem on social media, Marks said the school received a hand from the fire department who repaired and fixed the flag.

“Many thanks to Jack Amrhein and the Baltimore County Fire Department, Engine 8 and Truck 8, for coming to the rescue – and to Baltimore County School Board member Julie Henn for her help as well,” Marks said.

Eastern Tech junior elected president of state Student Councils


Carmelli Leal, a junior at Eastern Technical High School, has been elected president of the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) for 2020 – 2021.

Leal is a student leader at the national, state, county and school level. Nationally, she is a member of the Student Leadership Advisory Committee of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassador. At the state level, she is a certified workshop presenter and special issues director for the MASC and vice-chair of the Maryland Youth Advisory Council.

In Baltimore County, Leal serves as legislative director for Baltimore County Student Councils. Her leadership roles at Eastern Tech include being active in the school’s Student Government Association and Future Business Leaders of America organization.

In her personal statement as a candidate for the MASC presidency, Leal wrote: “Since I stepped foot in my first middle school student council meeting, I was enraptured by the idea of being able to make a change. At first, it was just helping to decorate our school’s Spring Fling or sitting with someone who typically sat alone at lunch. Now, in my six years of student government, I realize the influence that students have when they come together. Through MASC, I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of students from around the state – many of whom I have had the pleasure working with to present workshops, testify at the State Board of Education, and advocate on Capitol Hill. I want to continue working with the students of Maryland to make tangible differences in education by empowering students and helping them realize their true potential.”

Currently ranked first in her class, Leal is enrolled in Eastern Tech’s information technology network pathway CISCO magnet program. She has been inducted into the National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. She is also an award-winning volunteer at the Baltimore Veteran Affairs Medical Center, a volleyball manager, and member of Eastern Tech’s jazz band.

Dundalk High Junior Selected as Student Member for Board of Education


Students from across Baltimore County have selected Dundalk High School junior Joshua Muhumuza to be the next student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County.

That was the result of an online vote held Thursday, March 12, just days before schools in Baltimore County and across Maryland closed as a result of Coronavirus precautions. A total of 8,072 middle and high school students from across the county cast online ballots for one of three student board member candidates. Opening the balloting process to all secondary students was a first for BCPS.

Muhumuza’s name will now be forwarded to Gov. Larry Hogan for consideration and appointment to the one-year position.
A member of Dundalk’s National Honor Society, Student Government Association, and Homeland Security Program, Muhumuza has participated in his school’s debate team, AVID program, soccer team, Model Congress, and Model U.N. programs. He also serves as the southwestern representative for the Baltimore County Student Councils and a member of its infrastructure committee.

Outside of school, he tutors with his church, serves as a volunteer soccer coach at Dundalk Middle School, and is a senior patrol leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to Muhumuza, candidates in the three-student election – also a first for Baltimore County – were Vinay Khosla of Dulaney High School and Rosalind Marfo of Franklin High School.

For the past four years, student Board member candidates were vetted and voted upon during a special convention with student representatives and council leaders. Prior to 2016, student members were chosen and recommended by a committee of BCPS educators, staff, and student leaders.

This year, the application process was expanded to allow and encourage participation from all BCPS middle and high school students. Students were able to view videotaped speeches from each of the three candidates as well as a videotaped question-and-answer session for each candidate.

Maryland Schools To Remain Closed Until April 24


Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and State School Superintendent Karen Salmon announced on Wednesday morning that Maryland public schools would remain closed until at least Friday, April 24 because of COVID-19. The earliest schools could open is Monday, April 27.

Schools have already been closed for the coronavirus pandemic since March 16 and were set to be closed until March 27 before the latest extension. Baltimore County Public Schools scheduled to have their Spreak Break from April 4 to April 13 and for their school year to end on Monday, June 22.

Four people have died from the coronavirus in the state and Maryland has taken other steps to stop the spread of the virus. Hogan had issued an executive order on Monday for nonessential businesses to close.

BCPS Served over 50,000 Lunches This Week


Baltimore County Public Schools served more than 50,000 meals during the first week of the state-mandated school closure. Beginning Monday, March 23, two additional sites will be added as meal distribution locations bringing the total to 46.

The following numbers of meals were distributed by BCPS from March 16 -20:

Monday, March 16: 1,159
Tuesday, March 17: 1,911
Wednesday, March 18: 11,925
Thursday, March 19: 17,236
Friday, March 20: 17,930
TOTAL: 50,161 total meals served

“I have visited several sites while meals were being distributed,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams, “and I am so impressed with the efficiency and great caring of our Food and Nutrition Services staff members. This is a challenging time for all families, and I am so pleased that we are able to address this vital need for so many students and their families.”

Beginning Monday, Mar. 23, BCPS students may pick up breakfast, lunch, and dinner (three meals in one bag) at 46 locations, including two new sites: Sparrows Point High School and Westland Gardens Apartments. Please continue to check the BCPS Coronavirus Updates webpage for the latest list.

Students must be present to receive meals in the parking lots of the locations identified below on weekdays through Mar. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BCPS Locations
Arbutus Elementary School
Baltimore Highlands Elementary School
Battle Grove Elementary School
Carney Elementary School
Carriage Hill Apartments
Chadwick Elementary School
Chesapeake High School
Cove Village Apartments, Essex, in front of rental office
Deep Creek Middle School
Deer Park Middle School
Dulaney High School
Dundalk Elementary School
Dundalk High School
Elmwood Elementary School
Featherbed Elementary School
Glyndon Elementary School
Halstead Academy
Hawthorne Elementary School
Johnnycake Elementary School
Kings Point Shopping Center in front of Kiddie Koach
Lansdowne High School
Logan Elementary School
Middle River Middle School
Milbrook Elementary School
New Town High School
Oakleigh Elementary School
Owings Mills Elementary School
Padonia Elementary School
Parkville High School
Pleasant Plains Elementary School
Riverview Elementary School
Rosedale Library
Saddle Brooke Apartments
Sandy Plains Elementary School
Scotts Branch Elementary School
Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center
Sparrows Point High School (as of Monday, Mar. 23)
Stemmers Run Middle School
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Eastern Ave.
Sussex Elementary School
Westchester Elementary School
Westland Gardens Apartments (as of Monday, Mar. 23)
Winfield Elementary School
Woodlawn Middle School
Woodmoor Elementary School
Woodmoor Shopping Center

Eastern Tech Teacher Earns Outstanding Educator Award from MSET


Kimberly Burton-Regulski, mathematics department chair at Eastern Technical High School, has been named that group’s 2020 Maryland Outstanding Educator. She will be honored at MSET’s Common Ground 2020 conference, April 30 – May 1, at the Ocean City Convention Center.

Burton-Regulski has taught mathematics and computer science at Eastern Tech for 21 years. She has earned a bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and computer science from Towson University and a master’s degree in advanced information technology from Stevenson University. She has been instrumental in building the computer science program at Eastern Tech. Eastern Tech now requires all 9th grade students to take Foundations of Computer Science. Burton-Regulski is also the innovation coordinator for Eastern Tech’s comprehensive Makerspace and a College Board consultant.

In 2009, Burton-Regulski was awarded the Presidential Award for Mathematics and Science Teaching. Her other honors include being named Teacher of the Month by Code.org, Microsoft Innovative Educator, and the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator. She sponsors a Girls in STEM club and the Maverick Coding Club. She also teaches a Teaching Computer Science in the Secondary Schools course for Towson University.

In nominating Burton-Regulski, Eastern Tech STAT teacher Jayme Harget wrote: “Kimberly Burton-Regulski has a significant positive impact on technology use locally, regionally, and nationally. She exhibits leadership in her school with a vision of technology infusion that has resulted in the development of a makerspace and an elective course in Innovation & Design Thinking. Through the application of Design Thinking, her work empowers learners to flourish in a connected world by cultivating a passionate learning community and an empathy for others…She believes that in order to best serve her students she must be forward-thinking and willing to learn new technologies and new teaching strategies.“