Category: School Notebook

Carter of Middle River Middle Named Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy Fellow


Anthony V. Carter, Jr., the career and technical education department chair at Middle River Middle School, has been selected as a 2019–20 Teacher Fellow in the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy.

Carter, a resident of Havre de Grace, is one of 26 middle school science, technology, and engineering teachers receiving this designation from the Northrop Grumman Foundation and the National Science Teaching Association. Chosen from school districts in communities where Northrop Grumman operates across the country, the Teacher Fellows will participate in a variety of science, technology, and engineering-related activities and professional learning opportunities.

“We are excited to welcome this year’s teaching fellows to the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy,” said Stephanie Fitzsimmons, K–12 STEM education programs manager at Northrop Grumman. “These professional educators will embark on a yearlong journey with us and NSTA culminating in a hands-on externship engaging with our engineers and technologists to help build the bridge between their classrooms and our communities.”

“This is truly a remarkable group of educators, dedicated to expanding their knowledge base and improving their teaching skills in order to reach all students,” said NSTA Executive Director Dr. David Evans. “We congratulate this year’s cohort of Teacher Fellows and look forward to supporting them in their efforts to transform STEM education.”

The Teacher Fellows were selected based on several criteria, including displaying a strong desire to advance STEM education and apply real-world applications in the classroom. During their fellowship, recipients will:

• Attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Boston, Massachusetts and pre-conference special events, April 1–5, 2020;
• Participate in a five-day summer workshop at a Northrop Grumman facility in Los Angeles, where they will continue to explore teaching strategies and programs for integrating effective and authentic engineering design practices and workforce skills in their classroom;
• Participate in an immersive, 60–70-hour externship at a local Northrop Grumman facility, where they will be partnered with an engineer/technologist to observe and experience critical workforce skills in action;
• Engage in online professional learning through a comprehensive NSTA membership package which offers a variety of web-based professional learning activities, including a specially designated online learning community;
• Develop classroom materials that integrate an authentic, real-world application linked to the externship experiences; and
• Access resources and develop strategies to share their learning with colleagues so they can build capacity within their schools and districts.

Launched in 2016, the Northrop Grumman Foundation Teachers Academy was created to help enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence in science, technology, and engineering, while increasing teacher understanding about the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce.

Deep Creek Middle teacher Casey Lane Earns National Board Certification


Casey Lane, an English teacher at Deep Creek Middle School, has 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.

Lane has received certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood.

In addition, Allison Jackson, an English teacher at Sparrows Point High School, successfully renewed her certification. She is certified in English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood.

BCPS will host a reception to honor Lane and Jackson on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 4:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the administration building at BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St. in Towson.

To achieve National Board Certification, teachers must successfully complete a rigorous, performance-based, peer-review process, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement.

“I am so proud of the 140 BCPS teachers who have taken the extra steps to become Board-certified,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “Of the more than 3 million public school teachers in the nation, only about 4% can claim this designation. Through their continued education and professional development, Board-certified teachers bring additional expertise to our schools. We are proud of these teachers for serving as role models to fellow educators and for enrichening the academic progress of our students.”

More than 125,000 teachers in the nation have achieved National Board Certification; of these teachers, 3,831 achieved certification and 4,786 renewed certification in 2019.

BCPS teachers are supported during the Board-certification process by a Board-certified teacher, Sandra Skordalos, who provides group and individualized coaching and feedback sessions. In the spring, BCPS will offer a special information session for teachers interested in becoming Board-certified.

“These new National Board Certified Teachers will continue to change the way their students learn, and their proven ability to be the best teachers they can be will have a ripple effect on their schools and their communities for years to come,” said Peggy Brookins, NBCT, president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. “I’m especially proud to see that large numbers of new NBCTs are teaching in schools where they are needed most. And, with more Board-certified teachers of color, more students of color will see themselves reflected in those high-achieving professionals.”

Former BCPS Superintendent Dr. Joe A. Hairston Dies


Baltimore County Public Schools reported that former Superintendent Joe A. Hairston died on Saturday Dec. 28 at the age of 71.

“Team BCPS, we are saddened to hear of the death of former Superintendent Dr. Joe Hairston,” said BCPS Chief of Staff Mychael Dickerson in a tweet on Saturday.

“I spoke with Mrs. Hairston just moments ago and she wanted the information shared with the BCPS community. Our prayers are with Dr. Hairston’s Family and all our staff who worked with him.”

Hairston was the first African American BCPS Superintendent and served in the top BCPS position for 12 years until 2012. Current BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams issued a statement on the passing of Hairston.

“On behalf of the entire Baltimore County Public Schools community, I express condolences to the family of Dr. Joe A. Hairston. While I did not have the opportunity to work with Dr. Hairston, I greatly appreciated him meeting with me earlier this year as I was getting to know the community<" Williams said, "For 12 years, Dr. Hairston served as superintendent of Baltimore County schools. With every action, he exuded the “quiet confidence" that he often advocated, and he worked to ensure high-quality education for every child regardless of race or zip code. Under his leadership, as the school system grew and became more diverse, academic achievement and graduation rates remained strong. Advanced Placement exam participation almost tripled. Dr. Hairston’s noteworthy innovations include establishing a virtual learning environment at Chesapeake High School (believed to be the first of its kind in the nation); forming key partnerships with the College Board and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) to promote college attendance; and launching the school system’s first school-wide STEM academy. "But his strongest mark on Baltimore County Public Schools was his recognition of the “seismic shifts" coming in education and his devotion to every child. “All means all" was his mantra, his commitment, and his goal. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the lives of every student, educator, and community member who benefited from his service."

Art Teachers from Pine Grove & Golden Ring Receive Linda Popp Leadership Award


Vernon Fains, visual arts content leader at Pine Grove Middle School, has earned the Linda Popp Leadership Award, and Camille Gibson, visual arts teacher at Golden Ring Middle, has earned the Middle School Teacher of the Year award. The statewide awards from the Maryland Art Education Association were presented at its annual award ceremony on Dec. 15.

The Linda Popp Leadership Award, meant to recognize an individual for outstanding contributions and professional service, is named after the former visual arts coordinator for Baltimore County Public Schools. After the awards ceremony, Popp described Fains as “truly a champion for every child and all teachers!”

The awards ceremony program featured the following quote from Fains: “As an art educator, I want to be able to encourage and contribute to the holistic growth of artists/students by providing space and opportunities for individual expression and meaningful experiences as they develop unique and personal ways to communicate thoughts and feelings.”

Beyond his role at Pine Grove Middle, Fains is an adjunct art education professor at Towson University, a board member for the Maryland Teachers Union, and a National Education Association Leader for Just Schools. As a member of the BCPS Lead Art Teacher Cadre working with special needs instruction, Fains is helping to facilitate a transformation of inclusive art instruction. Fains’ educational background includes a bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and a bachelor’s degree in art history and a master’s degree in art education, both from Towson University. Fains has won multiple awards and says that he is inspired by interacting with fellow educators by leading and participating in exhibitions, workshops, collaborative planning, and curriculum writing sessions.

In addition to serving as an art teacher at Golden Ring Middle, Gibson also serves as department chair and art lead teacher for the eastern zone of BCPS. In addition, Gibson created a student-driven art program at Golden Ring Middle called “Art for a Cause.” The program allows her students to use their artistic abilities to address issues that are relevant in their community. Gibson has worked at Golden Ring Middle for six years and has her master’s degree in leadership teaching in cultural proficiency from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She is working on her post-master’s certificate in administration and supervision from the same university.

“My philosophy of art education,” Gibson said, “is creating a safe space where students can foster their artistic abilities, providing opportunities for my students to make artworks that are meaningful for them, and providing an outlet to students to explore various components of the visual arts.”

Parkville, Perry Hall & Eastern Tech Students Part of Youth Diplomats Program


The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) has named four local Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) students among the inaugural class of participants in its Youth Diplomats Program.

The new program for Maryland high school juniors and seniors offers workshops, meetings with professionals, and volunteer opportunities for students who are curious about the world, open to diverse perspectives, committed to making an impact locally and globally, and who advocate for human rights, equality. and peace.

In total, 31 students, representing 23 schools from six counties and Baltimore City, have been selected through a rigorous application process for the inaugural class. The eastside BCPS participants are:

•Rebecca Angin, Parkville High School

•Cameron Rozankowski, Parkville High School

•Lena Wang, Eastern Technical High School

•Rylee Wienhold, Perry Hall High School

The Youth Diplomats Program includes eight workshops, held on Saturdays from Jan. 25 through Aug. 15, 2020. The program also incorporates components such as a group trip to Washington, D.C.; a meeting with the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program; and a hosted dinner with international families.

Eddie Resende, co-CEO of the World Trade Center Institute, said, “The program is designed to increase the younger generation’s appreciation for some of today’s most pressing global issues in international affairs and business. We hope their experiences in our program inspire them to become global citizens and pursue careers in some of the program’s featured topics.”

The students will also earn 25 service-learning hours, gain cultural competency, and further a connection to the network of Youth Diplomats from around the nation, as well as advance their abilities to demonstrate knowledge of global affairs to colleges and employers.

“This program is meant to empower students with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to make a positive impact both locally and globally,” says Zachary Sheaffer, assistant manager of programs and operations for WTCI. “After all, they are our future leaders.”

Upon completion of the program, the Youth Diplomats will be deemed Albrecht Fellows. The Albrecht Fellowships’ goal is to help globally-minded students become the next generation of international leaders.

Joppa View Student selected as Baltimore Chick-fil-A Kid Correspondents


Alexis Orzolek, a Grade 4 student at Joppa View Elementary School, has been selected as one of the 12 Chick-fil-A Kid Correspondents for FOX45. She is one of two BCPS students as Bryce Garrett, a Grade 8 student at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School, was also selected

This is the third year that FOX45 has teamed with the 42 Baltimore-area Chick-fil-A restaurants to select Kid Correspondents. The educational competition was designed to reach youth interested in exploring careers in broadcast journalism. From applications, semi-finalists are selected through a random drawing.

One child from each of the 42 Baltimore-area Chick-fil-As is selected as a semi-finalist. The semi-finalists attend a luncheon at FOX45 studios, where they receive a tour of the studios, including a meet and greet with a FOX45 anchor and producer, and a bag of Chick-fil-A promotional items. Then, each semi-finalist presents a 30-second “report” in front of the camera and judges, explaining why he or she should be the next Chick-fil-A Kids Correspondent. The semi-finalists are judged on poise, creativity, personality, and presentation. Based on the presentations, the top 12 semi-finalists are chosen to become official Chick-fil-A Kids Correspondents.

Orzolek and the other winners will each receive 52 free chicken sandwiches and will each record a 15-second public service announcement that will be broadcast on FOX45 for one month in 2020. Scripts will be provided to the winners, and the recordings will take place at the end of December

Orzolek, a FOX45 News fan, told the judges, she has set many goals for herself. She hopes to become a veterinarian, American Ninja Warrior, and the president of the United States. To prepare, she works with rescue bunnies at Joppa View Elementary, has earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and studies presidents and other people who have had major impacts in the world.

BCPS Accepting Applications to Fill Vacant School Board Seat


Would you like to serve on the BCPS Board of Education?

The Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission will be accepting applications beginning Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020, for the Board’s vacant at-large seat. The individual selected for this seat will fill the remaining vacated term, which ends December 2022. This is the seat that was vacanted after the passing of BCPS Board member Roger Hayden in October.

Following the 2014 and 2017 Maryland General Assembly sessions, the composition and selection of the Board of Education of Baltimore County changed. Beginning in 2018, the Board became a hybrid Board by including both appointed and elected members. Seven members of the school board are elected, while four members of the Board are appointed by the governor. The Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission has the task of selecting nominees to recommend to the governor for the four at-large positions.

“Now, our task is to select two nominees to recommend to the governor for appointment for the one at-large seat,” said Commission Chairman Aaron Plymouth. “All interested Baltimore County residents are urged to submit applications.”

Candidate interviews are scheduled for:
• Tuesday, February 18, 2020 – 6 to 9:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 24, 2020 – 6 to 9:30 p.m.

The application will be posted on the Baltimore County Public Schools’ website as of Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.

Applications can be mailed to the Baltimore County School Board Nominating Commission, c/o Tracy Gover, 6901 N. Charles Street, Towson, MD 21204.

Parkville High’s Orogo Named Finalist in Black History Month Essay Competition


Trisha Orogo of Parkville High School is one of four Baltimore County Public Schools students who has been named a finalists in the 32nd Annual “Champions of Courage” Black History Month Essay Competition presented by M&T Bank. Orogo will appear this winter, along with 16 other Baltimore-area student finalists, on FOX 45, The CW Baltimore, and MyTV Baltimore saluting their personal heroes.

According to a BCPS press release, more than 2,500 entries were received this year from public and private schools throughout the Baltimore area. The competition challenged students, Grades 6 through 12, to write brief essays saluting their personal “Champions of Courage,” positive role models who share the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In addition to sharing their essays on the air during January and February, the finalists will be presented with $100 prizes at an awards breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 1, at Martin’s West. At the breakfast, the top three essayists will be announced and will be presented with additional awards, including cash prizes for their schools.

Causey, Henn to serve as de facto chair, vice chair of BCPS school board


The BCPS Board of Education announced on Thursday night that Board Chair Kathleen Causey and Vice Chair Julie Henn will return back to their leadership positions. This was announced after there were multiple media reports that the Board was divided and could not get enough votes to elect a President and Vice President, thus Causey and Henn remain in their positions.

The Board originally met on Tuesday night and could not come to agreeable on the selection of a President and Vice President and the vote was pushed back to Thursday night with still no outcome.

No candidate for either office received the required majority of votes to be elected at the Board’s Dec. 5 meeting.
Under Maryland common law, if a chair or vice chair is not elected, the incumbent officer continues to hold the position. They are considered de facto (or hold over) office holders and remain only until such time as successors are duly elected, according to Board counsel Andrew Nussbaum.

Causey represents the 3rd District and is a Monkton resident. Henn is a member of the 5th District and a resident of Perry Hall.

The current school board was the first hybrid school board to be elected in 2018 by the seven Councilmanic districts in Baltimore County. The BCPS Board also consists of four at-large members, but is one member down with the passing of Roger Hayden in October. That vacancy will be filled next year.

Overlea High Certified as One Love Champions To Promote Healthy Relationships


The One Love Foundation has certified Overlea High Schools as one of its four Champion Schools in recognition of their commitment, during the 2018-2019 school year, to healthy relationship education.

One Love, a national nonprofit, provides relationship health education through workshops, curriculum, and peer-to-peer discussions. Each school implements One Love in its own way.

In addition to monthly meetings, last school year, the Dulaney High One Love Club hosted a fundraising night at Chipotle, raised funds through selling Dulaney One Love merchandise, handed out Candy Grams to support loving oneself, hosted a workshop with Grace Carmichael (The One Love Foundation’s engagement manager), and led a Yards for Yeardley walk.

The One Love Club at Hereford High started the 2018-19 school year by participating in the Baltimore Running Festival. At Halloween, in collaboration with the House of Ruth Maryland, the students made dinner for House of Ruth clients and made crafts with them. For the winter holidays, the club adopted families from the House of Ruth and held a gift drive to provide them with presents. The club held a dinner and performance fundraiser in collaboration with The Moving Company Dance Center. Proceeds from the event benefited the One Love Foundation.

In addition to conducting escalation workshops, the club presented age-appropriate workshops at Hereford Middle School. Members of the club were also interviewed by WMAR-TV about their efforts to promote healthier teen dating.
Overlea High, a health sciences magnet school, used One Love curriculum to reach students in Grades 9 – 12 in their science classes. At the end of the year, a weeklong One Love celebration featured daily morning announcements and One Love discussion circles in all classes.

One Love was founded in honor of Yeardley Love, a senior at the University of Virginia, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The family learned during the trial that her death could have been prevented had they recognized the signs of an abusive relationship. They founded One Love to educate and empower young people about the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.