Baltimore County Public Schools – both schools and offices – will be open and operating on normal schedules on Friday, June 18, the new federal and state holiday for Juneteenth.
“We applaud the recognition of Juneteenth as a federal and state holiday,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “However, in accordance with the 2020-2021 school calendar approved by the Board of Education of Baltimore County, BCPS schools and offices will be open on Friday, June 18, 2021. Closing the schools on Friday would compel us to extend the school year by a day to meet state requirements regarding minimum number of school days. We look forward to working with the Board and staff to fully celebrate Juneteenth in 2022 and beyond.”
BCPS is one of only three Maryland school systems where school is still in session for students. Our teachers and staff have been provided with curriculum-based resources to support classroom learning on Friday about Juneteenth and its historical significance. In addition, students and families are being encouraged to learn more about Juneteenth and to participate in additional learning activities and cultural celebrations throughout the community.
While the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, enslaved people in Texas received word of their freedom on June 19, 1865, from Union troops. The celebration of Juneteenth on Saturday, June 19, honors the remarkable struggle and perseverance of African Americans.