Virtual Celebrations Recognize American Education Week At BCPS

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Baltimore County Public Schools will celebrate American Education Week Nov. 16-20 by hailing education heroes within the district. Virtual celebrations include Parent University workshops, Celebrate Your School Day and a new cultural performance series.

“We are so proud of the way the entire community has come together to ensure that learning continues during this unprecedented pandemic,” BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams said. “Our 'Education Heroes' include teachers, but also families/caregivers, frontline and behind-the-scenes staff, administrators, volunteers and supporters. During this week, we will honor them all and provide opportunities for unique learning experiences.”

On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, the school system will encourage Team BCPS members to share favorite learning memories, messages of appreciation and updates on what students are learning using hashtag #bcpsAEW. BCPS will use social media to share haiku honoring educators that were submitted during the 2020 Team BCPS Haiku Contest, which had the theme “Hero.”

Parent University events
Parents/caregivers can register now for Parent University workshops throughout the week:
Writing Readiness: Preparing Early Childhood Students for Writing Success
Monday, Nov. 16, at 1:30 p.m.
OR
Thursday, Nov. 19, at 1:30 p.m.
Internet Crimes Against Children (offered in collaboration withthe Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force)
Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.
Could It Be Grief? Why Are We Feeling This Way?(offered in partnership with Gilchrist)
Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.
In addition, Parent University invites parent/caregivers to participate in the annual review Policy 1270 - Rule 1270, “Parent and Family Engagement,” by participating in one of following virtual meetings:
Monday, Nov.16, at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m.
OR
Friday, Nov. 20, at 3 p.m.
Participants are asked to register online at Eventbrite or RSVP to ParentU@bcps.org.

FACEtime Newsletter Home Edition
Throughout the week, BCPS will encourage parents/caregivers to sign up for the FACEtime Newsletter Home Edition, for regular updates on Parent University events and resources.

Social Studies, Fine Arts to launch new cultural performance series
The BCPS Department of Social Studies, in collaboration with the BCPS Department of Career and Technical Education and Fine Arts and the Creative Alliance, will launch its the new “Home Front: World Culture in Context” initiative. This series of live musical and cultural performances broadcast from around the globe offers a unique opportunity for families to learn together. The series, to be offered on selected Wednesdays, will begin on November 18 at 2 p.m. The first performance (accessible throughMicrosoft Live) will featureBady-Dorzhu Ondar, perhaps the world’s foremost master of Tuvan “throat singing,” broadcasting from Russia. Ondar will be interviewed by Baltimore-based beat boxer and vocal artistShodekeh.

Special Observances – Education Support Professionals and Substitute Educators
BCPS will celebrate two national observances during the week: Education Support Professionals Day on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and Substitute Educators Day on Friday, Nov. 20.

Celebrate Your School Day
The week will conclude on Friday, Nov. 20, with Celebrate Your School Day. Students, staff, and even graduates are invited to participate by wearing school colors and sharing messages of school pride. Some schools are hosting their own events, such as reading/math showcases, virtual talent shows, classroom drop-ins for parents/caregivers and online book fairs.