BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Between returning programs and new courses, Baltimore County Public Schools is setting fresh goals for students as the 2026-2027 academic year gets underway.
The first day of classes for all BCPS students came Monday, and with the new school year comes a few changes for students.
BCPS announced that starting this year, the system would be launching a structured literacy model for kindergarten through second grade.
The system is two-fold, according to school officials.
While the program provides a science-based approach to learning how to read for students, it gives teachers an "evidence-based framework that builds confidence and consistency in the classroom."
Related: Baltimore County School Calendar For 2026-2027: Key Dates To Know
The program specifically taps into decoding words, allowing students to understand how speech sounds are tied to certain letters. Program advocates say the approach has provided a significant impact among students diagnosed with dyslexia.
Another change coming online for students is the systemwide implementation of cursive writing classes for second- and third-graders.
"This systemwide adoption follows a successful pilot and supports the school system's continued commitment to foundational literacy development by providing structured, developmentally appropriate handwriting instruction for all students," the district said in a release.
A curriculum night will be held Sept. 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. so BCPS families can learn the full scope of what's to come for students.
Working ahead of the 2027-2028 school year deadline, BCPS is sticking with systemwide cellphone restrictions for students.
Pupils may only be allowed to use a cellphone or electronic device in specific approved cases.
Students are also reminded that recording staffers or classmates may be illegal and violates school policy, and that such actions may result in disciplinary action.
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Returning for its fourth year, the Here For It campaign will host four countywide spirit days as a means to combat chronic absenteeism and help axe any barriers contributing to absences.
BCPS said in a release that nearly 150 of its schools recorded a decline in absenteeism during the 2025-2026 academic year.
In an effort to ensure students have a safe and supportive learning environment, the school district said it's also continuing its partnership with the Rising Together program.
Backed by Ravens football player Ray Lewis, the program is being offered at 15 BCPS schools and offers mental health screenings that can identify risk factors for depression and anxiety among students between 8 and 18 years old.
The new school year also means the completion of more than 50 projects over the summer break.
A BCPS release lays out a detailed list of repairs, such as improvements to the district's HVAC systems, electrical grid, parking lot resurfacing, and boilers.
The school system also kicked off the new year with new buildings at Deer Park Elementary School and Lansdowne and Dundalk high schools.
"Both replacement and new capital projects improve BCPS' infrastructure," the district said. "This work is in addition to summer cleaning and refresh – including maintenance projects, painting, flooring, and general site beautification."
The new school year marks the first under Superintendent Bill Heiser, whose tenure officially began in July.
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