Sandy Plains Roundup
June 5, 2015
Administrators' Address
As we have been out in classrooms this week, we have seen students engaged in rigorous learning. Some classes are pushing to complete math units, some are writing about their summer plans, and many are enjoying reading novels and participating in literature discussions. This is a opportune time to reflect upon the year celebrating the many successes and identifying areas to improve for the upcoming school year.
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Essential Events
June 8: PTA Meeting
June 9: Volunteer Breakfast
June 10: Attendance Breakfast, 9:00-10:00
June 12: Grade 5 Dance
June 16: Last day of school for PreK
June 17: Half day
June 17: Grade 5 Farewell
June 18: Last day of school for elementary students, half day
June 26: Summer school teachers on duty
June 29: Summer school begins
BCPS Bytes
799. 2015 CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS ESSAY CONTEST Each year the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation invites high school students to participate in their Essay Contest and Issue Forum. Students are presented with a topic that embodies some of our communities’ most pressing issues and are asked to write an essay to defend their research, analyses, and opinion. Submissions are judged by a special committee of CBC Spouses. Essay contest winners and their families are invited to Washington, D.C., in September to present their essays and participate in a panel discussion during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). Attached is a letter with more information regarding this opportunity and additional information about the CBC Spouses Essay Contest. The deadline for all essay submissions is Monday, June 15, 2015. Students now have the option of submitting a written essay or a video essay on the topic. Tech savvy teens will have the opportunity to showcase their creative video production talents. Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Michele Prumo, Chief of Staff 8706
800. OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE SURVEY FEEDBACK ON THE DIVISION OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Ms. Verletta White, along with senior leadership in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction, request feedback from school-based staff and administrators to measure the level of expertise, service, and support received from the offices in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction during the 2014-2015 school year. Responses will be used to facilitate leadership discussions and planning over the summer. Respondents will be asked to identify their school level (elementary, middle, or high) only, and all responses will remain confidential. It is recommended that this survey be accessed via a computer or tablet. The survey link should be completed by Sunday, June 14, 2015, at https://bcps.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6Xs4DcBjw8xlkJT. Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): George Roberts, Executive Director 3866
807. BCPS ONE ENHANCEMENTS Based on user feedback, the BCPS One homepage is being enhanced to offer more features and functionality. BCPS One users can log onto https://bcpsone.bcps.org to preview the redesigned homepage, which will be launched on Monday, June 22, 2015. Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Jeanne Imbriale, Director 5769
809. RENEWAL OF MARYLAND CERTIFICATES COMAR 13A.12.01.11 (2) states renewal requirements shall be received at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) within 90 days of the expiration date listed under “Period of Validity” on the certificate in order for the certificate to be considered continuous.
Past practice has allowed an individual to submit credits for course work earned after the expiration date of the certificate but within the 90-day grace period. For example, if a certificate expired on June 30, the courses could be completed over the summer and submitted within the 90-day period from the expiration date. MSDE indicates that this practice conflicts with the regulation and must be discontinued. Effective January 1, 2015, courses used to renew a certificate must be completed prior to the expiration date of the certificate. Courses completed prior to the expiration date can be submitted to the Office of Certification within the 90-day period after the expiration date so that the certificate can be considered continuous. Failure to complete and submit documentation to renew a certificate prior to the expiration date may result in the following: 1. Issuance of a substandard conditional certificate. 2. Loss of tenure. 3. Salary step frozen. 4. Placement on a conditional year-to-year contract. 5. Transfer to another school. 6. Termination. Employees are not to submit course work directly to MSDE. All course work must be sent to the Office of Certification. Employees are to e-mail the Office of Certification or call to schedule an appointment if unsure of their renewal needs. COMAR states that it is the individual’s responsibility to know and meet the renewal requirements prior to the certificate’s expiration date. Information regarding renewal requirements is on the Office of Certification’s Web site at www.bcps.org/offices/personnel/certification. In addition, general reminder letters are sent out one year prior to the expiration date of a certificate. Questions regarding this information should be directed to the following individual(s): Kenneth M. Kuyawa, Personnel Officer 4147