Crossroads Connections
April Newsletter
Important Upcoming Dates
- April 4th - Virtual Transition Meeting
- April 5th - Third Marking Period Ends
- April 10th - Schools Closed for Students
- April 26th - Schools and Offices close 3 hours early
Crossroads Center Information
Crossroads Community Shared Decision-Making Team
Want to shape the future? We're looking for families, students, and community members to join us! Be part of the exciting discussions about Crossroads' direction and share your unique perspective.
P.S. We kicked off our first team meeting on February 21st, where we explored the meaning of Crossroads being a Community School and shared our hopes and questions about this journey. We also reviewed our current progress in achieving this vision. This information will be updated on our website to keep all our stakeholders informed and involved.
Reach out to Mrs. Chisholm if you are interested. rchisholm@bcps.org
April Character Trait is Accountability
“Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson
This month our students will be focusing on the character trait of accountability. Students demonstrate the trait of accountability by taking ownership of their lives and acknowledging their power to choose what they think (including their attitudes and mindsets), say and do, and their accountability for the consequence of their choices.
At the end of the month, a student from each grade level will be selected for consistently exhibiting accountability and/or showing improvement.
Check out this online article for how to support your middle school child with accountability.
Recognition for Outstanding Effort and Accomplishment in Lexia's Reading Program
Seyoni, Jayden, Aminah, Daeqwan, Freddy, Sylvia, London, Joyce, and Civine
8th Grade Families
Our 8th graders will have the opportunity to participate in a canoe trip on May 20th. Eligibility will be based on attendance and behavior. Further information will be provided April 25th.
Baltimore County Public School Information and Resources
Educational Options
The application for the 2024-2025 BCPS Online Learning Program will be available on the Department of Academics Programs and Options website beginning at 12 noon on April 3, 2024. Applications must be submitted by 1 p.m. on May 3, 2024. Students must be entering grade 4 – 12 in SY 24-25. Current VLP students do NOT need to re-apply. Enrollment in the BCPS Online Learning Program is limited to students eligible for enrollment in BCPS as defined in Board of Education Policy and Superintendent’s Rule 5150.
All applicants are selected for placement through a centralized random lottery process. All applicants receive email notification of their admissions status from the BCPS Online Learning Program. Admission decisions for all applicants will be released by May 24, 2024.
Since the lottery will be available to any Baltimore County resident in grades 4-12, it is unlikely that any school will have a significant number of students transfer into the program.
More information, including the attached brochure can be found on the DAPO website. Contact the Academic Programs & Options main office line at 443-809-3033 if you have questions.
Parent University Event Snapshot
Check out the link for various events scheduled in April.
Community Events and Resources
*Information below is not sponsored by Baltimore County Public Schools*
Baltimore County Career Centers
Utility Assistance
Energy Assistance is a year-round program. You can apply at any time during the year, but you can only receive benefits once each year and must reapply each fiscal year (July- June).
If you are having trouble affording your utility or heating bill, you do not need a turn-off notice to qualify for assistance. The Office of Home Energy Programs strongly encourages you to apply for assistance before you receive a turn-off notice so that funds can be applied to your account as soon as possible. All OHEP program eligibility is income-based and you do not need a turn-off notice to qualify for assistance.
For more information: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/
Resources Calendar Highlights
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virtual and In-Person Support Groups, Classes, and Events.
For more information and to register click here!
Talkspace - For BCPS High School Students - More information on the program, including registration and parental/legal guardian consent, is available online.
Baltimore County Government - Park Finder Web Tool
This new tool provides users with comprehensive information on 362 parks and recreation centers throughout the County.
Locate Health Social Needs by Zipcode
Need access to free or low-cost services to support your family, such as help with medical care, food, utilities, transportation and more? Check out the MedStar Health Social Needs resource page. Enter your zipcode and be directed to resources within your neighborhood.
Community Food Pantries
The Baltimore County Department of Social Services offers programs and services designed to help residents in financial need who meet income-eligibility requirements, as well as resources to provide food assistance for Baltimore County families, including:
- New Food Pantry Locator - Are you or is someone you know in need of help getting access to food. The new Baltimore County Food Pantry locator includes detailed information about community food access locations and details: Baltimore County Food Pantry Locator
- Senior Food Assistance—Seniors experiencing food access needs may call 410-887-2594 or email aginginfo@baltimorecountymd.gov.
- Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) Food and Nutrition Services—Learn more about the food assistance programs offered through BCPS.
- SNAP Emergency Allotments—The Maryland Department of Human Services has been approved to issue SNAP emergency allotments to all current SNAP households. Learn more about SNAP to see if you qualify for monthly benefits to help purchase food.
- Pet Food Assistance—Learn how to receive pet food assistance from the Baltimore Humane Society or make donations to their Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank.
Baltimore County publishes monthly a list of food pantries, along with addresses, schedules, and in some cases, contact information. For a complete list of food pantries, click here.
Additional Assistance Resources - https://studentsupportnetwork.org/information-center/need-support/
Youth Resources
To view a variety of resources for youth, including those below, please visit BaltimoreCountyMD.gov/YouthServices