Crossroads Connections
February Newsletter
Important Upcoming Dates
- February 5th - Report Cards Distributed
- February 6th & 7th - ELA Map Testing
- February 8th - Math MAP Testing
- February 9th - Systemwide Professional Development - Schools Closed
- February 14th - Wear Red for Heart Health
- February 19th - Presidents Day - Schools Closed
- February 20th & 27th - CCBC Emergency Medical Technology Program Visit
- February 21st - Crossroads Community Shared Decision-Making Team
Crossroads Center Information
Crossroads Community Shared Decision-Making Team
We are excited to announce our first Shared Decision-Making Team meeting. The Community Schools Initiative exists to ensure the implementation of equitable resources and supports that will create the conditions for success for students, families, communities, and staff, alike.
Come and learn how you can lend your voice and be a part of the shared vision and collaboration in advising the implementation of the Community School Strategy at Crossroads Center.
Dinner will be provided so please RSVP by February 16th.
Your Voice Matters - BCPS Climate Survey
Your voice is important to us! The survey is available at www.bcps.org from February 5 through
March 8, the survey takes five minutes or less, is anonymous, and is available in 20 languages for
students, parents/caregivers, and community members.
The survey can be taken from anywhere using a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also scan the
QR code below to take the survey or visit the school to take the survey at school. Students,
parents/caregivers, and staff will be given opportunities to take the survey at school.
If you are a BCPS parent/caregiver and employee, or if you have children in more than one school,
you are encouraged to take the survey more than once to reflect these experiences
Black History Month
Since this year's Black History theme is African Americans and the Arts, we are recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black artists and inventors through homeroom, advisory, and the PBIS program. Students are also exploring the many achievements of significant Black individuals through the content areas. Crossroads students will have the opportunity to explore the topic of their choice and showcase their own creativity with the question, "What does Collective Liberation Mean or Look Like?"
We encourage you to ask your child about the Black individuals they are learning about and use the following websites to explore more with your child.
February 14th - Heart Health and a Message from our Nurse Ms. Hicks
February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on your heart health. During the week of February 12th, students will engage in lessons about heart health and learn hands only CPR. On February 14th we are encouraging everyone to wear red to raise awareness.
Here's some facts about Heart Health
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
- Research shows that stress makes us more likely to get heart disease and have a heart attack.
- Risk factors, such as high blood pressure, increases your chance of developing heart disease.
Taking time to care for your heart can be easier than you think. Small acts of self-care, like taking walks, getting quality sleep, and cooking healthy meals, helps your heart.
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On February 20th and 27th, we are excited to host two representatives from CCBC Emergency Medical Technology Program, They will speak with our students reinforcing the importance of heart health and share about careers in the health care field.
February Character Trait is Empathy and Caring
This month our students will be focusing on the character trait of empathy/caring. Empathy gives us the power to understand someone's emotions and perspective. It's like the old saying, walk a mile in someone's shoes, so you can understand their feelings and where they are coming from.
At the end of the month, a student from each grade level will be selected for consistently exhibiting empathy and/or showing improvement.
Check out this online article for how to support your middle school child with empathy.
Recognition for Outstanding Effort and Accomplishment in Lexia's Reading Program
Bailey
Ka'mary
Myra
Zionna
Our final honoree is DJ. This student completed 58 units in one day.
Baltimore County Public School Information and Resources
BCPS Recruitment Sessions for Multiple Positions
Spread the word! The #TeamBCPS Spring Job Fair is set for Tuesday, March 12, from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Timonium Fairgrounds. All 176 BCPS schools will be represented. Apply online at www.bcps.org/careers.
The Science of Reading for Families of Multilingual Learners
A virtual event hosted by MSDE helping families support bilingualism and biliteracy by sharing strategies that parents can use at home to support their child's literacy and language development.
Click on the image to register prior to February 20th.
Special Education Resource Center
The Baltimore County Office of Special Education is hosting a Special Education Fair at Colgate Elementary on Wednesday February 7th from 6-8 PM. Anyone is welcome to attend. There will be representatives from the Office of Special Education at the fair along with many other organizations that work in the special education field. You can learn about resources & activities, visit with the exhibitors, and network with other staff and families! If you are the parent of a student with an IEP, we strongly encourage you attend!
La Oficina de Educación Especial del Condado de Baltimore está organizando una Feria de Educación Especial en la Escuela Primaria Colgate el miércoles 7 de febrero de 6 a 8 p.m. Cualquiera es bienvenido a asistir. Habrá representantes de la Oficina de Educación Especial en la feria junto con muchas otras organizaciones que trabajan en el campo de la educación especial. ¡Puede aprender sobre recursos y actividades, visitar a los expositores y establecer contactos con otros miembros del personal y familias! Si usted es el padre de un estudiante con un IEP, ¡le recomendamos encarecidamente que asista!
Other BCPS events for February 2024
Click on the link for additional BCPS events for February 2024
Community Events and Resources
*Information below is not sponsored by Baltimore County Public Schools*
Baltimore County Public Library Tax Resources
Looking for resources to help you prepare your individual tax return? Browse what’s available through our catalog.
Maryland tax forms and federal income tax forms can be downloaded and printed using branch computers. Our staff can assist customers in finding Maryland and IRS tax forms and instructions but cannot provide tax advice. Printed tax forms are no longer available at our branches.
Free Tax Preparation
CASH Campaign of Maryland offers free tax preparation at the Randallstown Branch for those who qualify. If you or your household made $60,000 or less in 2022, you may qualify for free tax preparation. You can schedule online with CASH Campaign or by calling 410-234-8008. Note that there may be heavy call volume.
Find information about free tax preparation in Maryland or call 1-800-492-0618. Free assistance for Maryland income taxes is also available through the Comptroller of Maryland’s Taxpayer Service office by calling 1-800-MD-TAXES (1-800-638-2937).
Federal Taxes
Explore filing options online or by mail, for federal taxes. To get printed federal forms, instructions and publications mailed to you, call 1-800-829-FORM (3676). Learn more about IRS tax forms, instructions or publications.
Maryland Taxes
Use Maryland's free iFile service to file your state tax return online. To get printed Maryland forms and instructions mailed to you, call 410-260-7951, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; TTY through Maryland Relay, dial 7-1-1.
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:
- 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