The annual BCPS Climate Survey focuses on school climate and engagement. All students in Grades 3–12, parents/caregivers, community members, and staff are encouraged to participate. The survey is anonymous and takes three minutes or less to complete.

Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.

· Safer Internet Day offers all the scoop on celebrations and awareness underway for the Safer Internet Day initiative.

· Better Internet for Kids provides an international take on keeping children safe – with articles on cyberbullying in schools in Malta and protecting data in Estonia – with valuable info any parent would find helpful.

· Kids Health is a more comprehensive site covering all matters relating to Internet safety, especially for children and students.

· Finally, the BCPS “Growing Up Digital” website offers a wide variety of tips, advice, and information on everything from online security and cyberbullying to digital citizenship and getting a healthy balance of technology. Check it out!

Safe surfing, everyone, not only today – Safer Internet Day – but every day!

The National Association of School Resource Officers encourages schools and communities to recognize the valuable work of their school resource officers (SROs) during National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on February 15 of every year.

Presidents’ Day helps us reflect on not just the first president but also our nation’s founding, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and union, as received from the Founders.” Also, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12, so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can also include another remarkable president in our celebrations.

We encourage the Team BCPS community to review important information on our school closing and emergency procedures. As a reminder, decision regarding school operations are made by 5:30 a.m. More information can be found on our website at https://www.bcps.org/about_us/emergency_notifications_school_closings_and_delays.

Parent University is proud to have a representative from the State Treasurer's Office - Maryland 529 Program to give a presentation on the Maryland College Investment Plan. Join us at 6:30 PM on February 19, 2025, to learn more and ask your questions. Register for this VIRTUAL program HERE. Contact Karen Wise (kwise3@bcps.org) with any questions.

Parent University events is just one program offered by the Office of Family and Community Engagement. Family engagement is an important touchstone for BCPS. Please review the BCPS and Title I Systemwide Family Engagement Plan and then share your feedback through an online survey.

Brainfuse offers online chat with a tutor 2 p.m. to midnight seven days a week. Or submit a question and a tutor will answer within 24 hours. Kindergarten through college students can get help in math, science, English, social studies and more. Adults can access resources for GED and U.S. citizenship test prep, Microsoft Office skills and writing resumes and cover letters.

Students, parents, and caregivers, please join us for workshops and visit vendors to learn more about children's mental health and substance use prevention. There will be face painting, yoga, student performances, food truck, and more.

One way to help your children be safe, healthy and ready to learn is to manage their access to the Internet and use of devices. If your child brings a cell phone or smart watch to school, be sure to set up parental controls to reinforce that the device is off and away during learning time. You can also use parental controls to limit the length of time, time of day and sites they visit on the Internet. For more information on using parental controls, Android phone users can visit Family Link; iPhone users can visit Family Controls; and Apple-Watch users can visit Setting up Schooltime on Apple Watch and Setting Up Apple Watch for Your Kids.

The Resource Center supports families with children with disabilities, ages birth to 21. Its mission is to promote positive, effective partnerships within the school community.

Click here for more information, a schedule of workshops, or to join their newsletter distribution list.

Family Support Wednesdays - Every Wednesday!

Virtual Groups for Parents & Caregivers

of Children Ages Birth to 5 with Developmental Delays

Every Wednesday join to find support, connection, and information designed just for families of young children with developmental delays (ages birth to 5). Sign up for our newsletter and visit our resource bulletin board for more information https://tinyurl.com/2cvys996 or contact Debbie Page dpage2@bcps.org.

Calling fathers, bonus dads, grandfathers, uncles, and all of the men who have important roles in the lives of our little ones! We are hosting a special virtual group just for you! Join us for an opportunity to find support and build connections! For more information contact Debbie Page dpage2@bcps.org.

Sign up to receive the Baltimore County Public Schools' Special Education Support Newsletter!

• February 6, 2025 - Report Cards Distributed
• February 17, 2025 - Presidents' Day - Schools and Offices Closed

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 $64,000 or less in 2023, 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.

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.
• Student Support Network

The Food Pantry Locator is available here.

The Education Advisory Council of Baltimore County is made up of five area councils and serves a unique and important role in our school system. Recognizing the essential role parents and community members play in supporting our public school system, the Advisory Council was established in 1972. Since that time, the Advisory Council members have served as both informed advisors to the Board of Education and as liaisons to the communities they represent. Meeting details are HERE.

Download the BCPS Focus app? BCPS Focus app offers easy access to grades, schedules, and more.

• BusWhere for Parents

Subscribe to the Team BCPS E-Newsletter - The award-winning BCPS weekly e-newsletter, shared on Monday mornings, reaches nearly 40,000 subscribers including parents, staff, and community members.

Subscribe to the BCPS Partnership Spotlight Newsletter - A monthly publication that allows us to provide updates and highlights of our continued efforts to connect schools and surrounding communities.

Subscribe to The Education Foundation's Monthly Newsletter - Mission Possible - An information newsletter highlighting partnerships, events, and resources available.

View the BCSC BUZZ (BCPS Student Newsletter)

Instagram: @BCSCSocial & @BCJCSocial

Website: https://linktr.ee/bcscsocial
Facebook: facebook.com/bcscsocial
Twitter: @bcscsocial

Facebook de BCPS: espanol & VideoTeca BCPS

Parent University is offered through the BCPS Office of Family and Community Engagement, which we affectionately call FACE! We provide tools and resources to BPCS families to support learning at home. We offer these resources through in-person and virtual workshops hosted by community members and schools, our newsletter, and the Parentmobile. We also have a large collection of online resources. We hope you enjoy what we have to share.

Please share feedback on the BCPS and Title I Systemwide Engagement Plan.

Family engagement is an important touchstone for BCPS. Please review the BCPS and Title I Systemwide Family Engagement Plan and then share your feedback through an online survey.