Aug. 25 is the first day of classes for Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) students, which means life will be different on the roads, in households and in schools. We can certainly expect more traffic with buses and commuters on the roads. Some students are excited to reconnect with friends and explore new learning and recreational opportunities. Others are anxious about how they’ll navigate the hallways, cafeteria and classroom. At home, families’ focus will change from keeping kids busy to managing transportation, homework and after-school childcare and activities.
Before the first bell, BPSC Superintendent Miriam Rogers, elected officials and board members were on the road, stopping by selected county schools to welcome students, teachers and staff.
“Our school system is ready, and our teachers and students are eager to return,” Rogers said in a statement. “This is the first day of an entire school year full of inspired instruction, academic achievement, and student learning and growth.”
There’s a lot in store this year for the state’s third largest school district, which has 110,000 students enrolled in 176 schools. Even if you don’t have a student in BCPS, it’s helpful to be aware of multiple changes and updates provided by BCPS.
Curriculum
Officials say they will focus on four priority areas: academic achievement, infrastructure, safety and climate, and highly effective teachers, leaders, and staff.
Elementary schools will continue using a recently implemented curriculum in English Language Arts, reading and mathematics. In secondary schools, teachers will fully implement the Savvas myPerspectives as the English Language Arts curriculum, as well as a new math curriculum aimed to build essential skills and connect math to meaningful, real-life scenarios.
New this year is a cursive writing pilot program, in which 24 elementary schools will participate.
For those interested in what’s being taught and how, a Curriculum Night will be held Sept. 17, 6-7:30 p.m., at Pikesville High School.
Grades and Attendance
Beginning Aug. 28, attendance and grade reports will be available to parents for their children on Friday mornings. Attendance will be sent via Focus to the email address the school has on file and a summary of grades via the system’s learning management platform, Schoology.
Staffing
BCPS is nearly 100 percent fully staffed, with fewer than 42 vacancies remaining as of August 22. Coming off years when it was a challenge to recruit and retain teachers, BCPS says it hired new 532 teachers, 44 office professionals, 61 bus drivers, 42 bus attendants, 25 paraeducators, nine assistant principals and 12 principals.
Cell Phones in Class
After piloting a cell phone pouch program in more than a dozen middle schools last year, BCPS has refined its cell phone use policy for 2025-26. Cell phones can be used before and after school and during lunch but should be off and put away during instructional time at all elementary and middle schools. High school students have also restrictions. Headphones/ear buds, smartwatches or other similar wearable technology are prohibited. There are exceptions for students with medical needs.
Families who choose to send phones and smart watches with their students are responsible for any damage, theft or loss. Students or staff who record disruptions, such as a fight, are subject to disciplinary action and possible criminal charges.
Laptops
Elementary- and middle-school students will keep their Chromebooks and other devices at school and will be able to check them out to use at home. High school students will see no changes. There is no initial cost for BCPS students to receive a Chromebook or other devices, but students are responsible if they get damaged.
Required Vaccinations
Students must receive their school required vaccines by Monday, Sept. 15 at low or no cost. They can get theirs at Woodlawn Health Center, 6901 Security Blvd. in Woodlawn, Suite 100, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 26 and Sept. 9, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 13. Clinics are closed 12-1 p.m. You can also schedule an appointment or walk-in Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to one of the county’s health clinics, including Woodlawn Health Center, Hannah More Health Center 12935 Reisterstown Rd. in Reisterstown, and Liberty Family Resource Center, 3525 Resource Drive in Randallstown. Call 410-887-2705.
School Safety
School resource officers will serve as the foundation of safety efforts. BPCS will continue to leverage a security system, incorporating Omnilert and Open Gate, in all schools and sports events designed to deter and detect weapons, and initiate a series of automated responses such as lock doors, notify police and send alerts.
Mental Health
BPCS will continue to partner with nearly two dozen community mental health providers across schools. Students aged 13 and older can access free virtual therapy or online support through TalkSpace, an online therapy platform that connects users with licensed therapists for one-on-one mental health treatment via text, video or audio messages. Almost 16,300 messages were sent last year.
Free Meals
BCPS will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students at all schools. Families do not have to apply for the meals.
Magnet Programs
The next opportunity to enroll students in a magnet program is for the 2026-27 school year. Families can learn more about the programs offered and application process at the Magnet EXPO!, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CCBC Catonsville. Informational meetings will be held Sept. 11, 6 p.m. at Kenwood High School in Essex and Sept. 16, 6 p.m. at Milford Mill Academy in Windsor Mill, 21244
More Information
A 50-page handbook covers school safety, behavior, student rights and responsibilities, conduct, dress code and expectations, learning and extracurricular activities.
Families and community members can learn about the system’s strategic plan at the Crucial Conversation will be held Sept. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. at Windsor Mill Middle School, 8300 Windsor Mill Road, 21244.
Superintendent Miriam Rogers welcomed students at Timbergrove Elementary School in Reisterstown.