28th Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala!

Dr. Richard Warren, Jr. of Somerset County Named Maryland Teacher of the Year

The 28th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala was an evening to remember yet again. This year's gala put the spotlight on our State’s top teachers and played host to a star-studded list of educators, Maryland dignitaries and leaders. The night culminated in State Superintendent Karen Salmon's announcement of the 2018-2019 Maryland Teacher of the Year, Dr. Richard Warren, Jr. of Somerset County. 

Dr. Warren is an eighth grade Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) teacher at Somerset County’s Crisfield High School and Academy and is currently in his sixth year of teaching. Dr. Warren was recognized for his ability to connect his teaching to the community surrounding his students. Follow this link to read more about 2018-19 Maryland Teacher of the Year, Dr. Richard Warren, Jr.      

For a video recap of the exciting announcement, click here! 

First Lady Hogan's 2018 Fall Art Showcase

Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan hosted the 2018 Fall Student Art Showcase this month at the House of Delegates Gallery Space in Annapolis.  This season's art pieces did not disappoint, and were a stunning testament to just how talented our Maryland students really are!  Click through the full gallery of pictures here!

Maryland College Application Campaign!

#MDCollegeStrong

The Maryland College Application Campaign (MCAC) is still going strong! The campaign runs through October 26th and focuses on increasing the number of students who are applying to college early in their senior year, particularly students from families that have never attended college or may be from low socio-economic circumstances. For more information, follow this link.

State Board Actions

September 25, 2018 

The following actions were taken at the September 25, 2018 State Board of Education meeting:

• Granted permission to publish the repeal and replacement of Regulation .03 Superintendents under Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.12.04 Administrators and Supervisors. The new regulation will allow two additional pathways for certification in the area of superintendent, as well as establish two distinct superintendent certificates: Superintendent I for Deputy, Assistant and Associate Superintendent; and Superintendent II for Superintendents. 
• Granted permission to publish new Regulation .06-1 Extraordinary Career Leader Certificate under COMAR 13A.12.01 General Provisions.  This will create the new Extraordinary Career Leader Certificate for those individuals with an exceptional background and skills to be considered for a Superintendent position. This regulatory action will be considered by the PSTEB at its meeting on October 4, 2018.
• Approved a request from Montgomery County Public Schools to waive the post-Labor Day school start date for Arcola Elementary School and Roscoe R. Nix Elementary School for the 2019-2020 school year.
• Approved the FY 2020 budget estimates, FY 2020 enhancement requests, and the FY 2020 request for State Aided Educational Institutions.

The following Opinions and Orders were rendered: 

• Approved the Maryland K-12 Academic Standards for Computer Science.
• Ahmed H. v. Montgomery County Board of Education – early K entry – Opinion No. 18-28
• Sheree L. v. Prince George’s County Board of Education – student expulsion – Opinion No. 18-29
• Fanny Q. and Shardrack A. v. Howard County Board of Education – early K entry – Opinion No. 18-30
• Watershed Public Charter School, Inc. v. Baltimore County Board of Education – denial of charter school application – Opinion No. 18-31

Meeting materials, Opinions, and Orders can be found HERE.

• 28th Maryland Teacher of the Year Gala!
• First Lady Hogan's 2018 Fall Art Showcase
• Maryland College Application Campaign!
• State Board Actions

School Bus Safety Week

School Bus Safety Week is observed October 22-26, 2018!

This week is a way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, administrators, and other interested parties - to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. 

Visit this link for more information on School Bus Safety week and tips and tricks for safely sharing the road!

MSDE Announcement: Two New School Safety Grants Available

Maryland has two new school safety grant opportunities available:

Safe Schools Grant Fund

– The FY 19 Safe Schools Fund has $10.6 million allocated by the Maryland Safe to Learn Act of 2018 in grant funding to enhance safety and security at public schools. The Fund is administered by the School Safety Subcabinet, and each local school system is eligible to receive a base grant amount of $200,000 as well as a subsequent per pupil amount.

Hate Crimes Grant

– The Safe to Learn Act of 2018 also identified $1 million in grant funding for public and nonpublic schools and day care centers at risk of being targeted for hate crimes.

Follow this link for more details. 

More than $16 Million Awarded to Maryland School Systems for Out-of-School Time Programs

A total of 53 programs in 13 Maryland jurisdictions have been awarded $16.4 million in grants by MSDE through the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) grant program.

The 21st CCLC programs occur before school, after school, during the summer, and on Saturdays. Out-of-school time programs are designed to keep students safe, help working families and improve academic achievement. Read more here!