Topics:

Afternoon Middle School Learning Centers

• Who is eligible for the program?  Students currently in grades six, seven, and eight when assigned to the center by the Superintendent’s Designee.
• When does the program begin?  The Afternoon Middle School Learning Center opens after the Alternative Middle Schools are at capacity.  This usually occurs in the spring.
• When does the program meet?  The Afternoon Middle School Learning Center meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Overlea High School and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Pikesville High School.
• Is transportation provided for the program?  Transportation to class is provided by BCPS under the same guidelines as day school.  However, a parent/guardian is responsible for providing transportation at the end of classes.
• What are the rules and regulations?  All rules and regulations stated in the BCPS Student Handbook are enforced
• Are private duty security officers available?  There is a behavior interventionist and a counselor on the staff.  Security officers are added based on enrollment.
• What subjects are offered?  Certified teachers instruct English, social studies, math, and science.
• Do students receive counseling?  All students are seen on a regular basis by a counselor.
• How large are the classes?  Classes are small.

Even Start Family Literacy Program

• What is Even Start? Even Start is an integrated family literacy program focusing on the needs of the entire family and is offered at five sites within Baltimore County. The components of the program include:
• Adult Education Classes
• Early Childhood Activities
• Family Education
• Parent and Child Interactive Literacy Activities
• Educational Home Visits
• Family Night Activities
• Parenting Classes
• Who is eligible for the Even Start Program? Families residing in Baltimore County who are willing to participate in all components of the program and meet the following criteria:
  1. One or both parents are eligible for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL),    
  Adult Basic Education, or GED classes.
  2. Family has at least one child of elementary school age or younger.
• How does a parent know if he or she meets the requirement for ESOL instruction? Parents will be evaluated at the time of registration.
• Where is the program offered and how can I register? The program is offered at five locations. Contact the site closest to your home to make an appointment during normal school hours:
• Dundalk Middle School 410-887-7130
• Creative Kids(Essex area) 410-887-0331
• Eastern Family Resource Center (EFRC) 410-887-0428
• Campfield Early Childhood Center 410-887-3084
• Chadwick Elementary School 410-887-1377
• Is there an on-site preschool or early childhood program available for my young child? Yes.  An early childhood program is available at the following centers. Call site for specific information regarding times of early childhood classes:
• Dundalk Middle 410-887-7130
  AM & PM Preschool/PreK program for 2-, 3-, and 4-yr olds
• Creative Kids (Essex area) 410-887-0331
  AM early childhood program for children 18 months, 2-, 3-, and 4-yr olds
• Eastern Family Resource Center (EFRC) 410-887-0428
  AM & PM early childhood program for children 18 months, 2-, 3-, and 4-yr olds
• What is Even Start doing for families in Baltimore County? Research shows that parental literacy is one of the most important indicators of a child’s success. Even Start provides parents with the opportunity to increase their literacy skills and enables them to help their children enter school prepared. Even Start provides parents with the skills and knowledge to give their children the best environment in which to grow and learn. Structured, planned, and interactive literacy activities improve the relationship between parents and children. Educational home visits strengthen the connection between home and school and reinforce the belief that parents are a child’s first teacher. Parents are encouraged to attend parent conferences and PTA meetings for their elementary age children. Home visitors are available to attend parent conferences with the parent, if appropriate. This further strengthens the home - school connection and increases student achievement levels.

Evening/Saturday High School

• What is Evening/Saturday High School? Participants in evening high school have an opportunity to continue with day credit classes, make up classes not successfully completed, and/or accelerate their credit program. These classes are offered two days a week on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Self paced packet classes are offered at one location on Saturdays.
• Who is eligible for Evening/Saturday High School?
  • Students currently enrolled and taking classes in a BCPS day school
  • Students reassigned by the Superintendent’s Designee from a BCPS day school
  • Students transferring from a day school class to an evening class
  • Students ages 16 to 20 who are no longer enrolled in day school
  • Students in other school systems
• How do I enroll in Evening/Saturday High School? To enroll, students must visit http://www.bcps.org/offices/alted/eshs/intake.html for course information and follow the procedures.
• How much does a course cost?
  • $100 per credit and $50 per half credit for students currently taking classes during the day
  • $250 per credit and $125 per half credit for non-residents and non-BCPS students
  • Students reassigned by a BCPS Superintendent’s Designee do not pay a fee
• Where are the Evening/Saturday High Schools located? Sites are located throughout the county. Visit http://www.bcps.org/offices/alted/eshs/sites.html for directions.
  • Dundalk Evening High School
  • Kenwood Evening High School
  • Towson Saturday High School
  • Western Evening High School
  • Woodlawn Evening High School
• When does Evening/Saturday High School start? Fall semester begins the second week of September and spring semester begins the last week of January.
• What are the Evening/Saturday High School days and hours of operation?
  • Dundalk Evening High School 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. T/Th
  • Kenwood Evening High School 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. M/W
  • Western Evening High School 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. M/W
  • Woodlawn Evening High School 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. T/Th  
  • Towson Saturday High School 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sat
• Who teaches at Evening/Saturday High Schools? Certified and Highly Qualified teachers using BCPS curriculum.
• Do students graduate from Evening/Saturday High School? Yes. Students have the option to graduate on or off stage. If a student wishes to graduate on stage, he/she should talk to an evening/Saturday school counselor to receive information about the ceremony and how to purchase a cap and gown.
• Do Evening/Saturday High Schools observe the same holidays as BCPS?  Evening/Saturday High Schools follow the same calendar as BCPS day schools.
• What about delayed openings or early school closings? When day schools close, evening schools are also closed. Your local news and radio stations, as well as the BCPS main page, will have updated information about closings and delays.
• Will I take High School Assessments (HSAs) while attending Evening/Saturday High School? Students not currently enrolled in a day school can take HSAs at Evening/Saturday High School.
• What is a self-paced program? A self-paced program is a teacher-directed, individualized program for highly motivated students. Students actively participate in scheduled group discussions and seminars. Teachers serve as resources and evaluators, guiding and coaching students. Courses can be taken for original credit. Students may take only one course at a time. Towson Saturday High School and AdvancePath Academy are self-paced programs.
• What is AdvancePath Academy? AdvancePath Academy uses computer-adaptive curriculum and small group, teacher-led instruction. Each student has a personalized learning plan that tracks what must be learned to develop grade level proficiency in each academic area of study.  English, math, social studies, science, and other courses are offered. Visit http://www.bcps.org/offices/alted/mtp/advancePath.html for more details about AdvancePath Academy.
• Which Evening/Saturday High Schools offer AdvancePath Academy? AdvancePath Academy is offered at Dundalk Evening High School on T/Th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• How many AdvancePath Academy courses may I take at one time?  AdvancePath Academy students may take only one course at a time.

Maryland GED-i Online Program

• What is the Maryland GED-i Online Program? The program is a free, teacher-supported, online learning system that prepares Maryland residents to take and pass the Maryland State GED Exam. Upon successful completion of the course and passing of the Maryland State GED Exam, students are awarded a Maryland State High School Diploma.
• Who is eligible for the Maryland GED-i Online Program? The Maryland GED-i Online Program through Baltimore County Public Schools is open to students who are residents of the state of Maryland, at least 16 years old but not more than 21 years old, AND not currently enrolled in a high school or other educational program. Students must take a pretest in mathematics and reading and meet a minimum ninth grade skill level.
• Are there any special computer requirements needed to access the Maryland GED-i Program? You must have regular access to a computer with internet service (broadband is recommended).
• How long does it take to finish the Maryland GED-i Online Program? The program provides you with an individual learning plan. You are given assignments in subjects not mastered. Although the program requires a 15 week commitment, you may actually finish in less time. You should treat this program just like you are attending a local class. Plan to study a minimum of five hours per week.
• What are the benefits of the Maryland GED-i Online Program? As a student of the program, you can study anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet. Students may plan their study time around their work or family schedule. Students get specific and immediate feedback online on their weekly assignments, which are customized to meet their individual needs.
• How do I enroll in the Maryland GED-i Online GED Program? To enroll in the program, visit www.mdged-i.org to complete the application and select Baltimore County Public Schools as your preliminary test site.
• How much does the Maryland GED-i Online Program cost? The program is free for Maryland residents.
• Am I allowed to contact my instructor? Absolutely! You have access to your instructor by direct links to email and message boards. Again, your instructor will give you immediate feedback on your assignments.

HIPPY

• What is HIPPY? (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) HIPPY is a program that helps parents develop techniques to assist their four- and five-year-old children with school readiness skills. The program is designed to bring families, organizations, and communities together and remove any barriers to participation including limited financial resources, lack of education, or language. The HIPPY program believes parents are their child’s first and most important teacher.
• Who is eligible for HIPPY program? Families of children enrolled in designated BCPS pre-kindergarten or kindergarten programs.
• How much does HIPPY cost? There is no cost for families to participate; however, a commitment of 15 minutes a day of interaction between parent/guardian and child is essential.
• What services and materials are provided to the families in the HIPPY program?
  • Weekly home visits from a HIPPY trained home visitor
  • Learning packets and storybooks for parents to use with their children at home
  • Monthly family meetings located in a neighborhood school
  • Field trips
• What do children learn from HIPPY?
• Vocabulary
• Basic colors and shapes
• Letters and numbers
• Story sequence
• Handwriting and letter/number formation
• Proper handling of materials
• Where is the program offered and how do I register? The program is offered in designated BCPS Title I schools. To see if your family qualifies for HIPPY services, please check the website or call 410-887-3037.

Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center

• What is the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center?  The Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center provides instruction to Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) students who are unable to attend school for a minimum of four weeks due to verified physical conditions, including pregnancy, or verified emotional conditions. Students who have chronic illnesses that cause them to attend school intermittently, missing approximately 30 days in a school year, may be eligible for the Chronic/Intermittent program.  While on these programs, students may receive online blended model instruction via the e-Learning Center, individual tutoring, or a combination of the two instructional delivery models.
• Who is eligible for Home and Hospital services?  Any BCPS student who is unable to attend school due to a verified physical or emotional condition is eligible. Referral forms can be obtained from the school counseling department at the home school or online through the BCPS Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center Web site.
• Does a student have to be out of school four weeks before they are eligible? No.  If a doctor or school anticipates that a student's absence may be for a period of twenty days or more, the referral process can be initiated.
• What is the difference between Home and Hospital and Home Schooling?  Home and Hospital is a temporary service available to any student enrolled in BCPS who is unable to attend his or her home school due to a verified physical or emotional condition. Home Schooling is a school program administered at home by a student's parent/guardian. Students on Home Schooling are not enrolled in BCPS.
• Who are the online teachers at the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center?  Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center teachers are certified and highly qualified full-time BCPS teachers.
• Do I ever get to meet my teachers?  Students taking e-Learning Center classes have daily opportunities to see and talk to their teachers online using technology tools such as Web cams.  On Wednesdays, teachers hold office hours, giving them time to meet with students one-on-one or in small group settings for a variety of reasons including (but not limited to) teaching or reteaching skills, providing remediation or enrichment,  orienting students to the technology used in class, and administering assessments. 
• Will I be doing the same work as my classmates in school?  All Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center teachers and tutors follow the BCPS curriculum.  Students assigned to the online program will enter into the unit currently being taught by the e-Learning Center teacher. This unit may or may not be the same unit being taught at that time in the home school. Schools provide instructional guidelines to tutors who plan lessons for students assigned to one-on-one tutoring. 
• Do students graduate from the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center?  No.  Although some students may utilize Home and Hospital services for an extended period of time, they graduate from their home school.  Students who have been with the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center for an extended period of time and, who wish to do so, may participate in the Alternative Education graduation ceremony.
• Who gives grades to Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center students?  Students receive grades from their Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center teachers. Grades are sent to the parent/guardian and the home school. The home school teacher averages the grade the student earned while participating in Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center instruction with the grade earned at the home school.  If a student is with the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center for the entire quarter, the home school teacher will place that grade on the report card.  All final grades are determined by the home school.  Excused and unexcused absences are also noted on the report card.
• How do I turn in my work?  Each teacher will communicate the assignments to be completed and submitted orally and/or through their e-Learning Center Web site (known as the Moodle).  All student assignments must be submitted electronically using the process designated by the teacher.   
• How does online learning work?  The e-Learning Center utilizes a blended instructional model that allows students to engage in classes together at designated times (synchronously) and also complete a variety of assignments independently (asynchronously). Students assigned to the e-Learning Center receive class schedules and use a computer to log into their assigned classes at scheduled times. Once in class, students can hear and talk to their teacher and classmates. Teachers use the BCPS curriculum to deliver instruction. 
• Which classes are taught online? The e-Learning Center offers instruction in the four core subject areas.  High school students who have Spanish and Fundamentals of Art on their home school schedules may be assigned these courses as their schedules permit.
• Does the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center follow the BCPS calendar?  Yes, the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center follows the BCPS calendar, observing the same holidays and systemwide professional development days.
• What do we do about closings or delayed openings? Classes at the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center begin at 8 a.m.  If BCPS opens one hour late, classes at the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center begin at 9 a.m.  If BCPS opens two hours late, classes at the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center begin at 10 a.m.
• What do we do about early closings?  The Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center does not always follow BCPS for early closings. Students should contact their teachers at their regularly scheduled class times unless told otherwise.
• Do I have to take final exams?  Yes. Student testing is provided through the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center.  Students will receive notification of testing details prior to the testing window.
• How soon can a student get into the program?  There are two forms that must be completed before students can be considered for Home and Hospital services.  The Professional Statement of Physical Conditions must be completed by a licensed physician for students with medical conditions (pregnant students must have the form completed by a licensed obstetrician) and the Professional Statement of Emotional Conditions must be completed by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or a certified school psychologist for an emotional condition.  The school and the parent/guardian should work collaboratively to complete the School Referral form.  Both forms should be mailed to the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center.  The length of time that is needed to process the request depends on how long it takes to receive the accurately completed forms.
• What do I do about the work missed from my home school before my placement with the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center?  Students are responsible for completing the work assigned by their home school until they begin receiving Home and Hospital instruction.
• Can I take the MSA/HSA while receiving Home and Hospital services?  The home school is really the best place for students to test.  However, students unable to return to their home school for testing may attend testing sessions provided through the Home and Hospital/e-Learning Center.  Letters stating the testing schedule and location are mailed to student homes prior to the testing date.
  

Home Schooling

• Do I need to set up a classroom in my home? You need to provide an educational area. This should include a desk or work area with suitable lighting and ventilation. Resource and instructional materials should be available to your child.
• Must the parent be the teacher or can a tutor be hired to take care of the instruction? The Bylaw is quite clear that the parent is to be the primary provider of the instruction. Other adults can assist with a special area of interest, but cannot replace the parent. The teaching by another adult or group of adults constitutes a school, which must seek accreditation approval through the Maryland State Department of Education.
• Am I required to be a certified teacher? No, you are not under present regulations.
• How much time should be spent on instruction each day? Generally, 5 hours of instruction, Monday through Friday, for approximately 36 weeks is recommended. Parents can make adjustments to the schedule, based on the needs of the child.
• Do I have to follow the public school calendar? You need to specify the hours, days, and length of your instructional year during the portfolio review. Weekends, evening hours, and summertime may also be part of the schedule if you desire. The portfolio review should reflect a comprehensive program appropriate for the age and functioning of the child.
• Should I develop a planning book for instruction? Evidence of your planning is part of the portfolio review.
• Should I keep a record of attendance and evaluations/grades given to my child? Yes.
• What areas of instruction are mandatory in my program? Evidence of instruction in all of the following areas is required: English/Language Arts (including Reading), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, and Physical Education.
• What samples of my child’s work should be available during the portfolio review? Examples of the child’s writing, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, and tests must be saved for the review. In addition, work should be dated as it is completed.
• How often are portfolio reviews to take place? Generally, such reviews can occur two (2) times per school year. There can be a maximum of three (3) reviews each year according to the Bylaw.
• What happens if the school system personnel are dissatisfied with the Home Schooling program? If there are deficiencies in the program resulting in the child not receiving a regular, thorough instructional program conforming with the Bylaw, the parent will be notified of this deficiency and must provide evidence within 30 days that the deficiency has been corrected. If the deficiency is not corrected the child must be enrolled promptly in a public or nonpublic school.
• What would the process be if I should decide to place my child back in school at some future date? Your child would be most welcome to enroll. At that point, a conference should be arranged with the school principal to make placement decisions. An evaluation will be made to determine proper placement. This evaluation could include review of the portfolio materials, standardized testing, and/or interviews with the student to determine grade level and ability grouping. 
• Will a high school diploma be issued by Baltimore County Public Schools if I elect to have my child remain on a home schooling program through grade 12? No. Diplomas cannot be issued to students who are not enrolled in our school system.
• Must I reapply for permission to continue Home Schooling each year? A new Home Schooling Notification Form is not necessary. However, you will be sent an Update Form each July which asks about your intent to continue home schooling or to enroll your child in school.
• Can my child take part in some aspects of the school instructional or extracurricular programs while receiving Home Schooling? No. Home Schooling is an “all-or-nothing” program. However, if a child has been identified through the Child Find process to be eligible for special education services, BCPS will provide services as outlined in the Notice of Services for the current school year.
• Will the school system provide books and materials for a child receiving Home Schooling? No. Books and materials cannot be issued to a student who is not enrolled in our school system.
• May my child participate in the standardized testing program offered by the school system even though he/she is not enrolled? Yes. Upon request of a parent or legal guardian, a child receiving home schooling may participate in the regularly scheduled standardized testing programs that are administered in the public school where the child is eligible to attend. Arrangements must be made prior to testing dates and the child must be brought to the assigned school by the parent. Parents are reminded that these tests are not administered at every grade level.  Contact the Home Schooling Specialist at 410-887-2896 for more information.
• May my home schooling student take the PSAT?  Yes, contact the Home Schooling Specialist at 410-887-2896 for information.
• What documentation will my home schooling student need to obtain a Learner’s Permit?  Home schooling students between the ages of 15 years, 9 months and 16 years need to print the “Learner’s Permit School Attendance Certification” form from the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles website (http://www.mva.maryland.gov/ ), complete the form and send it to Donna Sochurek, Home Schooling Specialist, Baltimore County Public Schools, 9610 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 219, Baltimore, MD 21220.
• If you have additional questions, please contact Donna Sochurek, Home Schooling Specialist at 410-887-2896 or dsochurek@bcps.org. 
  

Home Teaching Program

• Who decides which students should receive services for Home Teaching and for what length of time? The Superintendent’s Designee for the student’s geographical area makes the decision about the length of time the student will be on home teaching at the student’s hearing.
  • Southeast: Mr. Goldsmith
  • Northeast: Mr. Konkle
  • Central: Dr. Hill
  • Northwest: Mr. Noone
  • Southwest: Mr. Abbott
• What happens following the hearing with the designee? Each day, the secretary who facilitates home teaching accesses the database to retrieve the names of all students referred to home teaching by each of the five superintendent’s designees. A file is created and passed on to the home teaching supervisor who then assigns elementary and special education students to one-on-one tutoring. Middle and high school students may be assigned to one-on-one tutoring or the teleclass program.
• How soon after the suspension hearing should I hear from the Home Teaching office? The home teaching staff has 10 school days to schedule a student for instruction. For elementary, special education, and some secondary students, a tutor will contact parents/guardians, usually within 3-5 days of the hearing to set a tutoring schedule. For secondary students assigned to the home teaching teleclass program, a member of the instructional materials team will contact parents/guardians to arrange a delivery date for the textbooks to be used for teleclasses. The parents/guardians of students assigned to home teaching should receive a phone call/email from the assigned one-on-one tutor or a member of the instructional materials team within 5 days.  If contact is not made, please call the secretary who facilitates home teaching at 410-887-3229.
• How many hours of 1:1 instruction will my child receive?
  • Secondary students receive 4 hours per week of instruction.
  • Elementary students receive 6 hours per week of instruction.
  • IEP students must go through the team process to determine FAPE.

Maryland’s Tomorrow

• What is Maryland’s Tomorrow? Maryland’s Tomorrow is a grade 9-12 program offered in 5 Baltimore County high schools (Chesapeake, Patapsco, Sparrows Point, Dundalk and Woodlawn). Maryland’s Tomorrow provides school counseling and academic support to students at risk of dropping out of school.
• Who is eligible for Maryland’s Tomorrow? Students at risk of dropping out of school, who are currently enrolled in one of the five high schools (Chesapeake, Patapsco, Sparrows Point, Dundalk and Woodlawn), are eligible to enroll in Maryland’s Tomorrow.
• Why should I enroll in Maryland’s Tomorrow? The program provides an excellent support system for students who would benefit from having additional individual attention from a Maryland's Tomorrow teacher and/or counselor advocate.
• How do I enroll in Maryland’s Tomorrow? Talk with the Maryland’s Tomorrow counselor in your high school. Middle school students should talk with the visiting Maryland’s Tomorrow team during the 8th grade registration period or they can be admitted by the program counselor and school principal during the school year.
• What are the policies on attendance and student conduct for Maryland’s Tomorrow?Maryland’s Tomorrow students are expected to attend school daily and meet student expectations as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Therapeutic Services

• How can a student receive therapeutic services?A student must be referred by a staff member of an alternative education program. For additional information on referrals, you may contact Romina Gaddy at rgaddy@bcps.org or Patricia Mustipher at pmustipher@bcps.org.
• What kinds of students receive referrals?
  • Pregnant girls and teen moms
  • Special education students with school social work services stated on their IEP
  • Students suffering with emotional and behavioral health issues that prevent or inhibit them from attending a regular community day school
• What are some of the services students receive?
  • Supportive counseling and information to educate young teen parents on healthy infant and early childhood development
  • Weekly teleclasses whereby Home and Hospital Students may participate in learning about parenting skills
  • School social work services for special education students that follow IEP goals and objectives, which may focus on self-esteem, anger control, behavior management, and developing pro-social behaviors to increased social skills
  • Assistance with developing more effective coping skills and goal setting in preparation for a successful return to the home school
  • Supportive services are offered to students in alternative education programs at Baltimore County Detention Center (e.g. resources for homeless students, counseling)
  • Supportive services are offered as part of the parent outreach program to assist parents of students struggling with emotional, behavioral, and medical situations
• Who provides services? A school social worker (or a school social work intern) who is a staff member of the Office Alternative Education, Dropout Prevention, and Summer School provides services. Services may include in-home counseling; teleclasses; home visits; education; psycho-social assessments; communication with outside therapists or collateral agencies; individual, family, or group counseling; brokerage or liaison services; or offering community resources.
• Where are services offered? Services are offered in the home or at a public facility (e.g. library or hospital setting).