Mr. Covert's Musings

Recently, Dr. Myriam Rogers sent communication to all BCPS stakeholders regarding the FY27 Budget. Specifically, the communication included a link to a survey that's open to all BCPS Stakeholders to provide feedback on what should be prioritized in the FY 27 budget. I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to give your feedback on what you believe should be the funding priorities as the FY27 budget is built.

Below, I've included the message from the survey and a link to it as well.

"As BCPS works on developing the recommended operating budget for Fiscal Year 2027 over the next few months, it is important to receive input from the Team BCPS community. The school system will use the survey feedback to help guide the construction of the budget. This will be another challenging budget cycle for BCPS and school systems across the state of Maryland with the continued expansion and implementation of the Blueprint with probable lower federal, state and local revenue. Please complete the survey by October 31, 2025."

End of Marking Period 1 - October 31

Next Friday, October 31st marks the end of Marking Period 1. Marking Period 1 Report Cards will be made available on Focus on November 13.

Please note that the grading policy changed last year, and Marking Period 1 is only part of the Semester 1 half credit and not a full year credit. Below, I've linked a previous BULLetin that spells out the whole grading policy change. Specifically, the information is in the "Musings" portion of the BULLetin. Don't hesitate to reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.

FALS Program Is Hard At Work!

This was the first official week for the soft launch for the FALS Bulltique! Our FALS students work at Coty, Inc. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We have been working with them since last school year, and they are a wonderful partner! They meet our students at their skill level and know each one of our students personally! Coty has donated a bunch of products to our program for us to open a store. The purpose of the store is to practice retail work skills, money math skills, inventory, customer service, organization, etc. with real-world practice and to prepare our FALS students for greater independence in the community and in the workplace. All funds from the sales will go directly to the FALS program. In the first week, our FALS students sold over $800!

Earlier this month, they also planted mums in the raised garden beds on the side of the school! Through this project, students will practice important life skills, such as responsibility, independence, and teamwork. They are gaining hands-on experience applying science content about plants, growth cycles, and ecosystems. This also contributes to the beautification of our school grounds, fostering pride in their work and environment.

Education Foundation Grant Awarded!

Congrats to Mr. Grace and Mr. Robinson for receiving a 21st Century Instructional Initiative Grant from The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools!! This $2,000 grant was awarded to fund their project called "Exploring Pottery and Poetry Inspired by the Artist David Drake." I'm excited to see the student work that is produced as as result of this grant!

A big thank you goes out to the Ed Foundation!

FFA is Heading to Nationals!

Next week, 14 members of the Hereford FFA will be attending and competing at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. They qualified based upon their participation in Career Development Events last school year. Below are the teams/students who qualified:

Agricultural Mechanics Team – Melaina Grothe, Emily Michael, Miles Wagner (Carsen Powers - alumni)

Veterinary Science Team – Annalise Decamp, Ava Keefer, Brooke Leaf, Kat Wiggins

Marketing Plan Team – Lillian Boshoff, Simone Clough, Kendall Rosier

Leadership Team Representatives – Brody Sheridan, Cheynne Troyer, Mckenzie Whipperman

We wish them the best of luck and safe travels!

Educators Rising - Teacher Spotlight

Last week, the members of Educators Rising put up the first of many HHS Staff Spotlight bulletin board displays in the back of the cafeteria. The first spotlight was Ms. Burgess, and you can see a picture of it below.

The members have expressed they have enjoyed this career exploration activity and have learned a lot about the teachers they have interviewed in regard to their unique pathways in the field of education as well as some personal fun facts. The students will be changing out the board to reflect new staff spotlights throughout the year.

Hereford Golf Heading To States!

Congrats to our Girls and Boys Golf Teams for earning a trip to the State Championship Tournament at the University of Maryland! They will play October 28-29, and we wish them the best of luck!

For the Girls Team, Sydney Penttinen and Summer Burke made the cut to reach the state tournament!

For the Boys Team, Keegan Kinley, Nikhil Rao, Justin Oler, and Jameson Greenwood all qualified for the state tournament! Additionally, the Boys Team won District 6, and set a school record for combined low-4 scores at Fox Hollow Golf Course!

Winter Sports Registration Deadline - October 31

The Winter Sports Season is right around the corner! If your student is planning on trying out for a winter sport, they must be registered in Focus by next Friday, October 31. Click the link below for information about the registration process.

If you have any questions, please email our Athletic Director, Mr. Bibaud (jbibaud@bcps.org).

AP Exam Registration - Now Live!

It’s time to order AP exams! All students interested in ordering an AP exam must register and pay (if applicable) for their exams by November 3, 2025.

BCPS will cover the exam fee costs for 11th and 12th grade students who have met CCR status, are enrolled in the AP course, and are taking the AP exam for the first time. 11th and 12th grade students can check their CCR Status in Focus.

All 9th and 10th grade students will need to pay for the AP exams they elect to take.

Please see the linked flyers for registration directions, payment details, and important links:

· AP Exam Registration and Payment Details for Parents

· AP Exam Registration and Payment Directions for Students

Please contact our AP Coordinator, Ms. Jen Houseknecht, at jhouseknecht2@bcps.org with any questions regarding exam registration.

Please contact our SSD Coordinator, Ms. Shellie Powers, at spowers@bcps.org with any questions regarding testing accommodations.

Bullpen Boost: Mental Health & Wellness Resources

Teens are high-spirited, wanting to live life to the fullest. They are sensitive and passionate, which makes them loyal friends. Their passion restores our hope that they’ll build us all a better world. On the other hand, they have some pretty uncomfortable emotions that lead to excessive worry, sadness, or anger. Adolescence is a time of heightened emotions—respect that this is part of their developing sensitivity and help them enjoy the ride. Read more.

Strengthen Communication Using What You Know

Consider these important points as you work towards strengthening family communication. Keep reading.