Banneker Bobcat Bulletin for Staff

Happy Friday Staff, thank you for all that you do to support our students each and every day!!!!! As we approach the end of the marking period, please communicate with families and students about grades to ensure students have opportunities to demonstrate content knowledge. As always, please take time this weekend to rest, recover, relax, and spend time doing what you enjoy!

When we Empower Educator Efficacy, we manifest Bobcat P.R.I.D.E.

The former Principal of BBMS Ida Lou Polcari recently passed away. She retired form BBMS in 2003 as an award winning Principal of the school for 8 years, preceded by 7 years as an Assistant Principal. Over the many years employed by MCPS, she amassed numerous awards in various educational roles. Her 15 years of service resulted in BBMS being selected as an Honorable Mention Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Below are a few words of remembrance from BBMS staff members who knew her:

"Mrs. Polcari worked passionately as an administrator and advocate for the students and Burtonsville Community. She was very caring towards all students and staff. I am forever grateful to her for supporting me as I began my journey as a teacher, and for being a tru example of excellence, patience, and compassion."

Cherrie Van Hook

"A committed leader; who made you feel important. She would constantly spread positivity throughout the community. She made you feel like you were a part of her family. She believed in you and always supported you personally and professionally. She lifted you up when you were down. She was hardworking and such a selfless person. She made a difference in the lives of many; she loved everyone and so many people looked up to her and admired her".

Danielle Prietz

"I had the privilege of working under the leadership of Ida Lou for 2 years. When I think of Ida Lou she was a dedicated principal with a big smile that sent a message to her students, staff, and community "We Care". Her presence was always visible in the hallways displaying love and support for our students. Occasionally, when Ida Lou returned to the building, she still wore a big smile and showed commitment to all educators and support for our Banneker community. Thank you for your dedicated service and I knew this was home when I was hired by you".

Mrs. Pearl Vails

"Ms. Ida Lou was my elementary school teacher. She was alway so kind. As a security assistant, she hired my at Banneker 23 years ago. I am forever grateful to her for the opportunity to serve our students and community".

Ralph Crawford

Hi staff! Mr. Cory Turner (Career Advising Coach) at your school would love to come visit your classroom! This is completely optional, but if you are interested in hearing more information about this opportunity, please complete this form. They can range from 30 minutes to a whole class period (up to you!) and be a one-time lesson or developed into a series. Coaches can even come into your class to work with your students on a day when you are absent (they will lead the content, but a substitute is still required). Coaches are looking forward to working with you!

Note: Any specific student or classroom needs will be discussed after the initial request is complete. Coaches work with *all* students, so they will modify and tailor content to your students! This could include Spanish language support if needed.

Contact Info: thomas.c.turner@mcpsmd.net OR mcpsmd.org

240-207-7420

• Shout out to the counseling team for their hard work and creativity with Mental Health Awareness Week.
• Shout out to Dr. Stoll for a great performance at the cluster concert this week.
• Shout out to Dr. Waters Johnson for covering for RTSE during department meetings.
• Shout out to ALL STAFF for making it through the first quarter with smiling faces!

2- Mr. Dow

4- Ms. Cain

7- Dr. Bryan

20 - Mr. Waldman

25- Ms. Benjamin-Drakes

30- Mr. Lomax

Once a month Ms. Spivey, Ms. Vasiliou, and Mr. Adelekan sit to discuss (more often if needed) ways to support the staff, highlight any staff concerns and collaboratively discuss possible solutions. Feel free to input items for discussion. However, know that Ms.Spivey is available for all MCEA unit members and Ms. V for SEIU unit members, any time.

Attached, you will find this year’s AM/PM Duty Schedule. There have been some changes to the schedule, so please review the highlights listed below:

• Duties will be done on a bi-weekly rotating schedule. Staff are assigned to duty on either Week A or Week B
• Students now enter the building at 8am, and are immediately directed to either the cafeteria (6th grade students) or the gym (7th and 8th grade students)
• There will be 6 adults including security, in the cafeteria; and, 7 adults with security in the gym.
• Duty schedules are 10 minutes in length. However, each duty may start/stop at a different time. Please pay attention to the times listed for your assigned duty
• If you are absent on your duty week, please let the others in your duty space know. If you are the only one assigned to your duty, try to arrange a swap with the person scheduled on the alternating week to ensure we have coverage in your area.
• As always, use discretion when leaving a duty space, to ensure that hallways, locker areas, and holding areas (gym and café) are cleared and students are not left alone.

Staff will monitor locations during the first 10 minutes of each period. Please see the schedule linked.