Hereford BULLetin

Today is the halfway point for Quarter 1! As with the procedure for the past few years, paper-based interims are not distributed. Instead, you should log in to Schoology with your student to check their progress. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to their teacher directly.

Please note that the BCPS grading policy that started last year is still in place. This means that a full year class is broken up into two separate semester 1/2 credits.

In each class, students will earn a 1/2 credit for Semester 1, which is a combination of Marking Period 1 (45%), Marking Period 2 (45%), and the Semester 1 Exam (10%).

Students will then earn a separate 1/2 Credit for Semester 2, which is a combination of Marking Period 3 (45%), Marking Period 4 (45%), and the Semester 2 Exam (10%).

**Note: Living Systems and American Government will have Semester 2/final exams weigh 20% based on MSDE requirements for the end of course exams**

The Semester 1/2 credit system places an emphasis on students being successful during each quarter. Students can't start slow and turn it on towards the end of the year, it's essential that they find success throughout the year.

If your student is on track and doing well, great; now encourage them to keep pushing and not get complacent.

If they are not achieving to their potential, I would recommend that you reach out to to your student's assigned School Counselor (assignments below). Our counselors are outstanding, and they do a great job of helping our students be successful.

Last Names A-E: Ms. Slezak (hslezak@bcps.org)

Last Names F-Le: Ms. Zegers (tzegers@bcps.org)

Last Names Li-R: Ms. Sanacore (asanacore@bcps.org)

Last Names S-Z: Ms. Jahries (jjahries@bcps.org)

College & Career: Ms. Kovack (kkovack@bcps.org)

**Note: Ms. Sanacore is currently on leave; until she returns, Slezak will also cover N-O, Zegers will cover F-L and P-Q, Kovack will cover M, and Jahries will cover R-Z.

The PSAT administration at Hereford High School will be on Thursday, October 23. The test will be given to students in 10th and 11th grade. Like last year, the PSAT and SAT are digital exams instead of paper based exams. As such, it is crucial for students to come prepared with their fully charged Chromebook device and a charger to ensure uninterrupted access during the exam.

Below are some links to help your student feel ready for success on the PSAT.

The following students are being recognized for their outstanding achievement in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Congratulations to Ava Beck for qualifying as a semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program! Ava placed in the top students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Only about 16,000 students qualify, which represents less than 1% of high school seniors. Semifinalists who choose to complete the scholarship application will be considered for 6,930 scholarships, an average of $26 million, awarded each spring. We wish Ava the best in her next steps!

Congratulations to the following students as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program!

Jack Frederiksen

Sia Handa

Serena Pallan

Amanda Shener

Finn Walsh

Commended students are recognized for the exceptional academic promise. These students placed in the top 50,000 students who entered the 2026 competition by taking the 2024 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Congratulations to this outstanding group of Hereford scholars!

It has been a very successful start to the school year for Bulls in a Coffee Shop! With September not even over yet, they have already made and delivered over 300 drinks! Two new Bullristas have joined the team seamlessly, Brendan and Charlie. T he teamwork and job skills our Bullristas gain from Bulls in a Coffee Shop are extremely valuable and prepare our students for life in the real world.

Congrats to Ms. Hernandez and the HHS Pep Band! They had a great first event at the football game vs. Kenwood last Friday! Below is a video of them playing the HHS fight song with accompaniment from our cheer squad.

Congrats to our Cross Country Athletes, HHS Staff, and the entire HHS community for an outstanding 55th Annual Bull Run!! Thousands of student athletes came from across the East Coast to participate in this iconic race and challenge "The Dip." Our Boys and Girls Cross Country teams did an outstanding job in their individual races!

Click the link below for the full results from the event:

https://md.milesplit.com/meets/695256-bull-run-invitational-2025/teams/3392

This event wouldn't be possible without the support of Mr. Bibaud, HHS Staff/Coaches, Varsity Club, Hereford Sports Boosters, local Fire/EMS personnel, Baltimore County Police Department, and dozens of parents and community volunteers. A big thank you goes out to everyone who was involved in the event!

**Thank you to Mr. Roemer for taking and sharing the photos.

Fill out the form below to receive updates on our dog grooming schedule. If you completed this last year, you will automatically be included and do not have to complete again.

Grooming will begin in October. https://forms.gle/xdCsDWxBymAPjRNP8

We have several new additions to the herd this year. Meet Honey, Rusty, & the Hens!

Please consider participating in the 2026 Community Scholarship Program at Hereford High School. The Community Scholarship Program gives the Hereford community the opportunity to recognize Hereford High School students who carry the traditions of excellence in the classroom, athletics and community service.

If you are interested in acknowledging excellence in the community, please complete this form Community Scholarship Program Questionnaire

The 2025 Hereford High Homecoming Dance will be Saturday, October 11, 7pm-10pm. Tickets will be sold through GoFan for $20. Students who are eligible to purchase a dance ticket will receive a unique purchase code in homeroom on the following schedule: Seniors on Wed., Sept. 24th, Juniors on Thurs., Sept. 25, Sophomores and Freshmen on Mon., Sept. 29.

The dance will be held in the school gymnasium this year. Heeled dress shoes and boots are not permitted on the gym floor. Consider bringing or wearing flat shoes.

Click the link below for the latest news and updates from our world class School Counseling team!

Click the document linked below for career related updates and field trip information from Mr. Baier, Ms. Smith, and Ms. Kovack.

Hereford Music Boosters Meeting:

On Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 7 to 8PM all are welcome to join the Hereford Music Boosters membership meeting online (virtual).

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/hxo-akea-gxj
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 484-352-4178 PIN: ‪111 642 634#

HMBC is proud to provide support to the students and professional staff of the Hereford Zone music department, and associated performing groups.

Check out our newsletter: https://herefordmusicboosters.com/

For more information on music enrichment opportunities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dLN3aS1GXQXKhCFercmySPuWIXRB-BIyQsiFytF2bz8/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.2fzueovx7ek6

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Let's work together to make this month a time of awareness, action, and healing for children and families everywhere. Every life is worth saving. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to call or text 988, the 24/7 crisis lifeline for suicide prevention, mental health, and substance use support.

To learn more about potential warnings signs in children Signs a Child Might Be Suicidal - Child Mind Institute

September 27, 2025, Out of the Darkness Walk American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – The Out of the Darkness Walk is held all over the country and is the largest fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). They produce millions for suicide prevention programs, unite those who have been affected by suicide, and create communities that are smart about mental health.

The Mind Over Matters campaign has been updated for the 2025-2026 school year and is available for viewing here.

Mind Over Matters is an ongoing initiative designed to raise awareness about mental health and promote wellness among students and staff at Baltimore County Public Schools. This year’s campaign is organized around themes aligned with the 5 Social Emotional Learning CASEL Competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. A 10-month SEL Calendar (September 2025-June 2026) in alignment with the 5 themes is also available.

A variety of activities are available to the school community, including virtual options. While the topics are structured by month and theme, many overlap and can be used as needed. Feel free to do the activities when they best suit your students or staff. Be sure to explore the All-Year Activity Options for additional resources that can be used throughout the school year.

The BCPS Department of Special Education invites stakeholders to participate in a brief survey to help prioritize focus areas for the BCPS Special Education Staffing Plan for the 2026-2027 school year. This survey is available from Friday, September 12, 2025, through Sunday, November 30, 2025. You may access the survey through the following URL:

https://survey.k12insight.com/r/jZXP8c

The Central, Northwest, and Southwest Area Education Advisory Councils of Baltimore County will have a joint virtual meeting on Monday, September 29 @ 7 PM. Click the document for more information and how to join.

Friday, September 26 - Marking Period 1 Interims (look on Schoology for current grades)

Thursday, October 2 - No School for Students, Professional Development for Teachers

Friday, October 17 - Schools Closed for Students and Teachers

Monday, October 20 - No School for Students, Professional Development for Teachers

Email: rcovert@bcps.org
Website: https://herefordhs.bcps.org/
Location: 17301 York Road, Parkton, MD, USA
Phone: 443-809-1905