has three key components during the 2022–2023 school year: a book study, a school-based competition,
and the development of presentations. Schools and students may participate in one, two, or all three
components of the program.
Schools participating this year are Baltimore Highlands, Berkshire, Carney, Cedarmere, Chatsworth,
Dundalk, Glyndon, Harford Hills, Joppa View, Mars Estates, Milbrook, Rodgers Forge, Rossville,
Stoneleigh, Warren, Westchester, Westowne, West Towson, Winfield, and Woodbridge elementary
schools, and Catonsville, Cockeysville, Deep Creek, Deer Park, Franklin, Golden Ring, Loch Raven
Technical Academy, Parkville, and Perry Hall middle schools.
The program will conclude with a systemwide public event at Loch Raven High School on Saturday, Feb.
25, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The event will showcase presentations students developed in response to the
books they read or the 2022-2023 independent research prompt: “Breaking Barriers and Innovation:
How have others created the world I live in today?”
Black History Month Writing Contest
The BCPS Offices of English Language Arts and Social Studies are co-sponsoring the annual Black History
Month writing contest. A winner will be selected in each of the following grade level bands: Grades K-2,
Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Prizes for winners will be provided by The Education
Foundation of BCPS.
Students are asked to write in response to the following quotation from Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first
Black woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice: "Our children are telling me that they see now,
more than ever, that, here in America, anything is possible." Students are asked to write about an
African American activist, artist, athlete, author, musician, scientist, or other public figure who has
helped them see that anything is possible.
All entries must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 10. Only four entries will be accepted from each school.
More information is available in an online flyer. Students are encouraged to ask their English language
arts and social studies teachers for additional information.
“SOLE Defined”
More than 800 BCPS middle and high school students will see special private performances by the
Washington, D.C.-based SOLE Defined dance company. The performances for BCPS students will take