Connect header

April 1, 2025

What's Inside

- Register for Summer Learning programs
- Give your feedback on cell phone use in schools
- Complete the Family Survey
- Join a Code of Conduct feedback session
- City Schools launches multi-year security hardware initiative
- Apply for YouthWorks

- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News

students
📸 Baltimore International Academy kindergarten and first-grade students participate in the Russian Language Immersion program.
whats new
students at camp

Register for Summer Learning Programs

Registration is now open for our free summer learning programs! There are programs available for all grades to keep students learning and engaged during the summer! Space is limited, so register soon! Visit Summer | Baltimore City Public Schools to register today.

Registration does require an Infinite Campus account. If you need assistance setting up your Infinite Campus account, please click HERE.

students

Give your feedback on cell phone use in schools

City Schools is updating the policy on the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices to create better learning environments, reduce distractions, and support positive student interactions. Research shows that limiting cell phone use in schools can improve focus, engagement, and school climate.

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on the proposed changes and help shape the policy.

Take the survey HERE, and to learn more about the policy and research behind the proposed policy changes, visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/cell-phone-policy.

Family Survey

Complete the Family Survey

Families, we want to hear from you! Take the family survey to help us best serve you and your students! The annual parent and family survey is now open through April 15. 

Take the survey here: bit.ly/CitySchoolsFamilySurvey

code of conduct

Join a Code of Conduct Feedback Session

City Schools wants your input on the Code of Conduct! Join a virtual feedback session to share your thoughts on key topics like bullying, cell phone use, dress code, and more.

Your voice matters in shaping a positive school environment for all students.

Visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/student-code-of-conduct to learn more.

news update

City Schools launches multi-year security hardware initiative

City Schools is launching a multi-year security hardware initiative to upgrade door locks and frames in older buildings, enhancing safety across campuses. The first phase prioritizes 26 high schools, addressing a critical need by equipping classrooms and key spaces with improved locking mechanisms for enhanced security.

To learn more, visit : https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2119204

YouthWorks

Apply for YouthWorks

The deadline for 2025 YouthWorks applications is this Friday, April 4! The summer will be here before we know it, and it's a great time to start preparing for summer jobs. For more information including important dates, worksites, and more, visit the YouthWorks website.

In Case You Missed It...

  • Language Assistance Cards for families

  • Special Education Transition Expo on Thursday, April 24 - Register now

spreading good news
Regina Jones

Meet Regina Jones, literacy coach at Woodhome Elementary/Middle School

Literacy coaches across Baltimore City Schools support teachers in strengthening student reading and writing skills. Nearly all City Schools now have a coach, including Regina Jones at Woodhome Elementary/Middle School.

Learn more about her work and impact: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2101784

student
📸 Baltimore Design School

Arts in Our Schools Month Spotlight

For Dattaprasad Arsekar, a senior at Baltimore School for the Arts, music has been life-changing—shaping his identity, fueling his academic success, and opening new doors. Read more about his musical academic journey on our website: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2114864

Congratulations to the Quarter 3 Icon Award winners!

City Schools is thrilled to announce the City Schools Icon award third-quarter winners! These exceptional students are celebrated for outstanding leadership, positivity, teamwork, and dedication - making them true “City Schools Icons.” Visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/icon-awards to read more about the Icon Award winners.

Khyrie

Name: Khyrie Bryant 
Grade: 5 
School: Matthew A. Henson Elementary School 

Eva

Name: Eva Byfield 
Grade: 8 
School: Francis Scott Key Elementary/Middle School 

Nalani

Name: Nalani Jenkins-EL 
Grade: 2 
School: Holabird Academy 

Dhruvan

Name: Dhruvan Kumar 
Grade: pre-K 
School: Barclay Elementary/Middle School 

Brissia

Name: Brissia Lopez-Castro  
Grade: 12  
School: Baltimore City College 

Simyja

Name: Simyja Redd 
Grade: 8 
School: The Belair-Edison School 

City Schools hosts inaugural District-wide High School Career Fair at Coppin State University

Baltimore City Public Schools is proud to highlight the inaugural district-wide High School career fair, hosted by Coppin State University. Over 450 students attended the event, which featured representatives from over 40 local employers, as well as representatives from the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Youth Works. City Schools 9th–11th graders learned about exciting opportunities for upcoming summer work, as well as post-graduate career paths they might not have considered previously. One of the goals was for students to take the careers they have learned about and align their curriculum with career choices. There were also booths and stations where students could reflect on their dreams and aspirations and celebrate the mentors who have helped them along the way.

Congratulations to the March 2025 Scholar Superstars

Alanah Fair
Baltimore International Academy
Grade - 8


Alanah has been studying French for nine years at Baltimore International Academy. An example to her peers, she often helps younger students who may be struggling and holds them to a higher standard. Outside of her French studies, Alanah is also a celebrated artist—she won first prize in the Mayor's Black History Month art contest. She hopes to continue her French and Art studies at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute next year.

Marcell Summerville
Joseph C. Briscoe Academy
Grade - 10


Marcell has been a great inspiration for his peers at Joseph C. Briscoe Academy. With basketball and his family as motivation, Marcell sets the tone for what a scholar-athlete looks like at Joseph C. Briscoe Academy. Through his dedication to basketball and goals toward graduation, his positive mindset pushes him to do his best, ensuring that he stays on the right path to success.

Upcoming Events
  • Tuesday, April 1 - Code of Conduct Feedback Session for parents - 5 p.m.

  • Thursday, April 3 - Code of Conduct Feedback Session for community members - 5 p.m.

  • Tuesday, April 8 - Public Board meeting (featuring school year 2025-26 budget discussion) - 5:30 p.m.

  • Monday, April 14 through Monday, April 21 - Spring Break - schools closed for students and staff

  • Thursday, April 17 through Monday, April 21 - Spring Break - district office closed

  • Tuesday, April 22 - Schools and offices reopen

Local News

In case you missed it...

- Baltimore City Spring Break Camp
- Ravens Touchdown for Teachers nomination deadline - April 4
- Free tutoring with Johns Hopkins students
- Baltimore City summer camps
- Congressional Art Competition - submission due April 18

science center

Apply for the 2025 H. Bentley Glass Scholarship!

Are you a City Schools senior planning to major in STEM? The Maryland Science Center is offering a $1,500 scholarship in honor of Dr. H. Bentley Glass, a renowned geneticist and science education advocate. The winner and runner-up will also receive a paid 2025 summer internship at the Maryland Science Center!

Deadline: Wednesday, April 23
Apply: https://www.mdsci.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-Glass-Application.pdf

Learn more and see past winners at marylandsciencecenter.org.

feedback

City Schools Helpful Numbers

Main: 443-984-2000
Enrollment: 410-396-8600
Transportation: 410-396-7440
Complaints/ Concerns: 410-545-1870
Special Education Parent Response Unit: 443-984-1561

To unsubscribe from the CONNECT newsletter, please click HERE.

Baltimore City Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy/parenting status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations, as outlined in Board Policies JBA, JBB, JICK, ACA, ACB, and ACD. Full nondiscrimination notice: www.baltimorecityschools.org/notice-nondiscrimination