- Join us for Family Math Night
- Come to the School Choice Fair
- Come to the Winter Wonderland Showcase
- Join PCAB and Dr. Santelises
- Come to the Safety & Wholeness Committee meeting
- Calling All Families: Share Your Voice and Lead the Way with Family University!
- Come to the Student Board Forum
- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News
December 10, 2024
What's Inside
📸 Author Amber McBride visited Holabird Academy to discuss her latest book, Onyx & Beyond, with seventh and eighth-grade students.
Join us for Math Night
City Schools is hosting a Districtwide Math Night at Port Discovery this Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. Pre-K through fifth-grade students and families can engage in math activities, and parents and guardians can learn how to support their students at home. Sensory materials and sensory-friendly alternative activities will be available. Discount parking, dinner, and interpretation will also be available.
Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.
Location: Port Discovery
35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Register: https://bit.ly/MathNightPD25
This weekend! Come to the School Choice Fair!
At City Schools, students have the opportunity to choose their middle and high schools. To support families in the Choice process, we’re hosting the annual Choice Fair to showcase all the exciting school options available.
Join us on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Baltimore Convention Center!
For all information on the School Choice process, visit the School Choice page. And don't forget, School Choice applications are now open in the Student Enrollment Management System, and are due on January 17!
Come to the Winter Wonderland Arts Showcase
Join us this week from Monday, December 9 through Friday, December 13, for the City Schools Winter Wonderland Arts Showcase at our North Avenue District Office. Schools from across the district will present holiday-themed productions featuring a variety of visual art exhibitions and live performances in the Guilford Gallery.
We invite you to enjoy the creativity and talent of our students as they celebrate the season. The performance schedule is available HERE!
Join PCAB and Dr. Santelises
Join the Parent and Community Advisory Board (PCAB) for a special virtual meeting on Thursday, December 12, at 6:30 p.m. Hear from City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises during a Q&A session and hear updates about the 2025-26 school year calendar. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your input and get your questions answered!
Visit the PCAB page for more information.
Join the off-site Safety and Wholeness Committee meeting
The Safety & Wholeness Committee invites families to join its December meeting on Wednesday, December 18, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Western High School library. Families will have the opportunity to share live comments at the meeting. The meeting will also feature student performances, and the Food and Nutrition team will be on-site with taste tests of new menu options!
Calling All Families: Share Your Voice and Lead the Way with Family University!
City Schools' Family University is seeking families to help design workshops on topics important to YOU!
What do you need to be a partner in your child’s educational journey? Join Family University and other City Schools families to develop a workshop series designed by families for families, to support your student's success. This is a stipend-eligible role. Interested? Sign up with this form!
Come to the Student Board Forum
Join the School Board for a deep conversation about what matters to you! Students can speak freely about their school experience, learn what the Board is doing to support students, and share their thoughts on the Board's current policies. The Office of Food and Nutrition Services will provide refreshments. To register for the event and secure transportation, visit https://bit.ly/studentboardforum2025
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Location: Baltimore Design School
1500 Barclay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Time: 4-6:30 p.m.
EGATE Award winners!
Congratulations to Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary and James McHenry Elementary/Middle School on earning their first EGATE Awards! This year, five Baltimore City Public Schools were honored with the EGATE designation, bringing the total to 22 schools recognized since 2014. The EGATE Awards celebrate schools that provide exceptional support for gifted and talented students. Thank you to all the schools for their dedication to excellence! To read more, visit City Schools.
Tuesday, December 10 - Public Board meeting - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 11 - Districtwide Math Night at Port Discovery - 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 - Community School Steering Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 12 - Annual Review Board Hearing #1 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 - Annual School Choice Fair - 10 a.m.
Tuesday, December 17 - Operations Committee meeting - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 17 - Policy Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, December 18 - Safety & Wholeness Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, December 19 - PCAB meeting - 6:30 p.m.
Due This Week: Mayor's Black History Month Art Contest Submissions
Attention all City Schools students! This is the last week to submit your art for the Mayor's Black History Month Art Contest. Whether it’s a painting, drawing, digital art, or mixed media, this is a great chance to honor Black leaders, artists, and trailblazers creatively.
Parents, encourage your young artists to participate! Artwork drop-offs are from December 9 to December 13 at City Hall, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Be sure to check the guidelines to make sure your submission is ready! For questions, please email childrenandfamilysuccess@baltimorecity.gov.
Enter the WJZ Oratory Contest
Calling all high school students! Speak up about the issues that matter to you! Submit an essay for the WJZ Black History Oratory Competition. Essays are due by January 20, 2025. For more information, visit WJZ. The top three finalists will receive scholarship prize money, and the winners will be announced on TV during WJZ's Black History Oratory Competition Special!
Operation Warm
Keep your student warm this winter! Families are invited to select Enoch Pratt Free Library branches to pick up a free coat for students ages 2 to 18 while supplies and sizes last.
Merry Vibes Only – Silent Disco Youth Night
Teens, get ready for an unforgettable night! Baltimore City Recreation and Parks invites you to Merry Vibes Only – Silent Disco Youth Night. Enjoy Charm City Lights as you dance the night away with glow sticks, enjoy free food, a live DJ, and a night of fun.
Date: Monday, December 16
Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Druid Hill Park
Cost: $10 per person
This is a walk-in event only—no drive-through access. Don’t miss out on the fun! Get your tickets HERE!
Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Award
Do you know a student who stands out as a leader or change-maker in their community?
Nominate them for Junior Achievement of Central Maryland's upcoming 18 Under 18 class! Nominations close Monday, December 16. Visit 18 Under 18 for more information.
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
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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