- Calendar reminder and inclement weather policy
- Come to the rescheduled Safety and Wholeness Listening Session
- Nominate the 2025 Teacher of the Year
- Watch the Winter Graduation
- An update from the Board: CEO search
- Check out the new City Schools YouTube channel
- Save the date for pre-K and kindergarten registration
- Apply for YouthWorks
- Come to the offsite Public Board meeting
- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News
February 11, 2025
What's Inside
Calendar reminder and Inclement Weather Policy
Reminder: Schools will be closed for students on:
Thursday, February 13 - Professional development for staff
Friday, February 14 - Wellness Day
Monday, February 17 - Presidents' Day
City Schools allows for three traditional snow days when schools are closed for students and staff. One traditional snow day remains; these days will be made up in June.
For a fourth inclement weather day and beyond, City Schools will shift to virtual learning. If a virtual day is expected, students will be advised to bring home their devices (based on school availability). Stay updated through our mobile app, website, social media, email, and robocalls. Check the Inclement Weather webpage for more details.
Come to the rescheduled Safety and Wholeness listening session
Due to predicted inclement weather, the Safety and Wholeness Committee Listening Session, initially scheduled for February 12, is rescheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Collington Square Recreation Center (1409 N. Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore, MD 21213). Members of the public interested in submitting public comment, whether by video or email, must submit comments to the Board Office (schoolboard@bcps.k12.md.us) by February 25. Anyone interested in sharing public comment in person on the day of the event must sign up between 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., and complete an agreement form: http://bit.ly/48Ymk5h.
Nominate the 2025 Teacher of the Year!
Do you know an exceptional teacher who inspires excellence and community in the classroom? Nominate them for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award! Students, families, or staff can nominate now through February 14. Click here to nominate your extraordinary teacher!
Watch the Winter Graduation
Our winter graduation is Saturday, February 22, at 11 a.m. Join us in celebrating our mid-year graduates!
Watch the live stream on City Schools TV on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cityschoolstv.
Congratulations to these outstanding students!
An update from the Board: CEO search
City Schools is launching a nationwide search for the district’s next chief executive officer and has posted a request for proposals for a search firm to assist in the process. The firm will help find top candidates, gather community input, and ensure a thorough selection process.
Families can learn more by visiting https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1949536.
City Schools' new YouTube channel
City Schools has launched a new channel on YouTube – City Schools Live. This new outlet will feature live-streaming videos of School Board meetings and other live events such as ribbon cuttings, town halls, and similar activities.
Effective February 10, we encourage you to visit City Schools Live at www.youtube.com/@CitySchoolsLIVE to watch regular Board meetings and live events.
Save the date! Pre-K and kindergarten registration opens soon
Mark your calendars! Pre-K and kindergarten registration opens Monday, March 3. Visit the pre-K and Kindergarten registration page for details and enrollment information.
Apply for YouthWorks
YouthWorks 2025 applications are now open! 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.
The deadline to apply is April 4, 2025.
Come to the offsite Public Board meeting
The School Board invites you to an offsite public Board meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Digital Harbor High School (1100 Covington St, Baltimore, MD 21230) at 5:30 p.m. Listen in on various topics, such as curriculum updates, budget allocations, staff advancement, and more. Public comment is encouraged. Sign-up for in-person public comment and comments made in video or email format must be submitted to the CEO Ombudsman Office (LLJones02@bcps.k12.md.us) between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on February 25. All individuals interested in sharing public comment must complete an agreement form: bit.ly/48Ymk5h.
Congratulations to James McHenry Elementary/Middle School for winning the Mayor's Attendance Challenge!
James McHenry Elementary/Middle School won the second quarter Mayor's Attendance Challenge for reducing chronic absenteeism at their school by 25% — the largest improvement in Baltimore City Public Schools this quarter.
This year for Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the Baltimore Orioles partnered with Coca-Cola Consolidated and Samaritan's Feet International to host a shoe drive and backpack giveaway for Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School students.
The Baltimore Orioles “Birdland Caravan” made a stop at Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School, where star players Gunnar Henderson, Jackson Holliday, Ryan O’Hearn, Chayce McDermott, Cade Povich, Adley Rutschman, and Albert Suárez made a surprise appearance. Camden Yards in-park host Dennis T served as the MC, coordinating games as part of a pep rally and teaching the students all about teamwork.
City Schools is on the rise!
Did You Know: City Schools students in grades 6 and 7 outperformed students across Maryland in English Language Arts (ELA or Literacy), according to the latest Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) data released by the state.
Read more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1950535
#IamCitySchools Black History Month Edition
Founded in 1829, Baltimore City Public Schools has a rich history of teaching and learning, which has supported the growth of students who have gone on to shape the city, the state, the nation, and the world. City Schools celebrates Black history every day, and during Black History Month, we highlight several of our notable graduates who have made significant contributions to history and who got their start in one of our classrooms in this special edition of #IAmCitySchools. Read now: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2020366
Tuesday, February 11 - Public Board meeting - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 13 - Staff Professional Development Day - schools closed for students
Friday, February 14 - Wellness Day, schools closed for students and staff
Monday, February 17 - Presidents' Day - schools and offices closed
Tuesday, February 18 - Operations Committee meeting - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 18 - Policy Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 20 - Safety and Wholeness Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 20 - PCAB meeting - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 22 - Winter Graduation - 11 a.m.
Apply for the Bernard Harris Scholarship Program
High School Seniors- The Council of the Great City Schools is accepting applications for the 2025 CGCS-Bernard Harris Scholarship Program!
Eligible applicants must be accepted for full-time enrollment at a four-year college or university, and pursuing a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
Deadline: March 31 – Apply today! For more information, click HERE.
Enter the Dream Big contest
Students! Enter the Lyric's Dream Big contest! Students in grades five through twelve can enter the contest with a 300-word essay, a one-page poem, a 60-second edited video, or a piece of visual artwork. Finalists will share their work on the Lyric’s historic stage and receive a sizeable prize package. The deadline to apply has been extended to February 21! Learn more: https://dreambigcontest.org/
Enter the "If I Were Mayor" essay contest
Calling all students in grade 4! Enter the "If I Were Mayor..." Essay Contest! Share your ideas to tackle community challenges in the Maryland Municipal League’s annual essay contest.
Essays must be 275 words or less and submitted digitally by your teacher. (submission guidelines)
Deadline: March 7, 2025
For questions, ask your English Language Arts teacher. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard!
Student Art Showcase Celebrating Black History Month at City Hall!
Celebrate Black History Month by visiting the North Gallery at City Hall to view student artwork from Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Black History Month Art Contest. The gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., showcasing the creativity and talent of City Schools students. The winning artists will be contacted directly.
Calling all girl coders!
Morgan State University is offering a FREE Spring Coding Camp for middle and high school girls! Learn Python programming through fun, interactive lessons.
Location: Virtual/Hybrid sessions (Saturdays)
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dates: February 2 – March 1
Don't miss this exciting opportunity! Register now: Sign Up Here
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