- Reminder: Schools Closed Monday, January 20 for MLK Day
- Register for Credit Recovery
- Come to the Student Board Forum
- Provide Input in the 2025-25 Budget Process
- Submit your School Choice Application
- Come to the CEO Community Conversation
- Apply for YouthWorks
- Learn about the Winter Transfer Request Window
- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News
January 14, 2025
What's Inside
Reminder: Schools Closed Monday, January 20 for MLK Day
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Register for Credit Recovery
The next credit recovery session for high school students begins in the third quarter, with virtual and in-person options available after school and on Saturdays.
Just so you know – registration for the afterschool program is now open and must be completed with your home school counselor.
Saturday program registration will occur in person at Dunbar High School on January 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact your home school counselor and visit the City Schools Extended Learning page for more information.
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: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Provide Input in the 2025-25 Budget Process
Join us to share your input on District Budget Priorities for the next school year. Choose the session that works best for you:
Family/Staff Session (Virtual)
Date: January 16, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Link: bit.ly/FamilyPartnersStaff
Community Partners Session (Virtual)
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Link: bit.ly/CommunityPartnersSession
Multilingual Family Session (In Person)
Date: January 18, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: Patterson High School, 100 Kane St., Baltimore, MD 21224
Youth Session (In Person)
Date: January 22, 2025
Time: 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Location: Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, 1400 Orleans St., Baltimore, MD 21231
School Choice Applications due this Friday
Reminder: School Choice applications for traditional schools are due Friday, January 17, in the Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS).
You can find all the information about the School Choice process on the City Schools Choice webpage.
Come to the CEO Community Conversation
Join the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund and City Schools' CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises, on Wednesday, January 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Baltimore Unity Hall (1505 Eutaw Place) for a special event focused on strengthening partnerships and collaboration with families. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, share ideas, and work together to support our students. To register to attend, please visit https://forms.bcyfund.org/243241659739870
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.
Winter Transfer Request Window
City Schools' transfer request window is open from Tuesday, January 21, to Friday, January 31. Learn more: baltimorecityschools.org/page/transfer-requests
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 state's latest Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) data. Read more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1950535
Dressed for Success: How Fallstaff's Distinguished Men of Honor Initiative Builds Character and Community
What happens when men of honor lead by example? At Fallstaff Elementary/Middle School, a unique program is changing how students see themselves and their future. Dressed in formal wear, male staff are doing more than just teaching—they’re inspiring a generation. Want to discover how? Click the link!
Baltimore City Public Schools graduates are making a difference every day! #IAmCitySchools highlights alumni applying lessons from their City Schools experiences in their careers.
This episode features Natasha Brown Wainwright, CEO of B'More Made Pride Commercial Kitchen and Café and Natasha’s Just Brittle Treats. Schools: Furley Elementary, Roland Park Middle, and Eastern/Lake Clifton (now REACH!).
Submit your story for #IAmCitySchools: https://bit.ly/IAmCitySchoolsForm
Thursday, January 16 - Student Board Forum - 5 p.m.
Thursday, January 16 - PCAB meeting - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 16 - Family and Staff Budget Planning Session - 6:30 p.m.
Friday, January 17 - Early Release Day
Saturday, January 18 - Multilingual Family Budget Planning Session - 10 a.m.
Monday, January 20 - Schools and Offices Closed- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21 - Operations Committee meeting - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, January 21 - Policy Committee meeting - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21 - Community Partners Budget Planning Session - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, January 21 - Special Public Board meeting - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22 - Youth Budget Planning Session - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22 - CEO Conversation event - 5 p.m.
Thursday, January 23 - Safety and Wholeness Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 25 - Saturday Credit Recovery Program registration - 9 a.m.
Nominate Your School Leader!
Show your appreciation for a Baltimore City Public Schools principal! Nominate them for the 2025 Heart of the School Awards, the annual event honoring Principals at the Hippodrome. Nominations are open until January 31. Anyone can nominate, so spread the word and honor an amazing school leader! Nominate here!
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!
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!
Apply for Centro SOL’s Summer Scholars Program
Johns Hopkins University’s Centro SOL Summer Scholars Program introduces bilingual Latinx high school students to careers in medicine, research, and healthcare. The program offers resources, workshops, and connections to support college readiness, professional growth, and community engagement.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open: Apply 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