- 5 Things to Know at City Schools
- Read City Schools' Position on Immigration
- Learn about Our Cell Phone Policy Review and Pilot
- Provide Input in the 2025-26 Budget Process
- Register for Credit Recovery
- Come to the CEO Community Conversation
- Winter Transfer Request Window Now Open
- Charter Choice Applications Due Soon
- Let's Talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Apply for YouthWorks
- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News
January 21, 2025
What's Inside
Read City Schools' Position on Immigration
City Schools understands that national discussions around immigration and deportation can raise concerns for many families in our community. At City Schools, we are committed to providing safe, welcoming spaces where every student—regardless of immigration status—is valued and supported.
To learn more about the rights of students, resources available to families, and our efforts to create inclusive schools, please click the link below.
https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1972999
Learn about Our Cell Phone Policy Review and Pilot
Baltimore City Public Schools is reviewing policies around cell phone use and launching a pilot program to enhance student learning and well-being.
Learn more about the pilot and how you can submit feedback to the Board: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1969873
Provide Input in the 2025-26 Budget Process
Join us to share your input on District Budget Priorities for the next school year.
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
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.
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 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
Winter Transfer Request Window Now Open
City Schools' transfer request window is open from Tuesday, January 21, to Friday, January 31. Learn more: baltimorecityschools.org/page/transfer-requests
Charter Choice Applications Due Soon
School Choice applications for Charter schools are due on February 3. Charter schools have individual application processes. Please reach out directly to your schools of interest for more information.
For more information about the School Choice process, please visit https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/choice
Let's talk about AI
City Schools invites students, families, staff, and the community to a discussion about Artificial Intelligence (AI). Let’s discuss how AI is used in our school district.
Public Information Session
(Staff are also welcome to attend)
Date: Tuesday, February 4
Time: 5 p.m.
Zoom link: https://bcps-k12-md-us.zoom.us/j/83597985781
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.
City Schools is on the rise!
Since the 2015-16 school year, ELA growth has been more pronounced; City Schools literacy proficiency has grown by 13.6 percentage points, outpacing the state. Read more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1950535
City Schools Increase Maryland Report Card Star Ratings
Did You Know: City Schools has more highly-rated schools according to the Maryland Report Card: eight percent more campuses earned 3-, 4-, and 5-stars this year! Read more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/1903714

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!
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 is February 14! 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!
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