- Join the CEO Conversation
- Learn about the School Choice process
- Come to the School Choice Fair
- Visit a School Choice open house
- American Education Week
- Join the School Budget Conversation
- Join the Safety and Wholeness Committee off-site meeting
- We're setting the record straight
- Spreading Good News
- Upcoming Events
- Local News
November 12, 2024
What's Inside
CEO Conversation
Join City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises and the Movement Team for a discussion on school safety and family support.
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 13
Time: 5–7:30 p.m.
Location: Baltimore Unity Hall, 1505 Eutaw Place
We hope to see you there!
Learn about the School Choice process
If your student is moving to middle or high school, now is the time to explore School Choice options! Here are key dates to keep in mind:
Dec. 2: Composite scores and choice applications will be available in the Student Enrollment Management System (SEMS).
Dec. 14: School Choice Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jan. 17: Choice applications due in SEMS.
Feb. 3: Charter applications due (charter schools have their own application process; please contact schools directly).
Visit the City Schools Choice webpage for complete information on School Choice, including composite scores, entrance criteria schools, CTE programs, and more.
Come to the School Choice Fair!
At City Schools, students choose their middle and high schools. To help in the Choice process, City Schools hosts a Choice Fair for families to learn about all their school options.
Join us from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 14 for the annual Choice Fair at the Baltimore Convention Center!
Visit a School Choice Open House
Visit and learn more about the array of middle and high school options available by visiting School Choice open houses. The open houses allow students and families to learn about programs, meet staff, and ask questions. Visit the School Choice Open House page for a list of open house dates and Choice Liaisons.
American Education Week
Nov. 18-22 is American Education Week! Schools will host special programs to celebrate the dedication of students, families, and educators. We invite families to join in each day. Look out for details from your student’s school!
Daily Themes:
Monday: Share and post your favorite book
Tuesday: Post photos showing your family at school
Wednesday: Wear school colors or gear and celebrate a favorite City Schools staff member
Thursday: Show your Baltimore pride with Charm City spirit gear
Friday: Share and wear college or career apparel
Tag City Schools on social media and use the hashtag #CitySchoolsAEW!
Join the conversation about your school's budget
Help shape your school’s plans for the 2025-26 school year! Share your thoughts on what investments and improvements you’d like to see.
Join us at your school’s Priority Engagement Sessions with school leaders. Find the session dates for your school on this spreadsheet, or contact your school for details.
Join the off-site Safety and Wholeness Committee meeting
The Safety & Wholeness Committee invites families to join its December meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Poly/Western shared auditorium. Families will have the opportunity to share live comments, and the meeting will feature student performances. Plus, the Food and Nutrition team will be on-site with taste tests of new menu options!
Setting the Record Straight
On November 11, 2024, WBFF-V aired a story, “At least 4,600 Baltimore City E/M students promoted after missing 60 school days or more,” based on data obtained as part of the Patterson v. BCBSC litigation filed in 2022. The story alleges “alarming numbers coming out of Baltimore City concerning students passing classes while missing months of school.”
WBFF-TV requested a response from the Board of School Commissioners regarding its cited data. However, while City Schools was unable to provide a response before the story aired, the following response was ultimately shared with WBFF-TV, which updated the web portion of its story. Read our full statement here: Setting The Record Straight.
Congratulations to the First-Quarter City Schools Icons!
City Schools is thrilled to announce the new City Schools Icon award and recognize our 2024-25 first-quarter winners! These exceptional students are celebrated for outstanding leadership, positivity, teamwork, and dedication - making them true “City Schools Icons.” Congratulations, students, and thank you for inspiring and uplifting our school communities. To learn more about the City Schools Icon award, visit City Schools Icons.
#IamCitySchools Amy Burke Friedman
Every day Baltimore City Public Schools graduates are doing great things. #IAmCitySchools is a series showcasing alumni who are applying lessons from their experiences as City Schools students in their careers. In this episode, we feature Amy Burke Friedman, CEO of ‪Profiles. Schools attended: The Mount Washington Elementary School, Fallstaff Middle School, and Western. Submit your story for #IAmCitySchools: https://bit.ly/IAmCitySchoolsForm
Baltimore Orioles Host a Coat Drive at Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School
As the holiday season approaches, the Orioles & T. Rowe Price teamed up with Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School to provide some new winter gear for Harlem Park students!
Wednesday, November 13 - Student Safety and Family Crises Conversation - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19 - Operations Committee meeting - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, November 19 - Policy Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 - Safety and Wholeness Committee meeting - 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 21 - PCAB meeting - 6:30 p.m.
Free Tutoring Services
The Youth Library Tutorial Group offers free in-person and online tutoring services to all students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Students can get one-on-one tutoring with a Johns Hopkins student on Saturdays at the Waverly and Southeast Anchor branches of the Enoch Pratt Library,and Sundays online. For more information, visit the Youth Library Tutorial Group.
Meet Baltimore author Carole Boston Weatherford
Join award-winning Baltimore native author Carole Boston Weatherford for a reading and discussion of her book Whirligigs.
Date: Monday, Nov. 18
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Light Street Branch, Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1251 Light St.
Visit the Pratt Library website to register. All registered attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last!
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