5 Things to Know
Come to a CEO Search Community Forum
Join #CitySchoolsBackToSchool
Complete Annual Student Verification
Come to free student immunization clinics
Finish our back-to-school checklist
Link to MTA updates
New protocols for public engagement during Board meetings
Learn about the updated cell phone policy
Download the 2025-26 school calendar
New high school graduation requirements
Spreading good news
Upcoming events
Local news
September 2, 2025
What's Inside
5 Things to Know at City Schools
Help find the next CEO: Provide Input at Upcoming Community Forums
City Schools invites students, families, staff, and community members to help find the next CEO. The Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners is hosting six community forums and one telephone town hall hosted by the Mayor's Office as part of the CEO search process. Community input will help define the traits, experiences, and priorities that guide the search for the next leader of City Schools. Please provide your input—be part of the process. Read more about the CEO Search Community Forums.
Join #CitySchoolsBackToSchool
Whether it’s your classroom or a group photo with friends, share your excitement about the new school year. Upload your photos on our Back-to-School Wall, and use the hashtag #CitySchoolsBackToSchool on social media to be featured.
Complete Annual Student Verification
This is how students are counted to help schools receive the resources students deserve. Even if there are no changes, families must log into Campus Portal to update or confirm student and contact information. Everything you need is on our Annual Student Verification webpage.
Come to free student immunization clinics
City Schools is hosting free student immunization clinics at Central Office on Fridays through Friday, September 19.
Finish our back-to-school checklist
Visit our back-to-school page to complete Annual Student Verification, read our handbooks, find immunizations, and meet all requirements for a successful school year.
Link to MTA updates
Find a convenient link to MTA updates on our transportation, students, and inclement weather webpages.
New protocols for public engagement during Board meetings
City Schools is enhancing the security of Board meetings in many ways. Learn the new procedures for public comment.
Learn about the updated cell phone policy
New for the 2025-26 school year: Under the Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy, students may bring devices to school, but they must be powered off, away, and secured during the school day.
Download the 2025-26 school calendar
The 2025–26 one-page calendar for City Schools is available in English and Spanish! This calendar includes key dates such as the first and last days of school, observance days, early release days, and breaks. Stay tuned for more updates to help you plan for the year ahead.
New high school graduation requirements
City Schools has updated graduation requirements to give students more flexibility and rigor—especially in math and science. These changes align with new statewide education guidelines to better prepare students for higher education and a family-sustaining career. Read about it on our graduation webpage.
Meet New Principal Calandra Arrington
Calandra Arrington, an educator for 28 years, began her career as a third-grade teacher at Sinclair Lane Elementary and now returns as the school’s principal and lead learner in its 70th year.
Guided by Ralph Marston’s words, “Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude,” she is committed to creating a joyful, safe culture of high expectations where students can “Dive Deep and Rise Strong.” Read more about New Principal Calandra Arrington.
Welcoming every voice
City Schools' Office of Multilingual Learners (OML) is ensuring that multilingual learners across the district are welcomed, supported, and ready to succeed. Read about how OML is focused on strengthening instruction, staffing, and family engagement across the city, with a growing population of multilingual learners.
An upgrade and renovation ready for the start of school
Look at the teachers' lounge transformation at Dr. Nathan A. Pitts-Ashburton Elementary/Middle School, thanks to a partnership between City Schools and the Educator Support Collaborative.
First day visits with Dr. Santelises and Mayor Scott
City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Brookins Santelises and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott visited schools on the first day.
Mayor Brandon Scott's Back-to-School Kick-off
Mayor Brandon Scott hosted his annual Back-to-School Kick-off, offering free school supplies and food, along with lots of fun.
Wednesday, September 3: CEO Community Conversation, 12:45 - 2 p.m.
Wednesday, September 3: Board Meeting, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Free student immunizations at City Schools
Monday, September 8, 6 – 8 p.m.: SECAC Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Teaching and Learning Committee Meeting
Thursday, September 11, 4 – 5:30 p.m.: Safety and Wholeness Committee Meeting
Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Free student immunizations at City Schools
Visit free Farm Family Hours at Great Kids Farm
Great Kids Farm welcomes City Schools families and staff to meet farm animals, see what's growing, and explore the woods, fields and stream during FREE Farm Family Hours. Optional registration helps Great Kids Farm with planning.
DATE and TIME: Saturday, September 20 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. cooking demonstrations, auction, and more with Friends of Great Kids Farm
In case you missed it...
Celebrate YO Fest's 25th year with fun, food, and community on Friday, September 5.
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