City Schools CONNECT Feb 21, 2023
February 21, 2023
Overview
- Latest News
- A message from Dr. Santelises
- Good news!
- Scholar Superstars
- Teacher of the Year nominations
- Kirwan Implementation Plan feedback
- FAFSA Fest
- Community Budget Forums
- Code of Conduct feedback sessions
- February's Under Armour Student-Athletes
- Progress Report - Joyful event shows the love to pregnant and parenting students
- City news and more
The Lyric's Dream Big contest
- Upcoming Events and Dates
📸 Courtesy of Commodore John Rodgers Elementary/Middle School
Good news!
Amazing things are happening in City Schools every day! Click the button below to read some of last week's highlights.
Here's a picture from Clay Hill Public Charter School's "Special Treat with Someone Sweet" celebration for Valentine's Day! Over 100 families celebrated at Clay Hill with donuts, card-making and special treats.
Teacher of the Year nominations
Do you know an amazing teacher? A teacher who inspires students to excel, who creates a sense of community in the classroom, and who has a love for teaching? Nominate them to be the 2023 Teacher of the Year! The nomination period is open now through February 27. Anyone - students, family members, or staff - can nominate a teacher.
Kirwan Implementation Plan feedback
Last week, we released our draft Kirwan Blueprint Implementation plan for review. It outlines our plans to implement the Kirwan Blueprint across the five pillar areas:
- Early childhood education
- High quality and diverse teachers and leaders
- College and career readiness
- More resources for students
- Governance and accountability
Please let us know what you think of the implementation plan by completing this feedback form.
FAFSA Fest
This is the final week for high school students to join the Office of College and Career Readiness for FAFSA Fest. Learn how to earn cash for college, where to find financial aid support, get individualized assistance with FAFSA completion, and more. Spanish interpretation will be available upon request; talk to your counselor or postsecondary advisor for assistance.
On Thursday, February 23, counselors and postsecondary advisors will support seniors in school for FAFSA completion. Seniors- reach out to your school's counselor to schedule an appointment.
On Friday, February 24, families and seniors can get individual support with filling out the FAFSA. Sign up for live individual support by clicking HERE, or reach out to your school’s counselor or postsecondary advisor for assistance.
Community Budget Forums
Earlier this year, every school hosted Priority Engagement Sessions to hear from you about your school's priorities as your principal began working on next year's budget. If you have feedback to share about your school's Priority Engagement Session, please do so using this form.
Over the next few weeks, your school will host Community Budget Forums, where you can learn about the school's 2023-24 budget, including how your principal used the feedback from the Priority Engagement Sessions.
Most schools have listed the dates and times of their Community Budget Forums here. Please contact your school leader if you don't see your school listed.
Code of Conduct feedback sessions
Do you have thoughts or feedback about the Code of Conduct? Join an upcoming feedback session to tell us what you think.
Students:
- March 14 - 5 p.m. virtual
- March 16 - 4:30 p.m. in-person
Parents:
- March 21 - 5:30 p.m. virtual
- March 23 - 5 p.m. in-person
Community:
- March 28 - 5:30 p.m. virtual
- March 30 - 5 p.m. in-person
Stay tuned for more information on how to join the virtual and in-person sessions.
The Lyric's Dream Big contest
Students: What are your big dreams for a better world?
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory, the Lyric is asking students this question as part of their Dream Big contest. Students in grades five through twelve are eligible to enter the contest with a 300-word essay, a one-page poem, a 60-second edited video, or a visual artwork. Finalists will have the opportunity to share their work on the Lyric’s historic stage and receive a sizeable prize package.
The deadline for contest submissions is March 31.
Black History Month
Many schools are using Black History Month as an opportunity to learn about influential Black figures.
Clay Hill learned about Black inventors and creators - like Sarah Boone, Lonnie Johnson, and Kimberly Bryant. Wolfe Street learned about people like Louis Armstrong, Oprah Winfrey, and Raven Wilkinson. And at Fallstaff, students learned about the Black staff members at their school - like Principal Smith - by interviewing them.
Gifted Education Month
Our schools are filled with gifted and advanced learners - and programs!
Like at the International Baccalaureate program at Baltimore City College, where the diploma pass rate for African American students keeps rising — now up to 78%. It’s thanks to hard work, mentoring, and instilling in students a belief in themselves.
Career and Technical Education Month
Our students are getting ready for life after school with our Career and Technology Education programs!
Last summer, City Schools students spent the sunny season gaining hands-on experience through internships in fields like medicine, fire/EMT, coding and the Coast Guard. Read our two-part series on their experiences in this Progress Report part 1 and part 2.
