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Each week in the President's SchoolSpot, Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake highlights the outstanding accomplishments of Baltimore City Schools students and staff. | |||||||||||||||
Who Is Baltimore City’s Teacher of the Year for 2008?May 9, 2008 Kristin Covaleskie, a fourth grade teacher at Northwood Elementary School, is Baltimore City’s Teacher of the Year for 2008. Baltimore City Public Schools System CEO Dr. Andrés Alonso made the announcement in her class Tuesday during Teacher Appreciation Week. "I always welcome the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of those individuals who share our determination to create a system of great schools," said Dr. Alonso. "For more than a decade Ms. Covaleskie has used her classroom to provide a solid foundation for her students to be successful academically and in their communities. We are proud to claim her as our own."
For a dozen years, Covaleskie has taught in the BCPSS, teaching kindergarten through fourth grade. She has also been an after school academy teacher, a mentor teacher for student interns from Morgan State University, a school improvement team chairperson, and resident advisor for the Baltimore City Teaching Residency program. She is the second teacher from Northwood to win the city's competition in the past three years. "My pride in who I am as an educator lies in the performance of my students within their school and greater community," says Ms. Covaleskie. "They have respect for one another and for each others’ learning. They have a desire for movement toward the greater good. The development of their ability to understand and appreciate the ills of society, while at the same time beginning to understand their place as advocates of positive social change, are the true manifestations of my accomplishments. That is how I know, without doubt, that I am affirmatively contributing to the lives of my students." Covaleskie’s students called her "awesome" and said, "She’s there when we hurt." Covaleskie was selected by a Blue Ribbon Committee represented by Baltimore City school officials and the Baltimore Teachers Union. She will go on to compete for Maryland Teacher of the Year. The winner will be announced this fall and goes on to compete for national Teacher of the Year. Seven BCPSS High Schools in Los Angeles this Weekend for Robotics Event
Robotics teams from Carver, Dunbar, Homeland Security, Mervo, Poly, W.E.B. Dubois, and Western are competing in the inaugural Vex Robotics World Championships at California State University, Northridge today and tomorrow. Baltimore City Public School System teams earned nine spots at the elite competition and will compete in the ‘Bridge Battle” against winning teams from state and local competitions and more than 30 teams from Asia. The teams’ selection to the invitational was based on their high performance ratings in earlier competitions as well as the quality of their robotic designs. Last December, the BCPSS Robotics Program and Morgan State University collaborated to host the first “Bridge Battle” competition in the continental United States. Innovation First, Inc. created “Bridge Battle.” It is played on a 12’ x 12’ square field divided into two sections with two teams on each side and teams on each side work together to maneuver their robots to place tennis balls in respective red and blue colored sections of a bridge platform. “The success of the Baltimore City Robotics Program is evidence of what happens when the raw talent so many of our students possess is nurtured and refined by dedicated mentors and coaches,” says BCPSS CEO Dr. Andres Alonso. Baltimore City has eight high school robotics teams – the largest contingency in Maryland. The program’s success is attributed to partnerships with Morgan State University’s Summer Institute of Robotics, the Maryland Space Grant Consortium, and the National Aeronautics Space Administration/Goddard Space Center. Baltimore Freedom Academy Holds 5th Annual Leadership WeekApril 25, 2008 Baltimore Freedom Academy has been implementing Leadership Week for its entire student population as a companion program to its project-based learning curriculum. Its main purpose is to give students a chance to view the world from a different perspective. Baltimore Freedom Academy was established in 2003 to cultivate students prepared to transform communities. Beginning in the fall of 2008, BFA will begin operating as a 6-12 secondary charter school. Towson University Expands Ties with BCPSS Elementary SchoolApril 18, 2008 Two years ago, Towson University created a partnership with the BCPSS that would send coeds to student-teach in the six schools in Cherry Hill. A celebration was held this week at Woodson Elementary School marking the expansion of the two-year-old partnership, The Cherry Hill Learning Zone. Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger initiated this collaboration to have Towson students and faculty help children and their families with their education. Ruppersberger is a Towson alumnus, whose district covers Cherry Hill. Towson students teach in Cherry Hill as a component of their degree program. The student-teachers say this authentic experience greatly prepares them for a future teaching career. Towson officials say more Towson graduates are working in city schools and more Baltimore City students are attending the university. Five years ago, only 25 of the entering freshmen were from the city, compared with 200 entering this fall. Nearly $310,500 in federal funds will support programs, such as after-school art, financial literacy courses, summer camps, vaccinations and other requests from residents. The Cherry Hill Learning Zone initiative represents a partnership among the Baltimore City Public School System, Baltimore City government, Towson University and Cherry Hill's grassroots organizations. Working together, the partnership is leveraging its resources to build upon the strengths of the Cherry Hill community to meet its needs and nurture its potential in areas related to community development, economic development and educational development. BCPSS Fourth-Grader to Attend Young Scholars Program
Justin A. Thomas, a fourth-grader at Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary School #34, has been nominated to attend the National Young Scholars Program (NYSP), sponsored by the National Center for Early Academic Excellence. The National Young Scholars Program is designed and created specifically for the nation's most highly acclaimed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students, each of whom has been personally selected for nomination by a teacher. Justin will attend the NYSP residential program this summer at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, MD. Justin was nominated by his teacher Shannon Brown. She recognized Justin as "an excellent student who demonstrates exceptional maturity, scholastic merit and leadership ability." Justin has received 12 certificates over the past three years for academics, conduct and art, in addition to two trophies and a gold medal from Morgan State University for academics. Scholars participate in several leadership group activities through discovery strands, such as Crime Scene Investigation, Creative Construction, Going Green and World Explorers. They also attend leadership group meetings twice a day and engage in stimulating discussions on how to reinforce their personal skills, develop strong character, utilize problem-solving strategies and identify personal strengths. By attending the National Young Scholars Program, Justin will be recognized as a young leader in his school and community and gain the confidence and leadership skills that will benefit him throughout his education and beyond. Justin is the son of Lorraine Whitney-McNeely, Special Assistant to the Labor Commissioner. Hundreds of BCPSS Students Compete in the 2008 National Academic League
Over 450 Baltimore City Public School students in grades six to eight participated in this year’s National Academic League®, a year-long scholastic after-school activity sponsored by The Abell Foundation since 1993. Throughout the season, there were many close-scoring games and fantastic finishes for the 21 BCPSS NAL teams, proving that students and coaches invested significant time to study academic topics and presentation skills not usually covered during the school day. By late February, the field was narrowed to eight teams: Francis Scott Key, Garrison, Glenmount, Guilford, Mt. Royal, Roland Park, Stadium School, and Southeast. March 6th marked the end of an exciting season in Baltimore with Roland Park edging out Guilford to win the 2008 championship.
Background about National Academic League®: 2008 Maryland State Scholastic Chess ChampionshipsMarch 28, 2008
BCPSS Chess Project schools had some outstanding results and won the following trophies:
Wolfe Street Academy and Cross Country Elementary-Middle are eligible to send teams to the National Elementary Chess Championships that will be held May 9-11 in Pittsburgh. This will be the first year that BCPSS has been represented at these championships and it is an opportunity for Baltimore City students to compete with the best scholastic chess players from across the country. For more information about the BCPSS Chess Project, contact Steve Alpern at salpern@bcps.k12.md.us. Barclay School Student Takes Second Place in Baltimore Spelling BeeCongratulations to Allegra Chan, a 5th-grader at the Barclay School for her 2nd place finish in the 3rd Annual Baltimore Bee, held on March 15. The spelling bee competition was co-sponsored by Educate Online and Ravens tight end Daniel Wilcox’s Empowerment M.I.N.D.S. Foundation. Good luck to Baltimore Bee winner Hereford Middle School student Emily Randall as she competes in the National Scripps Spelling Bee in May.
College-Prep Middle School Holds Annual Career DayMarch 20, 2008 “We want our children to be exposed to local professionals – to know that these people have provided a gateway to the myriad of opportunities that await them after they climb the mountain to college,” said School Leader Shayna Hammond. Career presenters included an impressive mix of professionals from key employment sectors, such as healthcare, law, education, non-profit management, and community advocacy. With the goal of showing its 5th through 8th grade students the linkages between a well-rounded academic experience and a promising work career, KIPP’s annual Career Day is one of the many extras offered at KIPP Ujima Village Academy during its monthly "Saturday School" enrichment component. Founded in 2002, KIPP Ujima Village is a public, college-prep charter middle school with 315 students in Northwest Baltimore. Students spend 70 percent more time in class than traditional public schools, and are subject to high expectations with a relentless focus on results. KIPP Baltimore, a non-profit organization operates KIPP Ujima Village Academy – credited as the highest performing public school serving middle grades in Baltimore City. KIPP Ujima Village is proving that the achievement gap can be closed for traditionally underserved students. Its students have among the highest 7th and 8th grade math achievement scores in the state. KIPP Ujima Village is one of 57 KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) schools serving over 14,000 students nationwide. While fewer than 20 percent of low-income students typically attend college nationally, KIPP’s national college matriculation rate stands at nearly 80 percent for students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP. KIPP’s success in raising student achievement in low-income neighborhoods has been heralded by national media such as the Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, The New York Times, Washington Post and ABC World News Tonight.
BCPSS Teacher Wins National Chemistry ContestMarch 14, 2008 The award was a win for Lucot’s students: they received teaching materials, including booklets and a poster. But Rohm and Haas Company also chose another Baltimore school, George Washington Elementary, as the recipient for the Club Invention Program, a hands-on after-school invention club for elementary students intended to enhance their understanding of science, mathematics, history, and the arts. It was developed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Club Invention also provides teachers a valuable and challenging professional development opportunity to apply new teaching methods and view the learning environment in imaginative ways. "I think it's important for teachers and friends of schools to keep their eyes open for opportunities like this. My students benefited, but so did those at another school, and all it took were a few minutes from me," said Lucot. Since 2001 Rohm and Haas has provided more than $250,000 to National Inventors Hall of Fame in support of Camp Invention and Club Invention programs in cities around the country. National Chemistry Week is a community-based program of the American Chemical Society (ACS). This annual event unites ACS local sections, businesses, schools, and individuals in communicating the importance of chemistry to our quality of life. National Award Goes to Claremont High School StudentMarch 7, 2008
The award recognizes a student’s exceptional accomplishment in the area of employment skills. Claremont High Transition teacher Nancy Malone submitted Antoine’s application for the award. She coordinates volunteer and summer jobs program at the school. Antoine currently has an apprenticeship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital linen department twice a week. He plans to pursue a full-time job upon graduation. His ongoing commitment and mild-mannered politeness has made Antoine a pleasure to work with. The spotlight shines on Antoine Hughes, an inspiring young adult with a bright future. Congratulations Antoine! Also, good luck to first and second graders in Baltimore City Public Schools who will be taking Sanford Achievement Tests (SAT 10), starting Monday.
Disney Dreams Come True for Three BCPSS StudentsFebruary 29, 2008 Out of more than 3,000 nominees, three Baltimore City Public School students were selected to attend the first ever Disney Dreamers Academy held during the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. BCPSS students Carlos Teixeria of the Baltimore School of the Arts and Mitchell Generette and Bret Sears, both of Renaissance Academy, were among 100 lucky students chosen for the first class. The Disney Dreamers Academy is the brainchild of comedian/radio host Steve Harvey. It is a career enrichment program aimed primarily at minority teens and is designed to help students foster communication skills, develop career goals and realize their dreams. Students were nominated by individuals, parents, guardians, schools, churches, social organizations and youth advocacy programs. They also submitted essays on various subjects. At the Dreamers Academy Disney executives, employees and performers offered career tips. Panel discussions and workshops included culinary arts, broadcasting, sports marketing, sales and more. Students were inspired by motivational talks from BET Founder/Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson and TV personality Star Jones. Singers Fantasia and Musiq treated the students to special performances. Here are some comments from the three BCPSS students: In your own words, what is a dreamer? Who is a role model in your life and how have they inspired you? Carlos Teixeria: My mother is the person who is my role model. She has inspired me to be determined, go after any opportunity and achieve it, never give up, and if you believe, then God will see you through it. Baltimore City School Student Leaders Chosen To Attend Conference on Equality and Social JusticeFebruary 22, 2008 Students representing Baltimore City Public High Schools recently attended a conference hosted by The National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME), held at Baltimore's Hyatt Regency Hotel. The conference theme was "Charting the Course to Academic Excellence and Equity through Multicultural Education." BCPSS student leaders selected for the conference were Samantha Tsang of Western High, Adrienne Hall of Reginald F. Lewis High, Brian Hill of Doris M. Johnson High, Kristina Poteat of Patterson High and Mia Cook of Paul Laurence Dunbar High. Joy Pinder Savage, Assistant Principal at Western High School was their chaperone. Students participated in workshops designed to foster a greater awareness of diversity through understanding the richness of other ethnic groups and religious practices. Students reported their findings and contributions to the assembly of conference participants which included educators from across the country. David Miller of The Urban Institute led the student workshops and discussions. The National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) was founded in 1990 to bring together individuals from all academic levels and disciplines and from diverse educational institutions, and other organizations, occupations and communities who had an interest in multicultural education. NAME is committed to a philosophy of inclusion that embraces the basic tenets of democracy and cultural pluralism and celebrates cultural and ethnic diversity as a national strength that enriches a society and rejects the view that diversity threatens the fabric of a society. Baltimore City Public Schools Sweep Maryland Girls Chess ChampionshipsFebruary 15, 2008 In the elementary division, Cross Country Elementary (# 247) and Hilton Elementary (# 21) tied for first place and Alexander Hamilton Elementary (# 145) was third out of twelve teams. These teams finished ahead of teams from Baltimore, Calvert, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, as well as several private schools. In the middle school division, Pimlico Elementary/Middle (# 223) won first place. This is a follow up on their 2007 Elementary championship. There were no high school winners because The BCPSS Chess Project currently does not include high schools. "This outstanding performance shows what our students can do when given the chance. Chess has become a motivating force for students to learn and excel," said BCPSS Chess Project Coordinator Steve Alpern. There are active chess clubs in 50 BCPSS schools with more than 1,000 students participating. Clubs meet once or twice a week after school, although some clubs now meet before and during the school day. The BCPSS Chess Project will send 10-12 teams to the Maryland Scholastic Chess Championships to be held March 15-16. Several teams are slated to represent Baltimore City at the National Elementary Chess Championships in May in Pittsburgh. The BCPSS Chess Project is in its fourth year and is a cooperative effort of the BCPSS, Baltimore Kids Chess League, Johns Hopkins University and the Abell Foundation. For more information, contact Steven Alpern at salpern@bcps.k12.md.us. Western High Wins Big in its First Robotics Competition The Western High School Doves are now known as the rookie team that captured a total of five trophies at the Baltimore City Public Schools Robotics VEX Competition. Their wins include the Champion Robot Alliance and the All-Star Award. The event was held last December at Morgan State University, where 24 teams from eight city schools competed. This competition is based on the popular VEX Robotics Design System. The students' engineering and technology skills are put to the test as they aim to build the most innovative robots possible and work together to obtain the most points possible. Baltimore Scholars Program Names Its First Charter School RecipientFebruary 1, 2008 Congratulations to Paul DiMatteo, a high school senior at the Academy for College and Career Exploration (ACCE). He has been named a Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Scholar, making him the first charter school student to receive the award. The Baltimore Scholars Program covers full-time undergraduate tuition at JHU. It is one of the university’s most prestigious scholarships. Currently, DiMatteo has a 4.120 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. "Paul has shown initiative by applying and participating in the Johns Hopkins Biotech Program during the summer of his 9th grade year. He also has been able to balance work and school by maintaining the highest level of academic honors throughout his high school career," said ACCE Academic Advisor Jennifer Reed. About 60 Baltimore City Public School System graduates are now Baltimore Scholars. The program began in the fall of 2005. JHU officials implemented the program to attract the best and brightest students from the city's public schools to the university. Baltimore City Public School students To Participate in Lexington Market’s Black History Month CelebrationJan. 25, 2008 As part of the Black History Month Celebration at Lexington Market, hundreds of students will be a part of the monthlong event, "Music, Dance, Art And Education At The Market." Students from various elementary, middle and high schools will enjoy a motivational talk from a special guest, then give a special performance before the lunchtime crowd. The school performances are Monday through Friday, noon to 1pm. For a list of the school performances, check their website. Baltimore High School Students Honored in NFTE Business Plan CompetitionOn January 11, high school students from all over Baltimore City participated in the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship’s City-Wide Business Plan Competition, held at NFTE Baltimore’s Emerging Technologies Center. The top students from Baltimore City were chosen after each school held an In-Class Business Plan Competition. The NFTE office evaluated the top three plans from each In-Class Competition, and chose the best ones. Winners of NFTE City-Wide Business Plan Competition
First Prize ($1,000) Third Prize ($250)
NFTE Star Awards De'Von M. Brown Frederick Boykin Jeffery Billups & Brandon Moore Katie Zimmerman, Stacey Elza & Nicole Smith Shardell Muhammad Congratulations to all the winners and all the talented young future entrepreneurs who participated in this competition! The National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship is a non-profit foundation in Baltimore that provides low-income youth the proper resources to start and operate their own small businesses. NFTE is currently available in 21 Baltimore City public schools. For more information about NFTE Baltimore, call 443-451-7480 or visit the website at www.nfte.com. Thomas Jefferson Elementary Middle School Receives a First-Ever Honor for the CityJanuary 18, 2008 The new year has opened with a bang for students, faculty, staff, and parents of Thomas Jefferson Elementary Middle School. The school has been named an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the Primary Years Programme, making it the first school in Baltimore City and only the second in Maryland to receive this distinction. The Primary Years Programme is an international education program that incorporates all academic subjects and the arts designed to foster the development of the whole child, 3 to 12 years old. It is one of three programs offered by IB and it focuses on the total growth of the developing child, encompassing social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs in addition to academic development. The curriculum framework consists of five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitude, and action. The knowledge component is developed through inquiries into six themes of global significance, supported and balanced by six subject areas. In order to be authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme, Thomas Jefferson EMS endured a rigorous three-phase application. The International Baccalaureate Programme is one of several initiatives provided by the BCPSS Systemic Gifted and Talented Education Program. Baltimore City College has offered the IB Diploma Programme for more than a decade. William C. March Middle School (formerly Harford Heights Middle School) is currently in the Trial Implementation phase of the IB Middle Years Programme application process. 12th Annual Basketball Academy Kicks Off at Morgan StateJanuary 11, 2008
Baltimore City schools participating include: Lake Clifton, Dunbar, Mervo, Walbrook and City College. The Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and increasing the opportunities of inner-city youth in and around Baltimore. They provide educational programs that stimulate the mind and athletic programs that showcase and enhance the skill. Their objective is to encourage young people through sports, education, mentoring, developmental programs and by example. To date, more than 6,500 students have participated in the Academy and approximately $62,000 in scholarships has been awarded to area students. Major Facelifts Underway For Two BCPSS SchoolsNext year, two Baltimore City high schools will have a new look, thanks to major renovation projects. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School for Health Professions #414 is currently undergoing a $27 million dollar renovation scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2009. When it’s finished, the East Baltimore school will have a new academic wing, a new entrance on Orleans Street and ADA upgrades to the auditorium. Dunbar is a citywide college preparatory, community high school that offers rigorous science and math courses for interests in health professions, such as biotechnology, robotics, and emergency medical technician. Renovations are also in motion at Carver Vocational Technical High School #454 in West Baltimore. Last month, the demolition of a temporary wall at the school signaled the start of the next phase of a $44 million renovation project. The project, set to be finished in the fall of 2009, will transform Carver into a fully modernized, state-of-the-art facility with classroom, office, pool and gym renovations, architectural, electrical and HVAC upgrades and a new roof. Carver is a joint college preparatory high school and career-technology education center offering studies such as Cosmetology; Early Childhood Education/Child Care and Food and Beverage Management. Another BCPSS School is Awarded Blue Ribbon StatusJanuary 4, 2008 Cecil Elementary School #007 is hailed as one of the best schools in the state. State Schools Superintendent Dr. Nancy Grasmick announced last month that Cecil Elementary is a 2008 Maryland Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It is the seventh BCPSS school to receive the extraordinary honor, and it is one of six schools statewide to be awarded blue ribbon status this year. 2007 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) data shows that nearly 91% of Cecil elementary students scored at the proficient or advanced level in reading and nearly 96% of all students scored at the proficient or advanced level in math. Cecil Elementary consistently meets Adequate Yearly Progress on the MSAs. Cecil was nominated in a category recognizing economically disadvantaged schools that have shown significant improvement on the tests in the past three years. Cecil Elementary Principal Roxanne Forr says collaborative instruction and high teacher retention have fostered the school’s success. The East Baltimore school maintains strong partnerships with organizations including the East Baltimore Community Corporation, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, PNC Bank and Junior Achievement. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a state and national program that recognizes and honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that exhibit high performance and/or significant improvement in reading and mathematics achievement as measured by Maryland’s assessments. Schools must meet rigorous standards developed by the Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. These schools are either extremely high achievers in reading and mathematics or are economically disadvantaged schools exceeding norms and dramatically closing achievement gaps of their students in reading and mathematics. Under No Child Left Behind, schools must make Adequate Yearly Progress in reading/ language arts and mathematics. Each state sets its own academic standards and benchmark goals. Congratulations and good luck to the administrators, teachers, students, parents and staff at Cecil Elementary as the school competes for National Blue Ribbon Awards in the fall. Baltimore Freedom Academy Teachers Attend The Oracle Education Foundation’s 21st Century Learning InstituteDecember 28, 2007 Benjamin Alamed and Allyson Smith, teachers at Baltimore Freedom Academy Teachers attending the event are required to complete three phases of training before successfully concluding the 60-hour professional development program, including four weeks of online, virtual training; four days of in-class training with project learning experts; and the successful implementation of a planned project at their schools. The Oracle Education Foundation sponsors ThinkQuest and Think.com, free online technology programs for the primary and secondary education community. It also makes grants to select schools and nonprofits to promote global online collaborative learning. The Dunbar Poets Celebrate Another Winning Football Season and a State ChampionshipDecember 21, 2007 In late August, a week before the football season began, Dunbar High School’s beloved football coach Ben Eaton died suddenly. The goal of new head coach Lawrence Smith and his team was to win another championship in Eaton’s memory. Smith stressed, "Our whole season is dedicated in honor of Coach Eaton." On December 8 at M&T Bank Stadium, the #2-ranked team reached their goal by defeating Allegany, 58-34, in the Class 1A state championship. It was the Poets’ second state title in a row and the first state title for Coach Smith. Dunbar went undefeated this season, 14-0 and in its four playoff games this season, Dunbar scored 186 points, a new state record. The Poets also have won 24 straight games, dating to last season. Coach Smith has another reason to celebrate. The Baltimore Ravens have named him their 2007 High School Coach of the Year. The Ravens’ award program honors Baltimore-area high school coaches who have made a significant impact on their athletes. A panel of area high school experts made the selection. Smith received a $6,000 donation to Dunbar’s football program, a specially designed hat, and an award certificate signed by Ravens head coach Brian Billick, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Director of Football Development Gene Washington. Congratulations to Dunbar junior Tavon Austin for being named the All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year for the second straight year and to senior Keon Redhead, who is the Defensive Player of the Year. A High-Flying Performance As The Nutcracker Returns to School for the ArtsDecember 14, 2007
After taking a three-year break because of school renovations, The Baltimore School for the Arts opened the holiday season this year with the return of the beloved classical ballet story, The Nutcracker. This year’s performance featured new choreography, costumes and set designs. Barry Hughson, Executive Director of the Atlanta Ballet, choreographed the new production specifically for BSFA. The school had eight performances at the school between Nov. 30 and Dec. 9. Baltimore School For The Arts keeps the holiday spirit alive with the Chorus Concert. The chorus and orchestra will perform music by Eric Whitacre and Dominick Argento. The concert is Friday, Dec. 14, 7pm - 9pm, in the school’s Schaefer Ballroom. For tickets, call 410-625-0403. Holiday Hoops at Walbrook This WeekendWalbrook Multiplex is hosting the 19th Annual Function in the Junction Men’s Basketball Mixer on Friday, December 14 and Saturday, December 15. Below are the scheduled matchups for this weekend: Friday, December 14, 2007 Saturday, December 15, 2007 Toyota Award to Baltimore National Aquarium Benefits BCPSS SchoolsThe National Aquarium in Baltimore has received a $464,381 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation. The grant allows the Aquarium to continue offering its AquaPartners program to more than 1,500 4th and 5th grade Baltimore City Public School students and their teachers. The schools accepted to participate in the 2008 program are Cecil Elementary, Fort Worthington Elementary, Francis Scott Key Elem./Middle, Holabird Academy, Johnston Square Elementary, John Ruhrah Elementary, Lakeland Elementary/Middle, Medfield Heights Elementary, Mount Washington Elementary, Sinclair Lane Elementary, and Thomas Jefferson Elementary/Middle. AquaPartners and the BCPSS are partners offering an interdisciplinary program that integrates biological, marine and environmental science, both in and out of the classroom. It is intended to raise students' interest in these areas and encourage stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Students and teachers participate in hands-on science programs, a weeklong Summer Institute for teachers, fall auditorium programs and winter classroom hands-on science experiments and field trips.
City College Choir Prepares For Annual Christmas ConcertDecember 7, 2007
The music presented will feature works by such composers as Johann Sebastian Bach, John Rutter and arrangements by Mack Wilberg. The concert is December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 2013 Saint Paul St. Admission is $15. Proceeds will benefit the school’s choral music program and their upcoming trip to perform at Carnegie Hall. For tickets or more information, please call The Baltimore City College Choir has delighted audiences on television, radio, and stage locally, nationally and internationally. They have performed in Canada and Italy and has consistently received superior ratings and won numerous awards and trophies, for performances and competitions. In March, the choir will travel to Carnegie Hall to perform Johannes Brahms: A German Requiem under the baton of Dr. Craig Jessop, director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The choir will have an opportunity to perform their own repertoire on the Carnegie Hall stage with director, Linda R. Hall. City is one of only four choirs selected nationally to perform at the National High School Choral Festival at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Poly Students Share Experience of a LifetimeNovember 30, 2007 Michael: "Discussing legal issues with Justice Anthony Kennedy was hands-down one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Because of his thought-provoking questions and hypothetical situations, I gained a new appreciation for the difficulty of a Justice’s job. It also renewed my interest in pursuing an education in law and attending law school. However, the experience is still mind-boggling, participating in a conversation with men that have ascended to the highest court in America. These men and women are faced with the nation’s most intricate and controversial questions and issue decisions that will impact the future of America. I truly enjoyed these conversations and am truly thankful to my teacher, Dennis Jutras, who gave me the opportunity to participate in such a remarkable opportunity." Dominique: "The question-and-answer sessions with Justices Kennedy, Breyer and Scalia were very interesting. Justice Kennedy took a Socratic approach to talk to us about procedural due process and the 14th Amendment, while Justices Breyer and Scalia entertained us with their extreme opposing views on how the Constitution should be interpreted. I learned that it’s important to justify your beliefs and stick by them, no matter what others may say. Justice Scalia, being an extreme conservative and originalist, justified his views quite well. Having misunderstood and dismissed his views before, I now respect him for what he believes. I guess the most important thing is to remember that these people are, well people. It’s so easy to get caught up in politics and brand the people involved without knowing them. Going to the Capitol was a wonderful experience, and I am so appreciative and grateful to have gone." Mr. Jutras, who lives and breathes political science, says he, too was excited and was very proud of his poised, prepared and professional students. The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands sponsors the event.
Baltimore Students Take Anti-Drug Stand in Chinese and French LanguageNovember 21, 2007 How do you say "No" to drugs in Chinese or French? Just ask the students at Baltimore International Academy (BIA). During the annual National Red Ribbon Week October 23-October 31, students took a stand against drugs by participating in different activities, including "Red Sock Day," "Wear Red Day" and "Crazy Hat Day." Fifth graders hung a red ribbon on the school doors and handed out stickers to parents, students, faculty and staff with the words written in both French and Chinese: "We are the future: let's make it drug free!" Baltimore International Academy also celebrated National French Week. A different activity was held each day and every class, including the Chinese classes, adopted a Francophone country and decorated their classroom doors with the country’s flag and other cultural symbols. BIA’s young ambassadors learned that the French language is not limited to France, but is actually spoken on five continents, in 55 countries by 200 million people. National French Week wrapped up with a special assembly full of song, poetry and drama. BIA, located in Northeast Baltimore, is one of BCPSS' vibrant K-8 Choice schools. The new charter school opened this year for grades K-5. 135 students are currently enrolled in full language immersion in either French or Mandarin Chinese.
Dr. Samuel Banks High School Girls Cross Country Team Is On The Right Track To A Good YearNovember 16, 2007 The Dr. Samuel Banks High School Girls Cross Country team made history by qualifying as a composite team to advance to the 2A North Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) state championships last weekend in Baltimore County. Banks was the only 2A city school to qualify for advancement to the state finals with a team score. This is a milestone for the school’s athletic program, which has only been in existence for six years.
Banks High has consistently advanced individual runners in Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Track and Field. But this is the first team representation to advance to a state final. Honor Roll student-athlete Christel Mukendi came in 18th place, which is a ribbon honor. It was her third appearance at the state finals and it was a debut appearance for her teammates Esther Oyeneyin, Regina Bakoa, Alexis Nuga, and Rachel Nuga. They all did a fantastic job representing Baltimore City Public Schools. Earlier this month, the Banks team made a strong showing at the regional championships, despite the 3.2 mile course of difficult rolling hills. Mukendi, Oyeneyin, Bakoa, Alexis, and Rachel finished the race in 4th, 17th, 18th, 19th, and 24th place respectfully. Hats off to the Banks team for a job well done!
It's Another Successful International Fair at Digital Harbor HighNovember 9, 2007 Nearly 23 different countries were represented during Digital Harbor High School's Second Annual International Festival. The event was held last Friday and featured stations with informational displays on countries, including Mexico, Honduras, Vietnam, the Philippines, Liberia, and Guinea. ESOL Instructor Kathleen Callaghan spearheaded the event. She worked hard with students and staff to prepare an attractive, fun, educational, and interesting experience. Some teachers and staff wore traditional clothing from countries such as India, the Philippines, and Guinea. Music and dancing from other countries and cultures were also shared. Visitors tasted samples of food dishes, like Mexican mole, Filipino sticky rice, and Salvadoran horchata. Principal Brian Eyer says the annual fair is important, "because exposure to different cultures and customs are vital as we continue to celebrate the diversity of our student body." The Digital Harbor High family encourages everyone to attend next year's event.
Poly Students to Meet Supreme Court JusticesNovember 2, 2007 A pair of students from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute will represent the state of Maryland at a special taping session with several members of the U.S. Supreme Court. Next week, seniors Dominique Duval and Michael Fletcher and their Social Sciences Department Chair, Dennis Jutras, will be among 40 teachers and nearly 100 students from across the country participating in this extraordinary event. Their schedule includes a welcome reception, dinner, photos and question and answer sessions with the Supreme Court Justices. Duval and Fletcher were selected based on their academic success and political interests. They are both enrolled in several Advanced Placement Courses at Poly. Jutras says, "I hope the event demystifies the High Court so that they will feel more empowered that as American citizens, it is our government and we have a right and obligation to be involved." The 2005-2006 Baltimore City Teacher of the Year says he also looks forward to listening to the justices whose opinions he has studied or discussed in class. The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands has held the event for the past three years. BCPSS was contacted because of the foundation’s desire to have a more diverse student population participate this year. The event will be taped for an educational DVD that will be sent to schools nationwide next year. Middle School Student Wins Maya Angelou Essay ContestOctober 26, 2007
During the recent celebration, "An Evening with Dr. Maya Angelou" Synthia Betances, a 7th-grader at Mt. Royal Elementary/Middle School #66 shared the spotlight with the best-selling author, poet and civil rights activist. In conjunction with Dr. Angelou’s September performance at New Psalmist Baptist Church, The Walter S. Thomas Foundation held an essay contest for middle school students. The essay centered on a sad event in the student’s life and on one of Dr. Angelou’s most famous poems, "Still I Rise." Synthia won first place. Read "Still I Rise" by Synthia Betances BCPSS Chess Team Returns With Another Winning Team!
October 19, 2007 Last Saturday, The Rayner Ravens chess team at Dr. Rayner Browne Academy #25 traveled to Phoenix, Maryland for the MCA (Maryland Chess Association) Jacksonville Scholastic Championship and returned victorious. The Rayner Ravens are the 2007 Varsity Primary Grades Maryland State Champions. This is the first of the MCA's scheduled tournaments featuring the "Chess Rally," a system to determine a winner for a UMBC Chess Scholarship. The Rayner Ravens played in the Kindergarten-5th grade section and won 1st Place Team Overall with a record of 17 wins. The most wins a team can receive is 20. The Ravens Chess Team is a member of the Baltimore City Kids Chess League led by Mr. Steven Alpern. Here are the results: Fourth-grader Jordan Brown, Baltimore's third grade champion and 4th-ranked in the state for 3rd graders), won 1st Place Individual with a perfect record of 5 wins-0 losses. Also, we’re proud of Patterson High School junior Stephen Jackson, who won 'Top Under 1000'. More information on the Ravens Chess Team
Akeelah and The Bee Actress Visits Baltimore Middle SchoolsOctober 12, 2007
Baltimore Freedom Academy Inaugurates Class of 2008October 12, 2007 Looking forward to its fifth year, Baltimore Freedom Academy (BFA) held its inauguration for the Class of 2008 in late September. Their class motto is Acceptance, Authority and Accountability with a commitment to actively participate in a college preparatory experience, using curriculum that promotes leadership development and social action. Congratulations! BFA scored second among all Baltimore City high schools on the Government HSA last school year, the debate team holds a third-place ranking citywide for the second straight year (2006 & 2007) and their MSBA mock trial team made it to the final rounds of competition in only its second year of competition. The BFA Class of 2008 is looking forward to a great year! Join BFA at their fourth annual Community Harvest Festival on October 20 from 11AM - 2PM in the school courtyard (101 S. Caroline St.). Young people of all ages are welcome to attend! City Students Create "Pinwheels for Peace"October 5, 2007
George Washington Elementary Named National Blue Ribbon SchoolOctober 5, 2007 The hard work of Principal Susan Burgess, students, teachers, and staff has paid off at George Washington Elementary School #022, located in South Baltimore's Pigtown. The U.S. Department of Education has named it a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, one of the nation's highest honors in education. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes and honors schools that show high performance or significant achievement in reading and mathematics. Schools must meet rigorous standards. GWES is one of seven No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools in the state and one of 287 in the country. When Principal Burgess arrived at the school in 2003, only 32 percent of third-graders had passed the state test in reading. By this spring, that pass rate had soared to 97 percent, with 63 percent of third-graders scored at the advanced level on the test. The schools will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC next month. Raven Bart Scott Kicks Off "Read for the Record" Campaign at Belmont Elementary
More than 50 students and staff at Belmont Elementary School scored a touchdown for early education, with the leadership of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Bart Scott and his wife, Star. This winning team, along with the Hyatt Regency Baltimore Staff and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, kicked off Jumpstart's Read for the Record national reading campaign this month. Hyatt Baltimore General Manager Gail Smith-Howard and her staff spoke about the importance of reading. The Council President reminded students that reading opens them up to a whole new world. Star Scott read the children's classic, The Story of Ferdinand to the attentive group. The event culminated with Bart unveiling an original, hand-painted mural designed by Baltimore artist Kevin Charles. The mural painted in the school cafeteria is intended to motivate and reward students for good performance. As part of the event, both the Ravens and the Hyatt donated dozens of new books to the school to continue the enthusiasm inspired by this successful event. Score one for reading! Enrollment of Baltimore City Public School Students Attending Johns Hopkins University Is Up
September 21, 2007 Six years ago, Johns Hopkins University accepted only one student from Baltimore City Public Schools. Today, nearly 60 students are attending Johns Hopkins University and they don't have to worry about paying tuition. The students are enrolled in the Baltimore Scholars Program. The program, which began in the fall of 2005, awards full-tuition scholarships to BCPSS high school students accepted to JHU. University officials implemented the program to attract the best and brightest students from the city's public schools. While the Baltimore Scholars juggle their studies, several also tutor middle school students and bring them to visit the JHU campus. They say their goal is to prepare the younger students for high school and college and to show them that an elite college like JHU could be in their future. Baltimore Scholar Jessica Turral's hope is "to have a Baltimore Scholar from every school in 10 years." See the list of Baltimore Scholars Theater Group Donates to Baer School for Disabled StudentsSeptember 14, 2007 Humpday Wednesday will be a very happy Wednesday for staff and students at the William S. Baer School, which serves severely disabled students. On September 19, The Paint and Powder Club will present the Baer School with a check for $41,850. The award is the proceeds from the club’s annual original theatrical production. This year’s show, "Mustang Margie" was a record-breaker. It was held in May. For nearly 115 years, The Paint and Powder Club has raised money for local charities. The Baer School was founded in 1933 for students with polio. Now, it serves children with multiple disabilities, ages 3-21 years old. New School Police Chief to Improve Safety in City SchoolsBest wishes to new Baltimore City Public School System Police Chief Marshall "Toby" Goodwin. He will oversee 117 sworn school police officers with a mission to promote a safe, civil and orderly learning environment for the BCPSS. Chief Goodwin says the School Police will actively engage in relationship building that is crucial to the success of the Comprehensive Safety Plan. He is a a former state delegate, former assistant public safety director at Baltimore City Community College, and an alumnus of Edmondson High School. He is also a 2000 graduate of the FBI National Academy. City Middle School Receives Grant to Support Health and FitnessSeptember 7, 2007 Congratulations to Diggs-Johnson Middle School #162! The Southwest Baltimore school has received a $5,000 grant from The People’s Community Health Centers and the Morgan State University Center for Health Disparity Solutions. The funds will support the school's Liv'in and Learn'in FIT Club, which provides a health/fitness curriculum, workshops, nutritious cooking activities, field trips and needed equipment. The purpose of the enrichment program is to battle the increase in health disparity and obesity. Also, thanks to support from Arts in Education through the Maryland State Arts Council, the school has been approved for a dance residency program. Baltimore High School Football Fans Mourn Passing of Dunbar Football Coach Ben EatonAugust 30, 2007 Last week, Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake’s message focused not only on the start of a new school year, but also how important it is for all Baltimoreans to show their love and support to young people so they may excel in school and reach their greatest potential.
This week, we mourn the loss of a gentleman who inspired many students, many with no male figures in the home, to do their best. Dunbar High School football coach Ben Eaton died suddenly Sunday morning while exercising. He was 58. The beloved coach led the Dunbar Poets to two state titles, in 2004 and 2006. Last year’s state title occurred on his birthday. Coach Eaton will also be remembered as a man who taught his players about integrity, character, respect and success. He was a father figure to his players, giving them direction and molding them into young men. Sportscasters, coaches and former players say he was gentle, seldom yelled, and greeted his players with a hug and a smile. He also had a big heart. When Dunbar had one of the only weight rooms in the city, the coach allowed other area football teams use the Poets’ facilities. Coach Eaton will be laid to rest Saturday. Our hearts go out to his family and the entire Dunbar community. Council President to Give Backpacks and School Supplies to George Washington Elementary StudentsAugust 24, 2007 Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will give hundreds of BCPSS students some important tools they need to start school with confidence and to help prepare them for a successful school year. She will distribute backpacks filled with supplies to George Washington Elementary School #22 during their Back to School Night. The 250 students are being rewarded for their outstanding performance on the 2006-2007 Maryland School Assessment (MSA). GWE holds the number one spot among city schools in reading with 100% proficient and advanced and ranks second in math with 98.9% proficient and advanced. The backpacks were donated by Office Depot Foundation's National Backpack Program. Each backpack contains a pencil pouch, ruler, crayons, glue stick, pen, pencil, pencil sharpener and eraser. Overall, BCPSS MSA scores have improved. The percentage of students achieving proficient or advanced scores increased in grades 3, 4, 5 and 7 in reading and in grades 3 through 8 in math. Elementary school attendance remained above 94% average, while middle and high school attendance rates also improved. About the MSA SchoolSpot Goes on Summer Break with a Student's Inspirational PoemJuly 6, 2007 SchoolSpot goes on summer break with a poem written by 12-year-old Travis Fauntleroy. Travis experienced some problems in school, but with hard work, dedication and support from his family and teachers, Travis has been on the honor roll at City Springs Elementary School #8, and he is expected to attend a summer program at Gilman.
Travis thanks his parents Bryant Fauntleroy, Posie Spratley and his teacher Mrs. Copeland for making a difference in his life. Special thanks to all parents, teachers and school staff for helping our students strive to be the best they can be. City Teachers to Participate in Science Program at Space AcademyJune 29, 2007 Two Baltmore City Public School System teachers are participating in a prestigious space program. West Baltimore Middle School science teacher Cherilyn Brown and Tameshia Farley, who teaches earth science at Garrison Middle School, were among 1,000 applicants vying for the 2007 Honeywell Educators at Space Academy in Huntsville, Alabama. The one-week professional development program provides teachers with new and innovative techniques to educate their students and get them interested in careers in science technology. Each participant is provided a $700 scholarship for minor expenses, with Honeywell assuming costs for travel, tuition, and room and board. AT&T Donates Equipment to Grieving Patterson Park Lacrosse TeamJune 29, 2007 Thanks to AT&T, the spirits of the Patterson Park High School lacrosse team have been lifted and the team has a fresh supply of equipment. The telecommunications giant has donated $5,000 worth of new and barely-used lacrosse sticks and protective gear to the team, who suffered a tragedy a few months ago. Team captain Christopher Clarke, a senior, was an innocent bystander who was shot and killed in Northeast Baltimore in March. AT&T collected public donations during the NCAA lacrosse championship over the Memorial Day weekend and gave its own equipment, which had been used only for exhibitions and demonstrations during the tournament. The team had enough equipment last season for practices and games, but players did not have their own gear to take home. Now, there's plenty of equipment to go around. Good luck! Patterson Grad Selected for Entrepreneurship SeminarJune 22, 2007 Congratulations to 2007 Patterson High School graduate Raymond Black. He has been chosen to participate in the 6th Annual Advanced Entrepreneurship Seminar in New York City. The weeklong seminar, July 20-27, is sponsored by Oppenheimer Funds and the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE). NFTE teaches young people from low-income communities to think like entrepreneurs, so they can take control of their futures. NFTE has been active in Baltimore since 2004 and reaches 700 students annually. Raymond completed NFTE's 40-hour program at Patterson, where he developed his business plan for a lawn care service. During the seminar, participants will hear from business leaders on topics including marketing, finance and social entrepreneurship. They will also have the chance to participate in three different competitions: an elevator pitch contest; marketing contest; and the final business plan competition. The top prize for the business plan competition is $5,000. Continued success to Raymond as he competes for the big prize! City Elementary and Middle School Students Post Dramatic Gains on State Achievement TestsJune 15, 2007 Baltimore City Public Schools elementary and middle students continue to advance on annual state achievement tests at almost every grade level in reading and mathematics. Students in grades 3-8 made impressive gains in math on this year's Maryland School Assessment (MSA), and grades 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 made gains in reading. Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 achieved double-digit mathematics gains in the percentage of students achieving proficient or advanced on the state tests. Reading scores of 4th and 6th graders were also strong, with increases of more than eight percentage points in the number of students achieving proficient or advanced. The MSAs are a requirement of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The tests are given to students in grades 3-8. Students score as basic (not meeting state standards), proficient (meeting state standards), or advanced (exceeding standards). Data released by the Maryland State Department of Education yesterday represents the "comprehensive" scores of all children who were tested. High school students are assessed by the High School Assessments. Those scores will be available later this summer. For a complete list of MSA results, log on to www.marylandpublicschools.org Baltimore City Art Teacher RecognizedJune 15, 2007 Roland Park Elementary/Middle School teacher Clare Grizzard has won the 2007 MetLife Foundation Ambassadors In Education Award. The Award recognizes educators who connect schools to the community through creative partnerships and communication. Grizzard, who heads the Fine Arts department, was nominated by parents, school staff and members of local business and non-profits groups. She is credited with developing partnerships with the Baltimore Opera, The Baltimore Symphony, The BMA, the Walters Art Museum and Young Audiences. Her award includes a crystal apple and a $5,000 grant to continue the school-community partnership efforts. In previous years, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. were combined for one award. Peter French of Midtown Academy was the previous award recipient from BCPSS. This year is the first that an Ambassador In Education winner was chosen separately from both school systems. MetLife Foundation and the National Civic League started the Ambassadors In Education Award program in 2003 after The MetLife Survey of the American Teacher revealed a divide between many educators and their communities. Baltimore School System Names Teacher of the YearJune 8, 2007
Baltimore City Principal Honored as Distinguished Principal of the YearJune 8, 2007
The National Distinguished Principals Program was established as an annual event to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of the education children receive during their early school years. Congratulations to Principal Johnson for her well-deserved recognition! |
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"As We See It!" Student Art Exhibit at BMA a First for City SchoolsMay 25, 2007 |
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Nearly 1500 people visited the BCPSS' "As We See It!" Citywide Art Exhibit held last week at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA). It was a showcase of art work by 400 students in grades pre-K- 12 representing 90 schools. This was the first time the work of Baltimore City's public school students was presented in large scale at the museum. Also, the Beechfield Jazz Band and the Garrett Heights Choir and Tap Dancers mesmerized guests with their performances. Kudos to Jill Warzer, BCPSS Fine Arts Lead Teacher, for all of her hard work to make the exhibit a success.
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May 2, 2008
"Freedom to Lead; Dare to Succeed" - Baltimore Freedom Academy (BFA) continues to strengthen its programming for Baltimore City high school students by cultivating and emphasizing their leadership skills in a weeklong leadership conference and college immersion program. Leadership Week 2008 was held April 21-25 at the East Baltimore school. The week kicked off with a Leadership Luncheon, attended by keynote speakers Congressman Elijah Cummings and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. College tours, community service activities, and an on-campus college fair were scheduled throughout the week. It ended with the annual Barrister’s Ball, which was named in the spirit of the law-related education program implemented at BFA. A mini-business conference was the highlight of the week. Students participated in workshops featuring business and political leaders and engaged in discussions ranging from personal wellness to positive decision-making. 
April 11, 2008
April 4, 2008
Baltimore’s two championship teams competed in the national NAL tournament. In the first round, Guilford played against St. John Neumann from Pueblo City, Colorado. St. John Neumann won 51–48 in overtime. Roland Park took on Mill Creek Junior High from Davis, Utah. In the last minute, Mill Creek won 55-52. Both Baltimore teams represented our city and school system extremely well. Baltimore's NAL will end the 2007-2008 season with a celebration April 15th at the American Visionary Arts Museum. MPT's Bob Heck will be emcee. BCPSS CEO Dr. Andres Alonso is scheduled to speak and players will join special guests, including City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for an All-Star Challenge NAL Game. 
Earlier this month, Baltimore City Public School students competed in the 2008 Maryland State Scholastic Chess Championships. It was the largest scholastic chess tournament ever held in Maryland. The popularity of chess in Maryland schools has increased rapidly over the last three years, and the tournament doubled in size this year to include 500 players competing in eight divisions. BCPSS entered four divisions with teams from twelve different schools. They were Alexander Hamilton, Graceland Park, Hilton, Pimlico, Dr. Rayner Browne and Woodhome Elementary Schools; Cross Country, Mt. Royal and Roland Park Elementary-Middle Schools; and Federal Hill Preparatory, Hampstead Hill Academy and Wolfe Street Academy. 
While many students spent their Saturday glued to television or video game consoles, students at KIPP Ujima Village Academy were focused on what jobs could be in their future. City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and more than 25 professionals participated in KIPP Academy’s annual Career Day held earlier this month during its Saturday School. KIPP Academy is a college-prep charter middle school in Northwest Baltimore. 
Kathleen Lucot, a second-year teacher at Doris M. Johnson High School, is a grand prize winner of the National Chemistry Week Contest sponsored by Rohm and Haas Company. Lucot, who teaches English and Creative Writing, says she entered the contest because she thought she could help her friend and colleague Alysa Zellner, who teaches chemistry. 
His teacher nominated him because of his commitment to being the best he can be. The Council for Exceptional Children agreed and chose Antoine Hughes of Claremont High School a winner for the Yes I Can Award. Antoine was surprised to find out he won during a special school assembly in January. 250 nominations were submitted for the outstanding honor and Antoine is one of only two winners nationwide. He will travel to Boston next month to receive his award at the Council for Exceptional Children’s National Conference. 
Hard work, motivation and lots of practice have paid off for the young ladies in The BCPSS Chess Project. Teams from Cross Country, Hilton, and Alexander Hamilton Elementary Schools swept their division in the 2008 Maryland Girls Chess Championships held earlier this month in Towson. 
February 8, 2008
In celebration of the Christmas season, the Baltimore City College High School Choir will perform a varied repertoire of holiday classics, spirituals and gospel music, as well as traditional carols at its annual Christmas Concert. Choir Director Linda Hall said, “Each year, the annual concert leaves the audience in the spirit of the holiday and brings joy and warmth to every heart. Don’t miss it.” 
Earlier this month, seniors Dominique Duval and Michael Fletcher of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and their History teacher Dennis Jutras were among a select group who met, dined and talked with some members of the U.S. Supreme Court. They reflect on their two-day experience. 
Teen actress Keke Palmer, best known for her role in the movie, Akeelah and The Bee, took time out of her busy acting and singing schedule for peer talk about the importance of education and staying in school. Palmer visited students at Booker T. Washington and Harlem Park Middle Schools last month. She shared how education was key to her success. The movie Akeelah and The Bee was the catalyst for the creation of the Baltimore Bee Spelling Competition, which was held last spring. Community partners Catapult Online, Downtown Locker Room, and Ravens Tight End Daniel Wilcox look forward to sponsoring the 3rd Annual Baltimore Bee in March. The local winner represents Baltimore in the national spelling bee. 
September 28, 2007
Leah Waller, a first grade teacher at 
Irma Johnson, Principal at 
