Back-to-school, in brief
Baltimore City schools will open its doors to 83,000 students Monday, starting the 2010-2011 school year. The only schools that will not be opening are The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women, City Neighbors Charter School and the Baltimore Southwest Charter School. The three schools will welcome students on Sept. 7, and are delayed due to the contruction of their new buildings.
On Monday, I will join Dr. Alonso on his tour of schools. The tour will include, Mt. Washington Elementary, Commodore John Rodgers, George W.F. McMechen, and the old Walbrook Campus. We'll also visit others in the county. Check out The Sun throughout the day on Monday, to see what the energy is like in the schools.
There was a lot of excitement in the week leading up to the new year. Of course, the state is celebrating it's win of Race to the Top funds. Also, if you missed it this week, we did report the official announcement of new principals at three schools who were at the center of controversy last school year. The students at Gilmor Elementary School, the Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship, and City College will start the year anew with fresh leadership--and many parents and sources have called me to breathe a sigh of relief. They are among the last round of what has been a slew of new assignments that took place this year.
In other back-to-school news, communities are coming together to ensure that students are prepared for the new year. The residents of Charles Village raised nearly $8,000 to buy uniforms for students of their community school, Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle. According to the Rev. Jennifer DiFrancesco of Second Presbyterian Church, more than 22 volunteers, including teachers and the school's principal came out last week to size students for back-to-school style.
Those who missed the event will have a chance to order their uniforms the first few weeks of school, she said, adding that the community's goal is to have all the students in their new uniforms by Back to School Night on September 15, 2011. If you'd like to help donate to student uniforms this year, City schools is sending you here.
As the first week gets underway, the school system is promoting use of their call center. The number is 443-984-2000. Central Office staff will be available from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. to answer your questions.
Happy and safe school year to all!
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Comments
Word on the street is that City Neighbors High School may also not open on time because of the renovations taking place.
Posted by: Si | August 27, 2010 9:13 PM
I know there has been a lot of construction over the summer and I also know firsthand that much of it is still in progress as of Sunday morning. My concern is that some things are being literally brushed under the rugs for AAA visits. I want him to see what we are dealing with and what our kids are going to deal with. Similarly, there have been major issues with hiring this year (as always) - delays in processing, lack of responsiveness from HC, inability to respond to needs of schools and potential employees to the point where some have given up leaving some schools with empty classrooms. I know that AAA is aware of the situation but still has not been able to fix the issues. On the tour of the buildings I hope you and he see what the real issues are. I want him (and you) to ask the hard questions and hear the real stories.
Posted by: Who am I now BC? | August 29, 2010 9:36 AM