December 10, 2019

Tonight, the Board of School Commissioners approved the calendar for the 2020-21 school year during its regularly scheduled meeting.

Please note the following important dates:

The first day of school is Monday, August 31, 2020
Winter break is December 24, 2020 through January 1, 2021
Spring break is March 29 through April 5, 2021
The last day of school is Friday, June 11, 2021

The calendar was developed with input from the community, including focus groups with students and families, online surveys, and meetings with union representatives and parent groups. This adopted calendar meets state requirements, maximizes instructional time for students, and optimizes professional learning time for teachers.

See the full calendar, which includes early release days.

School Reconstitution as an Education Reform Strategy

PLEASE CLICK LINK TO VIEW FULL PDF

Subject: RECONSTITUTION of Matthew A. Henson Elementary School?

We need to have a serious and urgent discussion regarding Reconstitution as opposed to closing our much needed Matthew A. Henson Elementary School #29. We cannot and must not wait to demand more and better for our children through education. Reconstitution?

Please review the attached links and be prepared to discuss such.

http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/School_Reconstruction_and_an_Education_Reform_Strategy.pdf

https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1995/02/15/21balt.h14.html

https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-2000-02-06-0002090310-story.html

Dr. Marvin L. 'Doc' Cheatham, Sr.
Civil Rights & Election Law Consultant
President - Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association
C.E.O. - Matthew Henson Community Development Corporation
www.mhcdc.net - Facebook @mhcdcfreedom
Twitter @mhcdc_freedom - Instagram @mhcdc_freedom
Convener - Maryland H.B.C.U.'s Matter Coalition
www.savemdhbcus.org
Member - N.A.A.C.P. - S.C.L.C. - N.A.N.
Phi Beta Sigma D.S.C. #124
410/669-VOTE[8683] Cell 443/255-6056
'A CommUNITY Actively Addressing CRIME + GRIME'

MEET CITY SCHOOLS

Last year, City Schools piloted BMore Me, an initiative that infuses engaging, Baltimore-based learning into the social studies curriculum for students in grades 6-12. The program exposes students to the rich history of our city, challenging current narratives about Baltimore, and creating opportunities for students to share their voices on issues that matter to them.

Christina Ross, manages the BMore Me initiative and is "really excited to get into classrooms to see BMore Me in action and help amplify student experiences and voices."

CLICK THIS LINK TO MEET MS. ROSS

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Great attendance: Key to a great year

Every day at school, City Schools students learn new things, have new experiences, build their skills, and can take advantage of new opportunities. Every day matters, right from the beginning of the year.

Here are some tips for making great attendance part of your child's routine. And if there are challenges to being in school every day - like transportation problems, health issues, or other concerns - speak with your school leader or counselor so they can help.

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Don't be late to vaccinate!

All students must have up-to-date vaccinations and immunization records, or they may not be able to attend school.
This is one attendance challenge that's easy to overcome! The Baltimore City Health Department has free clinics most days this month.

CLICK HERE FOR More about immunizations

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A New Center for Multicultural Families

We are excited to offer a new support center for families who speak multiple languages.
The Multilingual Enrollment and Support Center (MESC) will oversee the enrollment of multilingual families, transfer of English learners, and support the choice process for English learners. The MESC is located in room 320 at the district office.
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Calling all fathers and male caregivers to participate in the Million Fathers March! The Million Fathers March is the opportunity for #cityschoolsdads to show their commitment to the education of their children. You are encouraged to take your children to school on Friday, September 27. For more information, contact your child's school or email the Office of Engagement.

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City Schools is in the news!
Read Dr. Santelises' op-ed in the Afro, where she updates the community on the district's continued progress. Read here!

Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Dear City Schools families, students, staff members, and friends,

Welcome to the new school year! Whether you’re new to City Schools or returning after the summer break, I’m excited to let you know about some of the new things happening this year.

Three years ago, we created a “blueprint for success” for our students and schools. And we’re starting to see results!

Our scores on statewide tests were up again, students are being inspired by teaching that connects to things that matter, we lead the state in award-winning programs for gifted and advanced learners, and more of our experienced teachers and teachers of color are choosing to build their careers in City Schools.This year we'll have 40 schools with a special focus on literacy and 56 schools focused on student wholeness including social and emotional learning.

Also new this year:
All schools have at least one social worker to support students and families.
With 73 new “community schools,” a total of 126 schools now have a dedicated staff member to connect students and families to community resources that support family well-being and student achievement.

Every high school has at least one Advanced Placement course, so all students can challenge themselves with college-level learning. These new initiatives are part of our blueprint for success, but they're also guided by the district’s new equity policy. When we succeed in making sure that all students in every school in every community have access to what they need, we'll succeed in building the future we want for our children and our city.
There is no more important work than what we do together every single day. I encourage you to get involved however you can, whether by supporting learning at home, looking for opportunities to participate in your school community, or connecting at the district level. Our website has lots of information about upcoming events and opportunities, and teachers, school leaders, and parent group leaders can tell you about opportunities that match your interests and schedule. City Schools is on the move, and I invite you to join the movement!

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at schools and events throughout the year. Parents and guardians, you should expect your school leader and your child’s teachers to keep in touch with you about your child’s progress, so please make sure your school always has your up-to-date contact information. This will also allow your school and the district office to share important information.

I hope you have a great first day and a great start to the 2019-20 school year!

Sonja Brookins Santelises
Chief Executive Officer

Important Numbers to Know
General questions: 443-984-2000
Transportation: 410-396-7440
Enrollment, Choice, & Transfers: 410-396-8600
Bullying Incidents: 443-984-2020
Special Education: 410-396-8900
Family & Community Engagement: 410-545-1870
Early Learning: 443-642-3039
Multilingual Enrollment & Support: 443-642-4481

The Matthew A. Henson Neighborhood Association MEETING scheduled for TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2019 AT 6 PM HAS BEEN CANCELLED.