Read on for updates about what the Fund for Educational Excellence has been working on, including:
- Managing Under Armour’s support of City Schools
- Preparing for School Choice
- Recap of 10/26’s Reimagining Career Prep in Baltimore City Public Schools
- Heart of the School Holiday Party
- Of Note, News You Should Know
Project Rampart Announces Under Armour Student Athlete of the Month
Beginning this school year, Under Armour’s Project Rampart will honor one male and one female Baltimore City Public School athlete as the Under Armour Student Athletes of the Month. Project Rampart is Under Armour’s multi-faceted effort to fiscally and programmatically support City Schools students, facilities, educators and coaches.
Announcing the winners from September and October:
The Fund is proud to partner with Under Armour in managing and delivering its generous and impactful support of Baltimore’s students. Its programs include:
- Upgrading facilities throughout City Schools, such as new weight rooms, basketball courts, football fields.
- Outfitting all high school coaches and varsity student athletes in Baltimore with Under Armour uniforms.
- Supporting all Baltimore City Public School varsity athletic coaches with training from the Baltimore Ravens and Positive Coaching Alliance.
- Mentoring 5,300 student athletes a year with training sessions, presentations, and opportunities to connect and learn.
Preparing for School Choice
This December, thousands of Baltimore students and families will participate in school choice, the process used in Baltimore City Public Schools to determine which middle or high school a student will attend.
Effectively navigating this process has significant implications on where a child might attend school and the opportunities associated with that decision. That’s why the Fund is committed to supporting Baltimore students and families as they navigate school choice. Here’s how:
Analysis: The Fund released Calculated Choices: Equity and Opportunity in Baltimore City Public Schools, a report that analyzes and contextualizes school choice, its challenges according to Baltimore students and families and recommendations for improvement.
Workshops: One of the Fund’s recommendations in Calculated Choices was to provide on-demand guidance for parents on the choice process. In November alone, the Fund will deliver 11 School Choice Workshops in neighborhoods across the city including: Penn North, Sandtown-Winchester, Hollins Market, Graceland Park, Lakeland, Butcher’s Hill, Guilford, Westport, and Mid-Govans.
Guidance: Take a look at these school choice tips– a sampling of guidance the Fund delivers in workshops. Spread the word to families and students you know!
- Choice applications open December 2nd and are due January 17th for most schools.
- Check with each specific school of interest as some timelines differ.
- A student’s composite score is based on the 7th grade year for high school choice and the 4th grade for middle school.
- Honors courses are weighed more heavily in composite scores – something to consider every year when choosing courses.
- When filling out the choice application, fill out all five school selection spots or else City Schools may select one for the student if the choices listed are not available.
- Find out who your school choice liaison is and make an appointment for more guidance and advice!
Reminder: Baltimore City Public Schools’ Middle & High School Choice Fair is Saturday, December 7th at Baltimore Convention Center; 1 West Pratt Street. Details here.
A Look Back: Reimagining Career Prep
On Saturday, October 26, more than 120 students, parents, educators, employers and district and city leaders convened at Baltimore Design School for Reimagining Career Prep in Baltimore City Public Schools. After a compelling panel discussion on effective career prep, attendees formed small groups to brainstorm ideas to better prepare students for life after high school.
Heart of the School Holiday Party
The Heart of the School Holiday Party on Thursday, December 19th at M&T Bank Stadium is an opportunity for principals and district leaders to come together, relax and celebrate their incredible work with colleagues in an exclusive setting. Learn more here.
Interested in supporting the Heart of the School Holiday Party? We are always in search of prizes, gift cards, or tickets to raffle to principals. Reach out to kevinl@ffee.org to explore ideas or click here to donate to the Heart of the Schools. Proceeds go directly to principals through the Heart of the School Fund, the year-round grant
Of Note:
Updates, resources, and articles of interest to the educational community
- Kirwan Commission Chair Brit Kirwan spoke with Tom Hall on WYPR-FM’s Midday about the Commission’s statewide funding proposal for Maryland’s public schools. Listen here – WYPR.
- “Maryland’s standardized tests will be shorter next year as schools replace PARCC with new exam” –Baltimore Sun.
- OSI-Baltimore is distributing a survey to Baltimore residents to identify public policy priorities ahead of
the 2020 elections, including education, public safety, and housing. Find and take the survey here.