Most of us know the Star Spangled Banner, but Abbottston's fourth- and fifth-grade students also know the history behind it!

They shared what they learned about the anthem's history - including the fact that it was written right here in Baltimore - through a performance for families, students, and staff. 

This past week several of our City Schools robotics teams competed in two tournaments to qualify for the state competitions. Forty teams from 13 schools participated in the CEO CUP State Qualifier and 32 teams from 12 schools participated in the Charm City State Qualifier. Congrats to all the teams!

Currently, City Schools has the top 5 in the elementary state robot skills rankings, as well as 8 out of the top 10 and 17 of the top 20. We also have the top team in the middle school state robot skills rankings and 5 out of the top 10. 

Last fall, our amazing Judy Center teams hosted 14 fantastic Cupcakes for Dad events, bringing more than 300 fathers together to share their experiences and support each other in their roles and in their children’s growth. Read more in this Progress Report story.

As a part of their civics inquiry project, second-grade students at Calvin M. Rodwell answered the question: "What is the best way to make your voice heard in your community?" Teachers Mrs. Kolarek, Mrs. Patton, and Mrs. Speer had their students participate in a mock protest to allow students to make their demand for more recess time!

Holabird Academy eighth-grade students partnered with Junior Achievement to attend a job shadow and learn about all of the opportunities at Big Huge Games!

Award-winning author and University of Virginia professor, Amber McBride discussed her book, We Are All So Good at Smiling, with creative writing and teacher academy students at Patterson. Ms. McBride highlighted her own obstacles and accomplishments to motivate her captive audience. Each student also got an autographed copy of her book.

Furley students that earned a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) reward got to attend a COOL party, where they had sno-cones and made winter picture frames.

Joseph C. Briscoe's Principal Daniels always goes above and beyond for students and staff, like at their recent MLK Day celebration where she stepped up to serve lunch!

Baltimore International Academy East middle school students had a fantastic trip at Maryland Science Center. They watched a 3D movie about extreme weather, explored hands-on activities, and enjoyed an outdoor picnic in the winter sunshine!

Eutaw Marshburn third- and fourth-grade students also took a trip to the Maryland Science Center, where they explored Math in Nature, Power Up, Space Links, dinosaur mysteries, and much more! 

Second-grade students at Graceland Park learned about the types of housing Native Americans lived in while reading Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. After finishing the story, they got to make their very own tipis! 

City College debate students Nevaeh Rita Sencion and Saidah Ervin won the Newark Science Invitational. On their way to the championship they only dropped one ballot. 

After months of cooking and serving meals for others as part of their coursework, Mervo's culinary students were treated to a fine dining experience and food tour of three Atlas Group Restaurants. Thank you Chef Drabo and Chef Frazier for your leadership!

Fourth-grade students from Thomas Johnson took a field trip to Climb Zone Laurel to celebrate the end of the module on extreme settings. The students supported each other through all the challenges and had a great time! 

Sharp-Leadenhall's Principal Lillian Cockrell recently published an article for the National Association of Elementary School Principals. She discusses how understanding the temperament of students with a special education coding of emotional disturbance can impact their success.