City Springs and Hampstead Hill Victorious at BUDL Tournament

Students from City Springs Elementary/Middle School

Reprinted from the BUDL website: www.budl.org

Baltimore Urban Debate League’s first EMS tournament took place on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Carver Vo-Tech High School. They had over 150 students in attendance with a lot of support from parents, friends and community members.

Every team competed with much passion and the rankings were extremely close, but Hampstead Hill and City Springs were the major victors.

Although the excitement around the start of a new school year might have quieted down, the excitement and anticipation of a new competitive debate season was in full effect as the beaming smiles on the faces of our student debaters lasted throughout the day. Overall, the speeches presented were very impressive!

City Springs Student Participates in United Nations Panel

On February 28, 2012 City Spring School seventh grader Percy Holland will participate as a panelist in the Commission on the Status of Women’s Girl-Boy Dialogue on Economic Empowerment for Girls and Boys at the United Nations.

The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated exclusively to the promotion of gender equality and the advancement of women.

The fifty-sixth session of the Commission on the Status of Women will include representatives from Member States, UN entities, and NGOs in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) from all regions of the world will attend the session.

Men of Strength Club

The trip is being sponsored by the Men of Strength (MOST) Club at City Springs, of which Percy is a member. MOST Club is a violence prevention program for mobilizing young men to prevent sexual and dating violence. The club provides young men with a structured and supportive space to build individualized definitions of masculinity that promote healthy relationships.

For more information about MOST Club visit:
http://www.mencanstoprape.org/The-Men-of-Strength-Club/

City Springs Sweeps MLK Essay Competition Again

City Springs School has swept the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Writing Competition for the second year in a row. The competition is hosted by the Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL) and The Walters Art Museum.

Congratulations to Chelsea Gilmer (4th grade), Charisma Coles (6th grade), and Shardai Little (7th grade) for winning the Elementary and Middle School Divisions. They presented their winning essays at the Walters Art Museum's MLK Jr. Family Festival on January 16th.

The students composed essays about unsung heroes of the civil rights movement; what Dr. Martin Luther King meant to them; and how they want to continue his legacy today.

Last year City Springs School took 1st and 3rd place in the Elementary Division and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Middle School Division.

Read the winning essays at:
http://www.baltimorecp.org/docs/MLK12essaywinners.pdf

View of video of Shardai Little reading her essay on the BUDL Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/bmoredebate

About BUDL
The Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL) enriches the academic experience of students from Baltimore City's public elementary, middle and high schools through participation in team policy debate. Through debate, students become engaged learners, critical thinkers and citizens and leaders who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities.
http://budl.org/

About The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is internationally renowned for its collection of art, which was amassed substantially by two men, William and Henry Walters, and eventually bequeathed to the City of Baltimore. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Deco jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.
http://thewalters.org

City Springs Students Visit Walters Art Museum

Over the past few weeks groups of City Springs School students have had the wonderful opportunity to visit and learn about the art at The Walters Art Museum. City Springs Art Teacher Kasey Trudgeon shares her impressions about the visits below.

Although I was told by both docents of Ms. Hagemann's class how much fun they had with our students, it was wonderful to hear them say, as the door was shutting behind me, "what a wonderful group of students" they really are.

I overheard the students and the docents having intellectual conversations about Ancient Greece and Greek mythology, and, at one point, a group of students and their docent were actually quietly dancing through the museum to the Greek celebration music their docent was playing for them.

The artistic ability, creativity, and imagination of the students in Ms. Roberts' class were all duly noted by the studio art teacher at the Walters. These students attended the "Telling Stories Through Art" exhibit, and during their studio visit, created 3-D artwork that told a story of its own by using the different story elements.

The Academy [Middle Grades Students] also contributed to the reputation of City Springs when they attended. A docent for a group of seventh grade boys said that their group knew more than any other group she had ever given a tour to; while a docent for a group of eighth grade girls noted what a wonderful group we had representing our school.

Many of our students cannot wait to go back on their own to visit the rest of the museum!

We would like to thank The Walters Art Museum for welcoming our students. Not only did our students gain relevant information for what they are learning in class; but they also gained an invaluable experience in their very own city.

About The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is internationally renowned for its collection of art, which was amassed substantially by two men, William and Henry Walters, and eventually bequeathed to the City of Baltimore. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Deco jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.

For more information visit: http://thewalters.org

BCP and Restorative Practices Transform Schools & Neighborhoods

Restorative Circle at City Springs School

In the fall of 2005 Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) President Muriel Berkeley attended a workshop at the Maryland Charter School Network Conference that sparked a wholesale transformation of school culture at BCP's four neighborhood charter schools: City Springs School, Collington Square School of the Arts, Hampstead Hill Academy, and Wolfe Street Academy .

The workshop, led by Tonya Featherston, explored Restorative Practices (RP), a school-culture building approach that promotes positive relationships over punishment.

"RP was just what we were looking for to improve our school climates," said Dr. Berkeley.

Restorative Practices uses restorative circles and conferences to help students with conflict resolution; teaching them vital skills that will help them succeed in college, career, and life. In addition to addressing misbehavior, Restorative Practices develops life skills and channels students into productive discussions of issues that concern them.

"RP has been critical to helping our schools become safe havens for learning. Fourteen years ago, before BCP became involved, City Springs was extremely chaotic. Kids didn't stay in class or even in the building, but did as they pleased," said BCP President Muriel Berkeley.

"When BCP came on board, students learned new rules; rewards were put in place for following the rules; and everything improved. Several years later, BCP staff realized that students behaved only if the adults were watching. Students hadn't internalized the behavior. Then we heard about RP: a way to teach kids how their actions affected their classroom, their school and their neighborhood."

In 2006 BCP implemented RP at City Springs School, Collington Square School and Hampstead Hill Academy with the support of a $42,000 grant from the Open Society Institute - Baltimore and two $20,000 grants from The Goldsmith Family Foundation .

The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) provided training for all teachers and administrators. That same year BCP brought on OSI Fellow Tonya Featherston to oversee the RP implementation.

"High-poverty schools tend to face more challenges than higher-income schools; but most schools don't have the time to seek out additional support," said BCP Executive Vice President Larry Schugam.

"That's why BCP works with schools to identify and implement effective education strategies like Restorative Practices, Direct Instruction, and CHAMPS."

The impact of Restorative Practices has been impressive

"When BCP brought Restorative Practices training to City Springs School six years ago, many teachers were a bit skeptical about what impact this school-wide approach to discipline would have on student behavior. It seemed almost too simple to address our challenges," said City Springs School Principal Rhonda Richetta.

"To say we have experienced remarkable results is an understatement: in just one year, suspensions plummeted from 86 to 9!"

What the Students Say

"I like Restorative Practices because it clears stuff off your mind and keeps you from fighting. If you fight with someone you can talk it out," said City Springs fourth grader Antonio Wilson.

"If you're stressed you can talk it out and talk about your feelings. Restorative Practices helps you get to know your classmates better," said City Springs fourth grader Kenyon Park.

"When people are going through stuff at home, you get ideas on how to cope with family members," said City Springs seventh grader Sherie Turnage.

Beyond the School

The influence of Restorative Practices continues to grow at BCP's four schools and beyond. Dr. Berkeley and Principal Richetta were featured speakers at the 2011 IIRP Summer Symposium; Hampstead Hill Academy Principal Matt Hornbeck recently hired a full-time Restorative Practices expert to take their school to the next level; and City Springs School is in year two of a school-wide RP implementation that will etch the process thoroughly into the school's culture.

"For many students there is one set of rules in the school and another set of rules in the neighborhood," said Principal Richetta.

Last spring City Springs provided Restorative Practices training for families of students living in Perkins Homes Public Housing. Afterwards, the training was the "talk of the courts."

"Our vision extends to helping create a Restorative Zone that encompasses the school and the entire neighborhood," said Principal Richetta.

This may sound like a fantasy; but it is a reality in Hull, England where IIRP is bringing Restorative Practices training to the City's 23,000 professionals and volunteers who work with children and young people.

"Just imagine if we could bring Restorative Practices to all of East Baltimore!" said Dr. Berkeley.

Restorative Practices at City Springs School

Photographer Matt Roth's Photoblog features some beautiful photos of Restorative Practices in action at City Springs School.

BCP implemented Restorative Practices (RP) at City Springs School, Collington Square School of the Arts, and Hampstead Hill Academy in 2006 with the generous support of grants from the Open Society Institute-Baltimore and the Goldsmith Family Foundation.

The project was led by BCP's former Director of RP, OSI Fellow Tonya Featherston. In 2007 BCP implemented RP at Wolfe Street Academy. The International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) has provided training for all of our schools.

Read more about the success of RP on the Matt Roth Photography website: http://mattrothphoto.com/blog/2012/01/baltimore-dc-photographer/education-week-safety-restorative-practices/

City Springs wants to turn dilapidated schoolyard into sports complex

The community recently opened a football field, but school wants place for kids to play


By Liz Bowie, The Baltimore Sun
4:43 PM EST, January 2, 2012

Most mornings, students arrive early at City Springs Elementary/Middle School to throw a football around on the blacktop. They love the game, but it is hard to play in the raggedy yard behind the school.

The students of the school had a plan back in 2007. A group wrote a letter and gathered signatures, then handed it to the principal at a morning assembly.

"The complex outside has many things wrong with it," they wrote. "It is outlined with a very uneven grass, it has broken glass on the rocky concrete, a broken gate, a swing set without swings, a basketball court with only one goal and it is very trashy. This needs to be fixed because many children hurt themselves on the complex. … We can have a football field, basketball court, a swing set and a gate to keep intruders [out]."

The principal listened and so did the adults in the community. From the students' vision has come a new regulation-size football field dedicated recently that will serve as a place for sports teams in the neighborhood. Built with a $100,000 grant from the NFL to Living Classrooms Foundation and $135,000 from the city's Department of Recreation and Parks, the field also was supported by the Ravens.

But the football field was built a block away from City Springs because the school grounds were not large enough to accommodate a 100-yard playing field. And because the field is fenced, the students don't have access to it every morning.

Six schools, including a high school, Freedom Academy, are nearby and have teams that need a field. City Springs has an intramural flag football team, as well as a soccer and basketball team for its middle-schoolers.

"I feel good about the field that has been given to the community, but I get out of my car every day and I look at that field [at the school], and it looks the same as it did four years ago," said the principal, Rhonda Richetta. "I feel I have let the kids down."

The space behind the school is large enough to hold everything the students in 2007 imagined as well as a track for running, according to Larry Schugam, the executive vice president and chief development officer for the Baltimore Curriculum Project, which operates City Springs as a charter school.

Schugam developed a master plan for the area several years ago, and he said he and Richetta are hoping to reconvene the committee that worked on the football field to build a sports complex behind City Springs. Schugam said they hope to raise more money — he estimates the cost at between $500,000 and $800,000 — to provide good facilities.

The school could reach out to the community and local businesses, as well as the NFL Local Initiatives Support Coalition Grassroots Program, which provided funding for the first field. Schugam said the new field would be 80 yards long rather than 100 yards, but still provide plenty of space for elementary and middle-school students.

City Springs students are particularly interested in sports, Richetta said, and at times she has considered whether the school should have a particular focus on athletics.

"There is a lot of talent at City Springs, and we are not tapping into it. It is tragic," she said.

Right now the school, with about 600 students, can devote little time to athletics. Every student takes physical education for one 45-minute period a week. In addition, students can go outside once a week during lunch to play on the blacktop. Richetta said the grassy field with a few trees behind the school is off-limits to her students because it is scattered with broken glass, trash and needles discarded by drug users. Only on the days that she goes out with her gloves to clean up the area can her students play there.

If the students' dream is realized, Schugam said, the area will be fenced. Parents and other residents are interested in the project, and he said the school would have no trouble finding responsible adults in the neighborhood who would be willing to open the area for the community. But first, there's a lot of money to raise.

liz.bowie@baltsun.com
www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/bs-md-ci-city-springs-sports-20120101,0,5040528.story
baltimoresun.com

Copyright © 2012, The Baltimore Sun

City Springs Field: A Dream Fullfilled

Baltimore, MD - 12/28/11 - On November 29th, 2011 the Baltimore Ravens joined Living Classrooms Foundation, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young, the NFL/Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) Grassroots Program and several former Colts players for the dedication of a new football field at City Springs Park. The field will offer more than 2,000 youth every year a safe place to exercise, play team sports and receive wraparound services.

The newly renovated City Springs Football Field features a regulation-size football field that will be used for physical education activities during the school day and will provide youth with safe and supervised recreation during the critical after-school hours.

The City Springs School Drug-Free Soul Steppers and Hampstead Hill Academy's Drum Line performed at the dedication.

Baltimore Ravens players and cheerleaders hosted a Play 60 football skills clinic for 125 students immediately following the press conference. The NFL's Play 60 campaign is designed to encourage kids to be active for at least 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity.

"Our students are very excited about this brand new field," said City Springs Principal Rhonda Richetta.

"We have been running an intramural flag-football league for several years. This field will help take the league to the next level."

The City Springs Flag Football League's fall 2011 season was funded by a grant from the Ravens All Community Team Foundation.

Public/Private Partnership

Funding for the City Springs Football Field was initiated by an NFL/LISC Grassroots grant of $100,000 to Living Classrooms, that was supported by the Baltimore Ravens and matched with funding from Baltimore City Recreation and Parks of $153,000.

This unique public and private partnership in the form of an Adopt-a-Field Agreement has designated Living Classrooms Foundation as the operator of the field by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. As the designated operator, Living Classrooms will provide both the maintenance of this high quality athletic field and programming focusing on health and wellness for the East Baltimore Community.

The Dream...

The dream of a City Springs football field began in 2007 when a group of City Springs students presented Principal Rhonda Richetta with a petition at the school's daily morning assembly. The petition urged her to repair the run-down field, playground and basketball courts adjacent to the school.

"We really want to play football. We will not hit any cars. We will come in on time. We will not come in after 8:00 and ask for breakfast. We will also consider safety first. We will also not disrespect any adults that tell us to come in. We will also have our shirts tucked in... The complex outside has many things wrong with it. It is outlined with a very uneven grass, it has broken glass on the rocky concrete, a broken gate, a swing set without swings, a basketball court with only one goal and it is very trashy. This needs to be fixed because many children hurt themselves on the complex...we can have a football field, basketball court, a swing set and a gate to keep intruders out and to keep our fellow peers safe. This will benefit our school because our children will be more safe and will be able to stay healthy."

In response to this request, Principal Richetta and Baltimore Curriculum Project Executive Vice President Larry Schugam assembled an energetic planning team, which included Kevin Atkinson (BRE Construction), Michael Carter (BCPS Parent Engagement Office), Talib Horne (Living Classrooms Foundation), Blaine Lipski (BCPS Department of Facilities), Erin McVay (Legislative Aide to City Councilman Jim Kraft), Alison Perkins-Cohen (formely of the Baltimore Curriculum Project), David Pennington (Colliers Pinkard), Lucy Price (formerly of Colliers Pinkard), and Kinji Scott (Citizens for Washington Hill)

The team met regularly to flesh out the vision for a sports complex, discuss logistics, and develop a fundraising plan. BCP secured Community Investment Tax Credits and in October 2008 the Little Italy Bocce Rollers Association hosted a Bocce Tournament to raise funds for the project.

After determining that the sports complex could not easily accommodate a regulation-size football field, the team developed a master plan to build a regulation-size field in nearby City Springs Park and a "feeder" field for elementary-age football in the original location; complete with a track, basketball courts, and playground.

"After picking up the schematics for City Springs Park from the City Planning Department and determining that a regulation-size field would fit; I developed an albeit amateur design for a football field in City Springs Park," said Larry Schugam.

Living Classrooms

With said design in hand, Living Classrooms took the lead to meet with Rec and Parks and apply for a LISC grant to develop the regulation-size field in City Springs Park. The rest is history.

"We are incredibly grateful to Living Classrooms, the Ravens, Rec and Parks, and LISC for developing this beautiful field just a block from our school," said Rhonda Richetta.

"It is amazing what can happen when schools like City Springs and nonprofits like the Baltimore Curriculum Project and Living Classrooms work together."

Phase Two

Now that the students at City Springs have a regulation field within walking distance, the school and BCP have turned their attention to the dilapidated park next to the school.

"We hope that this investment in City Springs Park and the attention it has drawn to this part of East Baltimore will spark greater interest among local businesses and foundations in developing our original vision for the City Spring Sports Complex," said Muriel Berkeley.

In the park next to City Springs School the swing set still has no swings; the basketball courts still have only one basket; and the concrete is still broken.

As Principal Richetta gazes at park, all she sees is potential.

"With wonderful partners like Living Classrooms and the Ravens, no dream is beyond our reach."

City Springs Featured on Great Kids Up Close

The Orioles Holiday Party for City Springs students was featured on Great Kids Up Close:

http://bit.ly/css-orioles-2011

City Springs Featured in Article about Restorative Practices

City Springs School was featured in an article about how Restorative Practices has been found to improve school safety. BCP brought Restorative Practices to its schools in 2007 with the support of grants from the Goldsmith Family Foundation and OSI-Baltimore.

In the fall of 2010, City Springs Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, Maryland began concentrating wholeheartedly on affective statements and the 10 other elements of whole-school change. The number of suspensions at City Springs declined from 86 in 2008-2009 to nine in 2010-2011.

Read the full article at:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/restorative-practices-found-to-improve-school-safety

Orioles Host Holiday Party for City Springs Students

Former Oriole Al Bumbry and 4th Grade Teacher Andrew Frankel

On Tuesday December 13th current and former Orioles hosted 90 third and fourth graders from City Springs School as part of the 33rd Annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party at Dave & Busters in Arundel Mills Mall.

Manager Buck Showalter, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, Jeremy Guthrie and Brian Roberts were joined by former O's Al Bumbry, Dave Johnson Larry Sheets, and Scott McGregor.

Players played games with the students, served lunch, and signed autographs. Dave Johnson played Santa Claus and deliver new, unopened gifts donated by the Orioles to each child. Students played for free in the arcade room with the players courtesy of Dave & Busters.

The Right Side Foundation, the personal charity of Nick and Christina Markakis, made a financial contribution for the party and provided a copy of the book The Polar Express as well as a new baseball glove for each child.

Students were selected to attend based on a combination of attendance, good behavior, completion of assignments and adherence to the school dress code. This year's event marks the 33rd year the Orioles have held a holiday party for children from economically disadvantaged areas in Baltimore. A different school is selected each year.

View photos of the event at: http://baltimorecp.shutterfly.com/

Thank you
City Springs School and the Baltimore Curriculum Project would like to thank the Baltimore Orioles and The Right Side Foundation for hosting this wonderful party for our students. You have given them an amazing holiday gift!

About OriolesREACH:
Since 1954, the Baltimore Orioles have given back to the community by becoming involved in a variety of area programs and initiatives, as well as creating new opportunities for assistance. Through OriolesREACH, the organization reaches out to our neighbors across Birdland to help our fans improve their daily lives. In addition to partnering with existing charities and organizations, the Orioles have also established a collection of new initiatives.

About the Right Side Foundation:
Children are the most precious members of our society. With this philosophy in mind, Nick and Christina Markakis established The Right Side Foundation to utilize the platform baseball has provided them in an effort to greatly impact this population. Through Foundation programming, investing in community groups/initiatives and developing strategic partnerships, the organization’s efforts will focus on improving the quality of life for children throughout the State of Maryland.

Fall 2011 Edition of BCP's Class Notes

Hampstead Hill Students Visit the White House and other news in the
Fall 2011 Edition of BCP's Class Notes

Click here to read the full Fall 2011 edition of BCP's Class Notes (PDF)

This issue features the following articles:

Around the World in Four Newsletters ...
Over the next four issues educators from around the world will share their thoughts on public education. This issue features Andrew Biemiller, Professor Emeritus, University of Toronto, and Ali Wannas Lafi Al-Rikabi, Head of Translation Department, University of Basrah.

False Dichotomies

By Jon McGill, BCP Chief Academic Officer

The educational world has its own version of the "nature versus nurture" conundrum. It is most often clothed in the guise of debates about whether good teaching can make up for the circumstances in which children live. Can high quality teaching provide the conditions in which children overcome poverty, racism, and difficult home circumstances? Are parental failings, poor home situations, poverty and race really destiny or can "equal opportunity" and excellent teaching, along with excellent schools, bridge the gaps?

Leading Minds Forum: The Impact of Poverty on Education

On September 22, 2011 over 450 teachers, community members, and nonprofit and business leaders attended BCP's fifth Leading Minds forum on The Impact of Poverty on Education. Co-hosted by Loyola University Maryland's School of Education and Urbanite Magazine, the forum explored why poverty has such a detrimental impact on academic achievement and what we, as a community, can do about it.
View a video of the forum and past forums at: http://bit.ly/leadingminds

BCP Receives USTA Organization of the Year Award
BCP has received the US Tennis Association/Maryland Chapter's Organization of the Year Award. Last summer BCP launched a new Pre-K through eight school tennis initiative incorporating 10 and Under Tennis. BCP has committed to bring tennis this year to nearly 1,500 students in all four of its schools through physical education, after school clubs, and an intramural tennis league planned for 2012.

From Baraka to BCP: An Interview with Antoine Lewis

Antoine Lewis' journey from the Baraka School to City Springs School began over 15 years ago. The ties between the Baraka School and the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) run deep. The Baraka School was an experimental school funded by The Abell Foundation, the organization that, under the leadership of Abell President Bob Embry, co-founded the BCP with BCP President Muriel Berkeley.

Arts Every Day at Collington

In an era when art and music are frequently sacrificed on the altar of high-stakes testing, the arts are alive and well at Collington Square School of the Arts. Collington Square is one of 44 City schools participating in Arts Every Day, a program that facilitates connections between the arts and learning for every student, every day.

Baltimore Arts Offerings at Collington

The Collington arts experience doesn't stop at the end of the school day. Students participate in visual arts and dance programs, courtesy of Elev8 Baltimore.

Hampstead Hill at White House

On October 12, 2011 more than 100 Hampstead Hill Academy students and staff participated in a physical education event at the White House. First Lady Michelle Obama hosted hundreds of area students in an attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records record for the most people doing jumping jacks for one minute in a 24-hour period.

Hampstead Hill Recess in the News

You may have seen a recent Baltimore Sun article on the importance of recess. HHA middle school students were featured in a large, front page picture. The article highlighted the importance of having recess in the school day. It also pointed out the challenges that come with staffing and supervising recess, especially middle school recess.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program at Hampstead Hill

Again this year, HHA has been selected to receive about $50,000 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Good nutrition and healthy eating are part of what make for a good day at school.

Stability Balls at Hampstead Hill

Air-filled stability balls have been shown to help students focus on their studies and relieve discomfort caused by long periods of sitting on hard chairs. HHA was recently selected to receive a grant to study the use of stability balls to replace classroom chairs.

Family League Awards BCP $100K for Wolfe Street After-Schol Program

The Family League of Baltimore City has awarded the Baltimore Curriculum Project a $100,000 BOOST (Baltimore Out of School Time) grant to run the Wolfe Street After-School Program. Kathy Stroup, Director of Extended Student Services, has managed the program for three years. Currently, 82 students are enrolled and 35 students are on at the waitlist. We would like to thank the Family League for their support.

City Springs Steppers and Hampstead Hill Drum Line Perform at Field Dedication

City Springs School's Drug Free Soul Steppers and Hampstead Hill Academy's Drum Line performed at yesterday's dedication of a newly renovated City Springs Football Field. Several Ravens, along with city officials, Living Classrooms and former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann attended.

View the video at
http://www.baltimoresun.com/videogallery/66398383/Sports/East-Baltimore-football-field-dedicated

AARP Experience Corps Literacy Festival at City Springs

AARP Experience Corps Baltimore City’s 3rd Annual Literary Festival took place on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at City Springs School and Langston Hughes Elementary School.

Many of the City’s 300 older adult volunteers who help children in 22 City schools will be there to complement what they do every week to get young people excited about reading and math. Sponsored by the Maryland Governor’s Office of Service and Volunteerism, the day’s festivities include literacy games, guest readers, dancing, music, book give-a-ways, refreshments, and more.

“We hope to get children and families excited about reading through this fun and free event,” says Brandi Roberts from AARP Experience Corps. “Our volunteers make a real difference every week all year long with kindergarten through third grade classroom teachers; this offers them the chance to reach out beyond the classrooms and into their communities.”

AARP Experience Corps is an award winning program that places people over 55 in elementary school classrooms. These AARP Experience Corps members tutor and mentor the students, providing homework help and serving as consistent role models. Independent research shows that Experience Corps boosts student’s academic performance and enhances the well-being of older adults.

We'd like to thank AARP Experience Corps for bringing this wonderful event and their dedicated volunteers and staff to City Springs School.

View photos of the festival at:
http://baltimorecp.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

Baltimore Orioles Host Holiday Party for City Springs Students

The Baltimore Orioles have invited 100 City Springs School students and teachers to attend their Annual OriolesREACH Holiday Party on December 13th at Dave and Buster's. Each child will receive a delicious meal, a game card, and have the opportunity to meet Santa Clause along with many current and former Oriole players.

City Springs School and the Baltimore Curriculum Project would like to thank the Baltimore Orioles and Matthew Death, Baltimore Orioles Programs and Promotions Coordinator, for this wonderful Holiday gift.

Standing Room Only at City Springs Back-to-School Night

Once again City Springs School's Back-to-School Night on September 29, 2011 was standing room only. Approximately 350 people attended. (Now that's parent engagement!) Congratulations City Springs.

To learn more about City Springs School visit: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org/8

City Springs School Hosts USTA Tennis Training

On September 15, 2011 City Springs School hosted a free USTA school tennis workshop for physical education teachers and anyone working with sports programs in City Schools. Fifteen participants representing 11 schools/organizations participated.

Thank you to City Springs School for hosting the training; USTA for providing the training; and the following schools/organizations for participating:

• Belmont Elementary/Playworks
• Callaway Elementary
• City Springs School
• Federal Hill
• Friendship Academy for Science and Technology
• Gilmore Elementary
• Hampstead Hill Academy
• Loving Arms, Inc. (through Safe&Sound/Out of School Time Network)
• Lyndhurst Elementary/Playworks
• Patterson High School
• Waverly Elementary/Playworks
  

USTA Maryland’s mission is to promote the growth and development of tennis in Maryland as a healthy lifetime sport available to all regardless of age and ability. USTA Maryland fosters an inclusive tennis environment and greater diversity throughout the sport.
For more information visit: http://www.maryland.usta.com/

Hopkins BFSA Donates School Supplies

On August 28th, 2011 City Springs School, Collington Square School, Hampstead Hill Academy and Wolfe Street Academy received 4 boxes and 1 bag of school supplies each for students in need. The schools supplies were donated by The Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) and employees of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

The mission of The Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association is to be a visible and viable agency dedicated to promoting and enhancing identity, sense of community, professional welfare and development among Black faculty, staff and students of the Johns Hopkins University.

We would like to thank The Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association and the employees of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions for their generous support. We would also like to thank Carolyn Chance (Program Development Coordinator, Government and Community Affairs - The Johns Hopkins Office of Community Services) for helping to make this donation possible.

For more information about The Johns Hopkins Black Faculty and Staff Association visit: http://bfsa.jhu.edu

City Springs Hits the Ball Out of the Park AGAIN!

I walked through every City Springs School classroom today and saw instructional groups hard at work, and expectations being taught both in classrooms and in hallways. The tone was orderly and enthusiastic. Students were engaged and proud. Teachers appeared (these teachers are adults facing the trials and challenges with which adults must cope every day but whatever each of them is dealing with outside of school they were putting the children first in that building) happy and proud of their students.

Susan Lattimore, our new BCP coach had told me yesterday that she was amazed by City Springs when she was there Monday and yesterday because of the fast start to instruction, the orderly and pleasant atmosphere.

Well done City Springs!! Thank you for your dedication to our children.

Muriel Berkeley, Ph.D
President and Founder
Baltimore Curriculum Project

BCP Summer 2011 Newsletter

Read the BCP Summer 2011 E-newsletter at:
http://conta.cc/pskKgn

Read the full PDF version at:
http://www.baltimorecp.org/newsletter/Class_Notes_Summer_2011.pdf