This week I was joined by Councilman Jack Young, Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, CEO of schools Dr. Andres Alonso, and other leaders from the City and the community to host my "Back To School" Neighborhood Conversation at Cecil Elementary School.  The intent of this forum was to equip parents with the resources and information they need to ensure their children have a successful school year.  Our school system has had some incredible successes in the past two years including the first annual increase in enrollment in four decades, the highest graduation rate since the State started tracking this in 1996, and a two year growth of nearly 16 percentage points in MSA test scores-unprecedented in most school districts.   It is now more critical than ever to remain focused so that we can continue to build on this momentum.  Here are some key tips parents and kids should remember as we gear up for another school year.
 
Start School Ready and On Time.  School starts on Monday, August 31st.  Make sure your children are enrolled and have their school supplies.  I am hosting a Back to School Rally on August 26th from 1 to 8pm at Baltimore City Public School Headquarters, 200 E. North Avenue, to give away free supplies and valuable information.  There will be children's activities, live entertainment and free on-site services including immunizations, and health and dental screenings.  Another important part to learning is ensuring each child has nutritious meal during the day.  Be sure your child's Free and Reduced Price Meal application is completed and returned to his school.    
 
Start the School Year Healthy.  Be sure your child's immunization record is up-to-date and know the facts about H1N1.  Students must be fully immunized by September 21st or they will be excluded from school. Children can receive immunizations from their doctor or families can get free shots at Baltimore City Health Department Clinics.  Also, students will be able to receive vaccinations for Influenza (seasonal flu) and H1N1 (swine flu) in schools. All that is required is that parents fill out a consent form.  For more information regarding immunizations and H1N1, call the Baltimore City Health Department at 410-396-4454, visit www.baltimorehealth.org or call your child's school.

 
Support Your Children's Learning and Make Sure they are Active after-school.  Visit the Learning At Home section of the City Schools Website for information on what your child will learn this year and how you can help. Also, get your kids involved in some extracurricular activities.  Take advantage of our recreation and parks facilities including 59 recreation centers, over 5900 acres of parkland and 20 youth and adult sports programs.  All of these programs have physical, mental and social benefits for our children and keep them engaged in positive activities.  To learn more about Recreation and Parks activities Click Here.

 
The successes of the past two years are significant, but we must continue to build upon those accomplishments.  Our children and their God-given potential are non-negotiable. I look forward to our partnerships both in and out of the classrooms as we push the record successes of last year to the next level! 

 

Visit www.baltimorecityschools.org or call the Back to School Command Center at 443-984-2000 for more information about how to prepare your child for the upcoming school year.

 

Sincerely,

Sheila Dixon
Mayor, Baltimore