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Ethiopian Education Director Visits Hampstead Hill Academy

May 8, 2014, 10:58 am
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(left to right) Larry Schugam, Michelle Chen,
Reed Fendrick, Solomon Shiferaw, and Matt Hornbeck

On March 5, 2014, the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) and Hampstead Hill Academy hosted a visit with Solomon Shiferaw, Director of Education Management Information Systems, Planning and Resource Mobilization for the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.

Mr. Shiferaw was invited to the United States under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program. He was accompanied by Michelle Chen (USAID Education Office, Ethiopia) and Reed Fendrick (English Language Officer, U.S. Department of State).

Mr. Shiferaw traveled to Maryland on a program entitled “Education in the U.S.: A Project for Ethiopia” in order to gain insight into the education system and its management at various levels, with a main focus on primary school administration.

The U.S. Department of State arranged the visit to introduce Mr. Shiferaw to BCP’s objectives and mission as well as BCP’s efforts to incorporate student-focused learning and utilize information technology in the classroom.

Mr. Shiferaw was also interested in learning about BCP’s initiatives to promote ethics, tolerance, and citizenship to disadvantaged youth and their families by means of on-going education and professional development for staff.

Hampstead Hill Academy Principal Matt Hornbeck and BCP Executive Vice President Larry Schugam gave Mr. Shiferaw a tour of the school and spoke with him about:
  1. Initiatives to successfully develop education management and what it takes to enhance the learning process and raise student testing scores;
  2. How Hampstead Hill Academy is effectively taking advantage of funding in order to become a distinguished school;
  3. BCP’s process of converting underperforming, high poverty schools into high-performing charter schools; and 
  4. How BCP helps its charter schools design curricula and set standards for civic education.
We would like to thank Mr. Shiferaw, Ms. Chen, and Mr. Fendrick for visiting Hampstead Hill Academy. Special thanks to the U.S. Department of State, the World Trade Center Institute, and Janine Branch (Manager, Professional Exchanges Program and Program Development, World Trade Center Institute) for arranging this visit.

About the International Visitor Leadership Program

The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country firsthand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States. Learn more at: http://eca.state.gov/ivlp
    About the World Trade Center Institute 

    The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is the largest international business network of its kind in the Mid-Atlantic – a who’s who of the top global business executives in the region.

    WTCI strives to drive the growth of Maryland’s flourishing global business community. Today more than 2,500 Maryland firms benefit from WTCI’s global connections, events, international visitors program and extensive global business services. In addition, WTCI serves as the World Bank Group’s Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) for the region, enabling local firms to access opportunities in developing counties.

    WTCI was established in 1989. Financed jointly by area businesses and the State of Maryland, WTCI operates as a private, non-profit membership organization. Learn more at: https://www.wtci.org

    The Baltimore Curriculum Project has partnered with WTCI and the U.S. Department of State to host delegations of educators from a variety of countries including Vietnam, Brazil, Iraq, Egypt, and Mexico.
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    BCP Expands Tennis League in East Baltimore

    May 9, 2014, 10:55 am
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    This spring approximately 150 third through fifth graders from five East Baltimore public schools are enjoying the game of tennis thanks to the Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP), US Tennis Association (USTA), and the Baltimore Ravens. 

    Under the leadership of League Coordinator Mallory Shore, the BCP/USTA Spring Tennis League runs for eight weeks in April and May. Students practice at their individual schools on Tuesdays and meet in Patterson Park for match play on Thursdays.

    Participating schools include City Springs Elementary/Middle School, Hampstead Hill Academy, The Commodore John Rodgers School, Patterson Park Public Charter School, and Wolfe Street Academy,

    In July the Ravens Foundation awarded BCP a 2013 Play 60 Grant of $3,700 to support the league. Recently, USTA Maryland awarded BCP a Community Grant of five dozen tennis balls, thirty rackets, and two nets, mostly for The Commodore John Rodgers School.

    The BCP/USTA Spring Tennis League started in 2012 as a four-week league serving approximately 60 students from five schools.

    "The plan is to continue to expand the tennis league to include other schools within the district," said Mallory Shore.

    "Every year we will involve more students in the league. This will continue to promote a healthy lifestyle of fitness and team sports."

    We would like to thank the Baltimore Ravens, USTA Maryland, USTA/Mid-Atlantic, Mallory Shore, Lynn Gertzog (Director of Community Outreach, Development and Communications, USTA Maryland), Alex Chan (Maryland Tennis Service Representative, USTA Mid-Atlantic Section), and the following coaches for making this league possible:
    • Claire Brackman, Head Coach, Wolfe Street Academy
    • Sarah D'Orlando, Head Coach, Hampstead Hill Academy
    • Janet Pinkett, Head Coach, Patterson Park Public Charter School
    • Tyrese Rice, Head Coach, The Commodore John Rogers School 
    • Alexis Wetzel, Head Coach, City Springs Elementary/Middle School
    About USTA Maryland

    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.

    USTA Maryland is a District of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section, which is one of the 17 regional governing bodies of the United States Tennis Association. The Section also includes the District of Columbia, and state of Virginia, except for the city of Bristol, and certain counties of West Virginia. USTA Maryland is a recognized district the United States Tennis Association.

    About the Ravens Foundation

    The Baltimore Ravens Foundation serves as a separate non-profit entity of the team's community outreach efforts. In addition to Ravens appearances and in-kind donations, the foundation provides support to Baltimore area non-profit organizations.

    For the eighth-consecutive year, the Foundation is executing the Ravens PLAY 60 Grant, which provides funding of up to $5,000 to qualifying nonprofit organizations that create and/or continue programs or projects promoting physical fitness and nutrition education.

    The grant program continues the Foundation’s commitment to increasing physical activity among area youth and seeks to encourage healthy youth activities.



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    City Springs IT Coordinator Andrew Devos Gives Workshop on "Baltimorization"

    May 13, 2014, 10:45 am
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    ByJeff Krick, BCP Director of Student Support Services



    At last week's City Springs Elementary/Middle School staff meeting attendees were lucky to have City Springs Information Technology Coordinator Andrew DeVos share his doctoral research on the historical forces that have shaped Baltimore and many other American cities.

    His presentation, Understanding Baltimore: Urban Life, Race, Class and the City: Past and Present, focused on aspects of structural racism and how those restrictions coupled with economic change have concentrated poverty in particular areas of our cities.

    Mr. Devos presented a framework to understand "Baltimorization" as the product of segregation, suburbanization, deindustrialization, and mass incarceration. His engaging presentation was followed by group discussions.

    Andrew DeVos is a PhD candidate in the Language, Literacy & Culture program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). In addition to working at City Springs EMS, he teaches classes at UMBC in the Media and Communication Studies, American Studies, and Africana Studies departments on a seasonal basis.
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    City Springs Students Attend BSO Midweek Education Concert

    May 23, 2014, 9:14 pm
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    On May 8, 2014 fourth and fifth graders from City Springs Elementary/Middle School attended a concert by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) entitled America the Beautiful.

    The BSO provided complementary tickets to Legg Mason's partner schools for this Midweek Education Concert and Legg Mason provided transportation.

    The concert explored the breadth, wealth and diversity of the American landscape as iconic orchestral works depicted some of the world’s most beautiful places. Students experienced the Grand Canyon through selections from Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite and images from National Geographic.

    The program also featured Maryland’s 2013 Poetry Out Loud state champion Blessed Sheriff, American songs Oh Susanna and Boatman’s Dance with bass-baritone Robert Cantrell, Ellington’s Riba from The River and a sing-along to America the Beautiful.

    Performers included Ken Lam (conductor), Marquita Lister (narrator), and David Elbert (narrator).

    Earlier this school year the BSO and Legg Mason treated students from Wolfe Street Academy to a performance of The Snowman and students from Hampstead Hill Academy to an open rehearsal of Mahler's Titan - part of the 2013-2014 Legg Mason Open Rehearsal Series.

    We would like to thank Legg Mason and the BSO for their generosity and commitment to providing outstanding cultural enrichment opportunities for City Schools students.

    For more information about the BSO's education programs visit:
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    OriolesREACH Program Hosts HHA Students

    June 3, 2014, 5:25 pm
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    Students from Hampstead Hill Academy were recognized during a recent field trip to an Orioles baseball game sponsored by the OriolesREACH Program.

    Each season, OriolesREACH hosts thousands of underprivileged youth as part of the Gameday Experience Program. Group members receive game tickets, concessions vouchers, an Orioles t-shirt, a cap and transportation to and from the game. Tickets are provided courtesy of Orioles players.

    For more than 50 years, the Baltimore Orioles have worked hard to give back to the local community, becoming involved in a variety of area programs and initiatives. Through OriolesREACH, the team seeks opportunities to reach out to their neighbors and help their fans improve their daily lives. In addition to partnering with existing charities and organizations, the Orioles have also established a collection of initiatives.

    We would like to thank the Baltimore Orioles for supporting our students.

    Learn more about OriolesREACH at: http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/bal/sponsorship/oriolesreach.jsp
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    Hampstead Hill Academy Students Attend Peter and the Starcatcher

    June 4, 2014, 8:51 pm
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    On May 11, 2014 twenty students and teachers from Hampstead Hill Academy joined thirty students and teachers from Dr. Rayner Browne Elementary/Middle School for a performance of Peter and the Starcatcher at  the Hippodrome Theater.

    This opportunity was made possible by Legg Mason, which sponsors the Hippodrome Foundation's “Bringing Enchanted Tales to Life” program. "Bring Enchanted Tales to Life" introduces the arts to fourth, fifth and sixth grade students from seven Baltimore City and County Schools.

    Students study the concept of fairytales, and then Hippodrome Foundation staff help the students to write and illustrate a class fairytale, which is published as a hardcover book.

    We would like to thank Legg Mason and the Hippodrome Foundation for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students.
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    BUDL Wins National Award/City Springs Student Attends Ceremony

    June 17, 2014, 9:20 pm
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    On May 22, 2014 the Afterschool Alliance honored the Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL) with the 2014 MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award.

    BUDL CEO Pamela Block Brier and City Springs Elementary/Middle School seventh grade student Darren Meredith accepted the award on behalf of the program at the “Breakfast of  Champions,” a gala event in Washington, D.C. featuring Members of Congress and national Afterschool Alliance champions.

    Darren has participated in BUDL for four years. Megan Miskowski and Gerald Loiacono coach the City Springs Debate Team and in May Megan was named BUDL Coach of the Year.

    Only five afterschool programs in the country were recognized for using innovative approaches to help middle school students succeed in the programs, school and life. The Afterschool Innovator Award includes $10,000 for BUDL to expand its work.

    Over the last 15 years the Baltimore Urban Debate League has served thousands of Baltimore City students and trained and engaged hundreds of teachers. This year alone BUDL served over 500 students across 30 elementary, middle and high schools.

    The program helps students learn to present an argument using evidence, evaluate the merit and credibility of evidence, respond clearly to questions raised about that argument, and listen to and learn from others.

    BUDL's newest partnership supports BCPS schools and teachers in their common core aligned "It's Debatable" program, which provides professional development to teachers in schools across the City to learn to use debate and argumentation based teaching strategies in classrooms in every discipline.

    The “Breakfast of Champions” is part of the 13th annual Afterschool for All Challenge, sponsored  by the Afterschool Alliance, which brings together hundreds of educators, parents, afterschool leaders and advocates from around the country for a series of events and meetings with Members of Congress.

    Following the "Breakfast", Darren and other participants from 46 states met with senators and representatives, including Senator Ben Cardin, to talk about the many ways afterschool programs support children, families, school and communities, and to urge them to support the Afterschool for America' s Children Act.

    We would like to thank BUDL for supporting our students and the Afterschool Alliance for recognizing BUDL's oustanding work!

    For more information about the Baltimore Urban Debate League visit: http://budl.org/

    About the Afterschool Alliance
    The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to
    ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. More
    information is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.

    Darren in Front of the U.S. Capitol

    Darren and U.S. Senator Ben Cardin


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    HHA Students Visit Junior Achievement's BizTown Courtesy of Legg Mason

    June 19, 2014, 9:55 am
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    On June 5th, fifth grade students from Hampstead Hill Academy visited Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Maryland's BizTown site in Owings Mills, courtesy of Legg Mason.

    In January Legg Mason offered to send students from BCP's schools to BizTown, a 10,000 square foot "city," complete with its own micro-economy, for a day.

    Students spent the day role playing what a typical day in the life of an adult may be like. Responsibilities included operating a healthcare center, conducting bank business, serving as Mayor, and more.

    As business owners, students were required to use teamwork, critical thinking and decision making skills to ensure that their businesses were able to turn a profit for the day.

    As citizens, students had to consider giving back to their community and learned to balance their own personal finances.

    Teachers from Hampstead Hill Academy and volunteers from ADP, Business Volunteers Maryland, KatzAbosch, and One Main Financial assisted students throughout the day.

    "The energy of the students at BizTown was palpable," said BCP Executive Vice President Larry Schugam.

    "Students were fully engaged in running their city. I even had the honor of meeting BizTown's Mayor, who took time out of her busy schedule for a photo op."

    Preparing for the Big Day

    Preparations for the big day began months ago. Using the JA curriculum, teachers taught students about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

    Students gained practical knowledge about how an economy works and their role as producers and consumers. Students also interviewed for jobs available in the "city," elected a mayor, worked in teams to create a business plan, and learned about personal financial responsibility as citizens of JA BizTown.

    Thank You

    We would like to thank Junior Achievement and Legg Mason for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students. Special thanks to the HHA teachers and volunteers from ADP, Business Volunteers Maryland, KatzAbosch, and One Main Financial for helping to make this day a grand success!


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    Wolfe Trap Teaching Artist Diane Macklin Brings the Arts to City Springs

    June 23, 2014, 6:30 pm
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    A City Springs student sports her caterpillar headband, which
    was inspired by Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

    This school year Wolf Trap Teaching Artist Diane Macklin brought the arts to City Springs students through a Wolf Trap Literacy Residency.

    The 16-week program, made possible by the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts and Young Audiences of Maryland, engaged six City Springs teachers in a highly collaborative and creative partnership to improve student literacy. Participating teachers included Mindy Cipriano, Doe Kim Corcoran, Mallory Davis, Dottie Glewwe, Nicole LeFrancois, and Sierra Jones.

    Diane is an acclaimed storyteller, actress, and educator who has delighted audiences for over 15 years, sharing tales through a dynamic style seasoned with rhythm, sounds, and movement, engaging listeners of all ages.

    "We absolutely loved having Ms.Diane come to our school," said Mallory Shore.

    Diane provided professional development for teachers while helping the students learn through active participation. Classroom experiences focused on performing arts-based strategies that teachers could use to foster young children’s learning and development.

    During the last session of the residency students made caterpillar headbands and acted out the life cycle of a butterfly, as described in the popular children's book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

    "The kids looked forward to Ms. Diane coming into our class every week," said Ms. Shore.

    "They still talked about her after the residency was over. I think my students will always remember Ms. Diane."

    We would like to thank Ms. Maclkin, the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning, and Young Audiences of Maryland for providing this wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers.

    About the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning and Young Audiences of Maryland
    The Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts is an internationally respected program that provides innovative arts-based teaching strategies and services to early childhood teachers, caregivers, parents, and their children from 0 to 5 through the disciplines of drama, music, and movement.

    As the Maryland sponsor of the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Young Audiences expands access to arts experiences for Maryland’s youngest students during the critical early learning years. Each program offers professional development to build teachers’ skills and confidence in arts integration techniques so that the arts remain a strong part of their lessons after the residency ends.

    For more information about the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning visit:
    http://www.wolftrap.org/Education/Institute_for_Early_Learning_Through_the_Arts.aspx

    For more information about Young Audiences of Maryland visit:
    http://yamd.org/

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    Thank You to Michael Barron for Printer Donation

    July 18, 2014, 11:49 am
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    We would like to thank Michael Barron for donating a brand-new HP Officejet Pro laser printer worth $800 to Govans Elementary School.

    Michael is an IT Project Manager at Constellation Energy. He won the printer in a recent charity golf putting contest at the Constellation offices. Michael said that since he entered the contest to support a charity, he wanted to donate the printer to support a worthy cause.

    A friend suggested that Michael donate the printer to Govans Elementary after reading about the May break-in, where thieves stole $7,000 in cash and equipment from the school.

    Since then an outpouring of generosity from people like Michael has raised over $10,000 for the school.
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    City Springs Students Attend Lardarius Webb Football Camp

    July 21, 2014, 11:43 am
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    Students from City Springs Elementary/Middle School joined roughly 400 children at the Lardarius Webb Football Camp on Saturday July 19th at Towson University.

    Participants spent the day honing their football skills under the expert instruction of Lardarius Webb, former Ravens safety Ed Reed and Penn State safety Adrian Amos. City Springs Educational Associate Donnell Spedden and Coach Tavon McGee accompanied the students on the trip.

    City Springs Principal Rhonda Richetta stopped by to see her students hard at work.

    "You can't imagine what it's like for our students to spend time with Lardarius Webb and Ed Reed," said Principal Richetta.

    The Lardarius Webb Foundation hosts several events each year to raise funds to provide aid to underprivileged children and their families. The primary purpose of the foundation is to keep young men and women off the streets and out of trouble, by giving them the knowledge, confidence, and support to achieve any positive goals they set.

    NSA Marketing organizes several events for the Lardarius Webb Foundation throughout the year. In June, NSA provided 80 discounted tickets for BCP teachers and staff to attend Lardarius Webb's 5th Annual Charity Softball game.

    The football camp was sponsored by Under Armour, Buffalo Wild Wings, Adventure Dental, Vision & Orthodontics, Maryland National Guard, NY Fitness, Office Furniture Loft, I-9 Sports, and Kohls.

    We would like to thank Lardarius Webb, the Lardarius Webb Foundation, and NSA Marketing for making this wonderful opportunity available for our students.

    For more information about the Lardarius Webb Foundation visit: http://lardariuswebb21.com/

    For more information on NSA Marketing visit: http://nsa-marketing.com/
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    BCP Kicks of 2014 Summer Training Institute for New Teachers

    July 28, 2014, 6:55 am
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    This morning BCP Director of Academic Affairs Jon McGill kicked off BCP's 2014 Summer Training Institute for new and returning teachers. Twenty-five teachers from City Springs Elementary/Middle School, Hampstead Hill Academy, and Wolfe Street Academy will participate in the week-long training, which focuses on classroom management. Jon introduced the BCP staff and BCP President Laura Doherty gave a presentation about the BCP Schools.

    Most educators agree that classroom management is one of the biggest challenges facing new teachers. BCP Schools use CHAMPS, a program of Safe & Civil Schools that helps teachers to design (or fine tune) a proactive and positive classroom management plan that will overtly teach students how to behave responsibly.

    Training will be provided by BCP Academic Coaches Brenda Kahn and Marvelyn Johnson and BCP Director of Student Support Services Jeff Krick.

    BCP's Summer Training Institute is part of BCP's comprehensive Professional Development (PD) program, which includes PD Conferences, in-class coaching, and the Novice Teacher Think Tank. For more information about PD at BCP, please contact Larry Schugam at 410-675-7000 x17 or bcpinfo@baltimorecp.org.
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    BCP Participates in Live Baltimore Homebuying Event

    July 28, 2014, 7:48 am
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    BCP was pleased to represent Govans Elementary School at Live Baltimore's City Living Starts Here event on Saturday, July 26th at Govans Presbyterian Church.

    Approximately seventy participants had a chance to take a narrated walking tour of homes in the Belvedere area, speak with trusted real estate professionals and community organizations, and get local perspectives from neighborhood associations and neighbors to help with their homebuying decisions..

    BCP Director of Academic Affairs Jon McGill and BCP Executive Vice President Larry Schugam spoke with numerous families and individuals about the wonderful education Govans Elementary provides for neighborhood children and how the school will continue to serve the neighborhood zone after it becomes a BCP charter school in School Year 15/16.

    The vendor fair included representatives from Baltimore Housing, Belvedere Improvement Association, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty, Buyer's Edge, Healthy Neighborhoods, Lake Evesham Community Association, M&T Bank, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, MECU of Baltimore, PNC Mortgage, Uplands by Bozzuto Homes, and other businesses and organizations.

    We would like to thank Live Baltimore for including Govans Elementary and the Baltimore Curriculum Project in this event.

    For more information about Live Baltimore visit: http://livebaltimore.com/
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    Chessie Jam Supports the Baltimore Curriculum Project

    July 28, 2014, 9:37 am
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    We would like to thank Chessie Jam for supporting the Baltimore Curriculum Project! Enter the promo code BCP when you purchase tickets for the Chessie Jam Children's Music Fest on Saturday Oct 4, 2014 at Pier Six Pavilion and Chessie Jam will donate $5 to the Baltimore Curriculum Project for every ticket purchased.

    Chessie Jam features Biz Markie of Yo Gabba Gabba, Justin Roberts, RECESS MONKEY, Father Goose, Milkshake, and Lalabibi.

    Kids will also enjoy free face painting, photobooths, moonbounce, tie-dying, food and more.

    Purchase tickets at: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/617983?pc=1

    (Don't forget to enter the promo code BCP)
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    BCP Partner NBS is Now Summit Business Technologies

    August 2, 2014, 1:17 am
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     Longtime BCP partner and IT provider NBS has joined together with Light Industries and Network to form a new company, Summit Business Technologies, offering an expanded lineup of technologies and IT expertise to help small and mid-size businesses (SMBs) operate with better efficiency and simplicity. NBS has provided outstanding IT support for BCP for several years and has sponsored Are You Smarter than a BCP 5th Grader? since its inception.

    The new company was developed for the expansion of business technology services, IT consulting and implementation for SMBs across the mid-Atlantic region. It offers clients the strategic convenience and simplicity of having related technology solutions from one reliable resource in the areas of managed IT services, network services and consulting, unified communications, web services, analytics, mobile applications and software development. The new leadership team composed of executives from each of the joining companies will be led by partners Mike Cohn and Gary Grabowski, who have an energizing vision for the newly launched company.

    Summit Business Technologies is a Maryland-based full-service IT consulting firm that helps companies leverage a wide spectrum of technologies to improve business operations. Their solutions provide organizations with a full range of network and cloud capabilities, data security, website services, analytics, mobile and application development, hosted and on premise VoIP phone solutions, video conferencing, technology upgrades and training. Bringing together over 37 years of experience, Summit Business
    Technologies’ foundation is built upon accomplished technology companies in the Greater 
    Baltimore region. For more information, please visit www.summitbiztech.com or call (410) 987-
    5914.
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    Vicky Jennings Presents Workshop on Restorative Practices at City Springs

    August 4, 2014, 11:43 am
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    Vicky Jennings, an Academic Coach at City Springs Elementary/Middle School, presented a workshop today on Restorative Practices at City Springs at The Family League of Baltimore City. This workshop was part of the Family League's 2014 Summer Training Institute for Community School Coordinators.

    Two BCP Schools, City Springs and Hampstead Hill Academy, are recognized as model Restorative Practices schools by Baltimore City Public Schools.

    In 2006 BCP implemented Restorative Practices at City Springs, 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 Restorative Practices implementation.

    There are currently eleven Baltimore City Schools implementing Restorative Practices, with more on the way.

    Read more about Restorative Practices at: www.safersanerschools.org


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    BCP Schools Take Top Honors in Baltimore Urban Debate League

    August 8, 2014, 11:46 am
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    City Springs Debaters tngaged in
    a mock debate at the Baltimore Education
    Coalition's 2014 Gubernatorial Forum on
    Education in Baltimore City

    Once again City Springs Elementary/Middle School and Hampstead Hill Academy have taken top honors in the Baltimore Urban Debate League (BUDL)!

    The BUDL Championship Trophy has moved from City Springs EMS, which took first place in the overall 2012-2013 season, to Hampstead Hill Academy, which took first place this past season.

    City Springs Principal Rhonda Richetta remarked that she was sad to see the trophy go, but glad it was moving to another BCP school.

    As no small consolation the Coach of the Year of the Trophy, which was awarded to Megan Miskowski in May, now resides at City Springs. Megan and Gerald Loiacono coach the City Springs Debate Team.

    In March City Springs Debaters were featured in the Baltimore Education Coalition's 2014 Gubernatorial Forum on Education in Baltimore City. Devin Bradford, Mashae Green, and Ronald Wingate engaged in a mock debate on education issues.

    View a video of the mock debate at: http://bitly.com/csdebate2014

    Congratulations to all of the students on their outstanding achievement. Thank you to BUDL for supporting our students!

    The complete BUDL results for City Springs and HHA are below:

    CITY SPRINGS ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL RESULTSCoach of the Year - Megan Miskowski, City Springs EMS

    2014 Championship


    Elementary Speaker
    2nd - Ronald Wingate


    Elementary Team
    2nd - Ronald Wingate and Devin Bradford (undefeated)


    Middle School Speaker
    1st - Kaye Marie Lumayog
    10th - Chelsea Gilmer


    Middle School Team 
    3rd - Darren Meredith and Kaye Marie Lumayog
    5th - Chelsea Gilmer and Mashae Green


    Overall 2013-2014 Season AwardsElementary Speaker
    7th - Devin Bradford
    9th - Ronald Wingate

    Elementary Team
    7th - Devin Bradford and Ronald Wingate


    Middle School Novice Division Speaker
    6th - Keyshawn Debose

    Middle School Novice Division Team
    3rd - Chelsea Gilmer and Mashae Green
    5th - Daijaine Stewart and Keyshawn Debose

    Middle School Varsity Division Speaker
    1st - Mashae Green7th - Chelsea Gilmer9th - Kaye Marie Lumayog10th - Jordin Matthews

    Middle School Varsity Division Team
    6th - Kaye Marie Lumayog and Jordin Matthews

    2013-2014 Season School Results
    1st - Hampstead Hill Academy 2nd - Green School of Baltimore3rd - Francis Scott Key EMS4th - City Springs EMS5th - AFYA Public Charter School

    HAMPSTEAD HILL ACADEMY RESULTSOverall 2013-14 Season
    1st Place
    Elementary Teams
    3rd: Madiba Burks Magara and Tuleh Jennings5th: Bianca Storto and Alden EdwardsElementary Individuals4th: Madiba Burks Magara10th: Bianca StortoMiddle School Teams
    2nd: Aaron Sutton and Sara Florez
    6th: Cindy Ibarra and Anthony Sanchez
    Middle School Individuals
    5th: Aaron Sutton
    8th: Sara Florez
    9th: Cindy Ibarra
    About BUDLThe Baltimore Urban Debate League is dedicated to improving educational and life outcomes for disadvantaged students in Baltimore’s under resourced public schools. By creating learning opportunities through competitive debate and professional development with teachers to bring the benefits of debate inside the city’s classrooms, we support and inform the educational reform and revitalization efforts now underway in our district. Through the motivation and thrill of competitive debate we improve self esteem, increase academic achievement, improve graduation rates and access to higher education. For young people of promise, for their schools and their communities, we provide a new vision, hope and opportunity.In May BUDL was recognized as the 2014 National Urban Debate League of the Year.

    For more information visit: http://budl.org/
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    Door-Knocking Day in City Springs Neighborhoods

    September 1, 2014, 10:41 am
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    City Springs EMS Principal Rhonda Richetta (right) talks about
    the new Every Student, Every Day! Attendance Initiative


    On Friday, August 15th City Springs Elementary/Middle School and Child First Authority held a Door-Knocking Event in the Perkins Homes and Douglass Homes communities.

    Over 35 staff members from City Springs, Child First and the Baltimore Curriculum Project canvassed the neighborhood to remind families that school started on August 18th, a week before other City Schools. City Springs adopted a modified schedule a few years ago, which allows for extra instruction during intersessions and reduces summer learning loss.

    Families were very receptive to the visits and many expressed their fondness for the teachers at City Springs.

    "At one point we stumbled upon a group of City Springs families having a picnic outside the Douglass Homes Learning Lab," said BCP Executive VP Larry Schugam.

    "One of the grandmas asked us to tell City Springs Paraeducator Kyle Garrison how much they appreciate his support for the community. She said that every day this summer he played basketball with the kids in Douglass Homes."

    The door-knocking event, which was organized by Principal Rhonda Richetta and Child First Community School Coordinator Abby Baldwin, launched the school's new "Every Student, Every Day!" attendance initiative.

    As part of this effort to have every child, every day in school, staff members will make home visits when students are absent. The school will help parents who are having difficulty getting their children to school every day.

    Principal Richetta and Abby Baldwin will actively solicit input from parents on the best ways to communicate the importance of regular attendance to all families. In order to further engage parents in the initiative, Principal Richetta will make herself available to chat with parents every Friday morning.

    "We believe that we can teach all children, but we cannot teach them if they are not in school," said Principal Richetta.
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    City Springs Community Athletic Complex: A Dream Fulfilled

    September 14, 2014, 6:23 am
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    A dream that has been seven years in-the-making will be fulfilled this fall with the grand opening of the City Spring Community Athletic Complex.

    The dream 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 (formerly 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 this design in hand, Living Classrooms took the lead to meet with Recreation 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
    After City Springs Field opened in 2011, the school and BCP turned their attention to developing 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 2011.

    In the park next to City Springs School the swing set still had no swings; the basketball courts still had only one basket; and the concrete was still broken. As Principal Richetta gazed at the park, all she saw was potential.

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

    A Stroke of Luck/Fate?
    On December 28, 2011 Larry Schugam sent out a press release describing the unfulfilled vision of a City Springs Community Athletic Complex.

    It was a slow news day and Liz Bowie at The Baltimore Sun picked up the story. She interviewed Schugam and Principal Richetta and published an article that set off a miraculous chain of events.

    A week after the Sun published the story, Maryland State Senator Nathaniel McFadden called Principal Richetta and told her that he had a $50,000 donation for the athletic complex from an anonymous donor. He just needed to know who to make the check out to.

    Senator McFadden credited long-time community activist Irona Pope with motivating him to support the project.

    “Ms. Pope worked tirelessly to empower the families of East Baltimore,” said Senator McFadden.

    “Before she passed in 2009, she told me to take care of City Springs School. When I read Liz Bowie’s article about City Springs in The Sun a few weeks ago, her words came back to me.”

    Ms. Pope worked for Baltimore City Public Schools for 36 years - 34 as a parent liaison. She was one of six parents who found the money and lobbied to build City Springs EMS. Her many accomplishments included helping 44 people move out of Perkins Homes Public Housing and into their own homes; working with residents to found a food co-op; and running a weekly peer mediation group for City Springs students.

    City Schools Supports Project
    Inspired by the unexpected donation, Principal Richetta and BCP redoubled their efforts to make the athletic complex a reality.

    At the January 2012 Baltimore City School Board meeting Principal Richetta, BCP Founder Muriel Berkeley, and BCP Director of Academic Affairs Jon McGill announced the news of the $50,000 donation and the plans to build the athletic complex.

    Former CEO Andres Alonso responded that the school and BCP should not have to complete the project by themselves and committed support from City Schools.

    Principal Richetta and BCP assembled a new planning team with Anirban Basu, Michael Beatty, Muriel Berkeley, Laura Doherty, Joe Ehrmann, Senator Bill Ferguson, Andy Frankel, Sarah Landon, Blaine Lipski, Jon Manekin, Senator Nathaniel McFadden, Jon McGill, Heather Mitchell, and Michael Ricketts.

    Blaine Lipski spearheaded the efforts around design and construction.

    “We couldn’t have done this without Blaine and the support of City Schools,” said Principal Richetta.
    City Springs hired fundraising consultant Vince Connelly to conduct a capital campaign feasibility study. After identifying potential donors, the team set to work raising money.

    “Our collective efforts have brought a much needed resource to the City Springs community, which will promote better health and increase the sense of community for surrounding residents,” said BCP President Laura Doherty.

    Legg Mason Supports Project
    On March 28, 2013 Legg Mason hosted a fundraiser at the Legg Mason Tower in Harbor East to support the athletic complex.

    Featured speakers included U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Coach for America Founder Joe Ehrmann, Legg Mason CEO Joe Sullivan, and City Springs students Ronald Wingate and Breyana Wade. WMAR-TV sports anchor Keith Mills served as MC.

    Attendees also enjoyed a performance by the City Springs Steppers and the premier of a video about the City Springs Community Athletic Complex.

    The video, which was produced by Principal Richetta, Andrew DeVos, and Sonya Hughes, can be viewed at
    http://bitly.com/csathleticsvideo1

    Legg Mason provided $5,000 in underwriting for the event and an additional $10,000 grant to support the athletic complex. Auburn Bell, Joe Sullivan, Jen Byers, Kristin Kosmides, Kelly Spilman, Mark Fetting. and Georgie Smith were integral to making this event possible.

    Legg Mason has been a faithful partner with BCP for over eight years. Last school year they provided a $30,000 grant for the BCP schools and sponsored student trips to the BSO, the Hippodrome, and Junior Achievement’s BizTown.

    State and NFL Grants for Project
    August 2013 was a great month for the project. The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program awarded BCP a $200,000 field grant and the Maryland General Assembly awarded BCP a $55,000 grant.
    Senator Bill Ferguson, Delegate Luke Clippinger, Delegate Peter A. Hammen, and Delegate Brian K. McHale sponsored the State grant.

    The Baltimore Ravens supported the grant from the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, a partnership between the National Football League Foundation, which provides funding for the Program, and LISC, which provides technical assistance and manages the Program.
    Special thanks to Ray Herman, Development Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University, for volunteering to help write the NFL grant application.

    The Day is Almost Here!
    The grand opening of the City Springs Athletic Complex will take place on September 15th at 11:00am. Special guests will include Ravens President Dick Cass, Poe, and a variety of local officials.

    Thank You
    We would like to thank everyone who supported the project:
    Andres Alonso, Kevin Atkinson, Baltimore Ravens, Anirban Basu, Beatty Development Group, Michael Beatty, Auburn Bell, Stephanie Beran, Muriel Berkeley, Giovanna Blatterman, Liz Bowie, Jennifer Byers, Glenn Campbell and Ms. Melissa Dowling, Michael Carter, Dick Cass, Congressional Bank, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Heather Darney, Andrew DeVos, Chris Doherty, Laura Doherty, Tisha Edwards, Barney Ehrmann, Joe Ehrmann, Matthew Facchine, Senator Bill Ferguson, Mark Fetting, Kwame Flaherty, Andy Frank, Ryan Galloway, Sharon Bailey and Jay Gede, Josie Giorgilli, Michelle Gordon, John Gress, Sharone Henderson, George and Betsy Hess, Richard and Margaret Conn Himelfarb, Stephen J. Homza, Talib Horne, Sonya Hughes, Nadine Jackson, Kristin Kosmides, Councilman Jim Kraft, Kevin and Nancy Lanagan, Sarah Landon, Joe and Megan LaRocque, Legg Mason, Blaine Lipski, LISC, Little Italy Bocce Rollers Association of Baltimore, Al Maddox Jr., Jon Manekin, Larry Matlack, Rachel Y. Mazyck, Senator Nathaniel McFadden, Erin McVay, Jon McGill, Thomas C. Merchant, Keith Mills, Heather Mitchell, Nationwide Professional Services, NFL Foundation, Michael and Cristina Niccolini, Dave Pennington, Anne Perkins, Alison Perkins-Cohen, H. Canfield Pitts, Brian Pope, Irona Pope, Lucy Price, Principal Rhonda L. Richetta, Michael Ricketts, Santoni’s, Larry Schugam, Kinji Scott, Beverly Smith, Kelly Spilman, Starbucks, Jeanette Stewart, Joseph A. and Suzanne E. Sullivan, T. R. Klein & Company, Lindsay Thompson, Time Printers, Gary Tuggle, Geoffrey Ultsch, United Way of Central Maryland, Tom Valente, Venable Foundation, The Verve Partnership, Thiru Vignarajah, Breyana Wade, and Ronald Windgate.

    A dream fulfilled...
    I cannot stop smiling when I look at our beautiful athletic complex, especially when it has kids playing on it,” said Principal Richetta.

    “It is worth far more than every minute of time and every dollar that was spent to make it happen.  Our kids are ecstatic!  They deserve a place like this.  The purple turf exemplifies their specialness, and for the City Springs’ community, purple is not a color it’s an attitude.  As of late, my attitude is one of extreme gratitude for all the people who came together to make this dream a reality.  I hope those who contributed in any way are aware of how much joy they have brought to a community, and the difference it will make in so many lives.”
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    B-More Engaged Volunteers Help Govans Elementary

    September 26, 2014, 7:53 pm
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    A dedicated group of volunteers from B-More Engaged helped Govans Elementary get ready for the new school year by painting classrooms on Saturday August 2nd.

    B-More Engaged is a young professional volunteer group that brings together eager volunteers in the Baltimore area with a variety of non-profits. The group originated in August 2011 and has about 650 volunteers

    "We are young professionals looking to give back to our city!" said Jennifer Le, Event Organizer for B-More Engaged.

    We would like to thank Jennifer for helping to schedule the event and all of the volunteers who participated: Craig (Founder of B-More Engaged and the Event Host), Courtney, Laurie, Stacey, Farah, Becky, Joan, Jose, Lee, Jessica, and Aidan.

    For more information about B-More Engaged visit: http://www.meetup.com/B-More-Engaged
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