 With the first day of school right around the corner, we must make sure all of our children will “Be Ready, Be There, and Stay There!” I believe an education system that provides opportunities for every child is the foundation of a growing city. That system must also implement safe options for transportation for all our kids to travel to and from school. If we want our children to succeed in school, our first priority must be to make sure they can get there quickly and safely.
That’s why this week I was proud to announce our Safe Routes to School program. This initiative provides pre-defined, foot-printed routes that—combined with improved traffic safety measures and infrastructure—will help our kids get to school on time and ready to learn! This strategic approach to improving our sidewalks and crosswalks will also make our streets safer for pedestrians of all ages, all year long to engage in physical activity, including walking and biking. This multi-agency initiative is just one example of how we are working together to grow Baltimore City Public Schools and build a stronger future for all of Baltimore’s students.
Earlier this week, I held my second community education forum with Baltimore City Public School System CEO Dr. Gregory Thornton to discuss how we can continue to improve Baltimore City schools for our children. I've been so pleased with the success of all the community forums we have held this year—this month's education forums, as well as the public safety forums and youth forums we held previously. Our frank discussion with community members gave residents an important opportunity to voice their comments about Baltimore City's schools ways to enhance the learning experience for Baltimore City youth directly to Dr. Gregory and myself.
One topic that came up during the forums was workforce development. While, we encourage our youth to pursue higher education after graduating high school, we must do all we can to make sure they are ready to enter the workforce as well. The Baltimore City Mayoral Fellows program is one program that is doing just that. College students who apply and are selected as mayoral fellows are placed in agencies based on their background and interests, as well as the needs of the agencies and departments. Fellows are assigned projects that focus on innumerable public policy issues and challenges. They complete these projects under the direction of senior-level government officials, who provide the fellows with immediate and direct feedback.
On Thursday, I had the pleasure of meeting with the 2014 Mayoral Fellows cohort for their final presentations. I was so impressed with the work these young professionals accomplished over the course of the summer. It is an inspiration to see the next generation of public service leaders in action, and to experience their eagerness to give back to their communities.
I believe it really does take a village to raise a child. My administration will stay committed to working with our communities and engaging in productive discussion with Baltimore's youth and their families. There is more work to be done, but together we can create an environment where Baltimore’s students can learn, thrive, and grow.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor’s Office and be a part of the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.
 Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Mayor Rawlings-Blake pilots a custom-built mechanical alley sweeper. This sweeper is one in a fleet of new alley sweepers that will be used to reduce trash and pollutants in alleyways in a number of Baltimore City neighborhoods. Photo by Mark Dennis.
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First Day of School
Baltimore City students return to school on August 25, 2014. For more information, visit the Baltimore City Public School System at www.baltimorecityschools.org.
New Student Vaccine Requirements
Parents and guardians of students entering kindergarten or 7th grade in Maryland should familiarize themselves with the state's new vaccination requirements. Kindergarten students now require two doses of Varicella vaccine. 7th grade students now require a single dose of Tdap vaccine and a single dose of Meningococcal vaccine. Visit with your child's healthcare provider to find out if your child is up-to-date. If your child does not have a healthcare provider, please call the Immunization Program at the Baltimore City Health Department for more information or an appointment, at 410-396-4454.
Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Award Nominations
Mayor Rawlings-Blake and the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission are accepting nominations for the 2014 Mayor’s Hispanic Heritage Awards, which honors Baltimore City residents who have made outstanding contributions toward improving the quality of life for Baltimore's Hispanic community. Award winners will be invited to join the mayor at a special 8th annual Hispanic Heritage Month reception. Nominations must be received by September 10. To submit your nomination or for more information, visit mayor.baltimorecity.gov/HHMAward or contact Catalina Rodriguez-Lima at 410-396-8056 or catalina.rodriguez-lima@baltimorecity.gov.
Fort! Flag! Fire!
Throughout August
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort! Flag! Fire! combines the three most engaging ways to experience historic Fort McHenry. Celebrate the 200th anniversary of our national anthem at its birthplace, with daily programs including tours, hoisting the grand flag over the ramparts, and firing of the fort’s cannons. In addition to exciting ranger programs, living history actors are on duty every day, dressed in the uniforms of the soldiers, sailors, and civilians of the War of 1812. For more information, visit baltimore.org/info/fort-flag-fire.
Dive-In Movies
Fridays through August 29, 8:00 pm
Druid Hill Park Pool
Relax poolside or take a dip while enjoying your favorite family-friendly films! Admission is $5 per person. To view a list of scheduled movies or for more information, visit bcrp.baltimorecity.gov.
Hollins-Roundhouse Back to School Festival
Saturday, August 23, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
James McHenry Elementary, 31 S. Schroeder Street
Join the residents of Hollins Market and the surrounding communities for a spectacular back to school festival and resource fair. Visit more than 30 resource points, including the Hopkins CARES Safety Van and 211 Maryland. Get information about workforce development, record expungement, energy assistance, and much more!
Plants & People Sunday: Science Demonstration
Sunday, August 24, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park
Explore the science behind the plants with Dr. Stone! Bring your curiosity to the conservatory, and discover the interconnection between plants and people in our everyday world. This month's theme is Investigating Insects. For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.
Horseshoe Baltimore Grand Opening
Tuesday, August 26
Horseshoe Baltimore, 1525 Russell Street
A legend is born as the new full-service Horseshoe Casino in Downtown Baltimore opens its doors to the public. Horseshoe Baltimore has a game for every player and something tasty for every palate. For more information about Horseshoe Baltimore or the grand opening, visit baltimore.org/horseshoe.
Expungement Rights Presentation
Friday, August 29, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Eastside One-Stop Career Center, 3001 E. Madison Street
If you have a criminal record, bring your lunch and join us to learn about your expungement rights! Gain first-hand knowledge about the expungement process from the Homeless Persons Representation Project. Limited seating is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, or to RSVP, call 410-396-9030.
Plants & People Sunday: Conservatory Tours
Sunday, August 31, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Rawlings Conservatory, Druid Hill Park
Join Baltimore City Recreation and Parks for a free guided tour of the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. A Baltimore treasure, the conservatory is one of the most historically important park structures in America! For more information, visit www.rawlingsconservatory.org.
Go Orange Day
Thursday, September 4
On Go Orange Day, show that you care about the issue of hunger by wearing the official color of hunger awareness and action. Share your Go Orange Day photos with the Maryland Food Bank by using #BeAVoiceMFB on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit www.mdfoodbank.org/hunger-action-month to find creative ways to engage and take action against hunger.
Do Something for our Community
Wednesday, September 10, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Humanim, 1701 N. Gay Street
Come mingle with other civic-minded individuals and talk to local nonprofit organizations about how your time, talent, and energy can directly impact a cause you care about. $10 admission includes beer, wine, and light fare. To register, visit dosomethingseptember10.eventbrite.com. Admission is limited, so get your tickets today! For more information, call 410-366-6030 or email events@businessvolunteersmd.org.
Rising Star Golf Tournament
Friday, September 12, 8:00 am (registration at 7:00 am)
Pine Ridge Golf Course, 2101 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville
Resident Services, Inc. presents its 3rd annual Rising Star Golf Tournament. This fundraising event featuring four-person captain’s choice teams, benefits The Rising Star Scholarship Fund to provide college assistance for gifted and talented Baltimore City youth. For more information on how you can contribute or participate, contact Karen Kopp or John McDonald at 443-984-1896 or email risingstar@rsinc.org.
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