We want to inform you about an incident that occurred at school today that required us to temporarily evacuate the building at about 2:40pm.
An unsafe/unusual odor was detected in the gym locker room, and out of an abundance of caution, we immediately evacuated the building and contacted emergency services to assess the situation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The fire department arrived and, upon investigation, determined that one of the newly installed light bulbs had burned out. They explained that these particular bulbs can occasionally produce an unusual odor when they burn out.
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and calm response during the evacuation. For the first day of school, our students were absolutely amazing, and we are so proud of them.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our school community. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
This year, our school academic goal is concise, yet ambitious: every single student will demonstrate at least 1.3 years of academic growth in both ELA and Math. Our team will meet this standard by providing instruction that is data-driven, flexible, responsive, and student-centered. We are dedicated to holding high expectations for every child entering our doors.
Our instructional focus for the year are as follows:
--Improving achievement outcomes specifically for our students with disabilities and our English Language Development (ELD) cohort through tailored scaffolding and inclusive practices.
--Strengthening core learning through daily small-group instruction and personalized learning so every student receives the exact intervention or acceleration they need.
--Continuing the work we began last year with The Writing Revolution to ensure meaningful writing practice occurs across every content area so students learn to articulate complex thinking in science, social studies, math, and the arts.
Equal to our academic vision is our core climate and culture goal: ensuring every student and family genuinely feels they belong in our school community. Belonging doesn’t just happen; Every member of our community has to intentionally work every day to ensure we are building connections. We are building connection through various strategies, including:
--Continued emphasis on FSK’s Core Values
--Continued morning meetings, advisory circles, and monthly town halls ensuring every student is given space to share their voice.
--Monthly Admin Chats (virtual) to listen to family feedback and celebrate student progress outside of formal conferences.
--Ensuring our physical spaces reflect the rich, diverse backgrounds of the families we serve.
--Ensuring every single student on campus has at least one trusting adult looking out for them.
When students feel seen, valued, and secure, and when families feel connected to the school, academic growth naturally follows. When we say ‘We Are FSK’, it is our goal that every student knows that means THEY are FSK!
Let’s have an amazing year, on purpose! We'll see you soon.
Tenerra McFadden, Principal
Want to be heard? CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson is hosting a Listening Tour to connect with students, families, staff, and community members. Please register and we can't wait to see you there: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3073091
New dates! CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson is hosting a Listening Tour to connect with students, families, staff, and community members. Please register and we can't wait to see you there: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3073091
Just two weeks until the first day of school! City Schools created a list of free back-to-school supply events on our Facebook Community Resource Page. Join the group to check it out! https://www.facebook.com/groups/cityschoolscommunityresources
TONIGHT: CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson will host a listening session at Poly! In alignment with his first 100-Day Entry Plan, Dr. Dawson is hosting a First 100 Days Listening Tour to connect with school communities. Students, families, staff, and community members of all ages are invited to attend and share their experiences, ideas, and priorities for the future of City Schools. Register and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3039641.
THIS WEEK: CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson visits Poly for the second listening tour event! In alignment with his first 100-Day Entry Plan, Dr. Dawson is hosting a First 100 Days Listening Tour to connect with school communities. Students, families, staff, and community members of all ages are invited to attend and share their experiences, ideas, and priorities for the future of City Schools. Register and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3039641.
I hope you all are having an amazing summer! We are creeping closer to the first day of school! Linked in this message is our Welcome Back Letter for SY26-27. The letter includes vital information and links to school supply lists, uniform information, grading policy, etc.
Welcome Back Letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PUWOgYmEerKadwoKtbRfivnXzeOJFSKN/view?usp=sharing
Welcome Back Letter (Spanish): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qe9oIifIq16BfNiAUa9Hsxx3TYh2GYya/view?usp=sharing
Also, not sure if you saw the Banner Article about City Schools MCAP growth. The article highlights FSK's growth in MCAP scores in grades 3-5 for both ELA and Math! Shout out to Ms. Farcosky, Ms. McKenna, Ms. Barton, Ms. Gauthier, Ms. Harris, and Mr. Mutolo for building on the foundation set by our PreK-2 teachers and pushing our kiddos to proficiency and beyond!
Here is the link to the article:
https://www.thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/baltimore-city-mcap-results-2026-O4WJL6EOUJFPXI2ZKWLGRTFNEY/?bis=article-action-link
Have a great day, on purpose!
TOMORROW: City Schools' CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson will host the first of six listening tour events! In alignment with his first 100-Day Entry Plan, Dr. Dawson is hosting a First 100 Days Listening Tour to connect with school communities. Students, families, staff, and community members of all ages are invited to attend and share their experiences, ideas, and priorities for the future of City Schools. Register and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3039641.
City Schools' CEO Dr. Jermaine Dawson wants to hear from you! In alignment with his first 100-Day Entry Plan, Dr. Dawson is hosting a First 100 Days Listening Tour to connect with school communities. Students, families, staff, and community members of all ages are invited to attend and share their experiences, ideas, and priorities for the future of City Schools. Register and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3039641.
Join us for a FREE summer meal. City Schools students ages 18 and younger can stop by for free breakfast and lunch from the Str/EATs Cafe Food Truck located at the district's Central Office (200 E. North Ave.). Eat breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., or lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Str/EATs Cafe will continue serving at Central Office through July 30, Mondays through Thursdays.
Learn more about summer meals here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/summer-resources.
Join us on Tuesday, July 7, for a FREE summer meal. City Schools students ages 18 and younger can stop by for free breakfast and lunch from the Str/EATs Cafe Food Truck located at the district's Central Office (200 E. North Ave.). Eat breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., or lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Str/EATs Cafe will continue serving at Central Office through July 30, Mondays through Thursdays.
Learn more about summer meals here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/summer-resources.
Welcome, Dr. Jermaine Dawson, the new CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools! On his first official day as CEO, Dr. Dawson shares a message with the City Schools community on the journey ahead and his commitment to ensuring every student is career ready, future ready, and world ready. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/3017041.
We are less than 24 hours away from our Closing Ceremony! Please review the information below so everyone is aware of the logistics for tomorrow:
1. The ceremony will take place at Digital Harbor High School. Please review the attached flyer for address and entry information. We will enter at the COVINGTON Street entrance. If you need handicap access to Digital you must make prior arrangements as the elevator is broken and you will need to enter through a different entrance of the building.
2. Students report to Digital Harbor tomorrow morning.DO NOT REPORT TO FSK! Students MUST arrive at Digital Harbor BY 9:15 to line up.
3. ALL GUESTS MUST HAVE A TICKET. If you do not have a physical ticket, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO THE CEREMONY. Please let your guests know they must have an actual ticket in order to enter. Each student received 4 tickets. All guests will be signed in. Children who are able to sit on an adult's lap do not need a ticket. No balloons, food, or drinks are allowed in the auditorium. You will need to leave these items in your vehicle.
4. We will begin seating at 9:30 AM and we will pause entry at 9:55 am for the processional. Please alert your guests to make sure they are at the venue before 9:55 or they will not be seated until AFTER the students have entered the auditorium.
5. Closing starts promptly at 10 AM!! We cannot hold the line for students/families who are late.
Please reach out to the 8th grade team if you have any questions:
Mrs. Brelsford: kbrelsford@bcps.k12.md.us
Ms. Delaney: lbdelaney@bcps.k12.md.us
Ms. Jones: kejones@bcps.k12.md.us
See you tomorrow!!
As we approach the final days of the school year, excitement is certainly building among our students. While we want these last weeks to be enjoyable and memorable, it is also important that we continue following school expectations and policies to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for everyone.
We ask for your support in reinforcing the following expectations with your child:
--Cell phones and electronic devices are not permitted during the school day. Headphones and earbuds should be put away unless they are being used as part of a classroom assignment.
--Students are expected to be in their assigned class during each class period. Students skipping class or joining classes they are not assigned to creates significant safety concerns, especially when classes are outside of the building.
Grades will close during the week of June 8, and there is still important teaching and learning taking place every day.
We greatly appreciate your partnership and cooperation as we work together to make the final days of school positive, safe, and successful for all students.
Thank you for your continued support- 12.5 more days!
Middle and high school students: ASCBC & Student Commissioner election voting is happening now and has been extended until Friday, May 22, at 11:59 p.m. Make your voice count by voting for the student leaders who will represent Baltimore City Public Schools. Learn more about the candidates and election process on the ASCBC website: https://bit.ly/ASCBCElection. Cast your vote here: https://baltcityschools.org/ASCBCVote26.
In addition, applications for non-elected positions are open until May 29. Learn more or apply: https://baltcityschools.org/ASCBCAppointed26.
LAST CHANCE: Register for a free sports physical and more at the Under Armour Student Athlete Celebration on Saturday, June 6. Learn more and register here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2865498.
