Congrats to the Class of 2026! Here are two ways you can celebrate graduating seniors: write a sweet message on our Graduation Celebrations Wall or view the online Graduate Spotlight Gallery. Learn more here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/graduations.

Get ready for the Class of 2026 Field Day! Join us for an afternoon filled with food, fun, games, music, and unforgettable memories as we celebrate our senior class together.
📅 Tuesday, May 26
📍 Western High School
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This event is for seniors who have paid for the Field Day event.
For questions, please contact Mrs. Rogers or Ms. Samuel (Ms. Sam) in the Main Office at
(410) 396-7040.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎓✨

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.
Honoring the Class of 2026
Senior Farewell is more than an event—it is a moment where we celebrate who our Doves have become and send them forward with confidence, purpose, and the unwavering belief that they are prepared to lead and excel beyond Western.
Together as a school community we recognize their journey, achievements, and bright futures ahead. Let us send off our Seniors with pride and inspiration.
📅 Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Unfortunately, due to space limitations and the nature of this school-wide event, we are unable to extend invitations to parents/guardians.
Please know that this decision does not diminish the tremendous role you have played in your scholar’s journey. Your love, encouragement, sacrifices, and unwavering support have helped shape and guide them to this important milestone. We are deeply grateful for all that you have done throughout the years to uplift and support your scholar along the way.
Thank you for being such an important part of their success and achievement.

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.

VOTE NOW: ASCBC and Student Commissioner elections are May 18-21! Middle and high school students around the city will have the opportunity to elect student leaders to represent them for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more about the candidates and election process on the ASCBC website: https://bit.ly/ASCBCElection. In addition, applications for non-elected positions are open until May 29. Learn more or apply: https://baltcityschools.org/ASCBCAppointed26.

REMINDER: Will you be a middle or high school student athlete in 2026-27? 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.

This is a friendly reminder about this evenings Western High School Final Design Update Community Meeting.
We will be sharing important updates on the project, reviewing key milestones, and providing space for questions and open discussion with our community.
Meeting Details:
📅 Date: May 12, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Western High School Cafeteria
We encourage you to attend and stay informed as we move forward with this important work. Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Kind regards,

5/7/2026
Dear Poly/Western Community families,
When incidents occur that impact the health and safety of our students, we will always work to
keep you informed. I wanted you to hear directly from me about an incident that happened at
school today.
Out of an abundance of caution, both campuses entered into lockdown in response to a report
of a threat against a school with a similar name in Baltimore County.
At no point were students or staff at our campuses in danger. We followed all safety protocols
and returned to regular school activities once School Police indicated that it was safe to do.
We work daily to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. Please talk with your student
about the importance of safety drills to prepare for emergencies.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the school at
410-396-7026 (POLY) or 410-396-7040 (WESTERN)
Thank you for your support of our school community.
Sincerely,
Mark T. Sawyer
Principal Principal
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute Western High School
Brittany Horne
Principal Principal
Western High School

The Board of School Commissioners has approved the district's $1.95 billion fiscal year budget for the 2026-27 school year during the public Board meeting on Tuesday, May 5. The budget details funds which will cover needs surrounding student wholeness, literacy, leadership, equity, and district office structure. The budget will next be presented to the Baltimore City Council. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2869949.

Will you be a middle or high school student athlete in 2026-27? Register for a free sports physical and more at the Under Armour Student Athlete Celebration on Saturday, June 6. High school students register from April 27 to May 8. Middle school students register starting May 11. Learn more and register here: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2865498.

HAPPENING TOMORROW: City Schools will host its fourth annual Student Film Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Parkway Theatre. Tickets are FREE. Support student filmmakers as they share their work in this annual celebration of visual storytelling. Get tickets and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2839497.

City Schools will host its fourth annual Student Film Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2 – 4 p.m. at the Parkway Theatre. Tickets are FREE. Support student filmmakers as they share their work in this annual celebration of visual storytelling. Get tickets and learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2839497.

Please note that MCAP testing days are full school days, and all students are expected to remain in school for the entire day.
Absences during 3rd and 4th periods will not be excused due to early dismissal unless the school receives verifiable, lawful documentation (such as a medical or court document). Parent notes or emails will not be accepted as valid documentation.
All required documentation must be submitted to the main office on the following school day.
Students who leave school without a scheduled, verifiable appointment will be marked unexcused. This may negatively impact their attendance rate and could result in ineligibility to attend Revel.
We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring students remain in school for the full day and approach this important assessment with the seriousness it deserves.
Regards,
Western High School Leadership Team

**Ninth Grade Student/Parent Articulation**
📅 **Saturday, April 25**
⏰ **10:00 AM – 1:00 PM**
🕘 Registration begins at 9:00 AM
🔗 **Registration Link:**
https://forms.gle/mdaoBU7g48Ui2yLT9
Welcome to Western High School!
Your four years with us will be a rewarding educational experience filled with new friendships, opportunities, and growth.
To support a smooth transition, we will hold our **Ninth Grade Parent/Student Articulation**. **Attendance is mandatory**, and students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
* **Students** will complete a placement test
* **Parents/Guardians** will attend information sessions and finalize registration & enrollment
Families will also receive:
* Summer reading assignments
* Summer Bridge program details
📄 Please Bring Copies of the Following:
* Acceptance Letter
* Parent/Guardian Photo ID
* Birth Certificate (or official document showing birthdate)
* Updated Immunization Records
* Proof of Physical Examination
* Most Recent Report Card
🏠
*Two Proofs of Residence (dated within the last 30 days):
* Utility bill (gas, electric, water, cable, landline)
* Rent receipt
* Mortgage statement
* Pay stub
* Bank statement
* Social Security or Social Services letter
* Lease agreement
Merchandise will be available for purchase. (Click Image for Price List)
We look forward to welcoming you to
Western High School—**Only the Best!**

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Join the Board of School Commissioners for a deep conversation about what matters to you. On April 22, at the Central Office from 4-6 p.m., the Board will host an in-person/virtual forum where students can speak directly with the Board about policy reform, personal school experiences, school safety, and much more. Food will be provided. Interpretation services are available upon request. Please register today using this form: https://baltcityschools.org/StudentBoardForum26.


HAPPENING TODAY: The Baltimore City Board of Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, to consider approving the appointment and employment contract for the new Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools. The meeting will take place in the Board Room at the district headquarters, 200 E. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202. A livestream of the meeting will be available at: https://bit.ly/CitySchoolsCEOBoardVote. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2827500.

HAPPENING TODAY: The Baltimore City Board of Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, to consider approving the appointment and employment contract for the new Chief Executive Officer of Baltimore City Public Schools. The meeting will take place in the Board Room at the district headquarters, 200 E. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202. A livestream of the meeting will be available at: https://bit.ly/CitySchoolsCEOBoardVote. Learn more: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/article/2827500.

Earlier today around 1:15 PM, school staff received a report that a student may have made a concerning statement. As a precaution, we briefly placed the school in lockdown while staff located the student.
The situation was resolved very quickly—lasting less than one minute. The student was found promptly, and Baltimore City School Police along with our mental health team assessed the situation. At this time, there is no credible or ongoing threat to our school community.
The lockdown has been lifted, and the school day has continued as normal. All students and staff are safe.
We appreciate our students for speaking up and our staff for responding quickly to ensure everyone’s safety. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school at (410) 396-7040.
Sincerely,
Western High School Leadership Team

