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
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.
City Schools presented the district's proposed $1.9 billion budget for the 2026-27 school year to the Board of School Commissioners during the public Board meeting on Wednesday, April 8. The budget details funds which will cover needs surrounding student wholeness, literacy, leadership, equity, and district office structure. The Board will review the budget book in preparation for a final vote on May 5, 2026. View the SY 2026-27 proposed budget book: https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/page/budget.
Greetings, and I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to provide clear and consistent information regarding senior fees and activities, as we recognize that previous communications may have caused confusion.
The Senior Fee is $125. This required fee supports the cost of core senior experiences, including:
Senior Sunrise
Senior Inauguration
Senior Farewell Activities
Senior Banquet
Graduation-related expenses
Other essential senior events
This fee ensures that all students can participate in these important milestone experiences during their senior year.
Please note that any additional senior packages or optional items (if offered) may include extra activities, apparel, or experiences. These are separate from the required $125 graduation fee and are not included unless specifically selected.
We acknowledge that there have been inconsistencies across email communication, Canvas, and previously shared documents, and we sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
To ensure clarity moving forward:
The official and final senior fee is $125
The deadline has been extended to May 1
All future communication regarding senior activities will come directly from the principal’s office
If you have any questions or need assistance with payment, please contact Ms. Rogers at JPalmore@bcps.k12.md.us.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to ensure a smooth and memorable senior experience for our students.
Sincerely,
Principal Baugh
Letter from the Principals Desk:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zHxXKMv2fS23fh3b9JrkFKlqySRjeHhS/view?usp=sharing
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to clarify recent confusion regarding senior class dues, fees, and packages. The Senior Fee (Graduation Fee) remains $125, as originally communicated. This fee covers major senior events, including Senior Sunrise, Senior Inauguration, Senior Farewell, Senior Banquet, Graduation, and other related activities.
We recognize that there has been some miscommunication, including messages indicating that senior fees were $0, then $100. I want to be clear that the correct and final amount is $125.
Due to this confusion, we are extending the deadline for senior fee payment to May 1st.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding senior fees, please contact Ms. Rogers at JPalmore@bcps.k12.md.us.
Moving forward, all communication regarding senior activities will come directly from Principal Baugh to ensure clarity and consistency.
Additionally, we will meet with the senior class on Wednesday, April 15th, during an advisory to review all senior-related information and expectations.
Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to ensure a smooth and memorable end to the school year for our seniors.
Warm regards,
Deadline Approaching: Please share your school experience by completing the family survey! The survey is confidential and available now until Sunday, May 10, 2026. Your input will help school and district leaders plan for the next school year. To complete the family survey, please click the following link: https://baltcityschools.org/FamilySurvey.
