The New Waverly Elementary/Middle set to open in 2013

http://www.bmoremedia.com/devnews/waverlyschoolleedbldg031610.aspx

This article is interesting to me for a couple of reasons:

1) I currently work at Waverly Elementary/Middle and there is definitely a divide between the faculty and the people in the community about whether or not the new construction is a good idea. On one hand, it is very exciting to get a new building in a neighborhood that originally was supposed to mirror Roland Park, but has since gone downhill. On the other hand, there are a lot of people (faculty and community members alike) who have been upset with the way the administration has run things since the middle school opened in 2003. While everyone is excited for a new building, a lot of people question whether or not leadership can lead the "new Waverly' in the future. I don't think people understand that the money to fund this project has to come from somewhere (taxes, etc.).

2) This is the first newly constructed school in Baltimore City in a VERY long time (I couldn't find that exact info. Does anyone have it?). Knowing this, there is a question that needs to be asked: how did the city determine that this school would be rebuilt? I'm asking because I don't know and I'm curious. Waverly has not met AYP for the past 4 years, which means we are entering alternative goverance for the '10-'11 school year. I'm not saying that Waverly doesn't deserve a new school. I am just interested in finding out the process by which the BCPSS and the city approve this deal (and ones like it).

Joe A. Hairston reaches 10 years of service

In a recent article in the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore County Schools Superintendent Joe A. Hairston has been recognized for raising student achievement in his district. He has been running the school system in Baltimore County for 10 years. That fact alone is impressive. The national average for length of stay for a school system superintendent is a little over 3 years. Hairston has helped close the achievement gap in his district. He believes that every student is capable of succeeding despite poverty or coming from a struggling school. All students should be held to the same rigorous standards despite socioeconomic divides. Hairston has striven to have at least 12 AP courses offered at each high school in Baltimore County.

Baltimore City in the past has been right around the national average for length of stay for their CEO's. With new CEO's coming in and out every few years it has been hard getting things done and seeing improvements. Will we see improvements in Baltimore in the next 6 or 7 years. I believe so if not sooner, much sooner. After Dr. Alonso has had some time to make changes and see the changes take effect I believe we will begin seeing improvements in student achievement. If things stay the same, with steady, strong leadership at central offices, City Schools should see improvements very soon.

Students May Have to Wait Until Age 18 to Drop Out of School

According to an article reported on WBALTV.com last week, Maryland senators amended legislation that would increase the drop-out age to 18 from 16 years old. Senate Bill 239 would go into full effect at the start of the 2013-2014 school year, requiring mandatory school attendance until age 18. During the 2012-2013 school year, however, the age will be 17. This legislation foots a $48.8 million dollar bill (for first-year implementation costs), so the governor and his budget play a crucial role in its passing. However, proponents say to take into consideration that the funding for the services for delinquent youth would most likely decrease due to the 2 more required years of schooling.

I believe that this bill would be beneficial to the youth of Baltimore City. Theoretically, the longer we legally require students to remain in school, the longer we have the opportunity to educate them, getting them, hopefully, to graduate high school. An increase in the number of high school graduates would without a doubt begin to transform the City. While the effects may take many years to become noticeable, I think that this is a wonderful step in the right direction. I do realize that traditional schooling may not be the easiest path for every student, and that the 18 year-old dropout age may create new issues in school (behavioral and academic), however I think that these issues maybe necessary outcomes of a process that yearns to better the citizens of Baltimore.

http://www.wbaltv.com/education/22852118/detail.html

We Bleed Orange in the Summer and Purple in the Winter, But Let's Bleed Green All Year Long!!!

Patterson Park Public Charter will use 13.7 million dollars worth of tax-free bonds issued last week by the Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority to renovate the building housing the 6 year-old charter. They will add middle school classrooms as well as a music center and an art facility. Some of the existing classrooms will also get technological upgrades, and some will be converted into music laboratories. An exciting aspect of this renovation is that it will be completed using some recycled materials following Baltimore City’s Green Building Standards, including solar panels and irrigation systems.

In response, Alonso was quoted as saying the school system "was pleased to support Patterson Park's efforts by providing umbrella financing for their bond issue to facilitate this new middle school building. We look forward to creating more settings where our children learn in the types of buildings they deserve."

I am very excited for the prospect of more “green” renovations occurring throughout the city. Considering that up until this year my school didn’t even have a paper-recycling program, it is clear that schools all over the city are at different levels of “greenness.” Although we all cannot be as fortunate as Patterson Park Public Charter, this is my shout out to everyone to do little things to “green” their schools. Start a paper-recycling program – it can actually earn your school money!

Also, if your students love Capri Suns as much as mine do (some students drink 2 or 3 at lunch time alone!), your school can also earn money from collecting empty pouches and mailing them off to the company (this company collects other types of food wrappers too!).

Hopefully, teaching our students to recycle and about the importance of preserving the environment will inspire them to carry on with these environmentally-friendly habits outside of school. Little by little, person by person, we can help make Baltimore a “greener,” cleaner city!!!

Links to the paper-recycling and Capri Sun pouch programs:

http://www.paperretriever.com/

http://brands.kraftfoods.com/caprisun/be-green-earn-green.aspx

Article: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.patterson20mar20,0,5336281.story