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"The single problem plaguing all students in all schools everywhere is the crisis of disconnection...[Students must go from] passive recipients of schools to becoming active partners..."
- Adam Fletcher
Logo Credit:
City Neighbors Foundation
My School
City Neighbors Charter School is a small, elementary/middle school in Baltimore City, MD founded by Bobbi McDonald in 2005. It is within a Title 1 district and many of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch. City Neighbors is known for its unique approach to education as a fully arts-integrated, project-based school. Classes are structured as workshops and students are given the opportunity to learn in and outside of the classroom. Teachers are given the flexibility and freedom to design their own curriculum and learning experiences. At City Neighbors, it is normal to see students exploring self-selected topics, reading a book on the couch due to our push for flexible seating, and traveling as far as Germany. Our school is known for having an extensive library in each classroom. Located inside of the historic Epiphany Lutheran Church, we have a special flair. The demographics of the school are 55% African American, 40% White, and 5% other according to the MD State Report Card in 2017. Approximately 25% of our students are identified with a learning difference (disability or disorder) that requires an IEP. We do not have any English Language Learners. In the 2018 PARCC Assessment, CNCS students outperformed most schools in Baltimore City and competed with those in the state.
My Classroom
My classroom is located on the top floor of City Neighbors and is affectionately known as the "penthouse." My classroom has many seating options from mini "living room" areas to small group tables and ottomans. Our classrooms are flooding with literature from classics, like "A Raisin in the Sun," to new young adult, "Children of Blood & Bone."
My Classes
Following the model of progressive educators, we do not have a traditional bell schedule. Students have a different schedule every day. I currently teach:
- 7th & 8th grade Humanities: Inclusive mixed grade class of approximately 28 students which explores English and Social Studies topics through a project-based approach. These include an essential question, field experience, and a final project with an authentic approach.
- Grade-Level Research: Single grade class exploring the research process and writing of approximately 28 students.
- Advisory: Small group of approximately 8 students who I support with social-emotional learning and future planning throughout their entire middle school experience.
- Intensive: Small group class of approximately 12 students which meets 4X a week for enrichment or support.
- Elective: Teacher created interest groups that explore various topics from DIY projects to meditation/yoga in small groups of approximately 12 students.
Class Statistics
Extra Curricular Activities & Involvements
- I am currently the Student Voice Association advisor for grades 1-8 at City Neighbors Charter School.
- I am a Dew More Baltimore Youth Poetry League Coach at City Neighbors Charter School.
- I chair Black Lives Matter Week of Action at City Neighbors Charter School.
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