Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces Education Forums, Annual Back to School Rally

Forums to Provide Facilitated Dialogue Between Parents and City Leaders

Back to School Rally to Offer Free Flu Shots, Provided by Walgreen's and Baltimore City Health Department

BALTIMORE, Md. (August 6, 2014)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake joined Baltimore City Public School System CEO Dr. Gregory Thornton and a number of community leaders to announce a series of Education Forums. The mayor also reminded families about her annual Back to School Rally, which will take place this Saturday, August 9, and stressed the event's importance as an opportunity for communities to celebrate the start of a new school year and gain access to valuable resources, including immunizations.

"While we are building a better Baltimore on many fronts, I believe that the quality of our education system will truly determine our city's ability to grow by 10,000 families," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. "By working together, we can bridge the gap in learning and create a city where everyone has access to a foundation that supports growth."

Mayor Rawlings-Blake will host two community forums to discuss the ways in which communities, city government, and the school system can work more collaboratively in support of Baltimore's students and their learning experience. These Education Forums are a part of Mayor Rawlings-Blake's continued commitment to give members of the community an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with her administration and other city leaders.

"I felt a sense of urgency in Cherry Hill, and the community's genuine commitment to their schools," said Dr. Thornton. "These forums will provide an excellent opportunity to extend our conversation about the best way to meet the needs of our students, their families, and the community at large."

The Mayor's Annual Back to School Rally provides a community-wide opportunity for parents and students to obtain information about school programs and to participate in health and wellness activities and screenings.

Beginning this month, the State of Maryland has new immunization requirements for students in kindergarten and seventh grade. The Back to School Rally will give parents an opportunity to get their children immunized. Free flu shots for children and adults will also be provided by Walgreen's and the Baltimore City Health Department. Parents must bring the child's current shot records to receive any immunizations.

Sponsors for this year's event include: Baltimore City agencies, Baltimore City Public Schools, Comcast, WBFF-FOX 45, BGE, Kaiser Permanente, PANDORA, Family League of Baltimore, Shop Rite, Beatty Development, The McDonald's Family Restaurants of Greater Baltimore, Do Right Foundation, Safeway, MTA Maryland, The Home Depot, National Pan-Hellenic Council of Metropolitan Baltimore, Mars Supermarket, Applebee's, and Mondawmin Mall. 

The first Education Forum will take place:

Thursday, August 7, 7:00 pm
Friendship Academy at Cherry Hill, 801 Bridgeview Road

A second forum will be announced later this month.

The Mayor's Annual Back to School Rally will take place:

Saturday, August 9, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
War Memorial Plaza (in front of City Hall)

For more information about The Mayor's Annual Back to School Rally, visit mayor.baltimorecity.gov/back2school.