During the past few months, several elected officials and one former Baltimore City Mayor visited Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) schools to share their experiences and civic leadership journeys and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates visited Frederick Elementary School to talk with 4th and 5th graders during the recent American Education Week in November. Mr. Bates shared his leadership role in government and students asked thoughtful questions to learn more about how they can make a difference in their school and community.
He also talked with the school’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Peer Mediators, sharing inspiring insights about the importance of education, leadership, and making positive choices. Each Baltimore Curriculum Project (BCP) school has trained Peer Mediators who work with peers and adults on positive problem-solving and conflict resolution in the Restorative Practices model. The Frederick Peer Mediators are among 110 students and future leaders across the BCP network.
FES 4th and 5th graders
State Att Ivan J. Bates & FES Peer Mediators
In December, Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen and the full Baltimore City Council visited Pimlico Elementary / Middle School for a presentation on the school’s Restorative Practices program. Led by Principal Nneka Warren, Pimlico’s administrators and four students shared how the school uses peaceful problem-solving strategies, circles, and mediations to solve conflict, nurture positive behaviors, and strengthen our community.
The detailed presentation focused on the process and success of Restorative Practices, a proven, national problem-solving and peaceful conflict resolution movement pioneered by BCP with Baltimore City in 2007. Today, the tenets and techniques are widely adopted by Baltimore City and County public schools.
PEMS Presenting
City Council members at PEMS
Kurt L. Schmoke, University of Baltimore President and former Baltimore City Mayor, visited Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) in December and spoke to HHA’s middle school students at a Leaders Go Places Community Circle. His visit was part of an initiative led by Voices for Restorative Schools, an organization advocating for the benefits of Restorative Practices in schools. For the upcoming 2025 legislative session in Annapolis, there is an initiative pending to support schools in these important programs.
Learn more about HHA’s Leaders Go Places program.
