At Creative City Charter School, our mission is to empower our students to reach full potential. We strive to provide our young learners with a rich learning environment that realizes unique abilities and bolsters dreams. Our teachers provide support at each and every step while challenging our students to stretch and grow academically. We are a tuition-free public charter school that uses play-based education for kindergarten and place-based learning for our first through fifth graders. What is place-based learning? Unlike traditional teaching that relies on teachers explaining information to students, place-based learning is experiential; it draws from students' real-life experiences as an authentic foundation for learning. Our approach helps young students tangibly solve problems, discover new ideas and develop strong communication skills in age-appropriate ways. We take this approach one step farther by infusing art and creativity! We Teach Outside the Box At Creative City, we understand the value of balancing academics with art. This equilibrium develops critical thinking and communication skills students might never realize in a classroom setting. We work hard to ensure our K-5 classrooms keep students inspired and engaged because we believe art gives our students the freedom to experiment and explore new ideas while harnessing imagination. Academics are regularly paired with the arts, including visual arts, dance, music and theatre, to help students creatively connect with the world and retain the new information they have learned. Our prioritization of play-based learning creates an empowering environment for our students to ask questions, pursue new ideas, gain self-confidence and learn to work collaboratively. Our teachers are passionate and our staff is nurturing. If you want to learn more about our innovative education approach, please contact us today. ____________ About Creative City Public Charter School Creative City Public Charter School is a dynamic K-5 elementary school with caring educators. We engage our students in a placed-based learning environment using the city of Baltimore as a cultural and civic foundation. Our approach is creative yet challenging; and our tuition-free public school encourages out-of-the-box thinking alongside the pursuit of each student’s personal, highest academic potential. Enroll your child today!
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Creative City prioritizes giving students an immersive and hands-on learning experience. We strive to be more like a family than a school while challenging early learners to become active participants in their education. At the helm of our school is Principal Traci Johnson Mathena. Like many educators, Principal Mathena is fiercely committed to ensuring students learn through exciting, real-world experiences. As an educator for almost 30 years, Ms. Mathena is passionate about bringing out the best in all students. She has been the principal of Creative City since 2015 and has helped the school thrive in the Baltimore community. In this interview-style blog, we'll share more about Principal Mathena and her thoughts on education! What do you love most about your role? Interacting with the students is the single greatest joy in this role. Many see this position as the person whose office you never want to visit. On any given day, however, I am sitting on the carpet during a class’s morning meeting. You will find me working with students on an assignment, being the person they selected to take a break with as an incentive or to soothe their soul when needed. All of these things strengthen our school’s sense of community and belonging and truly provide me with fulfillment and enjoyment as an instructional leader. The day I forget what it means to interact with the students is the day I need to retire. What do you love most about your students? My students are honest and caring souls. They tell it like it is, and if you are honest and fair with them, they tell you how they think it should be without being selfish. Students have written me letters about things we need to change or people we need to celebrate. In one case this past year, a student wrote to tell me she was planning a Custodian’s Day, and she led her class – facilitated by her teacher – in designing, creating, and presenting the posters and cards they made for the occasion. How could you NOT love people capable of that kind of care? What influences how you lead your team and students at Creative City? Finding the paths that lead to the best outcomes for all people is fundamental to leadership. For that reason, I make informed decisions and facilitate interactions by believing in the power of people, not programs. Understanding how children develop academically, social-emotionally, and behaviorally helps us create knowledgeable, creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers. Encouraging and expanding the professional talents of the staff supports a rigorous, challenging, and engaging instructional program and a positive, thriving school environment. Fostering a Village mentality among our parents and neighborhood/community members allows us to see ourselves as partners in this work. I lead based on that dynamic. What made you pivot from being a journalist to an educator? While on assignment for the Baltimore Sun Magazine, writing a piece on my alma mater Western High School, someone asked if I wanted to help and teach journalism and two English Classes. I agreed, and while planning lessons, listening to the students’ ideas, questions and curiosity about learning, I realized how powerful a classroom experience could be. I was determined to become part of that, and 28 years later, I’m still part of that experience. How do Creative City’s mission and vision align with your personal values? Creative City sits in the neighborhood where I grew up, and its mission, vision, and commitment to equity are all part of how I was raised. The community sharing responsibility for its children and using the environment where we live to create positive experiences and outcomes are part of who I am. I believe that “Care, Question, Collaborate, Create” are central to problem-solving, working with others, and being productive, contributing members of society. The school’s commitment to equity and social justice mirrors my own, which led to the establishment of Creative City as the first Baltimore Ceasefire 365 School. It is not a coincidence that this is where I landed. It is where I belong. Who was your favorite teacher and why? In Elementary School, Mrs. Brown told me my ability to view people and situations from all angles helped me stay open-minded. In middle school, it was Mr. Baldwin who told me that I was a writer rather than telling me that I could write. In High School, Mrs. Simms and Mr. Kessler challenged me to lead, something that took hold, stood fast and never faded. Each of those teachers had the same attribute: the ability to see me beyond being a student to help me develop as a person. It is what we endeavor to do at Creative City. What are you most excited about for the next group of students to enroll? I can’t wait to see how they explore the things we offer that I believe are different from any other school. I want to see the faces light up when they create adventures in the outdoor classroom and the faces they make (good or bad) when they taste a pepper or some greens THEY grew in the teaching garden. I am ready to hear their ideas of how they will solve a problem posed in a project and what they research and present when they get the chance to explore their own topic of interest. I want to see what student-interest clubs they participate in and how they contribute to them. I am excited for them to join the village and contribute to what makes it great. I am excited about THEM. What else would you like us to know about YOU? I am a lifelong learner for whom new information and experiences are essential. I want to model those things for all our stakeholders, regardless of age. At 49 years old, I started learning to sail. I am getting pretty good at it! I will always dare to question, and I will always explore the possibilities. Creative City is a tuition-free public school now enrolling grades K-5. To learn more about Principal Mathena and our curriculum, contact us today to learn more! You can also enroll now for 2022-2023. ----------------------------------------------
About Creative City Public Charter School Creative City Public Charter School is a dynamic K-5 elementary school with caring educators. We engage our students in a placed-based learning environment using the city of Baltimore as a cultural and civic foundation. Our approach is creative yet challenging; and our tuition-free public school encourages out-of-the-box thinking alongside the pursuit of each student’s personal, highest academic potential. Enroll your child today! Providing the best education for our students is the daily mission of teachers and staff at Creative City. We build lasting relationships with our students and make each scholar feel seen, confident, and capable of high achievement. At Creative City, we work hard to inspire our K-5 learners to become engaged thinkers and creative problem solvers. There are many reasons students feel at home at Creative City: small classes, caring teachers, passionate administrators and more. 1. Teachers at Creative City give wrap-around support to all students. We know that students who flourish in early education often become happy, confident and successful life-long learners. Teaching emotional intelligence and logical thinking is at the center of our curriculum. 2. We take account of each scholar’s individual learning styles and needs to ensure we strengthen math and literacy skills daily. Teachers at Creative City understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. 3. Our faculty and staff provide a welcoming school climate that supports all students. We have a high level of transparency with families, ensuring open communication about academics as well as student social-emotional development. Our low student-to-teacher ratio allows teachers to get to know each child individually and give insights every step of the way. 4. Our teaching style is unique and proven to work. We use art as a learning tool to help our learners understand the limitlessness of creative potential. Whether bringing in professional artists to collaborate on historically-informed murals or immersing students with music programs that teach about different cultures, our students learn about the world around them. We help students understand the connection between what’s outside and inside our school doors. 5. Our scholars learn about local and global communities, how our choices affect others, and concepts such as humility and gratitude. Our students achieve at high levels due to our high expectations and individualized instruction. When children feel supported, they can enjoy school and achieve academically. 6. We use play-based kindergarten. This approach takes advantage of student-directed play as a learning opportunity. Play-based learning helps kindergarteners build strong social and communication skills. Teachers and other classroom helpers engage with students during this time to connect our curriculum, challenge thinking, and identify each student’s emerging interests. We engage just enough to help students learn, but not so much that we solve problems. Creative City teachers guide students in defining healthy social relationships. 7. We teach students the value of always being compassionate, kind and respectful. Our teachers cultivate virtuous character, applying our belief in service to others to our students’ education every day. We reinforce this in our classrooms and at special events such as MLK Day of Service. 8. Creative City teachers love the field of education. We have a nurturing faculty that encourages lifelong learning and motivates students to try new things and work hard. Our staff enjoys bringing out intellectual strength in each child to change the future positively. 9. Our faculty embraces the philosophy that our strength lies in our diversity and commitment to building an inclusive community. We help our K-5 students grow everyday through both strong academics and multicultural learning. 10. At Creative City, we value the importance of exploration. Our curriculum engages and develops students' thinking and reasoning skills. By encouraging our students in our K-5 classes to question, observe, and explore, our elementary students become proficient at expressing unique perspectives in imaginative ways. Creative City is a tuition-free public charter school serving grades K-5. Our teachers collaborate to provide a rich, engaging curriculum that prepares our students for middle school and beyond. We are a fantastic choice for early elementary education and would love to welcome your child to our school. Contact us today to learn about open enrollment! About Creative City Public Charter School Creative City Public Charter School is a dynamic K-5 elementary school with caring educators. We engage our students in a placed-based learning environment using the city of Baltimore as a cultural and civic foundation. Our approach is creative yet challenging; and our tuition-free public school encourages out-of-the-box thinking alongside the pursuit of each student’s personal, highest academic potential. Enroll your child today! Creative City is a one-of-a-kind free public charter school in Baltimore. We teach our K-5 students by blending adventure and discovery through hands-on learning rooted in our community. Using this method, our teachers weave traditional subjects like math and reading into projects that explore our local neighborhoods, history and people. We call this Place-Based Learning. This blog will explore three phenomenal benefits of our approach and why you should consider Creative City for your K-5 needs. Teachers who know our community: Creative City teachers deepen their connection with our neighborhood (Park Heights), of Baltimore City, and our region when they plan and teach place-based lessons. Understanding our community means a stronger connection with students. Teachers can then use place-based learning to help students develop crucial life skills such as creative problem solving, critical thinking, and understanding the world. Our teachers support the whole child and build creative citizens who strive to make a difference in their communities. Students start as experts: A place-based approach means that students enter the lesson as experts. Even our youngest students can share with confidence about their families, the neighborhood, the school, and other familiar surroundings and experiences. Starting with confidence allows students to be more open to new skills that may be challenging, such as learning to read and write in Kindergarten or tackling more complex science concepts in 4th and 5th grade. Place-based education creates an openness to learning new things. Expanded learning opportunities: Through place-based learning, our teachers expand lessons to include more interdisciplinary activities such as public speaking, group discussions, and field trips that allow students to develop critical social skills and emotional intelligence. Authentic, real-world connections to learning deepen student engagement and create opportunities for students to be active citizens in their community at any age. Creative City is a tuition-free K-5 public school with small classes and an engaging curriculum. Families love our approach because it is so stimulating and impactful. We would love to chat with you to see if our school is an excellent fit for your family. Visit us on Facebook! Schedule a tour! Or, contact us today! About Creative City Public Charter School Creative City Public Charter School is a dynamic K-5 elementary school with caring educators. We engage our students in a placed-based learning environment using the city of Baltimore as a cultural and civic foundation. Our approach is creative yet challenging; and our tuition-free public school encourages out-of-the-box thinking alongside the pursuit of each student’s personal, highest academic potential. Enroll your child today! HOW TO ENROLL YOUR STUDENT IN 5 EASY STEPS The school year can feel overwhelming for families, so we’re here to help. At Creative City, our top priority is providing the best learning experience for our students, and as Enrollment Coordinator, I’d like you to think of me as your tour guide. My name is Kendra Nelson, and I can be your point of contact for information and scheduling a tour. My job is to help you with every step - from d ue diligence to enrollment. Once you have decided to make Creative City your school home, I will give you the keys to the city - Creative City. This blog shares five easy steps to enrolling your K-5 student. 5 Steps for Easy Enrollment
We love to see our students benefit from our warm, supportive environment and I look forward to helping you with anything you might need. If you require additional information or have any questions, please contact me at (562) 225-8201 or by email at knelson@coe.k12.ca.us. Let's get your child enrolled. About Creative City Public Charter School Creative City Public Charter School is a dynamic K-5 elementary school with caring educators. We engage our students in a placed-based learning environment using the city of Baltimore as a cultural and civic foundation. Our approach is creative yet challenging; and our tuition-free public school encourages out-of-the-box thinking alongside the pursuit of each student’s personal, highest academic potential. ENROLL YOUR CHILD today! Arts Every Day is pleased to announce Freedom Dreaming: Finding Joy, its sixth annual 10×10 Exhibit featuring art from Baltimore City Public School students and teachers. Guest curated by MICA Curatorial Practice MFA student Nia Ricks in collaboration with a youth curatorial team, the virtual exhibition will be on view at www.10X10exhibit.org starting February 17, 2022. beyond memorization: understanding Earth's systems using science textbooks, photography, and abstract paintingCreative City 5th Graders studied Earth’s systems (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere: Next Generation Science Standard 5-ESS2-1) using Discovery Education science curriculum materials. They read texts, watched video clips, and discussed, defined and applied new vocabulary. Student assessment was conducted before and after this regular, standards-based instruction. Two arts integrated extensions were then offered to deepen understanding. Taking a place-based approach, students first used photography to document examples of Earth’s spheres that they could directly observe around the school grounds. Students then wrote about the relationship between spheres as evidenced in their photo. (Fig. 1) As a second arts integrated approach, students participated in a painting project inspired by African-American abstract artist, Alma Thomas. Students researched and selected habitats to depict, and planned their representation through abstract painting. (Fig. 2) Ultimately, they explained to their class and teachers what they had represented about Earth’s systems. Student assessment was conducted again at the completion of the arts integrated extensions. The assessment tool remained static in all three administrations, and the assessment questions were strategically selected because they mirror questions that also appear on the MISA standardized test, which these students will take later this school year. Results demonstrate the positive impact that arts integrated extension had on students’ understanding and mastery of grade level Science content. Of the 45 fifth grade students who took all three assessments:
For questions or more information about Creative City's arts integration program or its alignment to standards-based instruction in all contents, contact us at 443-642-3600 or email Marisa Canino, Executive Director, at MCanino@bcps.k12.md.us. (Comprehensive definition of Arts Integration from The Kennedy Center)
Creative City students score higher than district averages on Math and ELA assessments at the beginning of their 6th Grade year[January 23, 2022] - This year, Creative City Public Charter School (a K-5 school) conducted an analysis of Beginning-of-Year (BOY) Grade 6 iReady diagnostic scores from former Creative City 5th graders.[1] Three years of Math and ELA data were reviewed.[2] This measure was selected because the September diagnostic captures what students learned in 5th Grade. It also allows comparison with grade-level peers who had attended other elementary schools. In each year reviewed, students from Creative City scored higher than district averages. Because of COVID-19 interruptions to in-person schooling, there is no standardized testing (PARCC / MCAP) data beyond the 2018-19 school year. This analysis was completed to review student academic success during that time. Third grade is the youngest grade tested in MCAP. Therefore, our youngest test-takers from 18-19 are now in 6th Grade, with no standardized data beyond their 3rd Grade year. The findings are clear. Comparing Mean Scale Score from the Beginning-of-Year (Window 1) iReady diagnostic in Math and ELA from each of the last three years, we see that Creative City students who are entering 6thGrade and who completed iReady have a mastery of both ELA and Math content that is greater than their grade-level peers across the district. (See Figure 1.) In addition, the degree to which Creative City students exceeded district averages has increased each year for the three years under study, showing that steady improvements to Creative City's instruction of 3rd, 4th, and 5th Graders continue to improve student outcomes. We also had the opportunity to follow a subset from the above group. Eight (8) Creative City students took the Grade 3 MCAP test at Creative City in Spring, 2019, and then took the Grade 6 Beginning-of-Year iReady diagnostic at Baltimore Design School in Fall, 2021.[3] We had access to student-level data from each of these tests. This subset of students performed well below their district peers in both Math and ELA on their Grade 3 MCAP, but exceeded the district averages on their Grade 6 iReady in both domains. (See Figures 2 & 3.) This data, and Creative City's academic performance and improvement as a whole, should be viewed in light of the fact that as few as 5% of incoming students (versus 39% of all BCPS students) demonstrate readiness for Kindergarten, according to 2019-20 KRA scores. Weak MCAP performance in the 2018-19 test cycle (and in years prior) prompted multiple changes to Creative City’s instructional program to improve student outcomes. These changes are now bearing fruit and include:
While MCAP and iReady are not strictly parallel assessments, this metric is the best substitute amidst a lack of other options to measure student growth and success. Both tests measure performance in ELA and Math, both tests are computer-based, and both tests are standardized and adaptive. FOR ANY QUESTIONS OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, contact Marisa Canino, Executive Director, at 443-642-3602 or MCanino@bcps.k12.md.us [1] Data sources: BCPS Office of Achievement & Accountability; Baltimore Design School; PARCC records; public KRA records
[2] While not all middle schools use the iReady diagnostic, a majority of our 5th grade students who remained in Baltimore City schools for middle school (149 out of 175) took iReady in the first quarter of 6th Grade. (58% of these took ELA, 61% took Math) [3] In SY21-22, Baltimore Design School received the largest number of 5th graders (19% of total) from Creative City. These students comprised 16% of Baltimore Design School’s 6th grade in 21-22. We were able to access student-level iReady data to support our analysis. We do not yet have student-level data for the remainder of the students in this study. Dear families,
Words can't express how excited we are to be starting an in-person school year with you. I am also a Creative City parent and this has been a looooong 18 months for my three children (ages 6, 9, and 11). As we prepare to return to in-person learning, I know that my kids will benefit from lots of opportunities to reconnect with the school community and to ease back into the idea of in-person school. We have a busy week planned with several opportunities for you and your family! Virtual Welcome Night! Wed, 8/25 at 5:30pm Get the information you need to know to start the school year off strong. From drop off and pick up instructions, to COVID health & safety precautions, we want to make sure you have as much information as possible. This is a zoom event with the following log on information:https://bcps-k12-md-us.zoom.us/j/83409376822?pwd=cndEMjlCZ0I4dFowNjgwMldSaVNTQT09 Meeting ID: 834 0937 6822 Passcode: Meeting Art with School Administration! Thu 8/26, 3:00 - 6:00pm Thanks to a partnership with Parks & People Foundation and Art with a Heart, we are painting a mural on the storage container in our Outdoor Classroom! Join us for a fun school improvement activity and drop in to help paint. This is also a chance to meet & chat with school administration, ask questions, confirm class assignments, buy t-shirts, etc. Masks required! This event may be cancelled if there is poor weather Take a Peek at Your Seat! Grades 2-5 Fri 8/27, 9:00am - 11:15am Sign up for a slot to come meet your teacher, peek at your classroom, and mentally prepare for the school year! You will also be able to ask questions, confirm class assignments, buy t-shirts, etc. Masks required! There will also be opportunities to help paint the Outdoor Classroom mural, weather permitting. Sign up here:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45ACAE22A6F85-take "Cozy Opening" Grades K & 1 Sat 8/28, noon - 2:15pm We are taking extra care with our youngest students who may need a little extra time to ease into the school year. Sign up for a one-hour block for your Kindergartener or First Grader to get to know their classroom, meet their teacher and a small group of classmates, and get ready for Monday. We will also hold parent orientations during this time. Please stay for the full hour if at all possible - and then stay for the fun at our Back to School BBQ afterwards! Masks required! RSVP here:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45ACAE22A6F85-cozy Back to School BBQ! Everyone welcome!Sat, 8/28, 1:00 - 4:00pm Our Back to School BBQ is always the best party in town, and this year it will be better than ever! Free food, kids activities, vendors, and a chance to get to know school staff and families. We really hope to see you there. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL -Mon 8/30, doors open at 7:45am We really can't wait to begin the school year with you. Please come to as many of these events as make sense to your family, and let us know if we have questions - we are here to make the school year smooth and easy for your family! Sincerely, Ms. Canino Executive Director Exciting news! We have a new online store available for your Creative City Swag needs. Sweatshirts, T-shirts, Hoodies, Polos and more are ready for purchase. We are trying to get orders by December 10th so that everything can be here in time for the holidays! Click the button below. |
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