21st Century School Buildings Program: Delivering on the Promise!

21^st Century School Buildings Program
www.baltimore21stcenturyschools.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

21^st Century School Buildings Program: Delivering on the Promise!
Partnership program celebrates the opening of first two modernized school buildings and many more to come.

The Event: A celebration of the 21^st Century School Buildings Program, Wednesday, August 23rd, 10:30am – 12:00pm, at the newly constructed Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School (2710 E. Hoffman Street, Baltimore, MD 21213). This event will also include a ribbon cutting for the rebuilt Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School, completed on time and on budget.

Background: The 21^st Century School Buildings Program, a partnership between the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), Baltimore City Public Schools, The City of Baltimore, and the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction (IAC), has reached a significant milestone in the progress of modernizing schools for Baltimore's students and communities. Two schools, Fort Worthington Elementary/Middle School and Frederick Elementary School open this fall. Seven other school buildings are under construction and several others are in planning. This event is being held to recognize all program stakeholders and the tremendous progress that has been made.

Speakers: City Schools Students, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, Mayor Catherine Pugh, City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young, IAC Executive Director Bob Gorrell, MSA Chairman Thomas Kelso, City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises, and the Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Chair Cheryl Casciani.

Program Outline:
10:30am-10:50am - Opening Remarks and Ribbon Cutting
(This portion will take place directly outside of the school’s main entrance on Hoffman Street)
10:50am-11:30am - Main Program (indoors)
11:30am-12:00pm - Tours and Photo Opportunities

Tour highlights:

Indoor features -The building is anticipated to receive LEED Gold certification. Tours will include information about the unique Gymnasium, Rehearsal Rooms, Cafetorium, Main Street, Visual Studio, Recording Studio and Media Center. Classrooms are designed to maximized daylight and equipped with several state-of-the-art technology features.

Outdoor features -A walking track is being installed around the perimeter of the turf playfield. Three landscaped bioretention areas are installed, creating an opportunity for environmental learning. A basketball court with 6 hoops for full and half court play, as well as two playground areas are being installed for age grades K-2 and 3-5.

The 21st Century School Buildings Program creates inspiring, sustainable, educational environments for Baltimore City, its public school students and recreational opportunities for the community for generations to come.

For more information:
http://baltimore21stcenturyschools.org/

Karen Summerville, Communications Coordinator, 21^st Century School Buildings Program
klsummerville@bcps.k12.md.us (443) 983-7123

Rachelina Bonacci, Public Information Officer, Maryland Stadium Authority
rbonacci@mdstad.com (410) 977-0381