News
Let Us Now Praise Our Volunteers
By Laurie Taylor-Mitchell It was wonderful to see so many of our Network volunteers at the Appreciation Event this year, which was held at the beautiful Irvine Nature Center. The weather was perfect and there was lots of space for young children to run around, and to...
Partnering for Progress: Yara Cheikh and Jonathan Schwartz
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe These wise words from tennis legend Arthur Ashe could only be improved with one more phrase: “Invite a friend.” This is what friends and fellow education advocates Yara Cheikh and Jonathan...
Padonia International Elementary School Joins The Network
Please help us welcome Padonia International Elementary School -- our 21st member school -- to the Network! Padonia International Elementary has 565 students, 448, or 79.3%, of whom qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS). Founded in 1968, and expanded and...
Big Changes in Food Programs Mean Big Improvements in Food Access for BCPS Students!
By Laurie Taylor-Mitchell Starting in the fall of 2023, BCPS will implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federally funded program, in all schools. This program provides universal breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income, a program that...
Mars Estates Elementary School: A Community School – In More Ways Than One!
Mars Estates Elementary in Essex, MD recently became classified as a Community School, meaning that over 80% of its students’ families fall below the federal poverty threshold (annual income of no more than $27,250 for a family of four). The Community School status...
Gifts Of Love And Respect Come In All Shapes And Sizes
We just LOVE that we could provide scientific calculators to our AVID program students! These calculators cost upwards of $100 each and are a requirement for high school students taking advanced math courses. We think this gift is better (and lasts longer) than a...
Our Partnerships Make A Difference
We give a big thank you to Kids Dental Space in Towson and Dr. Roxanne Clark! Dr. Clark has graciously offered to donate 50 toothbrushes, toothpastes, and floss monthly to the Network! She has also been out to present at our schools on the importance of dental...
No Birthday Should Go Uncelebrated
Thank you to our friends at Firaxis Games! They recently held an employee volunteer opportunity to support our network schools. Their employees made birthday cake kits which we will distribute to students within our network schools. Check out their fantastic artwork!...
WYPR Interview With The Network Focuses On Sharp Increase In Children Who Qualify For Free Lunches
66% of BCPS students now qualify for free or reduced meals, a significant increase from 44% just five years ago. Founder, Laurie Taylor-Mitchell, and supporter, Yara Cheikh, talk to WYPR about this critical issue impacting local families. To read the interview,...