Media Advisory

Local officials, city school administrators, researchers from the Center for Social Organization of Schools at The Johns Hopkins University and students of the Baltimore Talent Development High School will gather to celebrate the school's opening year with a party on Nov. 18.

One of Baltimore's two new "innovation high schools," BTDHS is a city-wide, non-selective high school located at 1500 Harlem Ave. in a building that also houses Harlem Park Middle School. The school opened on Sept. 7 with about 150 ninth graders and will add a grade each year until it reaches its capacity of 600 students in grades 9-12. The school encourages the individual talents of each student, nurturing academic development in small classes with high expectations, extra instructional support where needed and strong interpersonal relationships among students, faculty and staff. BTDHS is also building into its program opportunities for community involvement, daily arts courses and a focus on college and career expectations.

Education reporters interested in attending this event — a great opportunity to meet teachers and students — may contact Amy Cowles at 443-287-9960. The celebration coincides with the National Education Associations's American Education Week, Nov. 14 - 20. For information, visit www.nea.org/aew/.