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STOP CUTS TO SCHOOL BUDGET!
Rally in Annapolis on March 1st
Please join concerned parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders as we send a message to our lawmakers: NO CUTS TO THE SCHOOL BUDGET! The Governor has proposed a no-cuts budget for education, but legislators may chip away at it. Lost dollars mean fewer teachers, more crowded classrooms, and weaker schools. We can’t let this happen.
In other parts of the state, some think that Baltimore City voters just don’t care about what happens to our public schools. As DBFA members, we know that’s wrong!
On Monday, March 1, please join us as we travel to Annapolis to stand up and be counted by our elected representatives. At 6 pm that evening, we will gather along with a 400 or more Baltimore City residents at Lawyers Mall outside the State House. A strong showing will help convince our delegates that they must hold the line on the proposed budget.
To find out if a bus is leaving from a location near you, please email the Baltimore Education Coalition.
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 Nearly 200 DBFA members trudged through the snow on Saturday to celebrate Valentine's Day at the DiPietro Family Skating Center in Patterson Park for a morning of music, Valentine’s Day crafts, hot chocolate, and of course, ice skating! Non-skaters created Valentines and crafts with the JCC while older kids (and adults) glided over special pink ice. Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate from Donna's and goodies from Whole Foods were served. Check out pictures of some of our favorite kids and parents on DBFA's Flickr page.
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Congratulations to one of DBFA's favorite bands, Milkshake, for their Grammy nomination! Check out the story in the Baltimore Sun or visit Milkshake’s website to see when you can take the kids to see them live.
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Did you miss DBFA’s event with Dr. Alonso? Want to hear more from the CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools? You can hear him answer questions about No Child Left Behind and the Baltimore City Schools on WYPR’s Midday with Dan Rodricks. You can find the podcast at Two Educators on No Child Left Behind.
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We are currently performing maintenance on the new site. We apologize for the inconvenience.
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 The Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance is pleased to announce the hire of Elizabeth Kidd as its executive director commencing November 18, 2009. Ms. Kidd comes to DBFA with eight years of experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on resource development. This background includes a position in external relations with the Civic Education Project, an international non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., and three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Romania. She joins DBFA after serving as the grants manager for Port Discovery Children’s Museum in downtown Baltimore.
Judy O’Brien, president of DBFA, heralds the addition of Ms. Kidd to the organization. “As a grassroots non-profit serving families in downtown Baltimore, DBFA requires a combination of vision, passion, and management expertise in its leader. Elizabeth has just this combination. Her wealth of non-profit experience, track record of management and fundraising success, and commitment to city living will be valued assets in our ongoing efforts to make downtown Baltimore a place where families can thrive.”
Ms. Kidd grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was raised to love city life and all it has to offer. “I am inspired by the commitment of DBFA’s Board and its member families to the future of downtown Baltimore. I look forward to working with them as they pursue their shared vision of a downtown Baltimore that is a highly sought-after locale for family life.” Ms. Kidd is a resident of Otterbein and can be reached at elizabeth@dbfam.org.
Founded in 2008, DBFA is a member-based non-profit organization whose mission is to attract and retain families living in downtown Baltimore. By partnering with local government, businesses, and other non-profit organizations, it seeks to improve the quality of family life downtown and to connect families to one another and to resources to take full advantage of residing in a city center. DBFA has experienced tremendous growth in the two years since its inception and now boasts over 275 members. The hire of Ms. Kidd as its first executive director was made possible through the generous support of the Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, with additional funding from the Goldseker Foundation.
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On a Tuesday evening in November, downtown parents gathered in the cafeteria of Thomas Johnson Elementary and Middle School in South Baltimore to hear Dr. Alonso, CEO of Baltimore City Schools, talk about “Why Downtown Families Should Choose City Schools.” Dr. Alonso, aided by slides showing attendance and testing score trends, gave a direct and passionate description of the tremendous progress being made by public schools in Baltimore City, as well as the many challenges they face.
Following his presentation, the CEO fielded a variety of questions from parents. Queries ranged from the extent of a principal's freedom and ability to truly direct a school, to what a parent can do to help out, to the absence of foreign language instruction in elementary schools. Several parents expressed concerns about the effect of limited resources on City Schools, particularly in the current economic and political climate. Dr. Alonso acknowledged that this challenge, along with safety and continuity in leadership and staff, are his biggest concerns moving forward. He encouraged all parents to make the schooling choice that is best for their child, stating that “It is my job to make choosing public schools the better option!”
DBFA member Brendan O'Brien “tweeted” during the evening, which started with a presentation by TJEM's principal James Dendinger, followed by Dr. Alonso's address.
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DBFA president Judy O'Brien presented information about DBFA to the members of the Baltimore Parks and Recreation Alliance. This newly-formed alliance is comprised of representives from organizations across the city who are invested in improving the parks and recreation system in Baltimore. DBFA will represent the needs of downtown families on this alliance as we collaborate with other organizations, businesses, and city agencies in improving our city's recreation centers and parks.
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DBFA president Judy O'Brien represented the needs of downtown families at a meeting of the newly-formed Rash Field Task Force convened by Councilman William Cole and including representatives of the Baltimore Development Corporation, Federal Hill Neighborhood Association, Greater Baltimore Committee, Waterfront Partnership, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Mayor's Office. The Task Force will meet regularly to plan for the redevelopment of Rash Field, a City-owned, ten-acre, waterfront, outdoor space located between the Maryland Science Center and the Ritz Carlton, that is currently under utilized. It is the hope of DBFA that this important space be developed into a world-class, multi-generational, family-friendly attraction that serves not only the families who live downtown but also families who visit the Inner Harbor.
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Over 40 expecting or new downtown parents (and about 15 newborns!) joined members of DBFA's board and other seasoned city parents for a social at the swanky Blue Hill Tavern in Brewer's Hill. The parents and soon-to-be parents packed Blue Hill's private dining room to share stories of pregnancy, labor, and sleepless nights. Seasoned parents were on board to share tips on city living and raising kids downtown. DBFA hosts socials for new and expecting parents every quarter. Save the dates for 2010: January 26, April 27, July 27, and October 26, 2010.
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are featured in an Bmoremedia article about living it up in Baltimore City. Both parents site the many reasons why raising kids in the city is not only fun but affordable! Read the entire article.
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DBFA, on behalf of southeast Baltimore families, has been meeting with representatives of the Friends of the Dog Park and with staff of the Baltimore City Department of Parks and Recreation to shape the planning and implementation of dog parks and/or unleashed areas in Patterson Park. Our first concern is the public safety of families in order to ensure that one of our favorite backyards remains welcome and safe for children. These conversations were ongoing throughout the summer and will continue through fall and winter. We welcome the opportunity to work with parks staff, dog advocates, and families on this important community issue. Our advocacy emphasis will focus on the hours that are low use times for families and areas that are gated or well defined which do not obstruct park entries and high traffic areas for families.
Meetings attended:
- Dog Park Public Forum (July): Rebecca Smith, DBFA representative
- Meeting with Friends of the Dog Park (August): Rebecca Smith, DBFA representative
- Meeting with Rec and Parks Director of Community Partnerships and Playgrounds and Parks Coordinator (September): Rebecca Smith, DBFA representative
- Dog Park Public Forum (September): Shanaysha Sauls, DBFA representative
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DBFA president Judy O'Brien met with two representatives of the Maryland Athletic Club, co-owner Liz Rhodes and Director of First Impressions Kelly Meier, to discuss ideas on improving the family-friendliness of the Harbor East location of the health and wellness center. Issues that were discussed include the Kids' Club policies and staffing, children's programs, and parent programs. The MAC is extremely interested in partnering with the DBFA and downtown families in creating a wellness center that is family friendly and supportive of parents raising their children downtown. DBFA will continue to meet with the MAC on a quarterly basis to continue its advocacy for the wellness needs of downtown families.
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DBFA secretary and board member Allison Pendell Jones represented downtown families at a meeting convened by the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (ABAG) to address the issue of school choice in Baltimore. Given the current economic climate and the positive news about our public schools, ABAG believes that parents may have increased interest in exploring different options for educating their children in Baltimore City. A working group was convened to discuss the feasibility of creating a central resource to help Baltimore City families navigate their education options in the city and choose a school for their children. DBFA is pleased to participate in this working group and will continue to support the efforts of this unique coalition to educate parents and partners about the opportunities for school choice within the Baltimore City Public School System.
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in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. The Executive Director will report directly to the Board President. With direction from the President and the Board, the Executive Director will lead the organization’s fundraising and advocacy efforts and will coordinate and manage DBFA’s day-to-day programmatic and policy priorities. Finally, the Executive Director will oversee and lead other DBFA employees, to the extent that funds are available to hire additional staff. Download a detailed job description here.
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enrollment at city schools is growing due to solid test scores and the increasing number of families choosing public schools. “The city is experiencing a renaissance,” said Judy O'Brien, president of the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance. “It used to be the case that you got pregnant and you began looking for the house in Cockeysville . . . the house in the 'burbs. Today, people are staying and sending their children to the downtown schools.” [more]
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joined members of DBFA's board and other seasoned city parents for a social at the Otterbein Swim Club. New parents from across the downtown neighborhoods connected with fellow parents who are expecting or have newborns. Strollers lined the edge of the pool's pavilion as parents held or rocked their infants while sharing stories of pregnancy, labor, and sleepless nights. Seasoned parents were on board to share tips on city living and raising kids downtown. DBFA hosts socials for new and expecting parents every quarter. The next event will be in fall/winter 2009 in Southeast Baltimore.
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Baltimore City's children outperform suburban peers in math, reading. “City schools CEO Andrés Alonso noted that the number of Baltimore students receiving “advanced” grades—the highest possible score—doubled over the past two years.” [more]
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plans to spend about $400,000 to beef up an exhibit its leaders hope will attract more business from the five and under set and their caretakers. Judy O’Brien, president of the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, said the organization has been vocal about getting more programming for preschoolers. [more]
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in the Federal Hill Main Street newsletter. DBFA President Judy O'Brien is quoted as saying “Federal Hill is a great walking neighborhood with many local businesses that support families.” [more]
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but Baltimore City is rated the third most family-friendly city by Forbes Magazine! In compiling their list, Forbes studied the 40 most populated metropolitan areas in the U.S. Baltimore ranked so highly because it is an affordable city in which families have more money to spend to enhance their quality of life. We're glad to see that Forbes figured out one of many things downtown Baltimore families love about raising their kids in Charm City.
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is quoted in a Baltimore Sun article featuring DBFA funder, The Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds, a Baltimore-based philanthropic organization which has turned its focus to supporting the middle class in Baltimore City and whose new goal is to “keep working families in Baltimore.”
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were on MIX 106.5 and all other CBS-affiliated radio stations in Baltimore, discussing DBFA's work in an interview with Sarah Jacobs.
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in Federal Hill. Approximately 70 guests enjoyed a self-paced, self-guided walking tour of eight beautiful homes in Federal Hill. Each house had unique features and showcased creative ideas for nurseries, play spaces, and children's bedrooms. Over $4,000 was raised through the house tour and the funds will go towards DBFA's mission of improving, supporting, and advocating for family life downtown. House Tour commemorative prints are available for sale. DBFA thanks our two major sponsors: The Currey Real Estate Group and Indigo Ink; our program advertisers and pit stops; house tour volunteers, and the generous homeowners. Read more about the house tour in the Baltimore Sun article.
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has awarded the DBFA a grant of $35,000 to support the organization's operating budget for 2010. DBFA is grateful for the partnership of the Goldseker Foundation, which has consistently been an early supporter—in many cases the first funder—of a number of initiatives designed to strengthen our city and region.
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in partnership with The Friends of Patterson Park. More than 800 children gathered at the playground in Patterson Park to hunt for over 11,000 eggs and prizes generously donated by aMuse Toys, Urban Pirates, Orioles, and the National Aquarium. Children and their parents enjoyed arts and crafts provided by the Audubon Society, face painting, a Punch and Judy show, balloon animals, and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Despite high winds and a shortage of eggs due to over two and half times the expected attendance, a good time was had by all. DBFA thanks all our generous sponsors: Banner Neighborhoods, Gallery Church. Whole Foods Market, Fells Point Residents Association, Patterson Park Neighborhood Association, Highlandtown Neighborhood Association, Canton Community Association, Water for Chocolate Catering, LLC, and MomsLikeMe.com.
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