Tom – Page 45 – TCS High School

A Trip to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

January 30, 2020

The students were treated to a behind the scenes look at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at a rehearsal for the upcoming performance. Not only did they get to hear a work by noted turn of the 18th century African-American composer Florence Price, but also a work by another composer of that time, Antonin Dvorak from the Czech Republic. However, the highlight for everyone was a performance by the young African-American cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason who some may remember as the young man who played at the wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle. As Claude so passionately expressed, “When the kid came out with the cello, I just felt a wave of art and passion hit me right in the face. The way he played that piece of wood and strings made my ears shake. I just enjoyed every bit of the moment he played. Our gratitude goes to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for having us and to Karen and Eric Stahl for facilitating our presence at the rehearsal. ...

A Burst of Sunshine

by Tom

News

January 29, 2020

A fixture at The Community School for the last 4 years, Monique Hawkins, our mail carrier had her last day on the route today. From the first time that Monique delivered our mail, it was like a burst of sunshine came through our door. She was always so warm and uplifting. Monique knew every student by name and followed their progress, celebrated their accomplishments and offered encouragement when needed. She is moving to a new position in security at the main post office and will be mush missed. The students who were in class and didn't get to see Monique when she came in today, ran up the street to find her delivering mail to get in one last hug. Monique has been part of the fabric of the neighborhood and will be missed. She promises to come back and visit. We wish her well in her new position. ...

TCS Student News January 24, 2020

by Tom

News

January 24, 2020

This week's edition of TCS Student News was researched, written, anchored and produced by students Olivia Yates and Garrett Anderson. https://youtu.be/U01etNF4xzY ...

TCS Student News January 17, 2020

by Tom

News

January 17, 2020

This week's edition of TCS Student News was researched, written, anchored and produced by students Joshua Sharp and Manuel Linan. https://youtu.be/9QzIqPpKkYA ...

TCS Student News January 10, 2020

by Tom

News

January 10, 2020

This week's edition of TCS Student News was researched, written and produced by students Tyleiah Trusty and Jacob Cougle. https://youtu.be/y4xI9Ffmias ...

Photojournalist Jim Burger Speaks with Students

by Tom

News

January 9, 2020

Noted photojournalist Jim Burger was the guest for the “Conversation with…” series today. Jim is a longtime friend and neighbor of the school. He spoke about his long career with the Baltimore Sun as well as his current freelance work. Jim has done national work for AARP and major magazines and worked locally for many prominent institutions such as Johns Hopkins Hospital. He shared examples of his work with a story to go with each one. The students were interested in Jim’s educational path and learned that even though he had challenges with a number of his subjects, he was encouraged to pursue his artistic abilities in drawing and photography ending up at the Maryland Institute College of Art. A native of Western Pennsylvania, this was the start of Jim’s new hometown and love affair with Baltimore. Jim is currently working on a book that will tell the story of his life and career through his words and photographs. Once the book is complete, the University of Maryland Baltimore County will house his life's work in their archive collection One of the deeper meanings in Jim’s conversation was captured by Ronan who said, “I really liked what Mr. Jim said about everyone having a story.” Jim is a master at finding and telling people’s stories through both words and photographs and we were honored to have him with us. The students are looking forward to his return in February when he will have a seminar on photography techniques. Thanks Jim! ...

Vernon Speaks to Class about Boot Camp

by Tom

News

January 2, 2020

On the first day back of the new year, Class of '18 alumnus Vernon "Will" Laumann came by to talk with the students. Vernon is on leave from U.S. Army boot camp at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He talked about the recruitment process, the challenges of boot camp and army life, and why he chose this path. After completing his initial training he will go on to Advance Individual Training in Arizona to be an intelligence analyst. Vernon talked about how his educational experience in The Community School helped prepare him for the Army and the importance of perseverance and drive in reaching your goals. Students asked questions about his experiences and were very happy that he took his time to visit. Since graduation, Vernon has always been a regular visitor to the school and his family has remained involved with his mom, Stacy, on the Board of Trustees and his grandparents, Mimi and Poppy, keeping the student pantry stocked and fixing a monthly lunch for all of the students and staff. Everyone expressed their pride in Vernon and is looking forward to keeping informed about his progress. ...

Students Attend Special Holiday Lunch

by Tom

News

December 26, 2019

Several students joined Mr. Tom for a special holiday lunch at Amicci's Restaurant in Little Italy today. Garrett, Ronan, Joshua, Jayla, Ethan along with class of '19 alumnus Jordan Leon enjoyed a hearty Italian meal. It was a good way of checking in during the middle of winter break and everyone had a great time. ...