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Good Debt, Bad Debt & Risky Debt

The amazing folks from Berman McAleer were back again today for their monthly Financial Literacy seminar.  Today’s lesson was all about evaluating and understanding different kinds of debt. The students worked in groups to discuss various debt scenarios that were presented to them and then had to label each one as “good debt”, “bad debt” or “risky debt”. After pronouncing their answer to the class, the groups had to defend and discuss how they reached their conclusion. They consider scenarios having to do with car and home purchases, payday loans and more. It was a very lively session and the learning will resonate as the students face these real life decisions.

Our thanks to series coordinator Kathleen Gower along with Adaiha Montgomery and Geneveive Criscera and all the folks at Berman McAleer for this eye opening seminar and the delicious lunch.

Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle Visits TCS

We were honored to have representatives of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC)visit the school today for a field visit. Sally Neustadt,  Bonnie Stainman, Frances Lodder and Jane Meyer came in a field visit to witness the school in action and to meet with school staff. As part of the visit they met with the students to hear avout their lives and experiences.

BWGC is a group of hundreds of women who have created an organization, pooled their resources to make a difference in the lives of women and children in Baltimore City. They have  provided important support to TCS several times in the past and is considering us again this year. We are thankful for this visit and the kindness of the women of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle.

Conversation with Mario Armstrong Part II

Having just returned from his continuing spot on The Today Show where he is the Tech and Lifestyle expert, Mario Armstrong was back at the school. Mr. Mario challenged the students the last time he was here to come up with a concise but solid introduction of themselves that they could deliver extemporaneously. As each student did an introduction, he gave advice on content, body language and voice. It was a terrific lesson in personal confidence and communication.

Following that part of his visit, was a more conventional, but just as interesting, conversation with him where the students asking questions about his life and career. We are excited that he will be back for a regular seminar each semester next year. Thank you Mario Armstrong for sharing and bringing your considerable talents into the school.

Building our Liberian Relationship

We continue to build our relationship with the B4YT youth organization in Liberia, West Africa. Yesterday we viewed a film of their young people answering questions we sent about the government in Liberia. Today we filmed a video answering questions from the Liberian youth about government and politics in the United States. They were curious about the impact of the change of U.S. Presidents and how young people get involved in issues. Each of our students reviewed the presubmitted questions so they were prepared when we filmed a video of their responses to share with B4YT.

We have settled on this format of sending videos back and forth because it is difficult to establish a good live video stream where we can talk together at the same time. Janiah represents TCS and works with Jalen from B4YT to coordinate the relationship and handle all of the technical needs. We alternate sending videos back and forth on the same topic with questions from each group and in between, each of us sends a reaction and followup video.

We deeply appreciate the commitment of the youth and staff at B4YT to building this international relationship across the Atlantic.

https://www.b4youththeatre.org/

Students Break Out!

Through the kindness of Mr. Don, the students went to Breakout Games in Timonium today.  The class was separated into 3 groups and each was given a different scenario and locked in a room with a one hour time limit to break out. In order to accomplish this, they would need to work together to solve clues while the clock is ticking.

Here were the 3 scenarios: 1) The Kidnapping: you wake up handcuffed and blindfolded.  Can your team escape before the kidnapper returns; 2) Mystery Mansion: An old mansion. An eccentric family. A looming presence. Race the clock to uncover its secrets; and 3) Runaway Train: A train laced with explosives is headed downtown.  you’re onboard.  Can you stop it in its tracks?

Everyone had a great time! Each of the teams put in a full team effort! Two of the teams  succeeded in their Breakout before the clock ran out.

Thanks for Mr. Don for a terrific time!