Mayor Brandon M. Scott Celebrates First Day of School and Awards the Mayoral Attendance Challenge Trophy to Katherine Johnson Global Academy
BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 24, 2026) — Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott celebrated the first day of school for all Baltimore City Public Schools students by welcoming them back to the classroom at six schools and presenting a trophy to Katherine Johnson Global Academy for the best reduction in chronic absenteeism for the 2025–2026 school year.
"We want to make sure our young people have the best possible start to the school year, and I was proud to cheer them on today as they returned from the summer break," said Mayor Scott. "I also presented the Katherine Johnson Global Academy community with an award for their great work reducing chronic absenteeism last year. As we start the fall semester, I'm calling on all of our students, teachers, parents, and staff to rise to the challenge: show up ready to succeed each and every day, and have a great year!"
Katherine Johnson Global Academy rose to the Mayor's challenge and reduced chronic absenteeism by more than 26% and increased attendance by more than 8%.
The Mayor's Attendance Challenge, an initiative to promote daily attendance in Baltimore City Public Schools, is currently in its third year. Through this challenge, Mayor Scott continues to ask every student to be on time every day and keep the momentum going. Each quarter, the school that is making the most progress in improving attendance will be recognized with a trophy and certificate awarded by the Mayor.
Katherine Johnson Global Academy was just one stop along Mayor Scott's route today; other stops included City Neighbors Hamilton, Hazelwood Elementary Middle School, Waverly Elementary Middle School, Callaway Elementary School, Gwynns Falls Elementary School, and The Commodore John Rodgers School. At each school throughout the day, the Mayor greeted teachers, principals, and faculty, stopped in classrooms to chat directly with students, and took time to spend time with students on the playground at recess. Today's first day back to school was preceded by Mayor Scott's Back to School Rally on Saturday, August 22. Residents who attended the back to school kick off event received backpacks, uniform shirts, school supplies immunizations, vision screening, and more.
