By AFRO Staff
The 2023-2024 school year kicked off on Aug. 28, with thousands of students
returning to the Baltimore City Public Schools System (BCPSS). Students and families of Booker T. Washington Middle School were joined by BCPSS CEO, Sonja
Santelises, Ed.D, and Baltimore City Mayor Scott, where faculty and staff greeted them as they began “rolling into a new year.”
Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, Rashida Ford, principal of Booker T. Washington Middle School, and Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Sonja Santelises, Ed. D. Principal Ford and her students received the Mayor’s Challenge Cup for attendance. (Photos by James Fields) 
Students of Booker T. Washington file into school on the first day, as advocates, teachers, parents and stakeholders give a big welcome. (Photos by James Fields) 
BCPSS students are welcomed back with a sweet treat on Aug. 28. (Photos by James Fields) 
Students arrive for the first day of classes at Baltimore International Academy. (Photos by James Fields) 
Thousands of students returned to school on Aug. 28, including AFRO photographer James Fields, who began photography classes at the Community College of Baltimore County. (Photos by James Fields)