For the first time in 70 years, Baltimore  is hosting the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.  Twelve colleges and universities, most of which are HBCU’s, compete in the annual NCAA Level II tournament, bringing thousands of followers to the host city. It’s a big deal. So, students were shocked […]

For the first time in 70 years, Baltimore  is hosting the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.  Twelve colleges and universities, most of which are HBCU’s, compete in the annual NCAA Level II tournament, bringing thousands of followers to the host city. It’s a big deal.

So, students were shocked when School Counselor, Lindsay Klausmeyer announced that she was organizing a reward trip, recognizing students in grades 6 – 8 that made honor roll for the 1st semester of the school year.  With the help of the Community School Site Specialist, and the City Schools’ Office of Community Engagement and Enrollment, Mrs. Klausmeyer was able to secure tickets for up to 150 students to attend.

“It was so cool, ” according to 7th grade student Nia R. ” We got to see cheerleaders too.”  Apparently the cheer squads were just as popular as the ballers, as ’27 Omar D. said “My favorite part was the cheerleaders.”

Baltimore Design School was able to secure the tournament tickets for having registered more than 50 students to attend the CIAA virtual college fair and career fair that was held on Tuesday.  ’22 Braniya B. participated in the virtual fair and thought “It was cool. You get to hear from different HBCU’s and college students talk about their experience.”

The tournament had an impact beyond basketball, as our honor roll scholars got a taste of college school spirit. “It was entertaining to see them play basketball and get to experience going to an event like that.” – Mya B. 7th grade

​Baltimore Design School was excited to see that our scholars were quoted in the Baltimore Sun’s article on the opening day of the CIAA Tournament. You can read the article here.

Thank you to BDS parent, Ms. Brown, for donating 70 shirts for students for students and BLM staff shirts as well.  They were much appreciated!

Thank you to those parents (and grandparents!) that helped to chaperone. We ❤️❤️ that you were able to join us for a ‘family outing’!

Cire’ B., a supremely talented 6th grade (you read that correctly) student wasn’t about to step out to the CIAA tournament without proper gear, so…she MADE this jacket to complement her Jordan Vogue kicks and represent the BDS spirit!