🌱 BCPD Investigate Juvenile Shooting + New Education Reform Blueprint

Hello and happy Monday. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 58 Low: 35.

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Here are the top three stories in Catonsville today:

1. Baltimore County Police are investigating the shooting of a juvenile in nearby Middle River. On Jan. 27, police found the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound on the 7500 block of Clear Lake Lane and brought the juvenile to a local hospital. Police said it appeared to be a non-life-threatening injury but released no further information as of Jan. 29. (WBAL-TV)
2. While many teachers are happy about the pay raise in the new education reform program, The Blueprint for Maryland's Future, some are worried about other requirements and what the program needs to address. Deborah Dennie, the principal of a middle school in St. Mary's County, said the requirement for assistant principals to teach in the classroom for at least 20 percent of the school day is "ludicrous." Cheryl Bost, president of the Maryland State Education Association and an elementary school teacher in Baltimore County, said the new program is not addressing the root of the teacher shortage. Bost said, "We do not put enough people through our education programs. We don't even have enough education programs to supply the number of teachers we need here in Maryland." (WYPR)
3. The Catonsville girls basketball team won 54-31 against Overlea on Friday night, Jan. 27. Catonsville's Lexi Johnson led the Comets to victory on senior night with a game-high of 18 points and 11 rebounds. This is the Comets' sixth win in the last seven games, making their record 10-5. (Subscription: Baltimore Sun)

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Today in Catonsville:

• Baltimore Job Fair (Virtual) Hosted By JobFairX (11:00 AM)
• Teen Time At Catonsville Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• Above The Bar: Comedy Open Mic At St. Mary's Restaurant & Bar (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you looking for the perfect home for you and your family? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Catonsville area, including a four-bedroom with a nice front porch on Newburg Avenue for $474,900! (Catonsville Patch)
• Happy Hour at Doozy's Diner was a fantastic success! With more than 60 people in attendance, the evening was "filled with laughter, warmth, delicious food, and networking." (Catonsville Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• From Monday, Feb. 6 through Friday, Feb. 17, help EPIK Kids in Action, Hillcrest Elementary, and the PTA donate non-perishable food items to the Catonsville Emergency Assistance. Collection bins will be available in each grade's hallway, each with a special "mission." (Hillcrest Elementary School PTA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• No Place Like Home (February 25)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!