Birds of a Feather: Principal Jackson and the Harlem Park Roadrunners Soar with the Orioles 

In the bustling city of Baltimore, amidst the challenges that often accompany urban life, there shines a beacon of hope: Principal Venus Jackson and Harlem Park Elementary Middle School. Their story is not just about education. It is about resilience, community, and the power of connection to transform lives.

Principal Jackson is not your average school administrator. A product of Baltimore City Public Schools, Jackson grew up in the South Baltimore Cherry Hill neighborhood with her mother and father, who were both full-time educators.

“I have a mechanical engineering degree,” said Jackson. “I was not interested in education. I did not see this on my radar. When my mother was a principal, she had a lot of [teaching] vacancies and really needed the help. Baltimore City had a partnership that allowed engineers to come into the schools and teach a math class. I did it to help my mother and I fell in love with it. I just naturally connected with the children.”

Jackson recognized a need in the community, but she still wasn’t completely sold on the idea of entering the education field. After analytically assessing the pros and cons, as an engineer would do, Jackson enrolled in the Teacher Next Door program to ensure she had the stability to reach her personal goals amidst her newfound love. The program is designed to increase homeownership among teachers and other public servants, support community development, and increase access to affordable housing free from discrimination.

Feeling secure and supported with the idea of becoming an educator, Jackson went back to school to become a certified math teacher. She then earned a two-year apprenticeship in the New Principal Residency program, where she honed her skills by closely shadowing school administrators and fostering her expertise in management, critical thinking, and interpersonal relations, all in preparation for her role as a future school leader.

“I was willing to go the extra mile to become a qualified teacher,” said Jackson. “I was goal-oriented from day one. I am interested in outcomes and moving data. I want to teach. That's all I want to do.”

With a heart as big as her vision, Jackson leads Harlem Park Elementary Middle School with unwavering dedication and a firm belief in the potential of every child who walks through its doors. Her mission extends far beyond academic excellence; it's about nurturing the whole child, providing opportunities, and creating an environment where students can thrive, despite the odds stacked against them.

So, when the Baltimore Orioles—a baseball team deeply rooted in the city's culture and committed to making a positive impact beyond the ballpark—called, Jackson wasted no time answering. Last Friday, the Baltimore Orioles and Harlem Park Elementary Middle School announced their first-ever Adopt-A-School campaign. The idea came from the Orioles, but Harlem Park was picked because of the culture that Jackson created.

The Orioles wanted to support the next generation of leaders. They wanted to give back to the community that they call home. They wanted to be the team that showed these students that anything is possible. They wanted to partner with Jackson, not to change what she and her team are doing, but to elevate it.

The Adopt-A-School campaign is more than just an opportunity—it is a catalyst for transformation. The partnership with the Orioles will establish innovative resources, mentorship, and a renewed sense of hope in the school community. From funding for extracurricular activities to guest speakers sharing stories of perseverance and success, the impact is limitless.

Principal Jackson and her team seek to seize every opportunity to maximize the impact of the partnership. Together, Harlem Park and the Orioles will organize fundraisers, parent engagement events, and academic enrichment programs, leveraging the excitement generated by the O's involvement to drive positive change throughout the school community. What started as a simple collaboration will be strategically structured to evolve into a movement—a testament to the transformative power of collective action and shared purpose.

“We are going to use this relationship to incentivize learning, do some goal setting, talk about perseverance, and make sure our students have the grit necessary to meet their goals and be comprehensively on their grade level or above in reading and mathematics,” advocated Jackson. “Additionally, we are going to heighten ongoing professional development so that we’ve developed, not just teachers, but the next leaders to leave the school.”

Jackson is not your average school administrator. When she walks into a room, the students’ eyes light up. She brings the energy with her, and in return, the students give it back. She is positive that at the end of the day, Harlem Park Elementary Middle School is rich because of the memories they make for their students.

Last Friday, when the Orioles and Harlem Park announced their partnership, both organizations became a little richer. It is the hope that through this campaign students who may have once felt marginalized will now stand tall with a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. Teachers who were once overwhelmed by the challenges they faced will now trustingly feel supported in their mission to educate and empower the next generation. Moving forward, Title I will not be their only title.

Principal Jackson and the Orioles are perfect examples of what happens when the desire to help others and address the community’s needs is at the forefront of what you do. A mechanical engineer with no interest in education and a professional baseball team have both found purpose in the classroom. Because of that, the beacon of hope will now shine a little brighter, and a little more orange, in West Baltimore.