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School Safety Art Showcase



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 School Safety Art Showcase

Image showing school safety art showcase competition details


Art Showcase Competition: Deadline July 15, 2026

We want your imagination to lead the way!


This year's theme, "Future Ready Schools," invites young artists to dream big about what schools, culture, and security will look like in the future.


Use your artwork to depict futuristic classrooms, innovative safety tools, redesigned school spaces, new collaborative methods for students and teachers, or creative technologies that promote safety and support for everyone. You can also explore the evolution of human connection and how trusted adults help to shape strong school communities.
When creating your artwork, think about questions like:

  • What do you think schools and school safety will look like in the future?

  • What kinds of new tools or technologies help keep students connected, creative, and safe?

  • Do school buildings look the same, or have they transformed into something new?

  • How has technology changed how we move, learn, or communicate?

  • What does a positive school culture look like in the future?

  • Who are the trusted adults in future schools, and how do they support students?

Be bold, curious, and inventive as you show us what a Future Ready School looks like through your eyes.​



2025 Competition “Community Heroes” Winners! 

Elementary School Category: 

1st Prize: Old Mill - Anne Arundel County

2nd Prize: Essex - Baltimore County

3rd Prize: Thunder Hill - Howard County

 

Middle School Category:

1st Prize: Walkersville - Frederick County

2nd Prize: Friends School of Baltimore - Baltimore City

3rd Prize: Chapelgate Christian Academy - Baltimore County

 

High School Category:

1st Prize: Charles Herbert Flowers - Prince George's County

2nd Prize: Charles Herbert Flowers​ - Prince George's County

3rd Prize: Charles H. Hickey School - Peabody School - Baltimore City

Art Showcase Documents​

Art Sh​owcase Rules​

Art Showcase Guidelines
Art Showcase Consent Form​



The School Safety Student Art Showcase aims to engage students in a creative and reflective process on the theme of school safety. This event is a platform for students to creatively explore the theme of school safety, expressing their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations through various art forms. Through this showcase, MCSS aims to foster dialogue among educators, parents, and the community about the crucial topic of school safety. By listening to students' voices and perspectives, we advocate for mental health support, anti-bullying efforts, emergency preparedness, and promoting a respectful and inclusive school environment. Join us in celebrating the power of art to inspire change and create safer, more positive schools for all, aligning with the broader goals of school safety initiatives​.​
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Frequently ​​​​​ Aske​​​d Questions​

​​Why is MCSS conducting the Safe Schools Art Showcase?

Our mission is to provide and enhance safer school communities and in an effort to do that, we want to provide Maryland students a way they can express themselves and what school safety means to them.


Who can participate?

Maryland public, private, nonpublic, and home-schooled students grades 3 - 12.


When is the Showcase?

The Showcase will be open for viewing and voting on Wednesday, July 16th from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Thursday, July 17th from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.


Where is the Showcase?

The Showcase will occur during MCSS' Annual Safety Conference, PREPARE 2025, at the Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, Ellicott City, Maryland.


What is the submission period and deadline?

The Showcase is open for submissions December 23, 2024 to 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, June 13, 2025.


Is the Showcase open to the public?

No. The conference is not open to the public, and registration is required for all attendees.


Is there an entry fee to participate in the Showcase?

No.


What are the size requirements for the art submissions?

All paper entries should be in a standard letter size 8.5x11 inches in portrait mode. All digital entries must be printable in an 8.5x11 on paper using 300dpi CMYK.


Can I use my computer to create my art submission?

Yes, the art piece can be digitally created or created by hand. However, no automated technologies or pre-existing images (i.e., clipart) can be a part of the art.


Who will be judging the art submissions?

The conference attendees will anonymously vote and decide the winners of each grade group of the Showcase.


Will prizes be awarded?

Yes. There will be a first, second, and third place prize awarded for each grade group.