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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 May 31​, 2026

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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.​

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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 - Howard 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​owca​​se Rules​​

​​ Art Showcase Guidelines
Art Showcase Consent Form​
​​Art Showcase ​Flyer​​

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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. To achieve this, we
aim to offer Maryland students a platform to express themselves and share their
perspectives on what school safety means to them.

Who can participate?
Maryland public, private, nonpublic, and home-schooled students in grades 3 - 12.

When is the Showcase?
The Showcase will be open for viewing and voting on Wednesday, July 22nd, from
7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Thursday, July 23rd, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Where is the Showcase?
The Showcase will occur during MCSS's Annual Safety Conference, PREPARE 2026, at
the Turf Valley Resort in Howard County, Ellicott City, Maryland.

What is the submission period and deadline?
The Showcase is open for submissions from December 1, 2025, to 11:59 PM Eastern
Standard Time on May 31, 2026.

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.. All digital entries
must be printable on 8.5x11-inch paper at 300 dpi in CMYK.

Can I use my computer to create my art submission?
Yes, the art piece can be digitally created or handcrafted. However, no automated
technologies, AI or pre-existing images (i.e., clip art) can be 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 in the Showcase.

Will prizes be awarded?
Yes. There will be first, second, and third place prizes awarded for each grade group.

How will my artwork be displayed?
MCSS will display submissions on its website, in its newsletters, and in other
correspondence throughout the year. Additionally, MCSS will collaborate with local
organizations to schedule exhibitions of the artwork throughout the state.