Board of Education Chair and Superintendent Lead First Day of School Tour on Monday

August 26th, 2016

Board of Education Chairman Christine O’Connor and Superintendent Renee A. Foose will be joined by Howard Council Chairman Calvin Ball on tours of several elementary, middle and high schools on Monday, August 29, the first day of the 2016-2017 school year for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).

The tour begins at 7:25 a.m. at Marriotts Ridge High School, 12100 Woodford Drive, Marriottsville. The second stop will be a visit to Mount View Middle School, 12101 Woodford Drive, Marriottsville.

The tour continues with a visit to Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, followed by a visit to Oakland Mills Middle School, 9540 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia. Next will be a visit to Oakland Mills High School, 9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, with a final stop at Talbott Springs Elementary School, 9550 Basket Ring Road, Columbia.

The total projected HCPSS enrollment for this academic year is expected to exceed 54,500 students, an increase of nearly 1,000 students over last year. The school system has hired 194 new teachers to accommodate the enrollment growth in the county’s 76 schools. Additional facts about the 2016-2017 school year.

Highlights for schools on the tour include:

Howard High School: Principal Nick Novak was named 2016 Maryland Outstanding Leader Using Technology by the Maryland Society for Education Technology (MSET).

Marriotts Ridge High School: Principal Tammy Goldeisen is new to the school this year. Last month the football team collected 779 pounds of canned goods to support families impacted by the Ellicott City floods.

Mount View Middle School: The school welcomes its new principal, Allen Cosentino. Mount View’s oyster recovery, butterfly garden, and migrating butterfly projects engage students in environmental conservation learning projects.

Oakland Mills High School: Principal Kathy Orlando is new to the school this year. A leader in promoting an inclusive environment, OMHS piloted Student Voice Circles last year and sponsored a popular “Sticking Together” project promoting respect and tolerance in a diverse school community.

Oakland Mills Middle School: Principal Megan Chrobak is new to the school this year. The school is preparing to host its second annual HCPSS Code Slam coding competition for middle schoolers in December.

Talbott Springs Elementary School: Principal Nancy Thompson is beginning her 10th year with the school. Students enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables during school meals and will enjoy new lunch options through a pilot program sponsored in partnership with the Horizon Foundation.