administrators page

March did not exactly go out like a lamb, but our students and teachers certainly enjoyed their Spring break and came back relaxed, refreshed and ready to begin the 4th quarter of the 2008 school year.

The Maryland School Assessments began on April 1st and continued through April 10th. Grades 3, 4, and 5 each participated in 4 sessions of both reading and math. We encouraged the students to view MSA as an "opportunity" to demonstrate all of the learning that has occurred during the year. The entire school supported their efforts through special T.V. messages, buddy class activities and school wide initiatives. We wanted the students to know that they are able to receive our support to help them achieve. Fifth graders will continue with MSA science testing, beginning April 23rd and ending May 8th.

Thank you to all of our parents who offered support to our students by participating in the MSA "Are You Smarter Than..." sessions. Thank you for your support also by making sure your child was present in school on their grade level's testing days.

Speaking of cheering on, kudos to all of the teachers and students who participated in the HdGES Variety show. What an evening of family fun. It was delightful to watch our confident young performers and to have so many of our family members there to support them. A most special thank you to Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Visser for organizing yet another memorable evening.

Kudos also to all of our students who participated in the HCPS Speech Festival. As always, the students represented us proudly. Special thanks to Mrs. Sandy Leonard for preparing the students and helping them broaden their skills as proficient readers.

The Young Author's conference will be on Saturday, April 19th and the Engineering Challenge will be on Saturday, April 26th. Good luck to all of those involved! Your hard work will show.

As spring blooms all around us, we continue to await the arrival of Mrs. Kenney's babies! Mrs. Bolen's beautiful baby boy, Gavin arrived a few weeks ago and has already visited school. Mrs. Bolen is being replaced by Mrs. Dodi Alsbrook. Mrs. Alsbrook is a certified teacher, who comes to us with previous teaching experience. She has been welcomed by students and staff, and looks forward to meeting more of you!

Thank you in advance for supporting our requests and for your continued partnership with the administration and staff as we put forth our best efforts for your children.

Mrs. Stevenson- For the last six years, I have had the pleasure of being an administrator at Havre de Grace Elementary School. I am beginning my 26th year in education. I have taught 1st, 3rd and 5th grades, acted as a teacher specialist and was the assistant principal here before becoming the principal. I serve the school community with great pride and commitment to our families, students and teachers. I look forward to each day as together we strive to provide the best educational experience for each and every child.

My name is Vicki Elliott, and this is my seventeenth year with Harford County Public Schools and my third year as an assistant principal at Havre de Grace Elementary School. I have a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration and leadership. I live in Bel Air with my husband of fifteen years, Larry, and two children, Kaitlin, who is 15 and Brett, who is 10. I am excited to be at Havre de Grace Elementary School and look forward to working with you to ensure that your child has the best education possible.

Mrs. Jankowiak - teacher mentor and Ms. Dot Ward - Instructional Facilitator

Karen Jankowiak has been a proud member of the Havre de Grace Elementary school community for the last eight years. She is currently working as the teacher mentor full time for a second year. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Towson University and her Master’s degree in reading from Loyola College in Maryland. She currently resides in Bel Air with her husband Erik, her two-year old daughter Mia and her chocolate lab Bruno. She is happy to share that they are expecting their second child in late February. Mrs. Jankowiak’s mission is to passionately guide individuals to discover the possibilities

Ms. Ward - I am a native Harford Countian with a teaching sister (once at Havre de Grace, too) and a retired HCPS administrator as a mom ( also a former HDGES teacher). I have taught 5th grade, 1st grade, 2nd grade, reading, and was an assistant principal before becoming an instructional facilitator. I have been an educator for 36 years. Outside school I enjoy reading, playing tennis and being in the company of my friends. I love the schools to which I am assigned and am entertained and challenged by my work everyday. I live in Bel Air and have one daughter Margot who just graduated from the University of Mobile in Alabama.