New boundaries bring change to Laurel elementary schools

Deerfield Run Elementary lost 250 students to Vansville resulting in the school going from 11 buses to two, said Principal Thomas Tucker.

Yet Deerfield is slated to gain 125 new students. Tucker said most are from James Harrison Elementary, and some from Oaklands Elementary. Tucker also said that leaving Deerfield are going to Montpelier and Laurel Elementary.

That is why Tucker said the goal is to "make our new community feel as welcome as the old community. We hope to make sure the new families feel as connected to our school."

The school welcomes two new teachers—Ellen Kramer in third grade and Avrenna Komisar in second grade—as well as a new nurse, Kim Hughes.

Deerfield plans to resume its integrated arts curriculum, including their drama club, step team, and their literary magazine. Tucker said Deerfield should "everyday use the arts to teach the curriculum." Because of last year's high Maryland School Assessment scores Montpelier Elementary will enjoy its new school year in what Principal Carla Furlow said was the "80's Club." This county-wide echelon celebrates schools that score in the 80th percentile in overall school reading and math proficiency. The MSA is a reading and math exam Maryland uses to track student performance as required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Schools and student subgroups – such as races, students receiving free or reduced priced meals and special education students – are expected to meet progressively higher annual benchmarks – in Maryland known as Adequate Yearly Progress – up until 2013-14.

"We're excited to be a part of that," said Furlow, who is aiming for the school to be a part of the 90-percent club.

The school has no new teachers, and lost three due to the boundary changes. While 190 students were relocated to Vansville, 125 are coming in from Deerfield and 15 from Harrison.

James H. Harrison Elementary lost a total of 195 students between Vansville, Oaklands, and Deerfield Run. Yet it is also projected to receive a combined 100 new students from Scotchtown Hills and Laurel elementaries.

James H. Harrison Principal Patricia Haith-Belgrave is optimistic about the upcoming year.

"It's going to be a great year," she said. "There's a lot to celebrate and be proud of."

With the exception of fourth grade mathematics, Harrison registered double digit gains in reading and math proficiency from the third, fourth and fifth grade on the MSA, and in overall reading and math proficiency on the AYP.

Harrison has three new teachers, and three new staff members to help the school meet AYP for another year. Haith-Belgrave said the school is keeping the same initiatives, yet implementing new software. Teachers will be given SchoolMAX, a web-based program that allows teachers to tabulate their students' grades, progress and attendance.

"We're just looking forward to a new year," Furlow said.

Email Timmy Gelles at tgelles@gazette.net.