Dr. Barbara Woodward, Principal – “I am the proud principal of Hallie Wells Middle School. Having

worked at all school levels, elementary, middle and high school, I am thrilled to be appointed principal at

my favorite age group. August is just around the corner, and I can’t wait to get our first school year

underway. We are working hard to create the best middle school in the county!”

Ms. Beth Thomas, Assistant Principal – “I am the PROUD and EXCITED Assistant Principal of the new Hallie Wells Middle School. I look forward to working with Principal Dr. Woodward as we embark on this adventurous and important middle school journey of transitioning your child from elementary to high school. We are currently hiring truly dynamic and energetic staff members to join us in creating a wonderful learning environment and educational experience for your middle-schooler. I can’t wait to meet you and traverse this bridge together.”

Ms. Carol Petersen, Administrative Secretary – “As the administrative assistant, I am so happy to be a part of the dynamic staff that has been hired and to be involved at the earliest stages of a new school. So much planning and effort is put forth with the opening of a new school and I look forward to meeting all the parents and students and can’t wait for our opening in August.”

Ms. Katie Shah, Math Content Specialist – “I am so excited to be a part of the new Hallie Wells Middle School as the Math Content Specialist. Middle school is such an important time for our students academically and socially. I can’t wait to be a part of your child’s middle school journey, and I am looking forward to meeting you and working with you to make this journey a memorable one.”

Ms. Madeline Hanington, English Content Specialist – “I am so proud to be the English Content Specialist at the new Hallie Wells Middle School. I am excited to work with the students and families of the Hallie Wells community. Opening up a new school is definitely a dream come true!”

HALLIE WELLS MIDDLE SCHOOL

OPENING AUGUST 2016

11701 Little Seneca Parkway Clarksburg, Maryland 20871

301-284-4800

Dr. Barbara A. Woodward, Principal Ms. Carol Petersen, Administrative Secretary Telephone: 301-284-4800 Temporarily Located at Historic Schoolhouse at Clarksburg ES 13530 Redgrave Place, Clarksburg, MD 20871

“Deep roots with a new beginning”

Mr. Michael McGough, Science Content Specialist - “As the Science Department Content Specialist here at Hallie Wells Middle School , I not only will facilitate the learning for our students as they grow and develop socially and academically, but I will also help build the capacities of our science and engineering staff. I am very excited to work with such an amazing and energized group of professional staff and students!”

Ms. Pam Lloyd, Staff Development Teacher – “I am thrilled to be a member of this leading learning team where we will work as a community to define who we are, what we want to be, and how we will get there. I am committed to a standard of excellence in opening a new school as a teacher leader. I look forward to the challenge and the excitement of this unique opportunity. “

Mr. Justin Owen, Arts, P.E., and World Languages Content Specialist -- “I am eager to be a part of

the new Hallie Wells Middle School as the Arts, P.E. and World Languages Content

Specialist. Professionally, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. I look forward to creating a new program and

making an impact on the students that will be attending this amazing school and involving the community

and families in this process. I believe in providing a learning environment that fosters growth and challenges

each student to reach their full potential each and every day."

Mr. Theus Cassel, School Counselor -- I have been a dedicated employee of Montgomery County Public

Schools for eleven years. During this time I have had the opportunity to act as an advocate for students,

teachers and parents. I am excited to take this opportunity to cultivate an exceptional counseling

department at Hallie Wells Middle School. I am looking forward to building strong and lasting relationships

with the Clarksburg/Damascus community and families.

Ms. Kyra Kreinbrook, Media Specialist – “I am honored and excited to be the media specialist and a

member of the Hallie Wells Middle School community. I look forward to meeting our students and their

parents. Our media center will be a vibrant place where students will come to learn, explore, socialize, and

engage in a variety of activities to support lifelong learning.”

Ms. Marisa Stemple, Resource Teacher Special Education – “I am extremely excited to be a part of the

Hallie Wells Middle School team and community! I believe it is important to focus on students’ strengths

and interests and that learning should be a joyful, positive experience. As the RTSE, I look forward to

working with staff and families to ensure that all students with learning differences are provided with the

supports and services that they need to be successful and happy at our school.”

Ms. Tara Kelly, Social Studies Content Specialist – “Hello to the Hallie Wells Middle School Community!

My 20+ years of teaching middle school has prepared me for this exciting new challenge, and I cannot

wait to meet all of my students. I will have the privilege of guiding 6th and 7th graders through the past

to discovery how history was made while connecting all to the events to today. No passive learning here,

please bring your open minds and curiosity on the first day of school.

Mr. Chris Thornett, TV Studio Teacher – “I am thrilled to be working at Hallie Wells MS! I can't wait to

begin building a new community of learners. Go MUSTANGS!

Mr. Rob Dahlin, Instrumental Music Teacher – “I am looking forward to meeting and working with the awesome kids at Hallie Wells Middle. I have already heard about the great music happening at Rocky Hill Middle School and at the feeder elementary schools. I will be working closely with the teachers in the cluster to make sure that the transition to Hallie Wells Middle School goes as smoothly as possible. Get ready to work and make sure to practice all summer. I will be getting in touch very soon. The music program will be the best program in the county and state both in orchestra and band. We will be performing all over the area as well as our two concerts, MCPS festivals and spring trip/competition. Practice!

Ms. Amy Alban, World Languages Teacher – “¡Qué emocionante! I am thrilled to help open Hallie Wells Middle School! So excited to meet the new staff, students and parents… “

Ms. Maureen Enstrom, Counselor – “Greetings Hallie Well’s MS Students and Families! My name is Maureen Enstrom and I am proud to serve as one of the counselors here at HWMS. I enjoy working with children and helping them to reach for their dreams through their academic and social-emotional growth. I believe that every child should be valued and treated with respect. An education should empower a child and help him or her make a positive contribution to the world. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you throughout this exciting time as we open what will become a great school where we work together to help all students thrive!

Ms. Michele McMahon, Physical Education Teacher – “I am beyond thrilled to be one of the PE/Health teachers at the new Hallie Wells Middle School. Our program will combine high standards and expectations to promote character development in a true learning community. I am looking forward to the building coming to life with the energy and excitement of the students on the first day of school.”

Ms. Isabel Sterling, World Languages – “"I am delighted to teach both French and Spanish at Hallie Wells Middle School. I look forward to building a strong World Language program focused on the power of communication, the influence of culture, and the beauty of acceptance. I can't wait to take our students and families on new language adventures!" «Je suis ravie d'enseigner le français et l'espagnol au Collège Hallie Wells!» —¡Estoy encantada de poder enseñar el francés y el español en la Secundaria Hallie Wells!

Ms. Marny McGee, Team Leader & World Studies Teacher – “I'm so excited to be joining the family at

Hallie Wells Middle School. As the 6th grade team leader I'm dedicated to supporting our students both

socially and academically as they transition from elementary school to middle school. It is a privilege to

have the opportunity to be part of opening a new school and creating an inspiring atmosphere for

teaching and learning. I can't wait!

Mr. David Heller, Team Leader & Technology Teacher – “As the 7th Grade Team Leader I look forward to working with the students and staff. Together we will build the foundation of excellence that Hallie Wells Middle School will be known for in the years to come.

Mr. Todd Sprites, Art Teacher – “I am really excited to be a part of building a foundation in a new

school for many years to come. This is extremely thrilling and exciting to be opening Hallie Wells and

teach digital art. I hope to build a challenging and exciting program for many years to come!”

Ms. Melanie Harper, World Studies Teacher – “I am very excited to be joining the new Hallie Wells Middle School community! This is a wonderful opportunity and I am looking forward to working with you to share my love of history and learning. I love this age group and helping them grow and mature is a privilege and I am thankful for the opportunity.

Ms. Charis Granger-Mbugua, English Teacher - “What a joy to be part of the new Hallie Wells Middle School

family! Being a part of something so new and exciting is such a life changing experience! I am eagerly

anticipating the first day of school in August and am looking forward to sharing my love of literature and

English with all of my students!

Mr. Phil Finelli, Physical Education Teacher – “I am both honored and thrilled to be a member of the

Physical Education/ Health department and also to be a part of the new Halie Wells Middle School

Community! I look forward to working with the students and staff to create an amazing foundation for

many years to come.

Ms. Melissa Picciano, Special Education Teacher -- “I am thrilled and grateful to be joining the team at Hallie

Wells Middle School! I look forward to meeting our students and their families. I am excited to collaborate

with the staff to create a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone. “

Ms. Catherine Hanten, Special Education Teacher – “I am so excited to be a part of the amazing Hallie

Wells Middle School teaching community!!!!! This is an amazing opportunity to shape our future leaders

in a new environment that is open to new ideas. I look forward to meeting our new community of learners

and helping them develop and grow.”

Mr. Patrick Stevens, Science Teacher -- "I am honored to join the science team at Hallie Wells Middle School. I look forward to being a part of this exciting new adventure."

Ms. Katherine Chapman, Math teacher - "I am delighted to be a part of the Hallie Wells community. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know each student, parent and staff member. As a math teacher, my goal is to provide an environment where students can learn and improve their mathematical thinking. I enjoy making math interesting and fun. I am excited to make this a memorable year together!" Ms. Kelli Gonzales – Math Teacher -- “What an amazing opportunity I have been given to be a founding staff

member at the new Hallie Wells Middle School!! I love teaching, learning and working with students as they

grow and develop their understanding and confidence in math. I am so looking forward to working with staff

and community members to create a positive and energizing environment for our students as they embark

on the next part of their education journey.”

Ms. Natalie Holtzman, Special Education Teacher -- “I am thrilled to join the Hallie Wells community as a

special education teacher and look forward to collaborating with colleagues, students, and parents.

Throughout the school year I hope to cultivate a love for learning by presenting fun and engaging instruction

for all students.”

Ms. Tamara Hill, Special Education Secondary ED Program Specialist – “I am super excited and proud to be

working with a new community of leaders, teachers, parents and students at Hallie Wells Middle School! I

have had the pleasure of working with the Clarksburg/Damascus community as a special education program

specialist and served on the leadership team at Rocky Hill for the past three years. I look forward to the

opening of our new school and this new adventure!”

Ms. Kerri Wells, Special Education Secondary ED Math/Science Teacher- I anticipate a great year filled with

explorations and accomplishments. It will be a year of learning and growth as students, teachers, and

parents work together as a team to create the best possible experience for each student individually and

our class as a whole. I am looking forward to meeting you all!

Ms. Lisa Sessa, Special Education Secondary ED English/World Studies Teacher-I am looking forward to a

fantastic first year at Hallie Wells Middle School! I am so excited to be part of the first team at the new

middle school here in Clarksburg. I can’t wait to meet the staff and learners! This is going to be the BEST

YEAR EVER!

Mr. Melvin Robertson, ED Special Education Para Educator – “I am a hometown boy from Damascus and

have be serving this community as a para educator for 13 years. I plan to continue my meaningful work at

Hallie Wells!”

Ms. Carline Richard, ED Special Education Para Educator -What a wonderful honor to be part of the Hallie

Wells Middle School Team. I believe it will be a great home and opportunity for our children and staff in the

ED Program. I am eager to get the school year started.

Ms. Letha Keith, ED Special Education Para Educator -It’s a privilege to be a part of such an amazing ED

Team. I look forward to this wonderful opportunity at the new Hallie Wells Middle School.

Ms. Nancy Wagner, Special Education Para Educator- I am very excited to be a part of the new

Hallie Wells Middle School family. I am eager to work with students as we transition in this new

and exciting endeavor! I look forward to helping create a positive atmosphere by spreading school

pride. Go Mustangs!

Ms. Mary Fagan, School Financial Specialist- I am so excited to be a part of the Hallie Wells Middle School team and honored to have been selected to manage the school funds. I look forward to working with everyone in creating a financial office of excellence and integrity.

Ms. Janet Parish, Counseling Secretary- I look forward to welcoming our families in August. It’s

going to be so exciting to open the new school and work with the wonderful staff, both school-

wide and within our très excellent Counseling Department. Middle school kids are the coolest,

so be sure to stop by and introduce yourself—I can’t wait to meet you!

Ms. Kathleen Ray, Main Office Secretary - I am sincerely excited to be joining the Hallie Wells MS staff as

the school secretary. I can’t wait to be welcoming the new staff as well as the new students and parents in

August. So proud to be a Mustang!

Mr. Terrence Mahoney - "I am extremely excited to join the team at Hallie Wells Middle School! I look

forward to working with the students and community to make Science meaningful, engaging, and fun!"

Ms. Clarinda Gordon, Speech-Language Pathologist - "It is exciting and rewarding to join the Hallie Wells

MS community. As your speech-language pathologist, I am committed to partnering for student success and

look forward to the start of the school year."

Ms. Ruth Stuart, Special Ed Para Educator - "I am so happy to be part of the staff at Hallie Wells MS. I am looking forward to working with all the staff members and, most of all, the students. I consider it an honor to join the team as Special Education Para Educator and am ready to work with each child to help them learn to the best of their abilities. It will be very exciting to be part of the experience of opening up a new school."

Mr. Jerome West, Special Ed Para Educator – “All good things have come from supporting students for MCPS. It has truly been positive and rewarding being able to see students reach goals and surpass expectations. I’m looking forward to continuing that trend with the Hallie Wells community as a member of the team. Go Mustangs! Bridgette Goyne, Math Teacher – “I am delighted to have been chosen to be a part of the new Hallie Wells Middle School Staff. I look forward to working with the students, staff, and parents as we embark on this new journey, as well as guiding them through the transition to middle school. I am excited to help your students learn and grow through creating a positive and engaging learning environment throughout the school year! Can’t wait to meet you all!”

Rory Zapor, Cafeteria Manager – I am so excited to be part of the Hallie Wells team as the Food Service Manager. Lunch time is such an important part of our students’ day. My cafeteria will be a place where they can come to eat, relax and socialize in a warm and friendly environment. I can’t wait to share my passion for food and nutrition with all of the students and staff. Looking forward to a great school year!

Luis Hurtado, Security Assistant -- "As the safety and security staff member for our new Hallie Wells Middle School, I plan to use all of my law enforcement experiences, education, and training in a very pro-active way to assist our students, teachers, and staff. It is very important to me that we have the safest possible environment for our students and together we can provide the necessary guidance and direction that can help them navigate safety issues with an emphasis on crime prevention. I am very proud of this opportunity and the responsibilities I will have.”

Stephen Ricketts, Building Services Manager – “I’m excited at the opportunity to be th Building Service Manager at the new Hallie Wells Middle School. I have been with MCPS for 35 yers and have worked at both high school and elementary levels. I’m very anxious to see the school as a finished product ready to be filled with student in August.”

Anthony Plummer, Plant Equipment Operator – “As the first plant equipment operator, I am looking forward to working in a new school this year. As well as building new work relationships and friends. Looking forward to all that is to come!