Ann Barnhouse, Principal’s Secretary, Clemens Crossing Elementary School

June 2nd, 2016

Clemens Crossing Elementary School Principal’s Secretary Ann Barnhouse is known for providing “service with a smile.” As a lifelong Elkridge resident, she’s embraced Howard County and its school system as an alumna, parent, volunteer and staff member. In her two years in her current role, Barnhouse said she loves that she’s “involved in everything at the school.”

Barnhouse and her husband, who met in their early 20s through mutual friends, are raising their family in Elkridge, where the couple was born and raised. The whole family, both parents and their five children, graduated from or are attending Howard High School. Barnhouse said she loves living in the area because “All five children have gone through the HCPSS and done well. There are so many academic opportunities for their different levels of learning here. Howard County’s abundance of resources help to make it a great place for any family to live.”

As principal’s secretary, Barnhouse manages the main office and provides clerical assistance to the principal, staff, students, parents and community. Her day could involve finding substitutes, getting supplies for kindergarten orientation, making schoolwide announcements, organizing Cinco de Mayo themed decorations for Staff Appreciation Week, booking rooms for PTA meetings, and handling financial records, purchasing and bookkeeping, and more.

Barnhouse loves the variety in her work, saying “I love what I do. It changes every day. In the front office, you meet everyone because I work for everybody in this building. It’s also neat to see the changes as the kids grow.” Barnhouse said everyone at Clemens Crossing has been “friendly” and “welcoming,” especially as she’s learned the ropes of her new position.

After Barnhouse earned her associate degree at Howard Community College, she worked her way up from secretary to account rep at an employee benefit company. She then stayed at home for 14 years to raise her kids, while actively volunteering at their schools. Eleven years ago, her classroom volunteering led to paraeducation then front office employment at Elkridge Elementary School, where her kids attended. In 2014, she joined Clemens Crossing as the principal’s secretary.

Clemens Crossing Principal Edward Cosentino said, “Ann goes above and beyond in the front office of Clemens Crossing Elementary School. She has transformed the front office, providing great service and support to staff, students and parents.” Assistant Principal Liz Yankle added, “Ann makes sure everyone in the front office works together. The staff feel comfortable asking her questions, and she’s always happy to help them. She’s had such a positive impact.”

Barnhouse said she gets her work ethic from her father. One of eight children, Barnhouse said, “My dad taught us you were 10 minutes early or you were late for work. The respect you gave bosses and co-workers–my dad instilled that upon us.”

Cosentino said, “The front office sets the tone for the rest of building. Having someone in the front office who works hard and is welcoming and caring sets the tone for the rest of building.” Yankle agreed, saying, “because of Ann we make a good first impression.”