The Mall in Columbia Partnership Strengthens Wilde Lake High School Community

May 30th, 2018

Wilde Lake High School (WLHS) has partnered with The Mall in Columbia to promote student success and good citizenship by developing a “good neighbor” relationship. The partnership was formalized with an official partnership signing on Thursday, May 24, at the Walrus Oyster and Ale House in Columbia, Maryland.

Under the terms of the agreement, The Mall will collaborate with WLHS staff to identify programs and activities that enhance and strengthen the WLHS community. A group of WLHS students and The Mall staff members will meet to discuss student experiences, challenges and opportunities. The Mall representatives will participate in WLHS restorative justice circles to address youth related issues at The Mall and work with retailers to support Positive Behavior programs.

The Mall representatives will serve as classroom speakers about business operations, marketing and customer service. WLHS students will participate in job fairs, back-to-school programs and fashion events at The Mall.

HCPSS Director of Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response Thomas McNeal, Wilde Lake High School Principal Rick Wilson and Wilde Lake High School Parent Teacher Student Association President Paul Rivers joined The Mall in Columbia Senior General Manager Barbara Nicklas, Associate General Manager Mackenzie Harrison and Director of Public Safety Will Richardson to sign the formal partnership agreement at the May 24 event.

The Mall in Columbia, situated in the corridor between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, offers shopping, dining and entertainment, with several department stores, more than 200 specialty shops, theaters and several restaurants.

The Howard County Public School System’s Partnerships Office has united schools with more than 1,000 businesses and community organizations to enhance the educational experience of Howard County students. Partnerships benefit schools, businesses and the entire community by leveraging the resources of all participants. Partners may commit human or financial resources or other support.

For more information, contact Partnerships Office Manager Mary Schiller at 410-313-6655 or mary_schiller@hcpss.org.