Governor, State Superintendent Visit Stevens Forest Elementary

September 3rd, 2025

On Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey Wright visited Stevens Forest Elementary School (SFES). Several other elected officials and guests joined the Governor and State Superintendent, including Bill Barnes, Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Superintendent; Jolene Mosley, HCPSS Board of Education Chair; Dr. Josh Michael, Maryland State Board of Education President; Dr. Calvin Ball, Howard County Executive; Opel Jones, Howard County Council Member, District 2; Vanessa Atterbeary, Maryland State Delegate, District 13; Pamela Guzzone, Maryland State Delegate, District 13; and Guy Guzzone, Maryland State Senator, District 13.

“It was an honor and pleasure to host the Governor, State Superintendent, County Executive, and other guests at Stevens Forest,” said Superintendent Barnes. “We are proud of the talented educators and programs that support the achievement and well-being of students and families.”

Governor Moore and Superintendent Wright’s visit to SFES allowed them to see HCPSS’ implementation of Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future, with a focus on early childhood education, community schools and literacy. The group stopped by a professional learning session for staff led by Literacy Coach Aura Volz and visited classrooms led by first grade teacher Holly McDonnell, second grade reading teacher/Title I Point of Contact Pamela Linton-Kozar, and third grade teacher Emily Peterson.

“The Howard County community overwhelmingly shares a passion for high-quality education and creating valuable opportunities for our children,” said Board of Education Chair Jolene Mosley. “Stevens Forest Elementary School embodies all we seek to uplift in terms of programs, opportunities, and rigor for our students.”

The visit also included a stop at the newly opened Judy Center at SFES, which provides free, high-quality early learning experiences, parent education, developmental screenings, and connections to health and social services to children aged prenatal through five years old and their families who live in the school’s catchment area. It also supports families who live outside that area and have children with disabilities and/or who are experiencing homelessness.

“Stevens Forest Elementary School takes great pride in cultivating a thriving, equitable, and inclusive school community where relationships and engagement foster growth,” says SFES Principal Katie Carter. “On behalf of the students and staff of our school community, it was an honor to uplift our collective hard work on improving outcomes for each student with our special guests.”