Woodholme Elementary Says Goodbye to First Students to Attend K-5

Morgan Kaler has been a student at since kindergarten. That’s why the fifth-grader didn't hesitate in answering what it’s going to be like at a different school in the fall.

“I’m going to be lost,” she said quietly.

Kaler is spent her final days at Woodholme this week, as part of the first group of fifth-graders to graduate after starting there in kindergarten when the school opened in 2005.

Kahler was among the 149 fifth-graders who went through their "fifth-grade final farewell" this week, and she was one of 47 who began their elementary schooling in Woodholme's kindergarten, said Principal Maralee Clark.

“These were our babies,” Clark said. “It really was a special occasion.”

During the farewell, Del. Dana Stein, a Democrat who represents Pikesville, Owings Mills and Reisterstown, talked with the children about the message of persistence and the importance of following their dreams.

When Woodholme opened, it was primarily a relief valve in this northwest area of Baltimore County due to some very fast population growth, Clark said.

Although its beginnings were practical, the school has blossomed into a hub of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for its students, and one that boasts high student test scores as well, she explained.

As fourth-graders, 97.5 percent of the 149 scored "advanced" or "proficient" in math on the Maryland School Assessments; 95.9 percent of them did the same in reading, she said.

Also, the school was ranked No. 1 in the state both last year and this year in reading and math for elementary schools with similar demographics.

“It’s a premier school, a tremendous school,” said Charles Herndon, spokesman for Baltimore County Public Schools. “It has really come into its own as a powerhouse of a school, due in no small part to these children and their parents.”

This first group helped pick the school’s colors (sky blue and silver), nickname (Rockets) and set some of Woodholme’s basic details and traditions. And they love their alma mater.

“This is my only elementary school,” Kaler said. “I liked how the teachers are always nice.”

Tajiel Wesley started at Woodholme in the first grade, and he also will leave with some very fond memories.

“I’m going to miss this school,” he said. “It was a very nice school with all the activities. I look forward to maybe visiting here and seeing how it is in 2018.”