The Calvert County Board of Education approved the appointment of five new school administrators during its meeting on June 13, 2024. The appointments, which cover various educational roles across the district, aim to bolster leadership within the schools and enhance community relationships.
Credit: Calvert County Public Schools
Credit: Calvert County Public Schools
Credit: Calvert County Public Schools
Credit: Calvert County Public Schools
Credit: Calvert County Public Schools
Jamie Smith Named Principal of Dowell Elementary School
Jamie Smith has been appointed as the new principal of Dowell Elementary School. Smith transitions from her role as principal at Southern Middle School, where she has served since 2019. Her extensive career in education includes positions as a dean of students, assistant principal, and elementary teacher. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Texas, Arlington. Additionally, she participated in the Next Level Leadership Principal Academy during the 2022-2023 school year. Smith expressed her eagerness to work with neighboring leaders to strengthen community relationships.
Bryan Sammons Appointed Assistant Principal of the Career and Technology Academy
Bryan Sammons will assume the role of Assistant Principal at the Career and Technology Academy. Sammons has a background in inclusive education, serving as an Inclusive Education Facilitator. His educational credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Arts from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. Sammons began his career as a special educator in Calvert County, later becoming the dean of students at Mill Creek Middle School and holding various assistant principal positions. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge and is eager for the upcoming school year.
Melissa Huffman to Serve as Assistant Principal of Mt. Harmony Elementary School
Melissa Huffman has been appointed Assistant Principal of Mt. Harmony Elementary School. Huffman has been an assistant principal at Mutual Elementary School and previously taught first and third grades at Huntingtown Elementary School and second grade at Kingsford Elementary School in Mitchellville. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College. Huffman is excited to continue her journey with Calvert County Public Schools in her new role.
Willanette Thomas-Lohr Appointed Assistant Principal of Southern Middle School
Willanette Thomas-Lohr will take on the role of Assistant Principal at Southern Middle School. Thomas-Lohr is currently an Inclusive Education Facilitator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood and Special Education from Bowie State University and a Master of Science in Curriculum Instruction and Assessment from McDaniel College. Thomas-Lohr started her teaching career in Calvert County Public Schools in 2001 and has been a member of the Maryland State Department Expert Review Team. She looks forward to serving students, families, and stakeholders and becoming a part of the Southern Middle School community.
Angelica Van Bavel Named Assistant Principal of Mutual Elementary School
Angelica Van Bavel has been named Assistant Principal of Mutual Elementary School. Van Bavel began her teaching career as a kindergarten teacher in Charles County and later taught second grade before joining Calvert County Public Schools. She has served as a hybrid teacher and first-grade teacher at Huntingtown Elementary School, and most recently as dean of students at Windy Hill Elementary School. Van Bavel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s degree from Towson University. She looks forward to collaborating with the staff, students, and families of Mutual Elementary and aims to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening the leadership within Calvert County Public Schools, ensuring a supportive and dynamic educational environment for students and staff alike.