9853 Softwater Way
Columbia, MD 21046

Principals, teachers, support staff here lack the understanding of developmental stages and the ability to work with students that require them. They are in need of educational support to understand that children with behavioral and learning needs are not managed the way they manage their own personal family issues and will never meet the standards or expectations of a caring community or village. They are not equipped to provide a safe learning environment for children and need to be vetted on their safety protocols and implementation of educational support for children with 504s and IEPs.

My kid is thriving at Hammond High and is in mostly AP/GT courses. Assignments and feedback are very organized. He seems to be enjoying himself, despite the long study hours . He enjoys friendships that are supportive. Ms. Reid is an engaged and effective Principal. The school sends emails to parents daily. The teachers are mostly veteran instructors who have command of their subjects. They care about the kids and enjoy them. This school appears to be an inclusive community. I am astounded by the opportunities provided for the students to help them on their path to being productive adults. The books, projects, and discussions are often college level. There is something for everyone. The upgrade of the building is wonderful.

The principal has 0 control over the school, the 2 female assistant admin do the best they can to try to get clarity and handle issues but.... Mr.Smart is "Mr.Community" yet he is pushy, rude, and pompeous when having to handle matters with him. They're is constant bullying and fights all the time, students who never had issues before middle school being dragged into altercations. There is a particularly nasty old verbally abusive teacher in 6th grade who speaks down to the kids and makes snide comments regularly. Other teachers ignore emails from parents and delay in grading so you never really understand if your child is missing work or not. Just be prepared for never ending list of issues if your child is going to attend this school. The principal will give you a huge false Impression at orientation and it will leave you so insanely disappointed after. This is also partly HCPSS's fault. They need to provide better security and security cameras for the school. They need to give the support that is so OBVIOUSLY needed yet they only seem to care about cutting positions and taking away from the schools. This school needs SECURITY and a change in leadership ASAP!!!!!