On a Big Day, Thanks to an Elementary School Principal

Nancy Thompson came to Talbott Springs Elementary School to be the Principal when my child was entering First Grade. Yesterday I learned that she will be retiring. Today my child is graduating from college.

Naturally it all feels connected to me.

Mrs. Thompson has been a fierce and persistent advocate for Talbott Springs during her tenure. It is not an “easy” school according to the conventional wisdom of such things. Children and their families often come to the school doors with many needs. While the outside world often looks at such schools as “bad schools” according to test scores, Ms. Thompson has always seen the kids and their potential first.

In 2013 Mrs. Thompson helped the school to celebrate its 40th anniversary. In 2017, she cut the ribbon, along with Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano, to open the new playground. In 2020, she was named by the Howard County Schools as the Principal of the Year.

Here she is speaking to gathered guests at the opening of the NEW Talbott Springs Elementary School in September of 2022.

Photo credit Howard County Schools 

The physical plant at Talbott Springs was, shall we say, “lacking” for many, many years. I can’t imagine how much joy it brought Ms.Thompson to share a new Talbott Springs with students, teachers, staff, and families.  So many people in our community worked hard to make that school happen. I imagine Ms. Thompson was first on the list.

I can see the red roof of the new school rising over the trees accross from our house. It makes me happy just to look at it. 

Back in the day, older elementary students had a field trip to UMBC to get a taste of college life. (Perhaps they still do.) I knew that, while many of us envisioned college as a natural part of our children’s futures, this trip to UMBC was an opportunity to plant and grow that dream for many other students. You have to see and know what you want to work for. You have to have someone affirm to you that it is possible and worth having.

Some kids came back awed by a college basketball game. Mine was fascinated by getting to pick tasty food items in the cafeteria. Go figure. 

That small and uncertain first grader that met Mrs. Thompson for the first time in 2007 is now a poised and confident college senior with plans in the works for grad school. In education.

Naturally it all feels connected to me.