School started today for more than 48,000 Howard County students at 72 public schools.

As students made their way into county school buildings this morning, many were warmly greeted by waiting teachers lining the sidewalks leading to the entrances.

The first day of classes went smoothly, said Patti Caplan, spokeswoman for the schools.
“We usually have very nice, smooth openings,” she added.

The students weren’t the only ones walking school hallways today. Superintendent Sydney Cousin, accompanied by school administrators, Board of Education members and elected officials, visited several schools during opening day, including Howard High School in Ellicott City, Reservoir High Lime Kiln Middle and Cedar Lane schools, all in Fulton.

Cousin said he also visited dozens of county schools during the 10 days leading up to the first day.

Cousin said his goals for this school year include ensuring student academic success, keeping the school environment safe and nurturing, and continuing ongoing outreach to the community.

The biggest challenge the schools face this year, he said, is coming up with a budget for next year, since funding at the state and federal levels is likely to decline.

“My biggest wish is for the kids to remain safe and stay out of trouble,” Cousin said.

Read more about the start of the school year in this week's Howard County Times and Columbia Flier, and at explorehoward.com.

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