About William S. James Elementary

William S. James Elementary is the center of a dynamic, growing community of Box Hill North, in Abindon, Maryland. We thrive on the strength of the growing diversity of our community, which unites families from a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities. This year, the school will continue to embark on further understanding and appreciating different cultures of diversity, through our cultural arts assemblies. In 2005, our Destination Imagination (Improving Along) team won in the Regional and State competitions. In May, 2005 the team went on to compete in the Global DI competition, which was held in Tennessee. The team placed twenty fourth out of thirty six teams!

We have a very involved PTA, which supports our students and staff.
Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to participate in a variety of ways in our school. They are encouraged to participate in activities ranging from working in the classrooms to contacting other parents for our Safe to School program.

Our School Improvement Plan continues to target student achievement and closing the gap that we've identified. Professional Learning Communities or PLCs have been established in order for teachers to learn and grow in our commitment to increase achievement for all students.

The school's mascot is the jaguar. It characterizes the strength,
persistence, and adaptability that our students and staff bring to school.
Our motto is "We learn and grow together." The students and staff at William S. James Elementary live up to this statement every day.

Principal: Mrs. Kim A. Spence
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Alison M. Donnelly
Lead Secretary: Mrs. Dorothy L. Sullivan
Chief Custodian: Mr. Paul L. Armstrong
Instructional Facilitator: Mr. Peter Carpenter
Mentor: Ms. Erika H. Anderson

School Structure
The hours of operation for WSJES are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The staff has reorganized into grade level cluster groups to better meet the needs of the students.

School Profile: WSJES Profile
School Bus Routes: WSJES Bus Routes
MSDE School Performance Report:
William S. James Performance Report

Who Is William S. James?

From 1957 until 1975, William S. James was a prominent Maryland politician, holding seats in the Maryland House of Delegates and the State Senate, and serving as State Treasurer from 1975 to 1987.

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