Join us in supporting the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education today, as we work towards a bet
Cathy Kowalewski for Harford County Board of Education
Cathy Kowalewski has lived in Harford County for almost 30 years. Alongside her husband, she has raised two children who attended Harford County Public Schools. Cathy has dedicated her time to serving students and families by being a Destination Imagination coach and a lacrosse coach within Harford County Public Schools. She has personally navigated the challenges of advocating for her own children in HCPS, giving her firsthand experience that informs her approach. With 42 years of experience in education at all levels—from PK to college—Cathy has worked as a teacher, counselor, licensed school psychologist, and adjunct instructor. Additionally, she is a licensed clinical professional counselor who has spent over 17 years as a therapist and clinical supervisor in a youth and family outpatient center. Cathy has also supervised more than 15 school psychology interns in Harford County Public Schools. Her commitment to education extends to serving on multiple professional committees and presenting numerous professional developments across all disciplines within Harford County Public Schools. With a deep understanding of how tests are developed, Cathy can interpret test results and research effectively. She knows how schools operate and what is necessary to enhance our schools, particularly in the context of school safety initiatives. Cathy's dedication to education has led to her nomination for the Student Services Professional of the Year, highlighting her impactful contributions to the Harford County Public Schools.
Issues and goals
School Safety
All students and staff deserve to feel safe, both physically and psychologically, in our school buildings. As part of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education, I will prioritize school safety initiatives to ensure that safety remains a top concern for everyone. I will work to ensure that schools have the necessary resources to address physical safety and bullying, while also fostering climates of acceptance for all students.
Academic Achievement
Our students deserve the highest quality education possible, and as part of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign, I am committed to advocating for this. Research shows that smaller class sizes generally lead to higher test scores, better engagement, and long-term benefits like higher graduation rates due to more individualized attention, immediate feedback, and deeper learning opportunities. I will work to ensure that we keep class sizes as small as possible as we navigate the budget process, all while prioritizing school safety initiatives within the Harford County Board of Education.
Support for Educators
Our educators need our support now more than ever, especially as part of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education. Educators have spent years honing their expertise, and they deserve to be heard and respected. Their unique perspectives are essential when discussing policies and decisions, including critical school safety initiatives. I will work to ensure that their voices are represented at the table when it comes to decisions like the school calendar and other issues that impact student success.
Accountability and Transparency
Accountability extends to staff, students, and families within the context of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education. We all must work collaboratively and take ownership of our roles in the lives of children. Staff issues should be addressed privately after all information is known. Students should be held accountable for inappropriate behaviors, considering their developmental age and all applicable laws. Caregivers should engage in conversations with their students, ensuring they come to school ready to learn, which is essential for effective school safety initiatives. I hope to be involved in decisions regarding accountability and transparency for all stakeholders.
Parental and Public Input
There is so much misinformation being spread about our schools through word of mouth and social media. I hope to listen to parental concerns and increase transparency by making information more easily available to stakeholders. My goal is to help educate everyone about the facts and provide information based on research, particularly regarding school safety initiatives. I believe we need to do a better job of communicating with parents and the public, focusing on facts over feelings.
Books and Curriculum
I believe that all parents and caregivers have a responsibility to determine what books and materials are best for their child. As part of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education, I advocate for curriculum to be made readily available and easy to locate on the school system's website for caregivers to view. Students need to see themselves and others in books and curriculum materials, and not all children can access books through the public library or purchase books they wish to read. Parents have the ability to opt their child out of anything they feel is not appropriate for their child. I believe more education is needed for caregivers on how to opt out of books, lessons, or materials that they do not want their child to access, and I believe we have the technology to inform parents and caregivers about what books their child may be looking to check out of school libraries.
TO DONATE:
You can support Cathy Kowalewski's campaign for the Harford County Board of Education, by making a donation through the following methods:
PayPal:CathyKowalewski4BoardofEd@gmail.com, Venmo: @Catherine-Kowalewski-2, or by sending a check made out to Friends of Cathy Kowalewski; 2048 Brandy Drive, Forest Hill, MD 21050