Since last school year, the IB Programme has had changes in staffing and responsibilities. But this doesn’t mean they plan to drop any of the fun and support.
Since June of 2024, some IB staff departed from Kenwood for new opportunities. This includes Mrs. Lacey Williams, who was the IB coordinator, Theory of Knowledge teacher, and CAS supervisor for 9 years, Ms. Mariner, who taught IB Psychology SL and HL, and Ms Vanmeter, who supervised the Extended Essay.
Their responsibilities have been dispersed among other staff members, some who have worked with IB before and others who haven’t. This doesn’t change the opportunities all IB students have within the program, however.
The new IB Coordinator, Ms. McNulty states that “If students earn the full IB diploma, they start college at sophomore status, which saves them a lot of money. To support the students in these tough courses, we have Ms. Barton as the counselor, awesome IB teachers, and of course I am happy to do what I can as well as the coordinator.”
The new staff changes have come with some challenges, but also opportunities for growth from said staff. IB senior Leslie Carballo says that because this year is the first year that many of the staff are teaching or supervising IB components, “they take our input a lot more…because they value our background with the program.”
Outside of the new staff changes, all the challenge and rigor remains the same. In fact, the IB program is known to be the most rigorous college prep program in Baltimore County. IB Senior Ashley Bulnes-Ramos says that not only have the courses improved her QPA, but “forces me to be more organized and be more mindful of what I’m putting my time into, and that type of skill is what I think really benefits in the long term.” In terms of social development, IB Senior Lin Ariale Tajeken says that the program has “made me less shy [because] there’s not a lot of us, so you’re kind of forced to talk more.”
Finally, with a new school year comes new fun activities for IB students to enjoy. Although Ms. McNulty has her hands full with her new responsibilities, she plans to do pumpkin painting, cookie decorating, and a potluck lunch, as well as doing her best to continue traditions set by former IB Coordinator Mrs. Williams such as honor roll breakfasts.
Overall, both IB Students and staff may face some hurdles that come with change, but they will persevere through it and make good use of the time they have to achieve their goals.
