Tanisha Burks
Principal
Email: tanisha_burks@hcpss.org
I am honored to serve as the proud principal of LWES, bringing with me 20 years of dedicated experience in education. My journey began at The College of William and Mary for my undergraduate studies, followed by The Pennsylvania State University where I earned my Master’s in Special Education, and finally, George Washington University where I completed my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of serving in multiple roles—Special Education teacher, Literacy Coach, Response to Intervention Coordinator, and Assistant Principal—all of which have deepened my understanding of diverse student needs and educational pathways.
From a young age, education has been my passion. Inspired by my parents and aunts, who were educators themselves, I have always viewed education as a gateway to limitless opportunity. As principal of Laurel Woods Elementary School, I am committed to nurturing that same passion in every child who walks through our doors.
Our school motto, “Looking Within Every Student,” reflects our commitment to recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths and potential in every learner. At LWES, we believe in growing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
As a community school, we believe that strong partnerships are essential. Here at LWES, we work with our families and alongside our community to make Laurel the best place ever for our children to learn, grow, and thrive. We celebrate diversity, foster positive relationships, and empower every child to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my husband Kermit and our twins, Madie and Cole. As a family, we love traveling, biking, and enjoying time together.
Whether you're a parent, guardian, or community member, I welcome you to connect with me. Your partnership is invaluable as we continue to build a strong, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for every Panther at Laurel Woods Elementary School.
Thank you for being a part of our journey!
Khalilah Braxton
Assistant Principal
Email: khalilah_braxton@hcpss.org
Greetings! My name is Khalilah (Kah-LEE-lah) Braxton. I am excited to begin my third year serving the Laurel Woods Elementary School community as your Assistant Principal! The 2023-2024 school year marks my 26th year as an educator in the Howard County Public School System. My journey began at Hammond Elementary, as a classroom teacher for 17 years, where I taught first and second grades, as well as kindergarten. I was also the kindergarten Instructional Team Leader. I joined Talbott Springs Elementary in 2016 to begin a new chapter as Title I Interventionist, balancing multiple roles including first grade Instructional Team Leader, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Liaison, and Evening School Point of Contact. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Radford University in VA and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University in Maryland. I grew up in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Covington, Virginia. For the last 26 years, I’ve called Laurel, Maryland my home! I look forward to another amazing year of collaborating and supporting the Laurel Woods students, staff, and community!
Katherine Lee
Leadership Intern
Email: Katherine_Lee@hcpss.org
School Overview
LWES – Looking Within Every Student encompasses the essence of our vision statement. Laurel Woods is a community school who builds relationships to create a successful learning environment where students will excel. It is our mission to develop productive and responsible citizens in a positive and challenging environment that accelerates achievement, and encourages enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Our students benefit from the many programs and resources available within our school. Literacy and math coaches offer continuous assistance to students and staff. The teaching staff provides daily instruction that is specific to individual student needs. Our Student Support Team work with families to acccess resources and supports to ensure the well-being of our students and families. Laurel Woods continues to implement restorative justice practices to support our students, families and staff. We believe that all people in our LWES community are worthy and relational. We have committed to our Success Factors to ensure we are providing opportunities for everyone to be successful. Our Success Factors include Honesty, Kindness, Empathy, Creativity and Accountability. We remain committed as a school community to provide our children with the opportunity to excel with academics while learning essential social skills that will lead to success in the years ahead. Our PTO, community, volunteers and business partners come together to provide a positive, exciting and joy-filled school community. We recognize our responsibility to develop students who are competent with essential skills, able to use information to solve real-world problems and capable of working together in a rapidly changing and diverse world.Cluster 3 Board of Education Representative
Howard County public schools are divided into school clusters, which are assigned to individual Board members to facilitate school visitations, attend special events, and provide a point of contact for each school community. View all BOE school cluster assignments.
Laurel Woods Elementary School BOE Representative: Jolene Mosley