Principal's Message

Greetings Pine Grove Elementary Families, 

It is an honor to introduce myself, Valerie Lewis, and serve as principal of Pine Grove Elementary School.  Let me begin by sharing a little about myself and my village.  I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.  On the weekends, I can be found in a Marshalls or Home Goods from here to Virginia.  I love a quality bargain!  In addition, I have an unexplainable obsession with fragrances.  I am a wife, mother, and daughter.  My husband, Jerrod and I have been married for over 16 years and reside in Baltimore County with our two youngest children.  I have a stepdaughter, Jadah, who is 27 years old; and two sons, Jaden (14) and Julian (9).  My mother is Brenda.  I won't dare say her age.  We recently lost our pet dog, Chase, whom we raised (or raised us) for over eight years.  It is important for me to mention my family because they are my support system, as well as my cheerleaders.  They continue to motivate and uplift me.  Family means a lot to me, and I understand that when you send your children to school, you want them to be treated as such while they are receiving a quality education in a safe environment.   

I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Morgan State University, and a Master of Science in Human Resources Development from Towson University.  I have dedicated 23 years to Baltimore County Public Schools.  Nine years have been spent as a classroom teacher in first, second and fourth grades.  I was a central-office resource teacher for seven years.  Most recently, I served as assistant principal of Timber Grove Elementary School for seven years. 

I am a principal because of the love I have for children and the passion I have for teaching and learning.  Being a principal has been a life-long goal of mine.  Every role I have held in BCPS in the past 23 years has prepared me for this position.  I believe all students are capable of learning.  For students to successfully learn, the whole child must be considered, which involves addressing individual socio-emotional needs and providing responsive instruction customized to prepare our life-long learners to become college and career ready. 

I am overjoyed with excitement to serve as your principal and committed to working with you to ensure the success of the Pine Grove Elementary School Community. 

Your Partner, 

Valerie Lewis 

Principal