Bland and her assistant principal, Brian Vanisko, also told Cousin and Aquino about the school's Olympic theme, which they hope will continue to motivate staff and students.
"Our slogan is: Make It A Gold Medal Year," Vanisko said.
Bland said she was excited to start her 12th year as principal of Hammond Elementary.
"If it's not exciting, then you don't need to be here," she said.
It has become a tradition to pair a school employee and an elected official and have them assigned to visit a cluster of schools. For example, Arlene Harrison, administrative director of elementary education, joined County Council member Mary Kay Sigaty at Clemens Crossing Elementary, Swansfield Elementary, Longfellow Elementary, Clarksville Elementary, Atholton High, River Hill High and Wilde Lake High. Clarissa Evans, the school system's executive director of secondary curricular programs and instruction, joined board member Janet Siddiqui at Cedar Lane School, Fulton Elementary, Lime Kiln Middle, Reservoir High and Hammond High.
"It's a way of welcoming the students back, and letting the staff know that they are appreciated," Caplan said. "It also makes sure that everything is running the way it is supposed to the first day."
At Hammond Middle, Principal Kerry McGowan said many of her students were excited to have Cousin visit the school.
"The kids were like, 'Is that the boss?' " she said with a laugh. "It means a lot to the kids. The kids recognized him right away."
