About Us
Sonia Hurd
Welcome to Thunder Hill Elementary!
I am very excited to serve as principal at Thunder Hill. I am committed to ensuring that every single student within the Thunder Hill community is provided with amazing opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. As I begin my 24th year in Howard County, I feel very fortunate to be a member of such a dedicated staff and active school community. I am looking forward to working with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's academic success. Along with committed staff, I will work hard to continue the legacy of success established at Thunder Hill by creating and maintaining strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and community partners.
When I am not working with the stakeholders at Thunder Hill Elementary, I am most likely spending time with my husband and my two sons who attend Howard County public schools. As a family, we enjoy playing sports, taking trips to the beach, and exploring the many areas of Howard County.
In the Thunder Hill community, we take pride in providing a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment while encouraging our students to reach their full academic potential. In addition to academic growth, we want to ensure our students grow in the arts. We also want our students to develop social and physical fitness skills. Thunder Hill Elementary School provides an education where children continually learn and grow while experiencing the world around them. I know we will have a wonderful year together. I'm looking forward to getting to know our families.
Please don't hesitate to contact me throughout the school year if I can be of assistance to your child or family in any way. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Brian Holcomb McMahon
Hello Thunderbirds! I am excited to join the Thunder Hill family. I served as an Administrative Intern at Veterans Elementary School this past year. Prior to this, I spent eight years at Talbott Springs Elementary School, where my roles included fifth-grade teacher, GT Resource Teacher, and second-grade ITL. Beyond my teaching experience, I have over 20 years of leadership, management, and staff development experience. I earned my Associates Degree from Howard Community College, a Bachelors of History from Towson University, a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Towson University, and Postgraduate Certification in Administration from McDaniel University. I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments, and have demonstrated this with my involvement in the HCPSS LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee and serving as Rainbow Representative at TSES and VES. I was fortunate to be recognized as a Baltimore Orioles Birdland Community Hero for his efforts in promoting a safe and accepting learning environment.
School Overview
THES Vision
Thunder Hill Elementary School is an inclusive and nurturing environment that embraces and celebrates differences where all students are inspired and believe they have the ability to accomplish their goals and excel in school and life.
THES Mission
We believe in fostering an inclusive and empowering community of staff, students, and families. In order to positively impact our school community, we will inspire others and lead by example. By consistently providing the education, tools, resources, and support, we develop healthy communication skills, embrace each other’s similarities and differences, and encourage self-reflection and independence.
THES Students "SOAR"
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S - Show Kindness
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O - Others are included
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A - Always Respectful
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R - Responsible
THES Restorative Justice (RJ) Mission
Thunder Hill ES is a school community where collaborative and supportive relationships exist between all stakeholders, including staff, students, and families.
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Individuals are welcomed when they enter our building
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Titles and/or roles do not get in the way of healthy social and emotional interactions
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Student needs and opinions are valued and honored
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Every community member has a person with whom they can connect with
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Safe spaces are created for difficult conversations
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There is an awareness of racism and the impact it has on the community we serve
LEED Certification
Thunder Hill Elementary School was given a LEED certified Silver Status in 2013.
LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. Thunder Hill Elementary School is among a small percentage of Howard County and Maryland schools to have earned LEED certification, which recognizes a commitment to environmental sustainability.
School Profile:
Thunder Hill Elementary School
Fast facts about Thunder Hill ES listing special programs, total enrollment, accomplishments and more.
MSDE School Report Card
The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) School Report Card reflects overall
school performance using a combination of academic and school quality indicators.
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.
THES BOE Representative: Antonia Watts