Norbel School Celebrates 30 Years of Helping Students Overcome Obstacles

Thirty years ago, a couple of psychologists had an idea–that every student can learn despite disabilities. Based on that concept, they founded , which has since grown to be the place where children can turn if they are struggling in traditional school settings.

When the school opened in 1981, it had seven students and was located in a classroom donated by a Jewish facility in Pikesville, said Norma Hauserman-Campbell, Ph.D., one of the founders. The school's name came from the first three letters of Norma's name and the last four letters of her husband's last name. One L was dropped. Her husband, Robert Lawrence Campbell, Ph.D., specialized in behavioral psychology; she was a child psychologist.

Finding a name for their vision was the hardest part of getting it started, Hauserman-Campbell added. 

The school remained in Pikesville until 10 years ago when the founders purchased the former Elkridge school building on Old Washington Road.

“We realized we needed a high school,” said Hauserman-Campbell. Until 2001, Norbel only went up to the eighth grade. “So we looked for a space and found this school.”

Currently, Norbel School serves 80 to 100 children with disabilities from first through twelfth grades.

On Tuesday afternoon, Norbel celebrated its 30th anniversary with members of the House of Delegates, Howard County Chamber of Commerce, parents, faculty and friends in attendance.

At the celebration, the students planted flowers and two trees. They also shared why Norbel School means so much to them.

"I have made a lot of friends here. I am able to tap into my talents. Norbel is the perfect school for me," said student Henry Delaney at the ceremony.

Norbel is based on the idea that every student can be 100 percent successful, said Sharon DellaRose, M. Ed., current head of the school. Its approach is to break down learning into small steps that can make students feel like they have accomplished something, said DellaRose. She noted that everything in the curriculum is individualized to match each student's needs.

In honor of the anniversary, the school put a bench near its playground. Delegates Steve DeBoy and James Malone also presented the school with a citation from the Maryland General Assembly commemorating the special occasion. 

“After hearing these speeches, I appreciate the energy in the school,"  said DeBoy when he presented the citation. "You are giving [these students] the education they need and essential tools for them to succeed."