Mrs. Justine Sillers
Assistant Principal
Email: Justine_Sillers@hcpss.org
Mrs. Sillers is thrilled to be part of the Deep Run Community and proud to be a Ranger! She was born and raised on the Jersey Shore and attended Towson University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. During her student teaching internships in Howard County, she discovered her passion for teaching in Maryland and decided to make it her home.
She began her career in education at Waterloo Elementary School, where she taught second and third grade. In 2013, she had the privilege of helping open Ducketts Lane Elementary School, serving as the second-grade Instructional Team Leader. She later spent six years as the fifth-grade Instructional Team Leader before transitioning into the Leadership Intern role at Bollman Bridge Elementary School. From there, she was promoted to assistant principal and proudly served the Fulton Elementary School community for the past five years. This year, Mrs. Sillers celebrates her twentieth year in education, a milestone that reflects her longstanding commitment to supporting students, staff, and families.
While teaching, Mrs. Sillers continued her studies at McDaniel College, earning a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Leadership. She is deeply passionate about working with children and helping them reach their greatest potential. She wholeheartedly believes that every child can succeed when given the right opportunities and supports.
Mrs. Sillers looks forward to building strong relationships with Deep Run's staff, students, and families. She is committed to working collaboratively to ensure an equitable learning environment that prioritizes social-emotional well-being and academic success for every child.
Outside of school, Mrs. Sillers enjoys spending time with her husband Matt and their two sons, Parker (12) and Griffin (8). She also loves going to the beach, traveling, cooking, watching football (Go JETS!), and crafting.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Sillers—she is excited to partner with you throughout your child’s educational journey!
Jerome Pickens
Assistant Principal
Email: jerome_pickens@hcpss.org
Hello Deep Run Families! I'm honored to be one of your Assistant Principals! With over 10 years of experience in education, I'm passionate about fostering a love of learning in every child. My journey began in Baltimore County Public Schools as a 2nd grade teacher in 2012, and I moved to Howard County Public Schools in 2016. At Bryant Woods Elementary, I was the instructional team leader for grades 4 and 5, and most recently, I served as the Leadership Intern at Hollifield Station Elementary. This will be my third school year at Deep Run! I'm committed to providing high-quality education for all students, ensuring they reach their full potential and closing the achievement gap. Outside the classroom, you'll find me spending time with loved ones, cooking up something delicious, enjoying music and concerts, and exploring new places. My door is always open, so please don't hesitate to reach out! I can't wait to connect with each of you.
School Overview
Deep Run Elementary School is a vibrant learning community dedicated to inspiring every student to grow, achieve, and lead. Serving more than 630 students in Pre-K through fifth grade and supported by a dedicated staff of over 160 educators and support professionals, Deep Run provides a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
At Deep Run, we believe every child has the potential to become a successful learner, compassionate individual, and productive citizen. Our instructional practices are guided by the Howard County Public School System's Strategic Plan, Together We Will BE GREAT!, and reflect our commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to positively impact the world around them.
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Deep Run values meaningful connections among students, staff, families, and the community, creating a welcoming school culture where every individual is respected, supported, and encouraged to succeed. These relationships help foster a sense of belonging and contribute to a positive learning environment for all.
Deep Run students are encouraged each day to exemplify what it means to be a Ranger who Leads the Way! Through high expectations, positive behavior, and a commitment to kindness, responsibility, and respect, students develop the character and leadership skills needed to make a positive difference both within the school community and beyond.
The Deep Run website serves as a resource for learning more about the school, its programs, events, and the many opportunities available to students throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to explore all that makes Deep Run Elementary School a place where every Ranger is inspired to learn, grow, and lead.
Family and Community Engagement
Environmental Reports
All environmental reports have been moved to the Indoor Environmental Quality page.
Cluster 2 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.
Deep Run Elementary School BOE Representative: Antonia Watts