Wilde Lake Teacher Missing, School Offers Support

OLNEY, MD - A woman reported missing in Montgomery County is a teacher in Columbia. The school system has offered resources to help the community cope after the teacher did not show up this week for the first day of school.

Laura Elizabeth Wallen, 31, of Rolling Meadows Way in Olney, has been out of touch with relatives since Sunday, Sept. 3.

She is a teacher at Wilde Lake High School in Howard County, where Principal Rick Wilson said staff discussed the news of Wallen's disappearance with students during first period on Wednesday, Sept. 6.

"Our staff members are closely monitoring students who may need assistance to process their thoughts and emotions associated with this report," Wilson wrote in a letter to the community. See the full text of the letter at the end of the article.

Police said that Wallen texted her family on Sunday, Sept. 3, and authorities are concerned about her physical and emotional well-being. (Get news alerts from Columbia Patch and like us on Facebook.)

The last text Wallen exchanged with relatives was "troubling," family members told NBC Washington, noting she was four months pregnant and nowhere to be found when they went to her condo.

The class of 2018 started a Twitter chain showing their support for the Wilde Lake High School teacher.

"Ms. Wallen is such an amazing person and loved by everyone at Wilde Lake; she can always put a smile on my face, even on the worst days," one student tweeted. Wallen was rated the senior class's teacher of the year in 2016.

Other students said Wednesday that they were keeping her in their prayers and recirculated the hashtag #BringWallenHome.

Wallen is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and 200 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. She may be driving a black 2011 Ford Escape with Maryland tags M522473.

Anyone with information about Laura Elizabeth Wallen is asked to call the Montgomery County Police Department's non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. It is monitored 24 hours a day.

Wilde Lake High School Principal Rick Wilson issued this letter to the school.

September 6, 2017

Dear Wilde Lake Community:

I am writing to inform you of a report released by the Montgomery County Police Department late yesterday and to make you aware of the response by Wilde Lake High School staff and the Howard County Public School System.

Ms. Laura Wallen, Wilde Lake High School Social Studies teacher, has been reported missing by the Montgomery County Police Department. Wilde Lake staff met this morning and then shared this information with students in first period classes. Many students were already aware of this news via social media yesterday evening. Our staff members are closely monitoring students who may need assistance to process their thoughts and emotions associated with this report. The Wilde Lake Administrative team, Student Services staff, and the Howard County Public School Crisis Team are available to assist students and staff during the school day, as needed. We will contact the parents of any students who come to Student Services for individual support.

When speaking with your child(ren) about this situation, please reinforce that adults in their lives are here to provide for their safety and to guide them through difficult situations.

• Listen to your child’s story – Let your child know that you are available to answer any questions. You may not have all the answers to their questions, but they will benefit from your attention. Provide simple, accurate information in response to questions.

• Encourage your child to express his or her feelings – Talk about your own feelings. Don’t be afraid to express how the uncertainty of the situation makes you feel, as this helps to validate and normalize your child’s reaction to this information. Provide your child with time in the coming days to discuss this when he/she is ready to talk.

I would also encourage you to contact your child’s counselor if you need any additional support. We will share additional information as it becomes available. Let’s keep Ms. Wallen, her family, and the entire Wilde Lake community in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Sincerely,

Rick

Rick Wilson

Principal

Photo of Laura Wallen courtesy of the Montgomery County Police Department.