After Student Killed, Howard High School to Share News with Students: Principal

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — After a Howard High student was fatally shot at her home in Ellicott City on New Year's Day, the principal said teachers would discuss the news in first period on Monday, when students return from winter break. In addition, crisis counselors would be available for support.

"During guided discussions as needed, our teachers will help students talk about their feelings and reactions and identify coping resources at school and in the community," Principal Nick Novak said in a letter Sunday addressed to families. The letter is at the end of this article.

Charlotte Zaremba, 16, was one of three people shot Sunday inside her home in the 4800 block of Knoll Glen Drive, according to police.

Around 2 a.m., her mother heard a scuffle in the girl's bedroom and when she went inside to check on her, a 15-year-old boy fired at her, her daughter and then himself, police reported. The suspect's identity is not being released by police at this time.

Related: Teen Killed, Mother Wounded in Ellicott City Home; Shooter Attempted Suicide: Police

The boy was in critical condition from a gunshot wound to the head at the University of Maryland R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. The girl's mother — Suzanne Zaremba, 52 — was treated at shock trauma and released Sunday, police said. Charlotte Zaremba was taken to Howard County General Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Authorities were unsure Sunday afternoon if the suspect was connected to the victims.

Letter from Howard High School Principal Nick Novak to families on Jan. 1:

"Dear Howard High School families,

"We have some sad news to share with you. Charlotte Zaremba, a tenth grade student at Howard High School, died on Sunday morning after a shooting in her house. The information we have from the police is that the suspect shot Charlotte and her mother before turning the gun on himself. The suspect is in critical condition at the hospital and has not yet been identified by the police. More information can be found at the HCPD website or Facebook page.

"As we prepare for the return of students tomorrow, I want to let you know that school staff will share the news about the incident and Charlotte’s death in first period classrooms. During guided discussions as needed, our teachers will help students talk about their feelings and reactions and identify coping resources at school and in the community. Our Student Services staff and members of the HCPSS Cluster Crisis Team will be available throughout the day to meet with any student who requests additional support and/or is having a hard time coping with this sad news.

"We will provide you with updated information as it becomes available. Thanks for your support during this difficult time for our community."

"Sincerely,

Nick Novak
Principal"

Image by Wallstreethotrod via Wikipedia.