The parents of an 8-year-old Northwood girl missing since Tuesday morning stood before television cameras last night at Baltimore's police headquarters in an appeal for her safe return, as the mystery surrounding the disappearance deepened.

The mother's boyfriend told police that he last saw Marciana Monia Ringo, of the 5300 block of Leith Road, about 7:30 a.m. Tuesday after dropping her off in front of Northwood Elementary School, a little more than a block from her home.

The boyfriend did not enter the school building in the 5200 block of Leith Road, police said.

Detective Tim Rabbitt of the missing persons unit said Marciana - an honor student and peer tutor - failed to attend classes, and by 5 p.m. Tuesday her family reported her missing.

Investigators found a notebook belonging to the girl Wednesday after combing the woods near the apartment complex where she lives with her mother.

"If you've seen anything that did not look right, call the police. I just want my baby home," Marciana's mother, Milagro White, said through tears during a news conference at police headquarters. "I want her to come safely to me and her father. Don't be afraid to come forward, please."

"We want our daughter home," added Marc Ringo, the girl's father.

Police have questioned Ringo, White and her boyfriend in an effort to retrace Marciana's footsteps, but say they have no suspect in the child's disappearance. All three reside at different addresses.

Rabbitt said the investigation has found no apparent problems at home that would cause the girl to run away. And last night, White said she could not imagine who would want to harm her daughter.

"She's 8 years old," said White, who also has a son. "Why would anyone want to hurt her?"

White said Marciana knows her family members' phone numbers by heart and never hesitates to call. "That's why I just know that if she could just get to us she would, because she's very thoughtful, she's a wonderful kid."

Asked how they were coping with their daughter's disappearance with Christmas fast approaching, a visibly distraught White said: "It doesn't matter what holiday it is. I wouldn't care if it was Thanksgiving, Christmas or Valentine's Day, it's my child and it hurts. She's not there"

Marciana has braided hair and was wearing a pink, fur Barbie coat, white shirt, blue jeans and blue-and-white Reeboks. Anyone with information was asked to call the police at 443-984-7114.