January 5, 2024

Principal's Message

Welcoming 2024 - A Year of Growth and Success for Our Students

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits as we step into the promising year of 2024. As we embark on this new chapter, I wanted to take a moment to share my excitement and aspirations for the year ahead at Whitman Middle School.

2023 was a year filled with achievements, challenges, and invaluable lessons. Our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to their education despite the uncertainties we faced. Their dedication, supported by your encouragement, has been instrumental in shaping our school's success.

In 2024, we aim to continue fostering an environment that nurtures academic excellence, personal growth, and holistic development. Here are a few highlights of what lies ahead:

  1. Academic Enrichment: We are committed to enhancing our curriculum further, integrating innovative teaching methodologies and providing resources that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Please ensure your child/children are engaging in IXL and Lexia at home.
  2. Student Well-being: The well-being of our students remains a top priority. We'll continue implementing initiatives to support their mental health, foster a sense of belonging, and ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment.
  3. Community Engagement: Collaborating with you, our esteemed parents, is crucial. We'll continue to strengthen the bond between school and home through regular communication, involvement in school activities, and seeking your valuable feedback. Please attend our in person PTSA meeting on 1/17 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.
  4. Extracurricular Opportunities: Our diverse range of extracurricular activities plays a pivotal role in the overall development of our students. In 2024, we aim to expand these opportunities, allowing each student to explore their passions and talents.

As partners in your child's educational journey, your support and involvement are invaluable. Your continued engagement in school activities, open communication with teachers, and active participation in parent-teacher meetings contribute significantly to your child's success.

I encourage you to reach out to our dedicated faculty and staff if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns throughout the year. Together, we can ensure that 2024 becomes a year of growth, achievements, and memorable experiences for our students.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Here's to a successful and fulfilling year ahead!

Warm regards,

John Flowers, M. ED.


Whitman's Theater Dept. Presents:

Dear Edwina

Rising 9th Grade Field Trip to MVHS

Mount Vernon High School is thrilled to announce the upcoming orientation field trip for 8th graders on January 29th and January 31st.  The day will commence with the departure of students from Whitman on buses at around 8:45 am. Accompanied by their 8th-grade teachers and chaperones, these young minds will embark on a journey of discovery, gaining insights into the exciting prospects that await them in high school. The buses are scheduled to return at approximately 11:00 am.

Tentative Agenda at MVHS:  

  • Introduction of Admin/Staff
  • Student Services Presentations
  • Elective Fair
  • Student Panel

Field trip permission forms must be signed and returned to their Civics Teacher no later than Jan 24.   

** If you are interested in chaperoning this field trip, please contact Ms. Woods at fwoodslawren@fcps.edu**


Welcome Asst. Principal, Williams

It is with great pleasure that we get to introduce and welcome our new Assistant Principal, Ms. LaChelle Williams.  

Originally from Florida, Ms. Williams graduated from The University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After teaching in Florida, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., she began her career with Fairfax County Public Schools in 2012.  Realizing the increased need for access and opportunity for all students, Ms. Williams became an Advanced Academic Resource Teacher and had the opportunity to co-teach seventh grade mathematics.  In 2017, she obtained her Master of Science degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University. Most recently she has served as the Assistant Principal at Stratford Landing Elementary, starting in 2019, where she has worked to create a learning environment that is positive, data-driven, and has a collaborative culture with high-expectations. She has dedicated her time to ensuring that there is strong, differentiated instruction and that all students are provided with the best opportunities for them. Ms. Williams believes that with these measures in place, all students will achieve. She is excited to be joining the Whitman Middle School team!

Outside of school, Ms. Williams enjoys spending quality time with her husband, two children, Ethan and London, and their dog Hudson. She enjoys riding her Peloton and traveling back to Atlanta to visit with family and friends.

Ms. Williams will be the administrator over our 8th grade students with the Alpha A-K.  We look forward to welcoming Ms. Williams to our Whitman family starting on Monday, January 8th.


Welcome After-School Specialist, Mr. Maguire

On Tuesday, January 2nd we welcomed in our new After-School Specialist, Mr. Lee Maguire.


Lee comes to Whitman Middle School from Fairfax County’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services serving as a Service Area Manager supervising community centers, teen centers, and School Age Child Care (SACC) centers for the Burke, West Springfield, Fairfax, and Clifton communities. He brings a wealth of experience working with diverse populations including youth, older adults, and individuals with disabilities as well as extensive experience working with many non-profit partners and community stakeholders in brokering resources, services, and collaborative opportunities. He is adept in the Kids at Hope philosophy, program development and implementation, and supportive measures to ensure the success of volunteers and mentors. Lee holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from George Mason University and a Master’s Degree in Science in Resilient and Sustainable Communities from Green Mountain College.

We are confident that with Lee’s experience and passion, our After-School Program will be the best in the Fairfax County.

If you have not registered your student for the After-School Program, please click HERE.


Opioid Awareness & Community Conversation

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) invites you to a community conversation focused on addressing the opioid crisis within Northern Virginia and Fairfax County Public Schools. The discussion during this event will center on providing families and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. Together, as a community, we aim to explore collaborative strategies to minimize the impact of these harmful and sometimes fatal substances.

Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Edison High School
                5801 Franconia Rd. Alexandria, VA 22310
                In the Auditorium enter through door # 17

Free REVIVE! Narcan training will be provide during the event.

Click HERE for more information and to register (registration is not required, it will help to plan the event more effectively)

EngSpan

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In-Person PTSA Meeting

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