News & Notes - August 28, 2026

This Week

Tuesday, September 1 - MAP-R Grade 9 Only

Wednesday, September 2 - Junior Pictures through English Classes; Walt Wisdom Time

Thursday, September 3 - MAP-M Algebra 1 Only; Sophomore Pictures through English Classes; Back-to-School Night 6:00pm

Friday, September 4 - MAP M Make Ups; Freshman Pictures through English Classes; Fall Sports Kick Off

Looking Ahead

Monday, September 7 - No School, Labor Day

Tuesday, September 8 - Virtual Senior Parent Meeting

Tuesday, September 15 - PTSA Meeting; Clubs Night

Friday, September 18 - Early Release Day

We had a fantastic first week back! I want to commend both our students and staff for implementing and adhering to the new MCPS and Whitman expectations. From the moment students entered the building, there was a positive energy throughout our hallways and classrooms. And yes, our students proved that they do not need their cell phones or headphones during the school day. I appreciate the commitment of our students and the consistency of our staff in helping us create a learning environment where everyone can be present, connected, and focused. Please parents/caregivers support us with this by refraining from contacting your student via text or phone call during the instructional day. In the event you need to get in contact with them, please contact the school at 240-740-4800.

One of the highlights of my week was getting into classrooms and seeing our teachers intentionally creating opportunities for students to connect with one another. I saw team building activities, meaningful conversations, plenty of smiles, and classrooms that felt warm, welcoming, and ready for learning. Those moments matter. Before we can challenge students academically, we have to make sure they feel valued and connected to the people around them. Our staff did a tremendous job laying that foundation during Week 1.

Let’s have a great Week 2, Go Vikes!

8.22 Back to School Fair

Thank you to the students and families who attended last Saturday's Region 1 Back to School Fair at Albert Einstein HS. Our team had a lot of fun getting to meet new and returning members of the Whitman community. Big thank you to Ms. Kristin Rudolph (assistant principal), George Lavelle (assistant principal), and Mr. Toth (athletic director) for being in attendance. The wheel was a big hit as we were able to give away Whitman merch.

Whitman Security Team

The Whitman Security team was honored with the Excellence in Crisis Response Award from MCPS for their efforts during the previous school year. Additionally, team leader Mr. Mitchell Dove was recognized with the Exceptional Action Award. Congratulations to Mr. Dove, Mr. Rogelio Gonzalez, Mr. Hugo Zapata, Mr. Sean Pierce, and Ms. Angela Rich for their dedication and commitment to maintaining a safe environment within our building.

New Staff to Whitman

We are excited to introduce and welcome new staff members. The CTE department is pleased to welcome Ali Rezaee. Mr. Rezaee majored in electrical engineering. He is currently enrolled in a Master of Education program, specializing in STEM education. He is excited to teach Principles of Engineering because he loves seeing students make connections, solve problems, and think outside the box.

Student Spotlight

Over the summer, seniors Mark Fu and Owen Garland represented Whitman at the University of Maryland Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering Jumpstart Your Engineering Career summer program. These students spent five weeks working in teams to identify real-world challenges and design, build, and test their own engineering solutions. Their experience culminated in “Demo Day” on August 14, where they showcased their projects to families, educators, industry professionals, and community leaders.

8.25 Student Town Halls & Whitman Expectation Reminders

On Tuesday, August 25, we conducted grade-level town hall meetings led by administrators to provide updates on key policies and regulations at Whitman and within MCPS. During these sessions, students reviewed Whitman’s new vision and mission statements, the updated MCPS Grading & Reporting Regulations, and shared expectations regarding safety and security. The presentations also covered systemwide changes related to Digital Hall Passes and Personal Mobile Devices (PMDs), the MCPS Student Code of Conduct, lunch guidelines, and expectations for fans and event attendees.

We encourage you to review the slide presentation available here.

8.26-8.28 Standard Response Protocol Drills

This week, we conducted several of our Standard Response Protocol drills. We will continue to conduct these drills throughout the year to practice and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and visitors in the building. Thank you for your continued support in speaking to your student (s) about the importance of school safety.

Parent/Caregiver Reunification Packet

This week during homeroom, students received a blue and white packet that outlined the Parent/Caregiver Reunification process. This packet is for you to keep. The white page is a document that you should fill out and keep in your car in case of reunification. You must bring the white sheet with your government issued ID to pick up your student (s).

Student Daily Arrival Procedures Reminder

During arrival (7:00am-7:45am) students are to enter the school building through the Main Entrance or Addition doors. Students will be greeted by Whitman staff upon entry and are required to wear their school issued IDs.

• Students will ONLY be able to access the first floor, cafeteria, and/or commons area from 7:00-7:25am. Students should not be on the second, third or fourth floor hallways or classrooms until after 7:25am.

• After 7:45am students and guests can only enter the building through the main entrance. Upon entry students will be required to show ID and use their ID to sign in using the main office kiosk.

Student IDs

During the week of August 31 to September 4 students will take their school pictures and be assigned their student identification cards. Once assigned students are expected to wear their IDs during school hours (7:45am - 2:30pm). To support students with this systemwide expectation we have purchased lanyards for all students.

If a student misplaces their ID or forgets to bring it to school, a temporary sticker ID will be issued to allow continued participation in daily activities while a replacement is arranged. This process ensures minimal disruption to students’ engagement in school activities while maintaining safety standards. The cost for a replacement ID is $5.

Student Schedules

Please be advised that the official deadline to drop or add a course is Wednesday, September 30. However, we strongly encourage students to finalize any schedule changes by Friday, September 11, which marks the end of the third week of school. This helps ensure students do not fall behind in coursework or miss key instructional time.

Students who are considering dropping or adding a course should schedule an appointment with their counselor before the deadline to discuss their options.

Fall sports officially begin on Friday, September 4. Our Varsity Football team will be hosting the John F. Kennedy Cavaliers at 7pm. To encourage student attendance, the first 50 Whitman students to arrive will receive a complimentary Whitman T-shirt. Additionally, students wearing Whitman gear will be offered free shaved ice. There will also be outdoor games and a DJ prior to the game beginning at 6pm. During Transition Day, our Whitmaniacs (student leaders of our student section at sporting events) taught our new students a brand new chant we are excited to unveil, the Viking Row. Lastly, our Whitmaniacs will be participating in a field goal kicking contest at halftime.

As we look forward to another successful athletics season we would like to remind students, parents/caregivers, and community members of our event expectations.

• Only students from Whitman and the school we are playing against will be permitted to enter the game with a valid Student ID Card and ticket

• Students not attending Whitman or the school we are playing against must enter with a parent/caregiver and stay with them for the entirety of their time in the game.

• This includes elementary & middle school students. Each parent/caregiver will be responsible for 2 students when they enter the game.

• Gates will close at the conclusion of halftime and there will be no re-entry

• No backpacks or food/drink will be allowed in the stadium.

• All fans must practice good sportsmanship

• Fans not practicing good sportsmanship will be removed from the game and could face further penalties including being barred from future events.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased via the GoFan app or at this link.. https://gofan.co/event/3911596?schoolId=MD24854

• Children 10 and under are admitted for free

• Adults 62 and over are admitted for free

First games for all Fall Sports:

• Tuesday 9/1 - Golf at Norbeck CC - 3pm

• Friday 9/4 - Varsity Football vs. Kennedy @ Whitman - 7pm

• Friday 9/4 JV Football vs. Kennedy @ Whitman - 4pm

• Friday 9/4 Varsity Field Hockey @ Holton- Arms - 4:15pm

• Friday 9/4 JV Field Hockey @ Holton-Arms - 5:30pm

• Saturday 9/5 Cross Country @ Brunswick Invitational

• Saturday 9/5 Varsity Flag Football @ Clarksburg - 10am

• Saturday 9/5 JV Flag Football @ Clarksburg - 11:30am

• Saturday 9/5 Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Gonzaga @ Whitman - 7:45pm

• Tuesday 9/8 Varsity Girls Soccer @ Georgetown Visitation - 4pm

• Tuesday 9/8 JV Girls Soccer @ Georgetown Visitation - 5:45pm

• Tuesday 9/8 JV Boys Soccer vs. Landon @ Whitman - 5:30pm

• Tuesday 9/8 Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Landon @ Whitman - 7:15pm

• Tuesday 9/8 JV Girls Volleyball vs. Northwood @ Whitman - 5:30pm

• Tuesday 9/8 Varsity Girls Volleyball vs. Northwood @ Whitman - 6:30pm

• Senior Prom date is Friday, May 7, 2027, from 8:00pm until midnight at the Bethesda North Marriott.
• The Post Prom celebration is on Saturday, May 8, 2027, from 12:30 until 4:00am at Walt Whitman High School.
• Graduation for the Class of 2027 is Tuesday, May 25, 2027, at 6:00pm at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).

Please contact assistant principal Ms. Jena Mejia (Jena_K_Mejia@mcpsmd.org) or business administrator Ms. Danielle Fus (Danielle_R_Fus@mcpsmd.org) if you have any questions.

As stated in MCPS Policy ECG-RA, student parking is a privilege. Seniors and Juniors can apply for a first semester parking permit, in two distinct windows, if they are academically eligible and have no financial obligations.

The Fall 2026 Parking Permit Letter includes a Google Form application. Once complete, you will receive an automated email notifying you that your application was received, along with a copy of your application. The linked cover sheet must be printed, signed and turned into the main office, along with a copy of the student’s driver’s license, vehicle registration, and an insurance card listing the student as an insured driver on the policy. We will start accepting applications on Tuesday, August 18. The deadline for Seniors to submit an application is Friday, August 28, 2026 at 3:00 pm. The application will re-open on September 2, 2026 for Class of 2028 students (Juniors) to apply. For safety and security purposes, vehicles parked anywhere on campus, regardless of permit status, must be registered through the parking application process.

Seniors selected for a parking permit have between September 2, 2026 and September 5, 2026 to submit payment online through School Cash Online and pick up their permit from Miss Fus. Students must present a current year Student ID to pick up their parking permit. Parking enforcement begins on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

All email notifications will include detailed instructions. If you have any questions, please contact School Business Administrator, Miss Danielle Fus.

It’s Going to be Hot, Very Hot!

Forecasts are calling for very hot weather next week, which will put extra strain on HVAC systems across MCPS. With forecast temperatures in the 90s, our MCPS buildings teams are preparing to respond, but with hundreds of buildings and many older systems, we appreciate your patience when problems occur. Help us be ready:

• Hydrate: Drink lots of water.

• Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing.

• Stay alert: Seek help if you feel overheated or unwell.

• Stay informed: We’ll communicate about any heat or HVAC challenges.

• Athletics: MCPS will follow heat-safety guidelines for outdoor practices and events.

• It’s going to be hot. We’re preparing, and we ask everyone to be ready, too.

All You Need to Know for Lunch

It is easier than ever to see your school’s breakfast and lunch menus, along with nutritional details, by visiting the MealViewer webpage.

Families can also learn how to add money to a child’s account through MySchoolBucks. This optional online service is for parents/guardians to make prepayments with a credit or debit card to a student's cafeteria account for breakfast, lunch and à-la-carte items. Learn more.

Have you submitted your Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) application yet? Apply today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Access is based on household income, and it is easy to apply. Submit the online FARMS application through MySchoolApps (translations are available). Only one application is needed per household. More information.

Now You Know Videos: English | español | 中文 | français | Português | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ

Back-to-School Basics

A few important reminders for families as the school year begins:

• Refrigerator Curriculum: MCPS will continue to share the written curriculum, a simple, one-page look at what students will learn each marking period, including major topics, themes and texts.

• No Cell, Bell to Bell: MCPS is implementing a new cellphone regulation that will help students stay focused and connected in the classroom. All personal mobile devices will be expected to be put away for all grade levels during the academic day, from the first bell through dismissal. This is expected to result in fewer disruptions, help students stay engaged in learning and keep students safer. Learn more: English | español | 中文 | français | Português | 한국어 | tiếng Việt | አማርኛ

• Student Code of Conduct: This document helps create schools that are welcoming, respectful, orderly and safe.

• Practice Safe Firearm Storage: Have firearms? Unload them, lock them up and store the ammunition separately.

• Immunizations: Check the list of requirements to make sure your student’s immunizations are up to date. The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is holding immunization clinics in August and September.

• Check out the MCPS shop: As the seasons change, so will the products in the online store, so check back regularly. Help pay down meal debt (and to show off your MCPS pride!), with your MCPS-branded merchandise.

• Back-to-School Nights: Soon, schools will be sharing information about Back-to-School Night, if they haven’t already. It’s a great opportunity to meet your student’s teacher, hear about classroom learning, expectations and goals for the year, and ask questions. We hope to see you there!

• Stay Connected: Learn about official MCPS apps and how to access them. We encourage you to download ParentSquare, the district’s mass communication and direct messaging platform for staff, parents, and high school students. Learn more.

Calendar Subscriptions: Stay in the know all school year long! Subscribe to the MCPS calendar to keep important dates—holidays, breaks, professional days and more—right at your fingertips. Visit the calendar page to subscribe and learn more.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts to ensure that Walt Whitman High School continues its long legacy of excellence.

Go Vikes,

Sincerely,

Mr. Gregory Miller

Principal

Go Vikes!