Tiger Talk

Happy November, Tiger Families!

Well, we made it to November! The leaves are falling, the temperatures are dropping, and somewhere in Whitwell Middle School, a student is still asking, “Do we have to do this for a grade?” Yes. Yes, you do.

October was a busy month at WMS, and November promises to be just as exciting. We are officially entering that wonderful time of year when students wear hoodies in 75-degree weather, teachers are counting down to Thanksgiving break, and parents are wondering how their children have already lost three jackets since school started.

All joking aside, I am incredibly proud of our students and staff. Every day, I see teachers working hard, students making progress, and our school family continuing to grow stronger. We are not perfect, but we are committed to getting better. That's what our BeBetter mindset is all about!

A Little Business Before the Turkey

As we move into November, I want to remind our families of a few important things.

Attendance Matters! I know mornings can be difficult. However, every school day counts. Missing school means missing instruction, opportunities, and those unforgettable middle school conversations that somehow always involve food, drama, or somebody's missing pencil.

Academics Still Matter! Thanksgiving break is coming, but we are not quite ready to put our brains in airplane mode. Please continue checking grades, encouraging your child to complete assignments, and reminding them that “I turned it in” and “My teacher received it” are sometimes two very different things.

ROAR Expectations! At WMS, we expect our students to be Responsible, Organized, Ambitious, and Respectful. These expectations don't take a vacation just because the holidays are approaching. We want our Tigers to demonstrate great character in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and everywhere else.

November is a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings. As principal, I have quite a few things to be thankful for:

• Teachers who show up every day ready to make a difference, even when their coffee hasn't kicked in.

• Parents who support our school and answer the phone when they see WMS calling. (I promise, sometimes we're calling with good news!)

• Students who make us laugh, challenge us, and remind us why we chose education.

• Our custodians, cafeteria staff, office personnel, bus drivers, and everyone who keeps this place running.

Most importantly, I am thankful that you trust us with your children. That is a responsibility I never take lightly.

A Challenge for November

This month, I want to challenge every WMS scholar to show a little extra kindness. Hold a door, help someone who is struggling, thank a teacher, or sit with someone who needs a friend.

Sometimes the smallest acts make the biggest difference.

And parents, here's a challenge for you: Ask your child what they learned at school today. If they respond with the traditional “nothing,” try asking what made them laugh. You might get a 45-minute story you never saw coming!

From My Heart

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want you to know how grateful I am to serve as principal of Whitwell Middle School. I love this community, I love our school, and I genuinely believe we have some of the best students and teachers anywhere.

Middle school can be messy, loud, unpredictable, and occasionally smell like a combination of gym socks and cafeteria pizza. But it is also a place where lives are changed, friendships are built, and young people discover who they can become.

Thank you for your continued support, your encouragement, and your partnership. We cannot do this without you.

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with family, laughter, blessings, and enough leftovers that nobody has to cook for three days.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joshua G. Holtcamp
Principal, Whitwell Middle School

P.S. If your child comes home wearing a jacket that doesn't belong to them, please send it back. At this point, our lost-and-found could probably open its own clothing store.