News & Notes - September 11, 2026
Some thoughts for the starting school year
Schedule
This Week
Tuesday, September 15 - PTSA Meeting 7:00pm; Clubs Night 6:30-8:00pm
Wednesday, September 16 - Walt Wisdom Time, 10:05-10:45am, Homerooms
Friday, September 18 - Early Release Day
Looking Ahead
Monday, September 21 - No School
Wednesday, September 23 - Walt Wisdom Time, 10:05-10:45am, Homerooms
Thursday, September 24 - SGA Fall Game Day prior to Whitman vs Churchill Football game
Wednesday, September 30 - 25th Day~Final Day to drop Semester 1 courses
Dear WWHS Students, Parents/Caregivers & Community Members,
Hope this message finds you well. We would like to first take the opportunity to recognize the 25th anniversary of 9-11. Today we took a moment to remember the lives lost, the families and communities forever changed, and the lasting impact of that day on our nation and the world. The days, months, and years that followed, we also witnessed the strength of people coming together; supporting one another, building connections, and finding ways to heal. As a school community, we hope to carry that same spirit forward by continuing to care for one another, honor the dignity of every person, and strengthen the connections that make our Whitman community so special.
Mid September means we are officially in full fall swing at Whitman! Our extracurricular activities are picking up, our athletic teams are competing, Whitman Drama has selected the cast and crew for its fall production of Our Town, our instrumental and choral programs are preparing for fall concerts, and the academic workload is starting to pick up as well. As our students settle into the rhythm of the school year, we encourage our parents/caregivers to continue talking with them about finding ways to get involved and connected beyond the classroom.
Next week’s Clubs Night is a great opportunity to do just that. Student clubs are an essential part of the Whitman experience, providing students with opportunities to explore their interests, build relationships, develop as leaders, and simply find their people. With more than 175 student clubs at Whitman, there truly is something for everyone. We hope every student finds a place to connect, contribute, and make their Whitman experience their own.
Let’s have a wonderful week and go Vikes!
Celebrations & Recognition
A big thank you to the Whitman Education Foundation for their continued support of our school community! Our brand-new Whitman banners and wraps in the cafeteria have truly transformed the space, bringing new energy and a whole lot of Viking pride.
Congratulations to our 19 National Merit Semifinalists for 2027 (Mark Fu, Seva Gandhi, Henry Golden, Lucy Hirsch, Oliver Huang, Ryan Khani, Windsor Kiang, Allison Kim, Elio Lekas, Sidney Ostrow, Katelyn Pei, Georges Posner, Nathaniel Segal, Remy Shaw, Emma Ta-Zhou, Kevin Xia, Ellie Xu, Aaron Zhang, and Alice Kuangjin Zhang). They were recognized on Tuesday by Mr. Miller and Mrs. Fletcher with certificates and donuts!
Whitman Department Spotlight
As we begin a new year, the Whitman Social Studies Department is looking forward to helping students understand the past, make sense of the present, and think critically about the future. From United States history and government to sociology, social justice, and world history, our classrooms are places where students will ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations, and connect what they learn to the world around them.
We encourage students to stay curious, stay informed, and stay connected to make connections between what they see happening in the world and what they are learning at school.
AP Psychology students learn about the importance of operationalizing variables while conducting research by participating in a Lego building experiment.
9.15 Clubs Night
The annual Clubs Night showcase will be taking place on September 15th from 6:30-8:00PM in the Whitman High School bus loop. Students are welcome to join us for an amazing exhibition of the work of over 175 student-led clubs and organizations that our Vikings have made. Participate in games and activities, sign up to join clubs and become an active part of the Whitman school community, all while making connections and enjoying delicious eats from local food trucks!
All Clubs seeking to operate in the school for the 26-27 school year must register using this form. Clubs Night participation is not required to run a club at WWHS, however, if you would like to have a table at Clubs Night, this form must be submitted by Friday, September 11th at 3:00PM!
Attendance Reminders - New Online Reporting Method!
MCPS is now requiring all parents/caregivers to report student absences through ParentVUE.
If your student will be absent for the day, you can now conveniently report the absence directly through ParentVUE. Our Attendance Google Form is no longer accepting responses, so ParentVUE will now be the primary way to report an absence online.
Please remember:
Absences must be reported within three school days through ParentVUE.
If you are unable to report the absence through ParentVUE, your student may bring a written note to the Attendance Secretary.
Please include the student’s name, ID number, date(s) of absence, and reason for the absence.
Note the available codes in ParentVue are as follows; use the appropriate code for the absence.
PAB-Absent
PFE- Death in the Family
PIL- Illness/Sick
PME- Medical Appointment
PRE- Religious Observance
In accordance with MCPS guidelines, absences may be excused for reasons such as student illness or well-being concerns, medical appointments, religious holidays, state emergencies, court summons, hazardous weather, school-approved activities, suspension, lack of authorized transportation, or other circumstances approved by the principal.
For a complete list of excused absence reasons and additional attendance information, please visit the Whitman Attendance website: Whitman Attendance Website
Students leaving early (Early Dismissal) Procedures:
Students must bring a written note from a parent/caregiver to the main office.
Parents/caregivers must come to the main office in person with a valid photo ID to sign the student out.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, they must report to the Health Room. The Health Room will contact the parent/caregiver if an early dismissal is necessary.
Anticipated Absence Procedures:
Students must submit the Anticipated Absence/College Visit Form at least three school days in advance.
Please note that submitting the form does not automatically mean the absence will be excused. Each anticipated absence will be reviewed and determined in accordance with MCPS attendance policies and procedures.
For college visits, the Anticipated Absence/College Visit Form must be submitted at least five school days in advance.
If the form is not submitted and approved within the required timeframe, the student will be required to provide documentation from the college confirming that the campus visit occurred. Please allow 24–48 hours for attendance records to be updated after we receive documentation.
For additional information regarding attendance policies and procedures, late arrivals, early dismissals, anticipated absences, and college visits, please visit the Attendance section of our school website.
Virtual Principal Parent Coffee
We will be holding our first Virtual Principal Parent Coffee on Wednesday, September 30 at 9:00am. These one hour virtual sessions are designed to provide parents/caregivers with an opportunity to connect directly with school leadership, ask specific questions, and learn more about Whitman’s daily operations and schoolwide initiatives. We encourage all Whitman parents/caregivers to join us for this webinar and conversation. If you have questions or topics you would like addressed please complete this form.
10.14 PSAT (11th Graders ONLY)
On October 14th, 2026, all 11th grade students will participate in the PSAT during the school day. Please review the community letter linked below with important information. Families do not need to complete a registration form like we have done in previous years.
Note: Parents/caregivers still need to complete the consent form (linked here) and return a hard copy to Mrs. Mejia in the main office. This consent form is NOT consent to take the test. It is consent for students to complete a survey at the beginning of the test that asks students personal information questions. If students do not complete the survey, they will still be able to take the PSAT test. They will just skip over the survey.
Advanced Placement (AP) Testing Information
With the start of the new school year, we are excited to begin the AP exam registration process. Over the next week, students enrolled in AP courses will begin joining their respective College Board AP Classroom using the unique join code provided by their AP teacher. All students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the corresponding AP exam in May 2027.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) will cover the full cost of AP exams for students actively enrolled in an AP course, in alignment with the Maryland Blueprint and the MCPS Strategic Plan. Students who are actively enrolled in an AP course and complete their AP exam registration by November 6, 2026, will not be charged an AP exam fee.
2026–2027 AP Exam Schedule – Click Here
A more detailed community letter outlining the AP exam registration process, key dates and deadlines, AP exam fee structure, and other important information will be shared with all students and parents/caregivers later next week. In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding AP exam registration, please contact Mr. George Lavelle at 240-740-4800 or George_W_Lavelle@mcpsmd.org.
MCPS College Fairs USA 2026
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Career Council, Inc., and College Fairs USA will host College Fairs USA on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877. The event is for MCPS students in Grades 11–12.
Event Information
Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877
Audience: MCPS students in Grades 11–12
For additional information on the colleges/universities that will be in attendance for this fair, please see this flyer.
Senior Information - Class of 2027
Senior Class Fundraiser
The Class of 2027 is organizing a fundraiser to support upcoming senior events. All MCPS graduation ceremonies will be held at UMBC, which requires attendees to use clear bags for security purposes. Families have the option to purchase clear bags for $20, with all proceeds benefiting the senior class.
Internships
We Need Your Help Hosting an Intern!
We are excited to have over 100 students seeking outside internship opportunities. Most students have been able to secure their position, however, we are still looking for companies that would be interested in hosting interns this year. If you are interested in hosting an intern or have additional questions, please reach out to Kathleen Bartels at Kathleen_E_Bartels@mcpsmd.org.
Student Supports at Whitman
Academic Support - Math Workroom & Writing Center
The Math Work Room is up and running. Students can get extra help after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. In addition to the teacher present, peer tutors will also be available to help. Support is available up to PreCalculus. No signup is needed ~ just show up! Big thank you to the Whitman Foundation for their support in keeping this academic intervention available for students.
Tues/Thur ~ Room 412 with Mr. Thomas
Wed ~ Room 384 with Ms. Cline.
Time: 2:30-4:00 pm
The Whitman Writing Center provides students with a quiet, supportive space to strengthen their skills and grow as confident writers. Students can receive guidance with understanding assignment prompts and rubrics, developing ideas, creating strong thesis statements and arguments, and improving grammar, syntax, word choice, and overall style. The Writing Center also supports students with research, MLA citations and documentation, as well as the planning and development of college essays. Whether students are just getting started, working through a challenging assignment, or looking to refine a final draft of their college essay, the Writing Center is a resource designed to help every student become a stronger, more confident writer. Another big thanks to the Whitman Foundation for their support with the writing center.
Mon-Fri ~ Room 296
During lunch & after school until 3:15pm
Student Well-Being Supports
Whitman’s Student Well-Being Team (SWBT) consists of administrators, counselors, a psychologist, and our pupil personnel worker. The SWBT collaborates to identify internal and external resources available for students with specific social/emotional needs. Additionally, the SWBT monitors student attendance and coordinates student-centered wellness initiatives.
Whitman Bridge to Wellness is here to support students and families in collaboration with the SWBT from Monday to Friday. The team consists of a mental health therapist, a care manager, and a youth development specialist. Bridge to Wellness staff provide individual session groups for students and parents, along with workshops and school-wide events to support mental health in the Whitman community. We are excited to welcome our three new Bridge to Wellness staff members to Whitman.
New to Whitman Ms. Karen Bermudez, Therapy Services - Kbermudez@everymind.org
Ms. Anna Burton, Youth Development Services - Aburton@everymind.org
Ms. Olivia Traub, Care Management Services - Otraub@everymind.org
For more information, please feel free to visit the Whitman Bridge to Wellness website on the Whitman homepage.
MCPS Information
Attendance Matters. Being Present Matters. Every Day Matters.
We get it, mornings can be hectic. Alarm clocks don’t cooperate, shoes disappear and sometimes getting everyone out the door deserves its own trophy. But being in school really does matter.
Every day in class is another chance to learn something new, see friends, connect with teachers and keep moving forward. And those “just a day here and there” absences? They can add up fast. Missing 10% of the school year, 18 days, is considered chronic absenteeism. That’s not good.
MCPS is a great place to be; it’s a place to belong. We want your student here, connected and part of our school community every day.
Need help?
Saturday School Is Back—The Sixth Day of Learning Can Go a Long Way!
Sleeping in is great. But you know what else feels pretty good? Getting ahead. Saturday School is gearing up for another year of learning, confidence-building and extra academic support for MCPS students. With certified teachers, support aligned with the MCPS curriculum and locations across the county, it’s a Saturday morning well spent.
Opening ceremonies are Saturday, Sept. 19, and registration is coming up—so don’t forget to get your student signed up! Learn more about Saturday School and register
One Quick, Confidential Application. More Support for Your Family.
Here’s one school form that’s worth a few minutes of your time. If your family may qualify for Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARMS), apply! There’s no stigma, no special lunch line and no reason to hesitate. A student’s eligibility is confidential, and students receiving free meals use the cafeteria just like everyone else.
Best of all, you only need one application for all MCPS students in your household, even if they attend different schools.
It’s quick. It’s confidential. And it could make a real difference for your family. Don’t count yourself out, take a few minutes and see if you qualify.
Apply for FARMS and learn more
College, Meet Your Future Student
College possibilities are coming to one place! MCPS juniors and seniors are invited to College Fairs USA on Friday, Oct. 9, from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Bohrer Park. Students can meet college representatives, ask questions, explore options and start figuring out what might feel like the right fit.
Grades 11–12: Don’t miss your chance to explore what’s next. Check with your school counseling office for information about attending and registration.
College Fairs USA Student Flyers in English, Student registration information here
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!