Tiger Talk
December 2024
It is My Honor
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am thrilled to share some truly wonderful news with you. Our school has been recognized as a Reward School, a prestigious honor that reflects the incredible achievements of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support from all of you—our amazing families.
This recognition is not just a title; it is a testament to the collective heart and effort that make our school a special place. It is about every student who rose to challenges, every teacher who believed in their potential, and every parent and guardian who encouraged them every step of the way. This accomplishment belongs to all of us.
To our students: You have shown that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to learning truly pay off. Whether it was acing a challenging test, improving step by step, or inspiring your peers through your determination, this recognition reflects your remarkable efforts. We are so proud of you!
To our teachers and staff: Your passion, creativity, and tireless dedication are at the core of this achievement. Day in and day out, you bring learning to life and guide our students with care and expertise. This honor is a reflection of your unwavering commitment to excellence.
To our parents and guardians: Your partnership has been invaluable. From late-night homework help to cheering on achievements big and small, your support fuels our students’ success. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being an essential part of our school community.
Being named a Reward School is a moment to celebrate, but it is also a reminder of the incredible things we can achieve when we work together. As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing the very best education for our students and continuing to make our school a place where every child can thrive.
Let us take a moment to reflect on this achievement and the journey that brought us here. It is a time for pride, gratitude, and excitement for the bright future ahead.
Congratulations to all, and thank you for being a part of our success. Here’s to continuing to aim high, work hard, and achieve great things—together! I am so proud to say that we can always... Be Better!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Dr. Josh Holtcamp
Principal
What is Level 5?
A TVAAS Level 5 school in Tennessee is a school that has shown the highest level of student growth based on the Tennessee Value-Added Assessment System (TVAAS). This means that students in the school are making more progress academically than expected, regardless of their starting point. While some measures focus on whether students meet a specific standard, TVAAS looks at how much students grow year over year. A Level 5 rating reflects a school’s success in helping all students improve, whether they are already excelling or working to catch up. For parents, this rating is a strong indicator that the school is effectively supporting student learning and academic progress.
Wishing you the best season...
Dear School Community,
As we enter this festive season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to all of you for a joyous holiday season and a wonderful start to December.
This time of year is filled with opportunities to celebrate, reflect, and come together as a community. We are grateful for the support, enthusiasm, and collaboration that make our school such a special place.
May this month bring joy, peace, and memorable moments with loved ones. Here's to a fantastic December and a great holiday season!
Warm regards,
Dr. Holtcamp and Mrs. Holder
Whitwell Middle School Wrestling Inaugural Season
Responsible, Organized, Ambitious, and Respectful
Get Involved
Advent -- It's math! It's sustainability! It's the spirit of the season 🌲
Not only is there endless creativity with upcycling or recycling classroom/household materials to create calendar, but instead of chocolate, each day could bring a soul-rewarding treat: a good deed to do, a compliment to pay someone, a learning challenge.
All Students Welcome
Take Care of You!
Prepping for the holidays
- This video has really easy tips for making beautiful holiday cookies
- This article from the Today Show has helpful ideas for $0 spending this holiday season
- This is a handy-dandy week-by-week guide of what to watch on Netflix (to simplify vacation binging...!)
- This blog post is rich with ideas for how to pamper yourself over vacation without spending a dime.
- And if you're not really feeling the holiday spirit this year, that's ok, too. This post has concrete, useful suggestions for how to tend to your own wellbeing.