Wilbur S. Pence Middle School
Home of the Knights
About
Welcome Letter From Our Principal
Dear Pence Families,
I am deeply honored and humbled to be the principal of Wilbur S. Pence Middle School. My 24 year career has taken place entirely in this community as a “Knight,” both at TAHS and WSPMS. I have a passion for this community, these kids, and especially this school! I am inspired by what I see on a daily basis from our students, faculty, and staff. The “middle” is an amazing place filled with energy and excitement which is fueled by our students.
Personally, I grew up as the son of a national park ranger. This sparked my interest in all things science and nature related as I sought to follow my curiosities and explore the wonders of nature. I am fortunate to be the husband of a supportive wife and father of three very active sons. I enjoy young adult literature, am an outdoor sportsman, fan of athletics, and I have a deep appreciation of the arts. I readily share information about myself with my students as I work to get to know them as well.
At Pence, we strive to Embrace, Empower, Enrich, and Inspire!
Embrace: We seek to get to know our students to understand them, build relationships, and meet them “where they are” in a way where they know they are cared for.
Empower: We want to help students build the skills (character, social, work ethic, coping, resiliency, etc.) and confidence that they need to find success and pride in an area of education.
Enrich: Build upon the 21st Century Skills of Learning - Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Citizenship along with exploration and innovation.
Inspire: We want students to be filled with passion to act and succeed!
Additionally, I believe that culture trumps strategy. At Pence, I want students to know that we are better together. You will hear us use the term “Pence Family” often. If students can feel safe, comfortable, and empowered to question, create, and explore, then our instructional strategies we use will be most effective. Our Pence teachers, in collaboration with our CO leadership and their peers across the other county schools, are all part of a collaborative team which seeks to implement best instructional practices in the classroom to continue to move us forward to make our students successful for today and tomorrow.
Educating our students is most effective when we have a partnership between home and school and I look forward to this endeavor. Thank you, and GO KNIGHTS!
Sincerely-
John Childs
History of WSPMS
Previous principals include:
Camala Kite 2014-2018
Mary Shifflett 1998-2014
James Slye 1997-1998
Jo Anne Wenger 1992-1997
Brownie Cummins 1986-1992
Mr. Wilbur S. Pence shown below: