Principal's Message
Hello Whitford Families.
It has been an excellent start to the school year. Our 6th graders are amazing. Our returning 7th and 8th graders have been outstanding leaders and embraced their new responsibilities as the “olders.” Our “new-to-us” students have jumped right in and are contributing to the “Wildcat Way” in positive and productive ways. Thanks to each of them and to you for contributing to their greatness.
Our students have embraced the use of lockers, leaving backpacks in their lockers, AND leaving their phones “OFF and AWAY in their lockers as well. A few students have expressed gratitude for this new expectation as they feel they can leave the world for a bit in their locker and focus completely on their learning. What a gift to themselves! Many have discovered already that they really don’t need their phone every minute of the day and that discovery in itself has been a revelation.
I would like to extend an invitation for each of you to join us during our Community Engagement Night on Thursday, September 12. This evening has also been called Back To School Night. September 12th will be an evening for parents and guardians to come to school and connect with their student’s school. Prior to the event, we will send short videos for families to review from each of our teachers. While here at school on September 12, you will have a chance to check out your student’s locker (and leave a message of support or a surprise?), talk with teachers, learn about Outdoor School for 6th graders, and discover things about community resources that are available to support families and students. As a reminder, BTSN is not a night to discuss specific needs and/or concerns about your child’s learning experience. If you need to connect with a teacher or teachers about these kinds of issues, please contact them directly and set up time to visit privately.
It is a privilege to work in a school community where parents, students, and parents all work together to make learning possible. We thank you for doing your part and affording us the honor of working with your students. Not a day goes by where I don’t connect with current or former students and their families who remember with fondness their time and their learning here at Whitford. Our commitment to you is that we will work every day to deliver on our obligation to provide amazing learning opportunities for our students.
Thanks again for your ongoing support,
Respectfully,
Zan Hess, Principal, Whitford Middle School
New Food Pantry Coming to Whitford!
Are you a family in need of food assistance?
We're excited to announce the launch of our new food pantry, made possible by Urban Gleaners! Every other week, our school will be hosting a food pantry where families can receive free food.
When: Every other Monday, starting on Monday, September 9th
Time: 4:15 PM
Where: Whitford Middle School, by the wood benches near the front of the school
How it works:
- Bring your own bags: We won't be providing bags, so please come prepared.
- Fair distribution: To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we'll distribute numbers on popsicle sticks. Everyone present will be assigned a number, and we'll call them in order.
- Limited first pass: To make sure everyone gets a chance, we'll limit the amount of food families can take on their first pass.
Important notes:
- The parking lot will likely be full before the pantry starts. Please plan accordingly and avoid arriving early, as it may be difficult to find parking.
- The food provided by Urban Gleaners is not set each week – they receive donations and provide them out to their community pantries. Please be aware of this and be willing to visit other pantries if what you need isn’t provided here.
We can't wait to serve our community!