Meet the Principal
Principal Tiffany Johnson
Greetings Whittier Families,
What a year! Can you believe we are set to welcome our Warriors back for the 2022-2023 school year next month? Hopefully, you are taking advantage of all the programming and activities DPR has been offering this summer. I also hope you are resting, recharging, and enjoying the precious moments with friends and family. While summer break may end, our journey is continuing and we are laser-focused this upcoming school year!
Whittier is well on its way to becoming a Blue Ribbon School. This national recognition is given by The US Department of Education, and only the best and most high-achieving schools. We know we are amazing and the nation deserves to know it as well! As always, we are continuing our commitment to STEM education. We have seen the results of our STEM-centered programming and know that our students do better academically and socially when we have these offerings. That is why we will continue to offer STEM courses, and introduce more students to our School Enrichment Model (SEM), which allows them to gain experience in writing, journalism, photography, print-making, and a host of other arts and career choices.
Our Project Lead the Way curriculum will usher in more understanding of STEM concepts and fields while providing hands-on activities to engage the whole child. We were given the honor of being a “Distinguished Project Lead the Way” school and we expect to continue our legacy this year.
Last but not at all least, we are doubling down on our sustainability endeavors. As you are aware, we are now a Certified Green Ribbon School. “The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) is a public engagement initiative for school sustainability that is structured as a federal recognition award”. Due to our school community’s efforts to “reduce environmental impact and cost, improve health and wellness, and deliver effective environmental and sustainability education”, we are now a resource and model for other schools in the district!
Below you will find pertinent information to ensure your scholar's success:
Just a reminder to familiarize yourself with the following websites to learn about updates regarding school reopening:
1. dcpsreopenstrong.com
2. Dcps.dc.gov
3. Whittierdc.org
Dietary Accommodations
Forms no longer need to be re-submitted if there are no changes to dietary accommodations from year to year. However, for new students and changes to dietary needs – accommodation forms and information can be found here: https://dcps.dc.gov/page/dietary-accommodations. Further questions and applications can be directed to dietary.forms@k12.dc.gov.
Before Care and After-Care Information:
Before Care Link: https://forms.office.com/r/ZaiJQ4dEXE
After-Care (There is a waitlist.): dcps.dc.gov/afterschool
School Supply List and Uniform Information:
DCPS Calendar:
https://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/publication/attachments/SY22-23-Final-Calendar_EN-011422.pdf
Save the Dates:
August 13th: Playdate 10am-11:30am
August 25th: Farmers Market 2pm-3:00pm, and Back to School Night @5:00pm-6:00pm
August 26th: Building/Classroom Tours: 1pm-3:00pm
August 27th: School beautification day 9am-2pm, Playdate: 10am-11am
August 29th- First Day of School K-5
September 1st: ECE First day of school
September 5th; Labor Day: No School
Please continue to send your child's immunization record, annual physicals, and dental form to Cindy.Martinez@k12.dc.gov as soon as possible. If your child has a physical or dental record not set to expire until next year those forms will be accepted.
Please follow us on all social media platforms for updates @whittierECSTEM for weekly updates and reminders.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year!
Kind regards,
Principal Johnson
“When I think of STEM, I think about how historically, marginalized populations have been excluded from the education and societal benefits that those careers provide. My vision for Whittier Elementary School is that all our students develop and maintain a genuine interest in the sciences, math, engineering, and technology. To do this, I believe we need to stoke student interest in these fields as well as debunk the myth of “I’m not good at math and science.” I have found that most children, even those who believe they aren’t mathematically or scientifically inclined, have some inquiry in the field, whether it’s how a video game system is created or how different germs make us sick. STEM to me is about finding an entry point into fields that may seem “difficult” or only for certain students. STEM is everywhere and as an institution of learning, it is our job to create ways for students to engage in the many ways that our lives are made easier and more efficient by the advancements we’ve made in those fields. STEM is about access and innovation and some of the best and brightest minds are waiting to be activated. ”