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Mental Health Awareness Month

The month of May is a time to pause and raise awareness of the fact that many people live everyday with mental and behavioral health issues and there is a need to reduce the stigma attached with the experience. Post-COVID the reality is that millions of Americans are dealing with an increase in mental, behavioral, and substance misuse illnesses in their families (NAMI). Additional mental health challenges by the COVID-19 pandemic have also increased youth related substance use, mental health struggles, and suicide (HHS).  According to HHS, suicide is still the second highest cause od death in youth ages 10 to 14 and adults from ages 24 to 35. This prompted the July 2022 launch of 998 the new three digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 call, text, and chat access to crisis counselors. It is for anyone experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crises or emotional distress. Concerns about loved ones may also be addressed using the 988 dialing code. SAMHSA has described the new 988 dialing code as an important step in transforming how crisis and trauma situations are handled in the United States. Please note that the 800-273-8255 number still works, 988 is just built off of the 10-digit number.

Resources: Substance Use Prevention and Encouraging Healthy Brain Development Together for Mental Health Fact Sheet: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 988 Frequently Asked Questions

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @FCPSSAPS.

For further Information & support:

Beth Mohaupt, MA, LPC, NCC

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

[email protected]

Click HERE for link to Register Click HERE to complete survey

2500 Parkers Ln Alexandria, VA 22306  | Main Office: 703-660-2400
Attendance: 703-660-2424 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Principal's Message

Dear Whitman Community,

As we start the month of May, I wanted to point out a few important happenings at Whitman MS.  The week of May 8 – 12, 2023 is Teacher Appreciation Week.  Our wonderful teachers have worked very hard over the past year. When we ask teachers how we can show our appreciation, they often say personalized notes are the best.  Consider writing a note to your student’s teachers or seeing if your student would be willing.  I know this would make their day!

Secondly, during the month of May, we will be having SOL testing.  The major in-person testing days for most students are May 11 (Science), May 16 (Math), and May 18 (Reading).  Please try to avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments or other obligations that may keep your student from participating.

Thank you for all you do to support our students!

 

Dr. Craig Herring

Order Your Yearbook Today! Before they sell out!! Upcoming PTSA Meeting Fairfax Co. Connector Bus Passes Ft. Belvoir Food Market Mental Health Conference Technology, Social Media & Adolescent Mental Health MVHS Sports Physical Event Summer Imagine Program Summer VIP Camp 2023 Road Dawg Summer Camp

2023 ‘Road Dawg’ Camp-June 26th-30th                 DIV-III

 

Road Dawg is a one week summer camp for selected middle school youth in Fairfax County.  There is NO COST and transportation and meals (BOTH breakfast and lunch) will be provided each day.    

This camp can show our youth positive choices they can make to avoid consequences that poor choices could lead to:  gang participation, violence, poor school performance, drug use.  Road Dawg will provide them with positive options and examples to avoid negative choices/outcomes.

Those selected to attend the 2023 Road Dawg Camp will have a lot of fun during the week!   There will be field trips to show the many opportunities that exist in Fairfax County.  There will be activities designed to help the students learn how to solve problems as a group as well as helping others, through community service.  Campers will also be educated on the high risk behaviors that can lead to trouble for our youth.  This can include drugs/alcohol/violence and other high risk situations.

This week will also provide several opportunities to educate students, through the use of field trips, about our Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, NCS(Neighborhood and Community Services), Juvenile Courts and other participating partners. 

All the while, campers get to work on being productive teammates as each field trip, visit and discussion build upon the week’s activities.  So if your student is available the entire week of June 26-30th, wants to learn about alternatives to resist negative behaviors and choices, would like to explore the county, be introduced to activities and maybe even future career paths, while building stronger bonds with the community, this camp is for you!

CAMPERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WILL NEED TO COOPERATE AND FOLLOW RULES AT ALL TIMES.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  THIS CAMP IS A PRIVELEGE TO ATTEND IF YOU ARE SELECTED.

PARENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WEEK LONG COMMITMENT.  YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO COMMIT TO THE ENTIRE WEEK.  THERE WILL BE OTHER CHILDREN THAT ARE NOT ABLE TO ATTEND BECAUSE YOUR CHILD WAS SELECTED INSTEAD

Attached are both the ROAD DAWG camp application and the Medical history/release form.  BOTH must be filled out COMPLETELY and turned back to your School Resource Officer (SRO) immediately after they are presented to you.  These documents are your nomination form and final selections should be made on or about the first week of June. 

Please fill out the application and release form correctly and completely to avoid delay. Any questions?  Ask your School Resource Officer.  Thanks!

Contact Officer Hughes in the Main Office for an application University of Maryland Math Camp GWU Health Science Summer Programs

2500 Parkers Ln Alexandria, VA 22306  | Main Office: 703-660-2400
Attendance: 703-660-2424 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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VIP Camp Registration - NOW OPEN

VIP CAMP is five-week summer camp for rising 7th and 8th grade middle school students in Fairfax County.  The camp is designed to engage young, bright minds in a number of recreational and educational activities.

VIP CAMP Sandburg is for rising 7th & 8th grade students attending Hayfield, Sandburg, Twain, Whitman & Key Middle Schools in 2023-2024. Transportation is provided for all participants in the VIP Camp.

To register your student for this summer's Camp, click the link below.

VIP REGISTRATION LINK

Registration must be received by May 5, 2023, and payment must be received by June 2, 2023. Mandatory Parent Meeting will be held on June 6, 2023, for all paid participants. Any questions please contact Whitman's After-School Specialist, Chris Tippins at [email protected]

Click HERE to register for VIP Camp

2500 Parkers Ln Alexandria, VA 22306  | Main Office: 703-660-2400
Attendance: 703-660-2424 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

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Principal's Message

Dear Whitman Community,

 

It is hard to believe that Spring Break is only two weeks away, April 3 – 7.  The third quarter grading period ends April 13 so please check in on your students to be sure they are caught up with so little time after we are out.  During Spring Break, the school offices will be closed.  We hope everyone has a chance to relax and be with family and friends to recharge for the fourth quarter.

 

Mark your calendars!  Once again this summer, we will be hosting the Imagine Summer Learning Program for Whitman students.  This free program runs from July 10 – July 28, five days a week from 7:30 am – noon.  Transportation, breakfast, and lunch is provided.  Students will engage in mathematics, literacy, and problem-based learning opportunities.  We will be providing registration information to families after Spring Break.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ms. LaTasha Watson at [email protected].

 

Thank you for all you do to support our students and have a great weekend.

 

Dr. Craig Herring, Principal

Order Your Yearbook TODAY! Click to HERE to order your Yearbook! April - Month of the Military Child Click HERE to order your Purple UP! Shirt VIP Camp - Save the Date Basketball Camp at Whitman MVHS Spring Break Basketball Camp Click Links Below for Resources: Natural High Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for young people in the US (video) Live your life naturally high Knowing The Signs: Substance Abuse & Today's Use (Video) Adolescent Substance Use: America's #1 Public Health Problem FCPS Video on Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs Institution for the Arts Summer Camp Click to HERE to visit website

2500 Parkers Ln Alexandria, VA 22306  | Main Office: 703-660-2400
Attendance: 703-660-2424 | Web | Twitter | Facebook