Here at Whitman Middle School, our commitment to a collective responsibility for all students and addressing their academic, social, and emotional needs forms the foundation of our educational philosophy. This commitment is bolstered by the support of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), which assigns a dedicated school social worker to identify and address the social, emotional, and behavioral factors that may hinder our students from realizing their full potential.

Karissa Gearheart, our amazing School Social Worker, began her service to the Whitman community during the 2014-2015 school year. As she engaged with our students and families, she discovered a growing need for holiday assistance. While the holiday season typically brings joy, for some members of our Whitman community, it can be marked by stress, anxiety, and unmet needs.

The Creation of the Whitman Giving Tree

In November 2017, Ms. Gearheart initiated the Whitman Giving Tree program to address these requests. Despite community-based programs being available for elementary students, middle schools faced limitations, with agencies often referring families back to the school. "I wanted something in-house; something I could directly refer to and be certain that the need would be met," explains Ms. Gearheart.

In addition to community requests, Ms. Gearheart recognized the students receiving food assistance through our weekend backpack program. She aimed to ensure they received additional support during the extended holiday breaks associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas. Collaborating with former Whitman Principal, Dr. Craig Herring, and our Community Schools Liaison, Delia Montecinos, Ms. Gearheart formulated a plan to fulfill the Christmas wishes of families in need.

"We have incredible staff at Whitman who reached out to me and also wanted to help," adds Gearheart. Ms. Montecinos and Ms. Gearheart met with students who shared their wishes, which were then transformed into anonymous requests. Also for each family, a grocery gift card was requested to facilitate shopping for their holiday meal. In the first year, the response was overwhelming; the tags were quickly claimed, not only by Whitman staff but also by community members, family, and friends of staff members who rallied behind the Giving Tree. The program not only met but surpassed the goals set by Ms. Gearheart and Ms. Montecinos, providing extra grocery cards to support our families beyond the holiday season.

The Tradition Continues

The Giving Tree program continues to flourish at Whitman. Lindsey Miller, our Administrative Assistant, in collaboration with Wolfe's Pine Valley Tree Farm, generously donates a holiday tree for our main office every year. Our dedicated staff, along with their families and friends, persist in purchasing gifts and gift cards for families in need. Moreover, we are fortunate to receive generous donations from numerous community sponsors. It is a heartening community effort that brings joy to families during the holiday season!

"It's nice to think the Giving Tree has evolved into a small tradition at Whitman, making a direct impact on our students and families," reflects Ms. Gearheart. These acts of kindness truly embody the spirit of giving and community support, which are central to our core beliefs at Whitman.

From Ms. Dillard, Whitman Theatre Director and Co-teacher of our Whitman Leadership Class:

In a heartwarming annual tradition, Wolfe's Pine Valley Tree Farm extends the festive spirit to Whitman Middle School by generously donating a Christmas tree. This symbolic gesture not only adds a touch of holiday magic to the school but also heralds the start of a cherished tradition known as the Giving Tree.

For each year that I've been part of the Whitman community, the arrival of Wolfe's donated Christmas tree marks the kickoff of a thoughtful initiative orchestrated by our dedicated staff. Aptly named the Giving Tree, this program is more than just a mechanism for organizing and delivering gifts to Whitman students and families in need. The presence of the decorated tree transforms the school environment, infusing it with a contagious festive spirit that brings joy to both students and staff.

While technically, the act of giving doesn't require a physical tree, the symbolic significance of this annual tradition is irreplaceable. The day the tree is brought into Whitman becomes an instant highlight, elevating the atmosphere, signaling the approach of Winter Break, and eliciting smiles from everyone who encounters its festive presence.

As co-teachers and co-sponsors of Whitman's Leadership class and Student Council Association, Cassie Lawlor and I, alongside our enthusiastic students, have gone the extra mile to express our gratitude to Wolfe's Pine Valley Tree Farm. In the form of a heartfelt "thank you" video, we've conveyed our appreciation for their generous contribution of a splendid Christmas tree.

Beyond its ornamental role, the tree becomes a catalyst for holiday conversations, stirring excitement, and fostering a sense of gratitude within the Whitman community. In the midst of the festive season, the Giving Tree tradition stands as a testament to the power of collective generosity and the enduring spirit of community at Whitman Middle School.