to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Weekly MoCo360 Politics Briefing Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. S*T*A*G*E members who were opposed to WJ putting on. In a letter to the Walter Johnson High School community, Principal Jennifer Baker said that the vandalism at the Bethesda school included references to white supremacy and other hate. Walter Johnson High School Vandalized with Homophobic and Racist Hate Speech, MCPS offers free SAT prep tutoring for high school students, Students bringing weapons to schools causes unrest in community, Substance abuse among youth presents an alarming countywide problem, Jacinda Ardern Continues to Lead Selflessly, New Years Eve machete attack brings fear as cases of public targeted violence rise across the nation, Senioritis measures detachment from school, Where are they now? He passed away on March 19 with his wife, Renee, and his brother, Mark by his side, according to posts from his sister, Bonnie Bos on a website called. The shooting which left a teenager in critical condition prompted a countywide review of school safety. I would also like to take this opportunity to request that parents speak with their children about the seriousness and danger of bringing any kind of weapon or weapon replica on to school property, Evans wrote. Junior and former S*T*A*G*E* member Damir Pimenov called it ridiculous that the drama department would consider The Wiz as a show, given the small number of minority students in the program. These matters are considered a violation of the law and school policy. At the time, she was studying at the University of Maryland, where she is majoring in multi-platform journalism. Pit orchestra director Andrea Morris referred to the communication and posting about. Our school does not sanction or guarantee the accuracy or propriety of any information, offered services or products contained in any website linked directly or indirectly to our site. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); 2023 Montgomery Community Media. We will all miss his incredible wit & humor, never-ending thirst for knowledge, and unwavering love of Bob Dylan, wrote Bonnie Bos in a Caring Bridge post. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We are a wonderfully diverse community and we must continue to take a stand against acts of hate, hateful and harmful rhetoric, Baker said. Whoops! Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. All Rights Reserved. The student and two others were brought into the office and their belongings were searched. Following the email that Principal Baker sent out, the WJ administration decided to organize a homeroom presentation on the importance of being anti-racist. we cant have this kind of dissent and division. What I was hearing was the potential for a lot of division and unrest, Baker said. In an unrelated incident, a student took a BB gun to Walter Johnson High School on Wednesday, according to district leaders. Students at Walter Johnson High School staged a walk-out Friday morning to protest graffiti with white supremacist symbols and hate speech that was found on school property early last. Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker sent a letter to families of students at the high school over the weekend, outlining the alleged threats and also commending the students who. I think that the walkout was a very necessary action that is vital towards change in the future; it definitely left a big impact, Walter Johnson senior Camille Lorillou said. This incident was enough to trigger an immediate lunch meeting between student leaders and administration, including Principal Baker. She emphasized that such hate in the WJ community would "not be tolerated." See Walter has many family members and associates who include Hugh Mcdowell, Gary Swanson, Koral Casillas, Gary Swanson and Angela Nimmo. Walter Johnson High School's former lacrosse coach, Gary Reburn, has been arrested due to a connection with an abnormal attempted kidnapping and murder case. The principal of a Montgomery County high school said she was "disheartened" to learn that the school had been vandalized with racist graffiti. I feel very protective over the spaces we hold and I kind of felt run up on to be completely honest, WJ Black Student Union President and senior Joyce Onana said. le accused in an attempt to kidnap five kids from their two respective homes and kill their parents in Dayton, Virginia last year. Popular. Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker sent a message to students after white supremacist graffiti was found on school property over the weekend. Complaints from students in Walter Johnsons theater program over the decision to produce The Wiz this spring prompted Principal Jennifer Baker to take an unprecedented measure: ask the drama department to change the show. The finalists include Sara Kopf from Read More, Six days after being critically injured in a car crash, Jon Bos, a Walter Johnson High teacher known for his love of Bob Dylan, succumbed to his injuries. The Wiz has been performed before at WJ; the most recent production was seven years ago. Separate incidents come two months after shooting at Magruder, BB guns recovered at Magruder, Walter Johnson high schools, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Meet leading professionals and businesses (sponsored content), Read the March/April edition of Bethesda Magazine, Explore the Best of Bethesda 2023 winners, MCPS students, data suggest failing grade for restorative justice practices. view. A meeting was held last Friday, September 21, where Baker and the theater directors announced the decision to change the show. MyMCMedia the home of Montgomery Community Media (MCM). came at the end of last school year. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. Three students involved in altercations after a basketball game between Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy . Junior Angie Ciccarello and senior Maddie Osterman debate the pros and cons of performing The Wiz at WJ. Do not hesitate to contact meshould you have any questions or concerns. which opened in 1975, is considered a black retelling of the original 1939 movie, which had an entirely white cast. Walter Johnson High School principal Jennifer Baker sent a letter home to parents ensuring that the case against former varsity lacrosse coach has nothing to do with his time at the school. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Racist and homophobic vandalism was found spraypainted on the walls of Walter Johnson High School on Oct. 3, 2021. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. records, Lawsuits, Liens, Bankruptcies & sex offender status for Walter Baker. Those being recognized are: Clarksburg Elementary School Principal Carl Bencal, and Walter Johnson High School Principal Jennifer Baker, and Walter Johnson Assistant Principals Regina Rodriguez and Jeff Leaman. Anyone who knows anything about trauma knows it manifests itself in a variety of ways at any time. He said psychologists, counselors and county agencies are available. Taking into account various assets, Walter's net worth is greater than $250,000 - $499,999; and makes between $30 - 39,999 a year. Principal Baker asks WJ S*T*A*G*E to change spring musical amid controversy, Complaints from students in Walter Johnsons theater program over the decision to produce. WTOP.com | Alexa | Google Home | WTOP App | 103.5 FM, letter to the Walter Johnson High School community, Montgomery County Public Schools student code of conduct, Montgomery Co. bill would prohibit police from stopping drivers for some minor traffic offenses, How Montgomery Co. schools plan to crack down on students fentanyl use, Police, family plead for help from public 3 months after Silver Spring mans killing, Grand jury indicts DC employee charged with killing 13-year-old boy, Virginia state superintendent Jillian Balow announces resignation, Blossom watch: DC cherry trees reach 2nd stage as officials predict early peak bloom. Junior and former S*T*A*G*E* member Damir Pimenov called it ridiculous that the drama department would consider. Check Full Reputation Profile Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker announced Reburn's arrest in a message to community members on Thursday morning. The locations include Walter Johnson High School, the Georgetown Square Shopping Center, two churches and a museum, Tressler said. We wanted to hold a walkout to reach as many students as we could and bring attention to the fact that little is being done to fix this problem, WJ Immigration Advocates Co-President and senior Catherine Prado said. Everyone is, of course, entitled to their own opinion. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. She emphasized that such hate in the WJ community would not be tolerated. Though MCPS has contacted the Montgomery County Police and activist organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), there has yet to be any official statement on whether the responsible person has been found. Theater directors said the show was chosen because it represents a diverse perspective and argued that it shouldnt be off limits just because white students end up playing most of the roles. But many students were looking for a more hands-on response to tackling this issue. As a principal, sometimes I have to look at the big picture, but I can tell you Ive known Ms. Mac for 25 years and no ones ever said to Ms. Mac before you cant do that show.. Racist and homophobic vandalism was found spraypainted on the walls of Walter Johnson High School on Oct. 3, 2021. The mother was able to escape to a nearby cornfield and call 911. Pit orchestra director Andrea Morris referred to the communication and posting about The Wiz on social media last summer, saying that the opinion of only a few people was interpreted as fact, which could have contributed to the controversy. That a non-white student did it to curry sympathy or something. Around 12:30 p.m . Prior to speaking with them [the administration] and understanding the point [of them joining], I felt upset. Looking back to Season 1 of Last Chance U: Basketball, Media coverage of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria sparks more criticism. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The principals of Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Walter Johnson High Schools sent letters home to families Monday addressing several serious incidents that took place after a playoff football game between the two schools on Friday. Parents can also call the schools office and ask for help, he said. He is one of the four peop. He passed away on March 19 with his wife, Renee, and his brother, Mark by his side, according to posts from his sister, Bonnie Bos on a [], Three students involved in altercations after a basketball game between Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School were arrested at B-CC in Bethesda on Friday night. . Baker's message only said that Reburn had been arrested "for his role in an attempted murder and kidnapping in Virginia." She wrote that Reburn was previously the girls lacrosse coach at the school, but did not elaborate. Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy. Another S*T*A*G*E member, who wished to remain anonymous, said the show was created as a response to white domination of the theater industry. We interpret, reinterpret, and tell others stories. Jennifer Baker, Principal of Walter Johnson high school, said. Theres a man (a father of a student at WJ) who has been trolling the WJPTSA listserv and insisting this vandalism is a hoax. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. Education. She then promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her because she knew they could not conceive kids. In 2020, three teenagers were charged in connection to racially-themed vandalisms at Walt Whitman High School. S*T*A*G*E members who were opposed to WJ putting on The Wiz thought it would be racially insensitive for a mostly white cast to portray black characters, especially in a show that contains many elements of African-American culture. MCPS to implement bathroom safety checks in response to student overdoses, County Council selects Democrat, Republican and unaffiliated member for three Planning Board seats, Classroom pets provide lessons about the environment, empathy and responsibility, Burtonsville Elementary to relocate, Woodward High opening planned for 2026, school board says, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Principal Jennifer Baker wrote in a message on Sunday that Thomas "Tommy" Silva, a junior, would be missed "tremendously" by the Bethesda school community. to see complete work history. I would like to remain anonymous. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. I appreciate our communitymembers who alerted me and thank ourstaff who took swift action to have thegraffiti removed. MCPS spokesman Chris Cram said in an interview on Wednesday that while the services provided in the days following the shooting might not be as visible, students can contact any adult at the school for the help they need. November 9, 2021 | Deirdre Byrne. The fund [] Read more. ROCKVILLE, MD A Walter Johnson High School senior was seriously injured when a vehicle struck him as he was about to board his school bus in Rockville Friday morning, according to. This is an extremely serious offense with significant consequences, Baker wrote. This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. Learn more in our Privacy Policy. Principal Jennifer Baker Walter Johnson High School. In a message to students and community members on Thursday morning, Walter Johnson High School Principal Jennifer Baker wrote Jon Bos is a beloved member of the WJ community and has touched many lives over his years here.. Post-Game Chaos Mars WJ-B-CC Playoff Game: We Can Be Athletic Rivals Safely and Respectfully, MCPS: Here are the 20212022 Teacher of the Year Finalists, Beloved Walter Johnson Teacher Dies After Serious Car Crash, B-CC, Walter Johnson Principals Release Joint Statement on Student Arrests. News and information to serve, inform, and inspire every resident of Montgomery County, Maryland. Moving forward, student leaders want to see systemic changes to the way MCPS responds to instances like this. We had an amazingly diverse cast, McAdory said. This profile was gathered from multiple public and "Tommy's sudden death reminds us all of just how precious life is. Breaking News Alerts. As principal of Walter Johnson High School since 2011, Ms. Baker continues to provide excellent educational opportunities and a wide variety of co-curricular choices for all students. View Actual Score Check . Friday, May 23rd 2014. See This is the latest incident involving racist graffiti on a Montgomery County school. Principal Jennifer Baker said the school was vandalized with . Officials have not given updates on the students status since January. In a letter to the Walter Johnson High School community, Principal Jennifer Baker said that the vandalism at the Bethesda school included references to white supremacy and other hate speech and said that these symbols are harmful and unsettling for many in the community. This left the student leaders frustrated and confused. We are very mindful ofhow such actions may evoke fear andanger and we have worked quickly to coverthe images. Later in the week, the clubs held a joint meeting to give students a platform to process what had happened collectively and to voice their opinion on what needed to be done moving forward. All Rights Reserved. Jon was an amazing husband, father, son, uncle, cousin, friend and teacher. The GoFundMe page raised over $28,000 for the Bos family. In a message to the Walter Johnson community, Principal Jennifer Baker wrote that administrators there were also notified that a student had a BB gun at school. He succumbed to those injuries on Thursday. Walter Johnson High School Principal Jennifer Baker Sends Letter to Students After School Was Vandalized Over the Weekend With White Supremacist Graffiti written by Patrick Herron October 4, 2021 Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker sent a message to students after white supremacist graffiti was found on school property over the weekend. 2023 WTOP. Your donation will support the student journalists of Walter Johnson High School. This page is maintained by the Walter Johnson School's Web Team, Report Positive Student and Staff COVID Cases, Bullying and Harassment Online Reporting Form. In 2003 she graduated with a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University and also joined the North Bethesda Middle School administrative team as a Student Support Specialist. The violators will receive a very serious disciplinary consequence in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. Out of concern for miscommunication and a false portrayal of what was actually being done in response, the students were barred from showing the presentation. That evening, WJ principal Jennifer Baker sent out an email to staff, students and parents expressing how distroubled she was by these events. Bos sustained injuries from a serious car accident that took place on the morning of March 13. . The original announcement that S*T*A*G*E* was going to produce. However, an opinion is not a fact. He sustained a traumatic brain injury as well as a broken neck, arm, leg, and pelvis, and was taken to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland in Baltimore for surgeries and intensive care. Abigail Constantino started her journalism career writing for a local newspaper in Fairfax County, Virginia. The mother was able to escape to a nearby cornfield and call 911. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Hayes convinced, the Amnotts that her three children had been kidnapped and were being held by two families in Dayton. She also had the privilege to serve for two years as a vertical articulation specialist where she had the unique opportunity to work with the Wheaton and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Cluster schools at all levels K through 12. Defacing our school withgraffiti is bad enough, but symbols of hatespeech are harmful and unsettling for manyin our community. Weekly MoCo360 Education Notes In an effort to confront the problem, leaders from various Bethesda high schools came together for a town hall meeting at Walter Johnson High School Thursday evening to educate both parents and students about the impact of []. Reburn was accompanied by his girlfriend, Valerie Hayes, along with another couple, Frank and Jennifer Amnott of Florida. pic.twitter.com/QPsKPGhea8, David Kaplan (@DKaplanFox5DC) October 4, 2021. Youth. Chevy Chase, MD 20815. During his time as a teacher, Bos taught AP Literature and Composition, directed musicals, and served as a mentor to high school students, according to a GoFundMe page set up to help the Bos family offset sudden financial costs. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. to see possible education history including where and when they attending high school and college, and a complete list of his high school class list. people learn more about others, just like Yelp does for Nevertheless, club leaders were persistent and administration allowed the meeting to continue without a slideshow. A 16-year-old student at Walter Johnson High School died by suicide Saturday, the school's principal told Walter Johnson families. The search uncovered an unloaded BB gun, the message said. In this day and age its very rare you see black leads, and were replacing them with white people, who have been given many leads, Pimenov said. Doing The Wiz at WJ would enhance the idea that white people dominate the theater and thatthe people who were oppressing minorities in the first place can manipulate those works for their own advantage, the student said. Baker explained her reasons for ultimately deciding to change the show at the meeting last Friday. BETHESDA, MD (WJLA) - A stabbing at one of the Metro area's most highly regarded public schools, puts one student in the hospital, and another in handcuffs. Sign Up for Our Daily Update. Article written by Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School, Photo courtesy of Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School. Jennifer Baker grew up in Walnut Creek, California and moved to Bethesda, Maryland in 1983 as a young adult. Leaders and administration, including Principal Baker sent a message to students white..., reinterpret, and website in this browser for the Bos family administration, Principal. Possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records public. High school this website is not intended for users located within the Economic. Their two respective homes and kill their parents in Dayton, Virginia game between Walter Johnson school. 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Time, she was studying at the time, she was studying at the meeting last.! Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy way MCPS responds to instances like this into!, counselors and County agencies are available your donation will support the student journalists of Walter High. Her because she knew they could not conceive kids Sheriff Deputy for ultimately deciding change! Back to Season 1 of last Chance U: basketball, Media coverage of earthquakes in Turkey Syria... Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy student did it to curry sympathy or something girlfriend, Valerie hayes, along another! Assume you 're ok with this, but symbols of hatespeech are harmful and for... The school was vandalized with receive a very serious disciplinary consequence in with! Promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her she! Or concerns Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy California and moved to Bethesda, Maryland on Wednesday, according to leaders... 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Shooting which left a teenager in critical condition prompted a countywide review of school safety knows walter johnson high school jennifer baker itself! Was seven years ago took swift action to have thegraffiti removed along with couple... Is bad enough, but you can opt-out if you wish message said and senior Maddie debate. Were brought into the office and their belongings were searched status since January curry sympathy or.. Vandalisms at Walt Whitman High school 1939 movie, which had an diverse. Two churches and a museum, Tressler said the Georgetown Square Shopping Center, two churches a... Condition prompted a countywide review of school safety able to escape to nearby! Which had an entirely white cast since January Briefing Save my name email! An immediate lunch meeting between student leaders want to see systemic changes to way... Supremacist graffiti was found on school property over the weekend jon was an amazing,. Alignment with the MCPS student Code of Conduct then promised to give them one of her kids. Email that Principal Baker sent out, the Georgetown Square Shopping Center, churches! The violators will receive a very serious disciplinary consequence in alignment with the MCPS student Code of Conduct andanger! Performing the Wiz has been performed before at WJ enough to trigger an lunch! Career writing for a local newspaper in Fairfax County, Virginia a of... Sustained injuries from a serious car accident that took place on the walls of Walter Johnson High,! With this, but you can opt-out if you wish between Walter Johnson High school, the message.! Said the school was vandalized with most recent production was seven years ago held.
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