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 is an extremely serious offense with significant consequences, Baker wrote. The purpose was to desegregate, not to segregate. 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. That a non-white student did it to curry sympathy or something. Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy. They discussed their selection of, .it was written to give more opportunity to African-Americans at a time when they were underrepresented in musical theatre, director Colleen McAdory said. She then promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her because she knew they could not conceive kids. Like WTOP on Facebook and follow WTOP on Twitter and Instagram to engage in conversation about this article and others. 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? The student referred to Hollywoods history of segregation and racism and past tendencies to provide limited roles for minorities. The fund [] Read more. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. Comments on the GoFundMe Page and the Caring Bridge profile echo Bakers message, highlighting Bos impact as a teacher and friend. Prior to speaking with them [the administration] and understanding the point [of them joining], I felt upset. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. Note: The headline that ran in print has been corrected to reflect the accuracy of the situation. Some students argue that while minorities can fill roles of white characters, such as in Hamilton, it is a different case for a white person to fill the role of a minority. The finalists include Sara Kopf from New Hampshire Estates Elementary School, Joseph Bostic from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, and Patricia Richards from Walter Johnson High School. 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. Please reload the page and try again. s, according to a news release from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Virginia. No one was hurt however, Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy. Your help is needed if we are to continue to maintain a safe and secure school environment.. Moving forward, student leaders want to see systemic changes to the way MCPS responds to instances like this. 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The original announcement that S*T*A*G*E* was going to produce The Wiz came at the end of last school year. Walter Johnson HS, the popular Trolley Trail, some local businesses all woke up to graffiti like this. We are a wonderfuly diverse communityand we must continue to take a standagainst acts of hate, hateful and harmfulrhetoric. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ), Constant Chromebook use: the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits, Embrace the journey, savor the moment: a poms documentary, The unfortunate shift of dating through the years, Off the beat with WJs jazz band drummer: Bradley West, Sophomore leader excels on the school and county level, Dancer Katie Berkman pirouettes into success, WJ English teacher Jon Bos hit by car, in critical condition, WJ S*T*A*G*E* prepares to go Into the Woods, B-CC vandalizes WJ senior shed, students outraged, Former WJ lacrosse coach charged with attempted kidnap and murder, Velma is bad, but probably not for the reasons you think, First-year head coach Christina Fitzpatrick opens the door for success, Boys lacrosse coach enters season with new role, high aspirations, Senior captains, players, prepare for upcoming spring season. below. said during a school board meeting in February. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. [2] [3] The school was founded in 1956 and named after Walter Johnson, a famous baseball player who was also a native of Montgomery County, Maryland. Officials have not given updates on the students status since January. S*T*A*G*E members who were opposed to WJ putting on. BETHESDA, MD A high school community in Bethesda is mourning after a 16-year-old student died by suicide Saturday. Ms. Baker was very fortunate to secure her first teaching position at Walter Johnson High School where she taught from 1995 through 2000. 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 Read More, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced three finalists designated by the Marian Greenblatt Education Fund for the 2021-2022 MCPS Teacher of the Year Award. Grace Mottley was a spring 2020 intern for Montgomery Community Media. BETHESDA, Md. Mr. Julia is currently a senior and is super excited for another year on The Pitch! A meeting was held last Friday, September 21, where Baker and the theater directors announced the decision to change the show. Looking back to Season 1 of Last Chance U: Basketball, Media coverage of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria sparks more criticism. We are very mindful of how such actions may evoke fear and anger and we have worked quickly to cover the images, Baker said. Baker said the actions will not be tolerated and any student involved will receive disciplinary action. Accept Read More. We had an amazingly diverse cast, McAdory said. The alleged behaviors are alarming and unacceptable and not aligned with either schools guidelines for responsible behavior, B-CC Principal Shelton Mooney [], Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) announced three finalists designated by the Marian Greenblatt Education Fund for the 2021-2022 MCPS Teacher of the Year Award. He is one of the four peop. . Life. Hes being so vocal about it and wont stop bringing it up, that Im starting to suspect hes the one who did it. MCPS students, data suggest failing grade for restorative justice practices. Starting on the Monday following the vandalism, WJ Black Student Union, Minority Scholars Program, WJ Immigration Advocates Club and Uplift WJ decided to offer their meeting times as spaces for reflection and discussion. 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. 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. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. All rights reserved. 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. In a message to the school community, Magruder Principal Leroy Evans wrote that administrators and the security staff were told in the afternoon that a student might have a weapon. In a message to community members on Thursday morning, Walter Johnson High School Principal Jennifer Baker wrote that Bos "is a beloved member of the WJ community and has touched many lives over . 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. I appreciate our communitymembers who alerted me and thank ourstaff who took swift action to have thegraffiti removed. Montgomery County Police were called Wednesday after a Walter Johnson High School student was reported to be in possession of a BB gun -- that according to a letter from the. He said psychologists, counselors and county agencies are available. 2.34 4.05 /5. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. At Tilden she worked with her staff and administrative team to provide excellent communication, open door policies, new technology for the classrooms and to assure that all students had access to challenging classes and curriculum. Nevertheless, club leaders were persistent and administration allowed the meeting to continue without a slideshow. 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. Former Walter Johnson lacrosse coach caught in a murder kidnapping scandal, Walter Johnson High Schools former lacrosse coach, Gary, Reburn, has been arrested due to a connection with an abnormal attempted kidnapping and murder case. * The other websites referenced on this site are owned and operated by their respective companies, and the associated trademarks and logos are the property of those companies. Popular. Reburn, Hayes, and Frank Amnott forced their way into the home holding the father at gunpoint while two young children were sleeping. , meant to track recovery and to allow community members to send the Bos family words of encouragement. Walter Johnson High Schools former lacrosse coach, Gary Reburn, has been arrested due to a connection with an abnormal attempted kidnapping and murder case. This incident was enough to trigger an immediate lunch meeting between student leaders and administration, including Principal Baker. Ms. Baker can be reached by phone at (240) 740-6899 or by email. The student and two others were brought into the office and their belongings were searched. 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. as a show, given the small number of minority students in the program. Shelton Mooneythe acting principal of B-CCand Jennifer Bakerprincipal of Walter Johnsonemailed the school communities in a joint letter over the weekend calling the incident unacceptable. The principals [], Underage drinking, especially among high school-aged students, is a growing trend across Montgomery County, according to local officials. Montgomery Community Media. 2023 Montgomery Community Media. In 2007 Ms. Baker moved back to the WJ Cluster as the principal of Tilden Middle School. MyLife is NOT a Consumer Reporting Agency - You may NOT use this information to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, tenancy or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. le accused in an attempt to kidnap five kids from their two respective homes and kill their parents in Dayton, Virginia last year. Jennifer Baker, Principal of Walter Johnson high school, said. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA PUBLISHER The message was titled WJ Stands Against Hate, offering support to those targeted in the attack. At the end of the day, I said we cant do this show because we cant have, in a program that is so positive, in a program that is so amazing. This section can be locked, requiring permission to Whoops! The hundreds of comments across both pages highlighted Boss love of Bob Dylan and those around him. After their plan failed, Reburn, Hayes and Jennifer Amnott fled to the U.K., where they are now awaiting extradition. Beloved Walter Johnson Teacher Dies After Serious Car Crash. Post or read reviews for Walter Baker In addition to The Pitch, Julia plays piano for WJs jazz ensemble and On Feb. 24, the Black Student Union (BSU) put on a special assembly recognizing the works of many talented Black students in the WJ community in an ef Black Student Union celebrates Black History Month by hosting impactful assembly, Health B to be implemented upcoming school year, creates conflict in class scheduling, Antisemitism continues to plague Bethesda community, After a long hiatus, TV morning announcements are back, WJ delegates reflect on the SMOB Nominating Convention, Students unite to aid victims of Kahramanmaras earthquake, Bike lanes on Old Georgetown Road cause discourse in community, Security locks certain bathrooms during school day, The official student newspaper of Walter Johnson High School. Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker announced Reburn's arrest in a message to community members on Thursday morning. 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. Students were invited to sit in the bleachers while student leaders such as Onana gave empowering speeches about the encounters Walter Johnson students had with racism and homophobia in their community. We interpret, reinterpret, and tell others stories. Everyone shared a collective feeling of anger towards the pacifism that allows hate crimes like this to happen, fear of being in an environment that does not welcome and celebrate them, and strength in knowing they are not alone. 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. . "Tommy's sudden death reminds us all of just how precious life is. Copyrights The MoCo Show 2022 - All Right Reserved. In the message, Baker says she was deeply troubled and disheartened tolearn this morning that our school had beenvandalized with graffiti that includedreferences to white supremacy and otherhate speech. 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. About The Award The Marian Greenblatt Education Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1988 to honor the memory of Dr. Marian Greenblatt, a leader in education and education policy in Montgomery County. In 2004 Ms. Baker moved to Walt Whitman High School where she served as an assistant principal for three years. B-CC, Walter Johnson Principals Release Joint Statement on Student Arrests. Article by Katherine Mahoney of Sherwood High School. The Broadway production of The Wiz which opened in 1975, is considered a black retelling of the original 1939 movie, The Wizard of Oz which had an entirely white cast. we cant have this kind of dissent and division. There was an issue submitting your request. The pictures are on point and display a variety of students' emotions. Baker explained her reasons for ultimately deciding to change the show at the meeting last Friday. During her time at WJ Ms. Baker taught Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Geometry, Algebra 2 and the school's Leadership class. After four days of joint planning, mainly organized by club leaders and managed by administration, a walkout was held on Friday, Oct. 15 on the football stadium. View FREE Public Profile & Reputation for Walter Baker in Tempe, AZ - See Court Records | Photos | Address, Email & Phone Number | Personal Review | $30 - $39,999 Income & Net Worth . While students were voicing their frustrations with the absence of systemic changes at Walter Johnson, administration unexpectedly arrived at the meeting. Frustrated by the lack of emotional support and response from school administration, Walter Johnson club leaders took matters into their own hands. Complaints from students in Walter Johnson's theater program over the decision to produce The Wizthis spring prompted Principal Jennifer Baker to take an unprecedented measure: ask the drama department to change the show. Montgomery Community Media. 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, White Island: The eruption that shook the world, Senioritis measures detachment from school, Where are they now? Corrected to reflect the accuracy of the situation I comment and to allow community members on Thursday.. And administration, Walter Johnson high school where she taught from 1995 through.. No one was hurt however, Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Amnott... That ran in print has been corrected to reflect the accuracy of the situation HS, the popular Trolley,... Members on Thursday morning to give them one of her own kids if they help her she. After their plan failed, Reburn, Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott to. 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