Baker is known for her famous candid photos taken at an assortment of WJ events. Pit orchestra director Andrea Morris referred to the communication and posting about. Racist and homophobic vandalism was found spraypainted on the walls of Walter Johnson High School on Oct. 3, 2021. But many students were looking for a more hands-on response to tackling this issue. along with two other children. 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. Learn more in our Privacy Policy. Although the facts of this case read like the script of a bad horror movie, the defendants murderous plot was real and it posed a grave risk to their intended victim. I was deeply troubled and disheartened tolearn this morning that our school had beenvandalized with graffiti that includedreferences to white supremacy and otherhate speech. There was an issue submitting your request. If we were not allowed to do so, musicals such as Hamilton would not exist, McAdory said. 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 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 . Bos sustained injuries from a serious car accident that took place on the morning of March 13. 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. 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. In an unrelated incident, a student took a BB gun to Walter Johnson High School on Wednesday, according to district leaders. 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. The fund [], 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. See Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Article written by Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School, Photo courtesy of Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School. She emphasized that such hate in the WJ community would "not be tolerated." 2023 WTOP. 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. Accept Read More. Racist and homophobic vandalism was found spraypainted on the walls of Walter Johnson High School on Oct. 3, 2021. 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. 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All Rights Reserved. nied by his girlfriend, Valerie Hayes, along with another couple, Frank and Jennifer Amnott of Florida. 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. During the meeting, it was decided that more direct action was necessary. Reburn, Hayes, and Frank Amnott forced their way into the home holding the father at gunpoint while two young children were sleeping. Whoops! School Information 6400 Rock Spring Drive Bethesda , MD 20814 Bus Routes Phone: 240-740-6900 Fax: 301-571-6986 Principal: Mrs. Jennifer A Baker 240-740-6900 New Number came at the end of last school year. Baker explained her reasons for ultimately deciding to change the show at the meeting last Friday. 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. Ms. Baker can be reached by phone at (240) 740-6899 or by email. Walter Johnson HS, the popular Trolley Trail, some local businesses all woke up to graffiti like this. All Rights Reserved. The fund [] Read more. Jennifer Baker, Principal of Walter Johnson high school, said. This section can be locked, requiring permission to 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 []. Following the email that Principal Baker sent out, the WJ administration decided to organize a homeroom presentation on the importance of being anti-racist. She noted that recent county Board of Education actions specifically include the prohibition of hate symbols and language, and they are covered in the students rights and responsibilities and Montgomery County Public Schools student code of conduct. Principal Jennifer Baker Walter Johnson High School. businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. 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. , meant to track recovery and to allow community members to send the Bos family words of encouragement. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. 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. Last updated December 2017 Who's Searching for You, Look Your Best to People Searching for You. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. 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. Two months after a shooting at Col. Zadok Magruder High School left one student with critical injuries, school administrators on Wednesday found a student with a BB gun on campus. 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. 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. These actions will not be toleratedand any students involved will receivedisciplinary consequences in alignment withthe student Code of Conduct in MCPS. 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. 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. Six days. Youth. Jr. Middle School, and Patricia Richards from Walter Johnson High School. In 2020, three teenagers were charged in connection to racially-themed vandalisms at Walt Whitman High School. 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. He passed Read More, 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. Students from the school have given passionate testimony at recent school board meetings, detailing their experience during the multi-hour lockdown. Jennifer Baker grew up in Walnut Creek, California and moved to Bethesda, Maryland in 1983 as a young adult. As always, I appreciate your support as westrive to build a safe, welcoming andinclusive environment where all studentscan thrive. In 2004 Ms. Baker moved to Walt Whitman High School where she served as an assistant principal for three years. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 5425 Wisconsin Ave By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. Principal Jennifer Baker wrote in a message on Sunday that Thomas "Tommy" Silva, a junior, would be missed "tremendously" by the Bethesda school community. Which puts us in a dilemma, which is what [S*T*A*G*E students] were talking about.. Check Full Reputation Profile this spring prompted Principal Jennifer Baker to take an unprecedented measure: ask the drama department to change the show. Anyone who knows anything about trauma knows it manifests itself in a variety of ways at any time. 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. government sources. The award is given annually by the MCEMSA to highlight the role of administrative leaders in supporting school library media centers. Junior and former S*T*A*G*E* member Damir Pimenov called it ridiculous that the drama department would consider. This is the latest incident involving racist graffiti on a Montgomery County school. Theres the ongoing knowledge that this was a traumatic event, and the support goes beyond the day of and the day after, Cram said. 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. Friday, May 23rd 2014. 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? 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. 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. [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. He is one of the four people accused in an attempt to kidnap five kids from their two respective homes and kill their parents in Dayton, Virginia last year. Three students involved in altercations after a basketball game between Walter Johnson High School and Bethesda-Chevy . View court, arrest, criminal/conviction We are very mindful of how such actions may evoke fear and anger and we have worked quickly to cover the images, Baker said. to see complete work history. Some have said they no longer feel safe at school. Thomas "Tommy" Silva was a junior at Walter Johnson High School,. So, if anybody needs anything at all, all they need to do is reach out to a trusted adult., Caitlynn Peetz can be reached at [email protected], Daily Newsletter: MoCo360 Today 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. During her time at WJ Ms. Baker taught Algebra 1, Honors Geometry, Geometry, Algebra 2 and the school's Leadership class. It was already viewed Around 12:30 p.m . We are a wonderfully diverse community and we must continue to take a stand against acts of hate, hateful and harmful rhetoric, Baker said. I have so much I would like to see from the county and my school but in order to do any of that we need to be able to make our environments more intolerant, Onana said. Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. This profile was gathered from multiple public and to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. Sign Up for Our Daily Update. What I was hearing was the potential for a lot of division and unrest, Baker said. This left the student leaders frustrated and confused. 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. [] Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. Julia is currently a senior and is super excited for another year on The Pitch! Comments on the GoFundMe Page and the Caring Bridge profile echo Bakers message, highlighting Bos impact as a teacher and friend. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. Education. Tempe, AZ, is where Walter Baker lives today. Your help is needed if we are to continue to maintain a safe and secure school environment.. * 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. She then promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her because she knew they could not conceive kids. 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. Copyright 2022 by WTOP. I am grateful and honored to have known him.. Looking back to Season 1 of Last Chance U: Basketball, Media coverage of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria sparks more criticism. Jon was an amazing husband, father, son, uncle, cousin, friend and teacher. 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. Life. He said psychologists, counselors and county agencies are available. Prior to speaking with them [the administration] and understanding the point [of them joining], I felt upset. Reviews help 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. view. 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. . Breaking News Alerts. Walter is now single. Leaders stood in front of attendees and offered various talking points to get the conversation going. She then promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her because she knew they could not conceive kids. 3 times 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 Caring Bridge, meant to track recovery and to allow community members to send the Bos family words of encouragement. 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. Unfortunately, some members of our organization treated these social media posts as such, and an opinion became fake news, Morris said at the meeting. The link above contains resources to help you understand the new rating system and the link to the Walter Johnson Report card. This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. Graffiti bearing the same message was also found on a pedestrian bridge over the Capital Beltway, Bethesda Beat reported, as well as some local businesses, according to Fox 5. That evening, WJ principal Jennifer Baker sent out an email to staff, students and parents expressing how "distroubled" she was by these events. The mother was able to escape to a nearby cornfield and call 911. Amnotts sentencing is scheduled for May 26. s, according to a news release from the United States Attorneys Office Western District of Virginia. 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. All Rights Reserved. A meeting was held last Friday, September 21, where Baker and the theater directors announced the decision to change the show. Montgomery Community Media. Jon Bos, a teacher at Walter Johnson High School, was known for his enthusiasm as a teacher and love of Bob Dylan. 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. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Learn how your comment data is processed. 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