Whittier News
A Message from Mr. OhEithir, Principal
Honored to Be Among You
Dear Whittier Community,
I am honored to return to the Whittier Community as the principal for the 2020-2021 school year. I previously served at Whittier in the role of Assistant Principal to Mrs. Schwiegerath six years ago. It is true that I have continued to stay interested and engaged with the Whittier community in the meantime and feel privileged to be able to return and serve these students, staff, and families again.
My three siblings and I were raised by my mother and grandparents on the island of Inis Oirr, in the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, Ireland. I moved to the United States in 1996 and had taught various grade levels in both Ireland and Maine before moving to Frederick, MD in 2003. In Frederick County, I worked at Orchard Grove Elementary, Deer Crossing, Centerville, Whittier, Glade and now Whittier once more. I completed a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Ireland in 1993, a Master's Degree in Literacy Education at the University of Southern Maine in 2003 and a Certificate in Educational Leadership through Hood College in 2011. I enjoy learning obviously, and I look forward to learning along with the students, staff, and families of Whittier Elementary.
I have two children, Eli (18) and Amelia (15), who are central to my life and bring me so much joy. I believe in the power of open communication and especially listening to the perspectives of others. As we get to know each other, I believe that we will establish a positive and respectful partnership focused on providing a safe, challenging, and welcoming environment in our school community where our students can thrive and succeed.
I would also like to welcome Mrs. Courtney Hicks, our new Assistant Principal, who will be working alongside Mr. Migdal to support our school. I will provide further updates on new faces at Whittier in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, you may choose to get updated information at fcps.org for the most current systemic information, access our school website here at Whittier, or follow me on Twitter @fcpsOhEithir.
In the sections below, you will find three very important pieces of information:
1. A family survey that will be critical for you to respond to as soon as possible. It will provide information that is critical to successfully planning our return to school.
2. A link to the draft school reopening plan. This will be revised and finalized by the Board of Education on August 5th. Community input has been invaluable as we have been working on details for all three possible scenarios for returning to school.
3. Information about Rental Assistance, Summer Meals and Other community resources shared by Mrs. Lewis, our community liaison.
Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions or just to say hello.
Sincerely,
Mr. OhEithir, Principal
Summer Meals/Las comidas de verano
Summer Blessings in a Backpack (BIAB) are distributed:
Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 pm
Summer FCPS Meals-To-Go (Bus) are distributed:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 pm
Meals-To-Go will continue at WHES throughout the summer, but only if it is supported by our families. Meals are available to ALL children under 18 and children do not need to be present.
Please take advantage of these resources!
*Mask and Social Distancing Are Required
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Solo como un recordatorio...
Las bendiciones de verano en una mochila (BIAB) se distribuyen:
Jueves de 10: 00-12: 00 pm
Las comidas de verano de FCPS Takeaway (Bus) se distribuyen:
Lunes, miércoles y jueves de 10:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m.
Meals-To-Go continuará en WHES durante todo el verano, pero solo si es apoyado por nuestras familias. Las comidas están disponibles para TODOS los niños menores de 18 años y los niños no necesitan estar presentes.
¡Por favor Aprovecha estos recursos!
*Se requieren distancias sociales y máscaras
Shelley Lewis
Community Liaison
Whittier Elementary
240.236.3140
Summer Resources: https://sites.google.com/fcps.org/whescommunityresources/home
Whittier Elementary School - Believe, Achieve, Succeed
We will also communicate through our school website
Follow me on Twitter @fcpsOhEithir where I will communicate school news and happenings
Email: lorcan.oheithir@fcps.org
Website: https://education.fcps.org/whes/home
Location: 2400 Whittier Drive, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
Phone: (240) 236 3100
Twitter: @fcpsOhEithir