Over and over again [these groups] said to me, do shows that are more culturally diverse, McAdory said. What I was hearing was the potential for a lot of division and unrest, Baker said. 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. November 9, 2021 | Deirdre Byrne. The locations include Walter Johnson High School, the Georgetown Square Shopping Center, two churches and a museum, Tressler said. View Jennifer Baker results in Arizona (AZ) including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. 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. Copyrights The MoCo Show 2022 - All Right Reserved. It didnt really feel like a walkout but more like an assembly or meeting it was too staged, Walter Johnson junior Haley Minnick said. All Rights Reserved. Frustrated by the lack of emotional support and response from school administration, Walter Johnson club leaders took matters into their own hands. Theres a man (a father of a student at WJ) who has been trolling the WJPTSA listserv and insisting this vandalism is a hoax. During the meeting, it was decided that more direct action was necessary. I was deeply troubled and disheartened tolearn this morning that our school had beenvandalized with graffiti that includedreferences to white supremacy and otherhate speech. A 16-year-old student at Walter Johnson High School died by suicide Saturday, the school's principal told Walter Johnson families. 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. Some have said they no longer feel safe at school. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. 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. 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. Hayes and Reburn got away leaving Frank Amnott alone to be arrested by a Rockingham County Sheriff Deputy. Whoops! In an unrelated incident, a student took a BB gun to Walter Johnson High School on Wednesday, according to district leaders. 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 walkout gave students a better understanding of why the vandalism was so emotionally damaging to the community. News and information to serve, inform, and inspire every resident of Montgomery County, Maryland. 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. All Rights Reserved. government sources. These actions will not be toleratedand any students involved will receivedisciplinary consequences in alignment withthe student Code of Conduct in MCPS. This profile was gathered from multiple public and My peers and I dont feel safe at school anymore. 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. The GoFundMe page raised over $28,000 for the Bos family. View court, arrest, criminal/conviction Anyone who knows anything about trauma knows it manifests itself in a variety of ways at any time. 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. Junior Angie Ciccarello and senior Maddie Osterman debate the pros and cons of performing The Wiz at WJ. In 2020, three teenagers were charged in connection to racially-themed vandalisms at Walt Whitman High School. The link above contains resources to help you understand the new rating system and the link to the Walter Johnson Report card. It was already viewed He said psychologists, counselors and county agencies are available. But many students were looking for a more hands-on response to tackling this issue. By using our site, you agree to our use of cookies. 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 []. They discussed their selection of The Wiz with the students present. Life. 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.. The drama department has not chosen a new musical for this spring, but will announce their decision sometime in the near future. Six days. That evening, WJ principal Jennifer Baker sent out an email to staff, students and parents expressing how distroubled she was by these events. 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. Jr. Middle School, and Patricia Richards from Walter Johnson High School. 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. That a non-white student did it to curry sympathy or something. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. 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. Pit orchestra director Andrea Morris referred to the communication and posting about. 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. 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. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here. She emphasized that such hate in the WJ community would "not be tolerated." Wood Middle School as their math resource teacher and 6th grade team leader. She is a graduate of American University and The George Washington University. 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. came at the end of last school year. Article written by Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School, Photo courtesy of Ruby Topalian of Walter Johnson High School. BETHESDA, MD A high school community in Bethesda is mourning after a 16-year-old student died by suicide Saturday. This incident was enough to trigger an immediate lunch meeting between student leaders and administration, including Principal Baker. we cant have this kind of dissent and division. The violators will receive a very serious disciplinary consequence in alignment with the MCPS Student Code of Conduct. Bos sustained injuries from a serious car accident that took place on the morning of March 13. 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. The search uncovered an unloaded BB gun, the message said. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Ms. Baker can be reached by phone at (240) 740-6899 or by email. pic.twitter.com/QPsKPGhea8, David Kaplan (@DKaplanFox5DC) October 4, 2021. Reburn was accompanied by his girlfriend, Valerie Hayes, along with another couple, Frank and Jennifer Amnott of Florida. Other students felt that while the walkout was inspiring, its assembly-like qualities made it less effective. 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. Other parents and students commented on Bos GoFundMe page, leaving notes about his impact on their lives and educations. FOX 5 AT 10: Bethesda residents saddened to find white supremacist graffiti all over. Ms. Baker was very fortunate to secure her first teaching position at Walter Johnson High School where she taught from 1995 through 2000. Because MyLife only collects this data and does not create it, we cannot fully guarantee its accuracy. The shooting which left a teenager in critical condition prompted a countywide review of school safety. , meant to track recovery and to allow community members to send the Bos family words of encouragement. The schools community engagement officer worked with the security staff to confiscate the weapon, she wrote. 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. 0 Reputation Score Range. We know that nothing has changed.. 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. In preparation for the joint meeting, club leaders created a presentation to give an overview of what had happened and where they felt administration needed to improve. MyMCMedia the home of Montgomery Community Media (MCM). FOX5 is reporting that in addition toWalter Johnson High School, similar graffiti was left at several local businesses as well as the beltway overpass of the Trolley Train. le accused in an attempt to kidnap five kids from their two respective homes and kill their parents in Dayton, Virginia last year. Learn more in our Privacy Policy. 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. Around 12:30 p.m . 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? 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.. I would like to remain anonymous. Comments on the GoFundMe Page and the Caring Bridge profile echo Bakers message, highlighting Bos impact as a teacher and friend. Check Full Reputation Profile This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. The award is given annually by the MCEMSA to highlight the role of administrative leaders in supporting school library media centers. I dont think its an understatement to say that Mr. Bos was one of the best teachers (and humans) many of us have ever known, wrote Gina Lorenzetti, a former student. 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. In 2004 Ms. Baker moved to Walt Whitman High School where she served as an assistant principal for three years. Hes being so vocal about it and wont stop bringing it up, that Im starting to suspect hes the one who did it. Last updated December 2017 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 are a wonderfuly diverse communityand we must continue to take a standagainst acts of hate, hateful and harmfulrhetoric. 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. 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. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. Article by Katherine Mahoney of Sherwood High School. 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. The incidents come two months and two days following the shooting at Magruder, which stunned the school community on Jan. 21. 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. After their plan failed, Reburn, Hayes and Jennifer Amnott fled to the U.K., where they are now awaiting extradition. 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. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Thomas "Tommy" Silva was a junior at Walter Johnson High School,. Shelton Mooneythe Read More. Officials have not given updates on the students status since January. AN ELITE CAFEMEDIA PUBLISHER These matters are considered a violation of the law and school policy. 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. as a show, given the small number of minority students in the program. When I arrived at school each morning, the first person I often sought out was Jon to get advice or to chat about music, politics, or to just laugh, wrote another Walter Johnson English teacher, Colleen McAdory. He was a caring and trusted friend and an extraordinary teacher. If we were not allowed to do so, musicals such as Hamilton would not exist, McAdory said. to see possible family members, friends, co-workers, and associates found from multiple government records, social and public sources. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She then promised to give them one of her own kids if they help her because she knew they could not conceive kids. Walter Johnson Principal Jennifer Baker sent a message to students after white supremacist graffiti was found on school property over the weekend. Defacing our school withgraffiti is bad enough, but symbols of hatespeech are harmful and unsettling for manyin our community. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. BETHESDA, Md. See Helicopter Makes Precautionary Landing in Back Field of Detectives From Special Investigations Unit are Asking For Detectives Investigating Multiple Thefts from Autos and Credit Montgomery Parks to Host Meetings on March 15 MCPS DMM Coordinator, Kimani Gray, Wins Supporting Services Employee of the Year, Metro developing plan to fix wheels and return 7000-series fleet to normal service, Traffic data about the Little Falls Parkway pilot project to the Montgomery Planning Board on March 30, 2023, Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrates Read Across America Week March 2-6 with Volunteers Pairing with Children in Reading Program, Up to $100,000 Available to Winning Proposal for Public Art in Gene Lynch Urban Park in Silver Spring. 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. Mr. 2023 Montgomery Community Media. 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. * 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. 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. 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. Principal Jennifer Baker Walter Johnson High School, 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, Bethesda High School Leaders Confront the Problem of Underage Drinking at Town Hall Meeting (VIDEO). No one was hurt however. Accept Read More. records, Lawsuits, Liens, Bankruptcies & sex offender status for Walter Baker. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. Montgomery Community Media. 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. 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 may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. below. 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 student referred to Hollywoods history of segregation and racism and past tendencies to provide limited roles for minorities. 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. 3 times 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. Abigail Constantino | aconstantino@wtop.com. Nevertheless, club leaders were persistent and administration allowed the meeting to continue without a slideshow. While students were voicing their frustrations with the absence of systemic changes at Walter Johnson, administration unexpectedly arrived at the meeting. Beloved Walter Johnson Teacher Dies After Serious Car Crash Jon Bos, a teacher at Walter Johnson High School, was known for his enthusiasm as a teacher and love of Bob Dylan. 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. 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. 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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.