We are already a few days into the 2025-2026 school year, but for many Whittier Middle School students, the year started early! In the days leading up to the first day of school, Whittier teachers went out across town to personally visit students at home and share how excited they were to welcome them back.
The goal was simple: build connections! Teachers wanted every student to feel seen, valued, and supported as they prepared for a new year. Families were surprised and excited to see teachers at their doors, and the students lit up as they were greeted by name and reminded of how much they belong at Whittier.
For the staff members who couldn’t make home visits, the effort was just as personal. Those teachers each wrote a letter to a specific student, sharing encouragement and excitement, and mailed it so it would arrive before the first day of school.
These powerful connections definitely set the tone for the year ahead and captured what it means to “Be the Difference”! When students walked into Whittier this past Thursday, they weren’t just meeting their teachers, they were reconnecting with people who had already shown how much they care.
Way to go, Wolverine staff!
