NEW - Read all about it - Washington High School will be open Fall 2011
By way of introduction, my name is Steven Brown and like many of you, I am a proud graduate of Washington High School. Many might say, a “Purgolder” for life! I have remained close to the school, administrators and the students since graduating in 1985. I currently serve as the president of the WHS Alumni Scholarship Board and co-chair of the 100th Celebration planning committee.
Over the last several weeks there have been many inquiries about the future of Washington High School. Please note, the reported closing of "Washington High School" is inaccurate. As you may or may not be aware, In 2005, Washington High School divided into 3 separate and smaller schools. The three schools shared the same building. This change was somewhat transparent and many people did not know the change had occurred. In fact, even the Alumni Scholarship Board continued to view Washington as "one" school. And, while I think the idea of smaller class sizes and focused specialty programs is an interesting concept, I am excited that beginning this Fall, Washington will become a single school again. I understand all of these changes may have caused some confusion.
The future of our school:
Washington High School of IT (Information Technology) which was borne out of the highly successful Computer Specialty program will continue going forward. The Computer Specialty program began in 1975 as a response to new technology and the need to have students experience the new and ever-growing computing technologies. In fact I was one of hundreds of graduates who participated in this program when I was a student there. I openly admit that I am excited that the "new" Washington High school will continue growing with a focus on Technology.
I believe these changes are necessary to provide students with appropriate experiences beyond the halls of Washington. To be sure much needs to be done to increase and expand the level of learning for all students which is at the core of district efforts to improve education within MPS. The Washington Alumni community can be justifiably proud of its many accomplishments.
With that said, I look forward to seeing each of you come October 22, 2011 at the Wisconsin Expo Center as we celebrate 100 years of Washington High School. The theme of our celebration is "Washington High School: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" - very appropriate given all of the pending changes.
Once again, Washington High School has reinvented itself in order to remain relevant and competitive. This is good news and we should spread the word.
Steven Brown
Class of 1985
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