Jerome Marco has been principal at Whitman since 1975 and is entering his 41st year with Montgomery County Public Schools. He spoke about the upcoming school year.
What do you wish parents would do more?
“At the high school age, that parents stay more involved in their life, academic and social. Make sure that they’re doing their homework, but also know when they’re partying and where they’re partying. Just stay in tune so there’s no shocking revelations.”
What do you wish parents would do less?
“Don’t jump to conclusions. When there is an issue that happens at the school, that parents would hear the school’s side of what’s going on, not just the student’s side.”
What’s your favorite thing about Whitman?
“There are so many, that’s why I’m still here. The students are great to work with. The parents are great and helpful. It’s just a great community. The kids come to school to get the job done and they do. Last year over 1,200 students took the AP exam and 91 percent got a “3” or higher.”
AP exams are scored from one to five. A three is typically considered the score necessary to receive college credit.
What’s the biggest challenge at Whitman?
“I think kids overloading their program with a lot of powerful courses. May take that fourth or fifth AP class, therefore the stress and anxiousness of students to do well.”
The competition at Whitman is intense, Marco said.
“Even though I’m in the top 10 percent, I’m comparing myself to someone on the top one percent, and I may think myself not that talented. … 93 percent of our students go to colleges and universities. It’s a high-powered school but they are kids, don’t forget that.”
What will be the biggest changes from this year to last year?
“We have a school facilities officer, but I don’t think that will be an issue or a problem. We’ve added AP Italian, so we now offer 23 AP courses. And our enrollment is up, we’re getting a little bit bigger.”
Whtman High School
Key Dates
Back to School Night: Sept. 18
12th grade parents meeting: Sept. 24
Welcome to Whitman Night: Oct. 2
New Faces
Jose Ramon Ruiz, Spanish Department
Carol A. Gough Alonso, Spanish teacher
Marisa Del Savio, Social Studies teacher
Kelly Singelton, Guidance
Todd Michaels, English teacher
Neil W. Serafenas, Mark Twain teacher
Neal Poll, Health teacher
Lesli Gillman, English teacher
Nancy Barmak, French teacher
Judi Jones, Business Education teacher
Marianne Kabes, French teacher
Julie Frank, Matter & Energy teacher
Tracy Smith, ESOL teacher also at Pyle
Arnold Aubrey, School Facilities Officer