District Shout Out To WMS: Named One of America’s Healthiest Schools

Posted on: October 2, 2025

Summary : Congratulations Whitman Middle School.

Whitman Middle School Named One of America’s Healthiest Schools

Congratulations!

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has recognized Whitman Middle School as one of America’s Healthiest Schools for 2025, an honor shared by only four schools in Washington state this year.

This national award celebrates schools that implement policies and practices supporting students’ physical, social-emotional, and academic well-being. Whitman earned recognition for its innovative focus on adult wellness, including the creation of a Staff Tab-Out Room—a calming reset space for educators—designed by School Climate Transformation Coach Jim Walters and maintained by the school’s wraparound team.

Principal John Houston and Assistant Principal Leanne Dunlap embraced a healing-centric leadership model, prioritizing staff regulation and connection over test scores. The school’s parent organization also secured a GESA grant to remodel the staff lounge, complementing the wellness-focused culture.

This achievement was made possible through the leadership and support of former SPS Wellness Director Shane Baguyo and Melissa Carpenter, Project Manager with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

As posted in the Seattle Public Schools Shout Outs!

Whitman Middle School Tab-Out Room

Tab In/Out Wellness Protocol

Taking A wellness Break-with[IN] or [OUT]side my present environment.

Teacher Awareness: What do I notice in my environment?
- Look for verbal & nonverbal signs of physical and emotional stress.
Capacity: Do I currently have the capacity to lead a wellness break?
- Teacher Self-Assessing Capacity (Co-Regulation Readiness)
YES: Wellness Practice: Proceed with modeling a wellness practice with[in] your present environment (co-regulating)