• Our EMPOWER 2025 Strategic Plan is designed around the idea of building a foundation of empowerment – empowerment of learners, staff, community & family, and organization. Winchester Public Schools has spent considerable time, energy and dedication convening a diverse group of stakeholders to help shape and build our strategic plan and we are excited for the work ahead as we use this foundation of empowerment to help propel students forward in an environment where they can thrive!

Winchester Public Schools is committed to creating and maintaining an equitable environment that welcomes, values, respects, and supports individuals and communities who affirm human decency. Winchester Public Schools provides opportunities for learning, growth, engagement, and transformation to champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive school division.

The Office of Equity and Family Empowerment is deeply committed to providing leadership, guidance, and oversight of the Division’s equity framework. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to our mission and is a key component in enhancing the success of diverse students, staff, and the community, as part of our all-encompassing goal of “Learning For All, Whatever It Takes.” The equity and family empowerment coordinator supports and leads efforts by ensuring that equity is embedded in the work of all departments, schools, and central administration. This work is accomplished by creating the space for courageous conversations, celebrating diversity, expanding perspectives, implementing culturally responsive teaching frameworks, continuous delivery of equity-based professional development, developing capacity for cultural competency, and commitment to equity and inclusion. The office – led by Dr. Veronique N. Walker – is comprised of division-wide equity facilitators and school-based equity leads who drive the division’s efforts to create a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and equitable teaching and learning environment.

Winchester Public Schools is committed to fostering an inclusive culture by embracing diversity and equity in all its forms. It’s important that our students, staff, faculty, and guests feel included and represented throughout our division. We insist on a climate of diversity, equity and inclusion, not just because it creates a safe place for everyone, but because we’re all better and more empathetic people when we learn what it’s like to live in someone else’s shoes.

Students for Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) advisory council is an integral part of creating a more inclusive and welcoming climate at Winchester Public Schools The purpose of the council is student advocacy. This group will review existing practices, advocate for change, and provide a platform for students to voice concerns about school culture and climate. The council will be made up of a diverse group of students at John Handley High School, Daniel Morgan Middle School, and Daniel Morgan Intermediate School. 

The mission of the Students for Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) advisory council is to serve as an advisory group to the Coordinator of Equity and Family Empowerment and Principal, providing strategic advice and recommendations based on observations, reports, and monitoring concerning diversity at their respective schools. 

The SEED Council acknowledges that our community is reflective of many perspectives and life experiences. Diversity in our community refers to social identities such as race, socio-economic status, ethnicity, indigenous background, immigration status, nationality, gender identity/expression, language, ability/disability, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, political views, age, and physical appearance. 

We aim to be a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff that engage with one another across differences in meaningful conversation and use differences to strengthen, build and embolden a WPS community of engaged global citizens.