Principal

  • susan braithwaite

    Susan Braithwaite
    540-662-3471 ext. 41001

Principal's Message

  • I am excited to serve as the principal of such a historic and dynamic school community. At Handley, we are committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and academically rigorous environment where every student can thrive. Our mission is to prepare students not only for success in colleges and careers but also to become responsible, compassionate citizens who contribute positively to the world around them.

    While we are proud of our rich traditions, we are equally energized by the spirit of innovation that drives our school forward. From advanced academic opportunities and career pathway programs to cutting-edge instructional practices, technology integration, and student-centered learning initiatives, Handley continues to lead with creativity and forward thinking. Students also benefit from a wide variety of extracurricular activities, athletics, and fine arts, allowing them to explore their passions and develop their unique talents.

    At the heart of our success is the strong partnership between students, staff, families, and the community. By combining tradition with innovation, we believe that together we can empower our students to achieve their fullest potential.

    I look forward to an incredible year of growth, achievement, and celebration of the many accomplishments of our Judges.

Experience & Education

  • John Handley High School welcomes Ms. Susan Braithwaite who assumed the role of Principal after serving as Interim Principal since June of 2022. Ms. Braithwaite has served as a highly effective Assistant Principal at JHHS since 2017, having come to Winchester Public Schools with 10 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator. While she was Principal at Slanesville Elementary (WV), the school was named a 2016 School of Excellence and a 2016 Blue Ribbon Nominee. 

    Ms. Braithwaite received her Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia University (WVU) in  Multidisciplinary Studies, her Master's Degrees from WVU in Elementary Education and Reading Specialist, and her Educational Leadership Certificate from Salem University. She has training and development in Professional Learning Communities, Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Standard Response Protocol.

    Ms. Braithwaite has had the opportunity to be immersed in Handley Pride and has gotten to know the Winchester community personally during her tenure at JHHS. Her focus will be on supporting John Handley High School and the Shihadeh Innovation Center to the fullest in order to provide the highest quality education for the students of Winchester.