Principal

Principal's Message

As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year, I want to express my immense excitement and pride in our Handley family. Handley Pride runs deep among our dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive parents. This pride is a powerful force that drives us forward, and I share it wholeheartedly.

Our exceptional teachers are at the heart of this pride, working tirelessly to ensure each student receives a personalized learning experience tailored to their needs and strengths. Together, we create an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

Here's to a fantastic school year ahead, filled with growth, achievement, and continued Handley Pride!

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.