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Susan Braithwaite

Susan Braithwaite
Principal
540-662-3471 ext. 41001

Principal's Message

As we begin the 2026–27 school year, I am excited about what lies ahead for our Handley family. Handley Pride continues to be reflected in the commitment of our students, staff, families, and community as we work together to ensure every student is known, supported, challenged, and prepared for success.

This year, our work is closely aligned with Winchester Public Schools' Elevate 2030 strategic plan. At Handley, we are committed to elevating learners by creating rigorous and engaging learning experiences that develop student agency, strengthen relationships and belonging, and prepare students for college, career, and life. Our teachers remain at the heart of this work by providing high-quality instruction, maintaining clear learning expectations, aligning curriculum and assessment, and responding to the individual strengths and needs of our students.

We are equally committed to elevating educators by strengthening collaboration, professional learning, instructional feedback, and shared leadership. Through purposeful PLCs, data-informed instruction, and ongoing professional growth, we will continue building collective responsibility for the success of every student.

Our work extends beyond the classroom. Through John Handley High School and the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center, students have opportunities to explore meaningful academic and career pathways, develop real-world skills, and connect their learning to their future goals.

As we move forward together, we will continue to listen to our students, staff, and families; use data to guide our decisions; celebrate our successes; and identify opportunities for continued growth. Elevate 2030 provides the direction, but it is the commitment of the Handley community that brings that vision to life.

I look forward to another year of learning, growth, achievement, and Handley Pride.

Experience & Education

Susan Braithwaite serves as Principal of John Handley High School after previously serving as Interim Principal beginning in June 2022. Prior to becoming principal, she served as an Assistant Principal at John Handley High School beginning in 2017. She came to Winchester Public Schools with 10 years of experience as a teacher and school administrator. During her tenure as Principal of Slanesville Elementary School in West Virginia, the school was recognized as a 2016 School of Excellence and a 2016 Blue Ribbon Nominee.

Ms. Braithwaite earned her bachelor's degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University, master's degrees in Elementary Education and Reading Specialist from West Virginia University, and Educational Leadership Certificate from Salem University. Her professional training and development include Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Standard Response Protocol.

Throughout her tenure at John Handley High School, Ms. Braithwaite has developed strong connections with the Handley and Winchester communities. Her leadership is focused on advancing the goals of Elevate 2030 by supporting high-quality teaching and learning, strengthening student and staff success, expanding opportunities for students, and ensuring that John Handley High School and the Shihadeh Innovation Center continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for the students of Winchester.