Meet the Administrators

The Faculty and Staff would like to welcome you to our school. We are here to provide quality education in a safe and secure environment! Our principal, assistant principals, office staff, counselors, teachers, and support staff are ready to work with you as partners in your child's education. Please contact our front office at 754-322-3200 anytime if you have questions, comments, or concerns.

Principal's Message

William Dandy Middle School Wildcats!

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year!

Dear William Dandy Middle School Community,

I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new principal of William Dandy Middle School. With great enthusiasm, I join this vibrant community, bringing with me 36 years of experience in education, including 27 years dedicated to middle school education. Throughout my career, I have been committed to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

I am a proud graduate of Dillard University in New Orleans, and I am ready to continue the academic path that has already been paved. As an educator, I have had the privilege of working in various roles that have enriched my understanding of the diverse needs of students, teachers, and families. My journey in education has been driven by a passion for student success and a commitment to creating opportunities for all learners to achieve their fullest potential.

At William Dandy Middle School, I am committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and building upon the strong foundation already in place. I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication, and I look forward to working closely with the talented staff, supportive parents, and, most importantly, the incredible students.

Together, we will strive to create a nurturing and challenging educational environment that encourages academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility. I am eager to get to know each of you and to learn about your hopes and aspirations for our school.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you may have. I am here to support you and to ensure that William Dandy Middle School remains a place where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Thank you for welcoming me into your community. I am excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to work together to make this school year a remarkable one.

Warm regards,

William Dandy Middle School Principal,

Nichele A. Williams

Administrators

Assistant Principal, John Battle III

Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year, 6th Grade Wildcats!

As the 6th Grade Assistant Principal, Mr. John W. Battle III proudly welcomes all of our newest Wildcats to William Dandy Middle School.

This school year is dedicated to the Class of 2032—our future leaders and scholars. You are beginning an exciting new chapter filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and lead. The spotlight is on you as you take your first steps into middle school, and we are here to ensure you shine brightly from day one.

Our exceptional 6th grade teachers and staff have created dynamic, engaging, and supportive learning environments where you will be challenged academically and inspired to be your best self. As Wildcats, we expect you to model our schoolwide values: be RESPONSIBLE, RESPECTFUL, and TOLERANT in all that you do.

As the youngest members of our school community, you are laying the foundation for your future success. This is your time to build strong habits, form meaningful connections, and set the tone for the years ahead. You may be new to middle school, but your voice, your actions, and your attitude already matter. You are the heartbeat of WDMS, and your journey begins now.

Mr. Battle encourages each of you to embrace every opportunity—in the classroom, on the field, in performances, and in competitions. Let’s carry forward our proud Wildcat traditions and make this year one to remember.

About Mr. John W. Battle III

Before joining the William Dandy Middle School family, Mr. Battle made a lasting impact at Whiddon-Rogers Education Center, where he coordinated both Middle and High School programs, implementing alternative educational and behavioral strategies that supported social-emotional growth and lifelong learning.

He began his career in Broward County Public Schools in 2002 as a Drama instructor, revitalizing the Hallandale Magnet High School Performing Arts and Track & Field Departments. His innovative teaching and coaching strategies led to a 100% graduation rate among program participants.

Mr. Battle is a proud graduate of Miami Killian Senior High School, Florida A&M University, and Nova Southeastern University, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. He is known for his ability to inspire students and staff to set high expectations and achieve excellence through mentoring, inquiry-based learning, and critical thinking.

He believes, “It is always a great day to be greater and always a great day to be a WDMS Wildcat!” At William Dandy Middle School, our academic voices will be heard, and we will R.O.A.R. this year—Reaching Outstanding Academic Results.

Remember, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Have a great Wildcat Day!

Assistant Principal, Ayanna B. Whitworth-Barner

I am Ms. Whitworth-Barner, affectionately known as Ms. W.B. I welcome 7th grade parents and students to a fantastic 2025-2026 school year.

Over the years, I feel we have grown to know and truly understand that it takes all of us to ensure the success of our scholars. I believe that every student can learn and be successful if provided the right support and opportunities. Our teachers and staff are committed to providing all students with an appropriate and challenging educational experience in a respectful environment that fosters learning and growth.

A crucial part of success for students is attendance. As a parent or guardian, it is essential for you to maintain an attitude that “Every Day Counts” for students to be in school and ready to learn each day. At William Dandy, we will continue to assist in helping parents and families understand the importance of instructional time and school attendance.

We recognize that family and community support are integral to our success. Parents/Guardians play the most important roles in a student's success, and I invite you to collaborate with us in your students' education. We encourage you to experience our school culture, one that is focused on providing students with the academic and social resources that will prepare them to achieve their post-secondary goals. This is why we encourage you to join us as a volunteer through PTSA, School Advisory Council, and attend Parent & Family Engagement events.

This is my 18th year as a Broward County Schools educator and fifth year as Assistant Principal at William Dandy Middle School. A native of Watts, California, I have been blessed to experience a stellar public-school education. With that education, I went on to attend the University of Arizona and Florida Atlantic University to earn 4 of 5 degrees. This, along with raising a family of four sons, I know how important it is to plan with purpose and the need to have a supportive family to encourage us all to strive and achieve success through education.

When we take the time to strategically plan, forge positive relationships, celebrate our achievements, and continue to build on our successful foundation, we can foster a learning environment where our entire William Dandy school community thrives.

I look forward to a fun and enhanced school year!

-WB, 7th Grade Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal, Uta H. Tomlinson

Welcome Back, Wildcat Scholars, to the 2025-26 Academic Year — Class of 2026!

Wildcats, welcome to your 8th-grade year at William Dandy Middle School — your final year as a middle school scholar and high achiever preparing to become a high school leader. I am so excited to see you again in August and witness the many areas of growth you have experienced this summer. Last year, we stood on business — you raised your academic achievement and learned how to make your education a priority to take control of your future. This year, we will build on that success. Remember, you are here to grow, shine, challenge yourself academically, and achieve tremendous things as you prepare for high school and beyond. You are capable of AMAZING things — believe it and practice resiliency every single day.

As your 8th Grade Assistant Principal, I challenge you to reflect on what worked for you last year and what did not work and encourage you to use those life lessons to create a plan to become one percent better every day. It is my honor to support your growth as a BCPS graduate. Along with my belief that every child can succeed, I bring my instructional leadership skills, over 18 years of experience in high school education, and proven results in meeting the academic and wellness needs of diverse learners and my skillset to mentor students, increase community relations, and building positive school culture. As a lifelong learner, I bring my academic content knowledge of multiple subject areas for grades 6-12, additional concentration in sociology, public administration and policy for state and local government, and educational leadership K-12 to help support our school and district goals for the development of the whole child. Parents, I am excited to witness the learning of our students as they explore new skills to enhance their ability to critically think, support their reasoning, and master our standard-based curriculum.

Our 8th-grade Wildcats will continue to:

· Demonstrate responsibility by arriving to class on time, being ready to learn, and asking for help when needed.

· Respect yourself by exercising your mental muscles to do your very best every day because you are capable.

· Challenge yourself to grow not just academically but personally while building appreciation of others and becoming more tolerant of people with different opinions or backgrounds.

· Demonstrate resilience at all times through reminding yourself of your superpower and managing your emotions to problem solve challenges you may face.

· Celebrate the small and BIG wins to build your self-love and confidence.

Parents, thank you for entrusting your students to William Dandy. We are excited to partner with you to support our scholars' focus on academic, life skills, and wellness goals being reached. Together, we will help our Wildcats thrive in every way because that is the Dandy way. We welcome you to join our PTSA and SAC/SAF Council which support our students because you are a part of our wonderful progress here at William Dandy Middle School. As a reminder to my OUTSTANDING 8th graders, your Wildcat family loves you, supports you, and believes in you and the greatness you possess. You are talented, intelligent, important, and more than capable of reaching your goals this year. It's time to become one percent better every day, all day, through showing respect, responsibility, tolerance, and resilience in every interaction. We look forward to continuing our PBIS initiatives, and we know you will meet every expectation and celebrate by attending our special activities and the Class of 2026 celebrations!

I look forward to witnessing your learning and have a Wonderful Wildcat Day!

With Wildcat Pride,

Your Proud 8th Grade Assistant Principal

Mrs. U'ta H. Tomlinson