As the second semester rolls around at HMHS, big things are starting to change at our school. The snow is finally starting to melt, construction on the turf is about to begin, and our new Dean of Students has officially arrived! Mr. Daniel Whalen has just joined the HMHS faculty after eighteen years of teaching at Collingswood High School, four of which he served as assistant principal. He has always been close to the Haddonfield community, his son graduated from Haddonfield and he attended Bishop Eustace in his youth. He further believed that Haddonfield was the perfect next step for him because of Haddonfield’s “reputation of excellence” and our “student culture”. 

Throughout Mr. Whalen’s youth he realized a love of working with children. During his first job at the Recreational Department in Voorhees, he got the opportunity to teach children sports and activities. Then, after his graduation, he attended Boston University as a biology major and then a pre-veterinary major. However, after college he recalled his joy for working with children. He decided to attend graduate school at The College of New Jersey and then furthered his education even more at St. Joseph’s University to obtain his masters degree. He started working as a teacher to truly help children reach their full potential; and continuously is trying to find new ways to make every school he attends an even better place for its students.

Although he has only been at HMHS for a short amount of time, he has brought many new ideas to the table. The Dean of Students is typically looked at from a disciplinary standpoint, while this is one of his duties he carries on many roles. He is planning on working very closely with the counseling department: meeting with students about 504 plans, helping students if they find themselves to have lost credit for a class, and even more as the year goes on. Another role he plans on taking is popping in class to class, trying to become a friendly face in the hall for all the students here at HMHS. Mr. Whalen truly sees the school spirit and proud culture HMHS has and wants to become integrated into it. He plans on going to different sporting events, the upcoming spring musical: Anything Goes, and of course the school wide events that HMHS puts on. 

As Mr. Whalen continues his first year at HMHS, he is already showing strong commitment to supporting students and becoming an active member of the school community. With his experience in education and passion for helping students, he brings knowledge and enthusiasm to his new role as Dean of Students. Looking ahead, Mr. Whalen hopes to build meaningful connections with students and staff alike. The HMHS community is excited to welcome him and looks forward to the positive impact he will have in the years to come.