Saturday, August 5, 2017

Thank you for the memories....

After fourteen years at Southwest, twenty years in Minneapolis and fifty years in education I am retired at the conclusion of this calendar year.  However, I will never stop being a teacher/learner.

I am proud and humbled having been the principal of Southwest High School.  The student, parents, community members and staff are absolutely fantastic.  These years will always be the highlight of my professional career.  The student accomplishments over the years demonstrate clearly the heights that are possible within an urban public school supported by its education community.

Southwest is an Arts infused International Baccalaureate  school and the learning, participation, activity, involvement, graduation rates, proficiency rates and college success rates provide the evidence of school success and demonstrate the effectiveness of all students doing their best.  With community, parents, staff and most importantly, student support excellence is a reachable goal.

Within this continuum I am proud to have been a part and believe strongly in the motto, which I believe is a camper's, leave it better than you found it.  I can safely say I tried.  I will always treasure our times and the memories.  They and you are and will be special always.

This is a time of celebration and reflection.  I am with my family and continuing my learning journey.  I ask that we stay focused on the children and their/our future.

I thank each and everyone of you for wonderful memories.  May the blessings of your faith be bestowed upon you.

I trust you will understand my request for time and privacy.  Let's concentrate on tomorrow and our children.