Greetings SJLES Families,
As we wrap up this most unique school year, the same three words continue to resonate with me… gratitude, pride, and care. I am truly grateful to our students, families, and staff for navigating this school year in such a positive, proactive, and collaborative manner. I said from the very beginning that we are as well-positioned as anyone to deal with the challenges the pandemic would bring and I am so grateful to you all for your dedication, perseverance, and understanding throughout the year. I am proud of the collective work we all did to engage our students, foster community, and grow our kids as learners and as young people. I am also extremely proud to serve this community as your principal. We continue to work together to build a culture of care for all stakeholders. The care that our staff has shown to our students, families, and each other is truly remarkable and makes our school special. They even show a tremendous amount of care to Mrs. Redd and me! They care about their craft and their daily opportunity to make a difference. Thank you, SJLES families, for the care and support you all have shown us each and every day! I know I’ve conveyed this message many times throughout the school year, but it is where I find myself as I write to you all today thinking back on our year together and the good service we hope we have provided your family.
It is that time of the year where we say goodbye to staff members who are retiring, resigning, and transferring to other schools. As you’re already aware, our Assistant Principal Mrs. Redd will be leaving us to serve as Assistant Principal at Veterans Elementary School. Mrs. Redd is doing her best to connect with as many people as possible today and she wanted to share the following words with you all…
I am writing this letter with a combination of sadness and excitement. As many of you know, I will be leaving St. John’s Lane Elementary to serve as Assistant Principal at Veterans Elementary beginning July 1st. It has been my true privilege to serve as Assistant Principal of St. John’s Lane Elementary for the past five years. I have been so blessed to experience authentic connections with the students, staff and families in our community. I have enjoyed working closely with Mr. Notari in leading and supporting our community through the pandemic and the transition back into the school building. I am so proud of the progress the students made this year. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and your children. I will always treasure the many fond memories I have with this community.
We have several staff members who will be leaving us to write the next chapters to their personal and/or professional stories. Happy retirement to Mrs. Pam Piegols, Mrs. Jean Williams, and Mrs. Carole Ann Stein. Mrs. Diana McKinney and Mr. Robert Ellis have resigned and will be moving on to new experiences outside of HCPSS. Mrs. Amanda Munson has accepted a transfer to serve as Kindergarten Instructional Team Leader at Running Brook Elementary School. A huge thank you and most sincere best wishes to each of these staff members for the many years of service to our SJLES school community and school system.
Although it’s been said many times before, please know that our entire SJLES staff is humbled by the kindness, support, understanding, and gratitude you have provided us this school year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me throughout the summer if I can be of service to your family. THANK YOU, stay tuned, be well, enjoy making summer memories with your family, and have a great summer break!
Sincerely,
Dan Notari
SJLES Principal