March 13, 2014
Dear Oak Knoll Parents and Community, For the last forty four years it has been my sincere privilege to serve in schools as teacher and principal. Working in Menlo Park has provided me the opportunity to create, innovate, and develop deep professional and personal relationships with amazing educators and progressive supportive parents. As I approach my 68th birthday, I have to think about what is best for MPCSD and Oak Knoll School. I have concluded that now is the time to begin a transition to new leadership. Collaborating with the Superintendent Maurice Ghysels, we have formulated a transition plan. Next year I will work half time as Co-Principal of Oak Knoll. I will Co-Principal with Kristen Gracia, who is the most talented partner with whom I have ever worked. Kristen will be the full time Interim Co-Principal. We will also begin the hiring process to select a half time Assistant Principal. This is a very good time for Oak Knoll. For the past four years, I've planned and shared every aspect of leadership at Oak Knoll with Mrs. Gracia. Oak Knoll has been nominated by the California Department of Education to receive the Distinguished School Award based on Oak Knoll's academic success and its ability to reduce the achievement gap. Our wonderful children have embraced the power of a growth mindset and the obligations of courageous citizenship. The Oak Knoll teaching staff is the most talented group of professionals anywhere. They have taken on every challenge, they are dedicated to continuous improvement, and their success reducing the achievement gap has been truly inspirational. Year after year our PTO and Site Council provide outstanding leadership, set high goals, and provide the support to ensure success. Oak Knoll is ready to achieve at even higher levels. Next year will be a transition year that sets the stage for Oak Knoll's continued success. Those of you who know me well know I am a big baseball fan and love baseball analogies. Derek Jeter of the NY Yankees has announced he will retire at the end of next season. Like the Captain, I want to go out hitting .300 and driving in 100 runs. Given the fact that I will have the support of the best education team around, I know that 2014-15 will be a championship year. |
Oak Knoll School