These last few weeks of school have been bittersweet for me – I’m so proud of the students, staff, and you parents. You have all been supportive of me, as well as supportive of your children. I have watched them eagerly greet Mrs. Mabbott, and yet also express their heartfelt feelings toward my departure in a week. What a wonderful community this is; Principals following me will be very fortunate to work here.
100 YEARS OF MAPLEWOOD SCHOOL APPROACHING! – There is a link to a “Memories of Maplewood” book on our website at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools/maplewood/194.htm . I was looking at it and have been aware that Maplewood first opened a school on these grounds in September, 1912. In looking at that history, I noted that in the 98 years of its existence so far, there have been 33 Principals (for an average of less than 3 years apiece)!
The previous record for Principal longevity here was 6 years. In my 10+ years here, I’ve had to admit that this job is not an easy one, in many ways. The teachers and staff here also know well that our school continually has to try to “so more with less” every year. And this is a building where the Principal and our wonderful Secretary Kathy have to handle many different roles (without an Assistant Principal and without unlimited funds!). These factors, and others, mean that your input into the future Principal will be very important – please see the notice below for a way for you to have your thoughts carefully considered.
WANTED:
Painting benches in gym – Our grey benches have paint chipped away on top, and even some splinters appearing. Can we have some volunteers to do some quick sanding for safety, and then repainting at least the top board with gloss enamel?
Dusting Art Shelves on art cart – The drying cart in our hallway that holds many plastic shelves for student art is getting dusty and making some of the artwork dirty. Can we have someone dust/wipe them off?
Stuffing Student Mailboxes on Fridays – Getting notices and student work into the students’ mailboxes can be a time consuming job; can we get some volunteers for teachers to come in to do that?
It would be best to contact Jill Brown-Young at jillyb4@me.com, volunteer coordinator for PTA, if you could do any of the above! Thanks!
PARENT COFFEE – MEET INTERIM PRINCIPAL JOANNE MABBOTT – December 16th at 8:15 a.m. We would like to offer parents an informal chance to meet Joanne Mabbott; she is inviting anyone to come and join the Thursday morning coffee group in the cafeteria that day.
PRINCIPAL SELECTION – STEP ONE :
Community Meeting
Maplewood Gym
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Day care sponsored by PTA being planned
Who: Staff and Community and Parents
Agenda:
a - Hear details about the Principal Selection Process
b – Give your input on what you think is unique about Maplewood that would influence who the next Principal would be.
Our Facilitators of the meeting will be Michelle Riddell Asst. Executive Director of Human Resources, with our Deputy Superintendent Cynthia Gilliam and others. Joanne and I will not be present at the meeting, to allow open discussions. This is an important chance for you to let your Deputy Superintendent know your thoughts, to meet with other parents, and to discuss your perceptions of Maplewood and its future!
If you are not able to attend that night, your written comments can be submitted via email to me at jblanck@pps.k12.or.us (starting January 3rd) or letters or on a form that will be available in the office and on school website.
Upcoming Events:
Jan 3 - Welcome Back!
Jan 5 - PTA Meeting at 6:00 pm
Jan 12 - 2 Hour Late Opening
Jan 17 - NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Feb 2 - PTA Meeting at 6:00 pm
Feb 3 - Kindergarten Info Session at 3:00 pm
Feb 9 - 2 Hour Late Opening
Feb 9 - Transfer Applications Open
Feb 18 - Family Art Night
Feb 21 - NO SCHOOL – Presidents’ Day
Best Regards, John
