[Ma-pta-enotes] Message from Menlo-Atherton Principal

[ma-pta-enotes at listserv.seq.org]

Dear M-A students and families:

It is with both regret and anticipation that I announced to my staff that I will be leaving at the end of June.   I regret the necessity of this decision because M-A is a wonderful school with great staff, students and families and over a short period of time I have established many bonds that press upon me to remain.  Nonetheless, there is an equally strong reason why I must be moving onward.   I am leaving California to my home state of Maine with my husband and son to be closer to both of our aging families.  I appreciate your understanding the personal nature of this decision.

I am very pleased that Superintendent Pat Gemma will recommend to the school board administrative vice principal, Matthew Zito, to the position of principal so that a seamless transition can be made whereby the school can continue in its excellent direction.  Mr. Zito has demonstrated very strong leadership skills and I have great faith in his ability to assume the principal's responsibilities.  He has worked side-by-side with me and knows all aspects of my work with the staff, students and families this year.  M-A has a strong leadership team and there is a wealth of excellent teacher, staff, student and parent leadership that will continue to serve the school well.  This has been demonstrated by a very successful year that included exiting the Federal NCLB Program Improvement status by meeting two years in a row all measurable annual objectives for all of our students, being named a Calfornia Distinguished School (State Superintendent Jack O'Connell will be announcing this to the press in mid April) and successfully completing a Western Association of Schools and Colleges accrediation review.  The future is very bright for M-A.

Thank you, M-A community, for the pride and joy you have given me in serving you.

With respect,
Denise Plante