1. Dear Members of the SHS Staff,
Although I will have the opportunity to say a few words to you at the luncheon right before graduation,
I wanted to put in writing my thoughts about my experiences here with you for eleven years and about
my feelings regarding the environment we have created together. Although I am retiring with mixed
emotions, I feel fortunate to have ended my career at Staples. I will get in my car for one last time in
our parking lot, look back at the school building, and feel as though my time here was well spent.
I started in a junior high school where physical safety of students and staff was of primary concern,
ended in a school where we are able to concentrate on our primary mission which is education, and to
also focus upon the emotional needs of our young charges. In my opinion, we are the equivalent of the
best private prep schools in the nation, The Culinary Institute of America, Rhode Island School of
Design, Julliard School of Music, Springfield College of Physical Education, and more all in one
building. This is possible ONLY because you accept, tolerate, bend, and are otherwise supportive of
students accessing these curricula and being involved in all of the activities, concerts, performances,
contests, and trips which cause you extra work when they miss classes. I know it is painful sometimes,
but look at the results! Our students follow their dreams and their passions for four years. It is almost
like college where they declare a major and sometimes a minor. We have students who graduate with
six years of science because they love science AND they play the cello in our orchestra. Some students
graduate with six or 8 credits of art, music, theater, culinary, technology, etc. while still fulfilling our
academic requirements.
Some of you have now heard me for eleven years talking about the impact high school has on
American students. There are not too many countries in the world that attempt to do what we do. In
most countries, you are hired simply to teach your subject. Because we Americans expect so much
more from the high school experience beyond academic education, we provide a myriad of experiences
well beyond the basic five academic curricula. Great schools do all they can to diminish the chance for
negative experiences that affect students in unhealthy ways; often for the rest of their lives. I hope you
truly appreciate the positive impact you have on young people because you care about how they feel
and whether or not they are happy here for four years. I know too many adults my age who have
carried deep, hurtful scars received in middle and/or high school. Our students leave here with a
magnificent education AND enjoy their four years here. They make connections with you that will last
a lifetime. That only happens because you care and make it possible. Never take this for granted and
please never stop trying to get better.
I could write pages on how special four years at Staples is for students. Thank you for supporting me
all of these years. Without your support, cooperation, contributions, and ideas about how to improve
the school environment, I would not be retiring with the same sense of satisfaction I now have. This has
truly been the highlight of my professional life.