Hello all,

As a combat engineer, my basic and advanced individual training took 18 weeks in the spring and summer of 1989. People had told me what it would be like so I kind of knew on a cognitive level. But about three days in, the drill sergeants had us ramped up to an outrageous level of stress that didn’t ever seem to let up – although with time we got somewhat used to it. Then all of a sudden, it was graduation and we were bussed off to the airport and home. While in the middle of it, it had seemed that it would never end, but flying away from Fort Leonard Wood, in a surreal way it seemed as though we had arrived only the day before. One thing was certain however, I’d made lots of new friends and, in large part, it was because of friends that we’d all made it through successfully.

For me at least, this 2016-17 school year was much like that. We spent quite a lot of time last summer planning for the year and then suddenly it was upon us – bowling us over and throwing curveballs that called for hurried and awkward adjustments to our best laid plans. In the middle of it, there seemed to be no end in sight. Lots of local, national and international events have kept us wound tight (that refers to the olden days when watches were mechanical and wound up by hand for those of you who don’t know). I’m confidant everyone has their own collection of memorable events and crises from this year. And suddenly we’re just hours from the end. One thing is certain, it is in large part because of our friends and colleagues that we’ve made it through successfully. Please know that friends and colleagues feel the same about every one of you – had you not been there doing your part and more, it would have been a much more difficult trip.

I’m profoundly grateful for all of you, pulling at your respective ropes and encouraging one another with helping hands, kind words and example. And we haven’t even started talking about our work with the kids! By most, if not all measures, we’ve improved over past years. This is true both in the aggregate and for individuals. I visited almost every school this year and talked with each principal for nearly an hour about their schools and the efforts of their folks. I could not be more proud. I thank you sincerely.

With this final charge through Friday (I hope no one is counting metaphors and mixed metaphors), I know everyone is staying at the top of their game. For those who get a break over the summer, I wish you a relaxing and rejuvenating time. For those who have been gearing up for a great summer push in the absence of kids and others, I wish you all maximum productivity and minimal frustration. For those of us who have a few weeks to plan for next year, as opposed to the reactive reality of the school year itself, I wish clear minds and collaboration.

Again, I thank you all, I couldn’t be more proud or grateful to be on this team with you – see you next year!

Martin