Dear Colleagues:

Another year is coming to a close.  SOL tests are underway, teachers are beginning their final DRA assessments and Spring Fever is in full swing.  The End of the Year packet has been passed out and the race to the finish line has begun.  Have you noticed that teachers at this time of year begin their famous countdown?   The final day, June 15th, when we line up in the bus loop to wave our students goodbye into days of summer sunshine!   In just four short weeks our hallways will become ghost towns.  The peace and solitude of quiet ten hour work days will arrive.  It will take a few days to get used to the quiet, but then we will get lost in our plans for the 2012-2013 school year.  It is such a relaxing atmosphere until August arrives.  Then, as fast as everyone rushed for the door on June 15th, everyone begins visiting and wanting to get back into their rooms to set up.  “Is my room ready?”  “Are my floors done?”  “Has my order arrived?”  REALLY!!!  Go enjoy your summer.  However, we all know the dedication of our teachers and that it is a twelve month job.  Even during the summer our teachers are attending professional development, collaborating with one another and always looking for a good buy.                We will disaggregate data over the summer, refine PCI plans and develop goals for the new year.  We will read professional articles and books to look for inspiration and direction for ourselves, staffs and communities.  Don’t forget to recharge your own batteries and take time to be with friends and family.  With a renewed energy we will write welcome back letters to our staff introducing new faculty and updating them of summer happenings:  who got married, who had a baby, who moved away and what surprises await them in the fall. 

                Our jobs are never boring, always exciting and continue to be challenging.  The principalship—the profession where one gets to work with adults and children.  The profession that has the unique reward of mentorship built into its’ daily duties.   The gift we all have been given as we lead our schools towards academic success.

                Thank you for the opportunity to serve as President of VBAESP.    It has been a great honor to represent you all.   Thank you all for your support.   I know that you will all continue to support Krista Barton-Arnold as her Presidency for our association begins July 1.   Best wishes for a successful closing and a restful summer.

Lori S. Hasher

Principal