Humboldt School

January 31, 2012

Dear Humboldt Families,

After 45 years as a teacher and administrator, I have decided to retire at the end of this school year. The saying, “time flies when you are having fun” is really true. I can't believe that I started teaching in 1967 and now it is 2012, and I am announcing the closure of my formal career as a teacher and administrator. I will cherish the years and memories with the students, families, and staff forever.

Thank you so much for welcoming me into the Humboldt community three years ago. The joys and challenges that I experienced helped me to continue my growth as a professional. Every day brought a new experience. I will truly miss all of my interactions with the students and families from greeting you at the door to the special pictures, smiles and hugs from the children. Thank you for allowing me to end my career in such a supportive environment.

My announcement to retire is coming at this time so that you will have the opportunity to select a new principal before the end of the school year. The first part of this process will be a Community Meeting on February 15, 2012 in the gym at Humboldt. At this time, the Regional Administrator for the Jefferson Cluster along with the Director of Administrator Hiring will meet with you to share the process for selecting a new principal. You will be able to give your input about the qualities you would like to see in the new principal. So, please mark your calendar and plan to attend the meeting on Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 PM.

Again, my retirement will not take place until the end of this school year in June. Until that time, it will be business as usual. Thanks again for all of your support, and don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or just want to speak with me.

Take care and thank you for the opportunity to work with your children.

Sincerely,

Willie B. Poinsette

Principal

Dear Humboldt Families and Community,

The new calendar year is always a time for checking and reflections. Many of us set goals or make changes in the way we do things. I wish you the best for whatever this time of year means to you and your family.

I am so proud of the growth I’ve seen in the students at Humboldt. We recently held our Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly on Thursday, January 13th. All of our classes participated, and it was a delight to see and hear our students pay tribute to Dr. King. The program opened with a video that was done by two eighth grades students with assistance from the MATI teacher. They interviewed students and staff and asked questions about issues related to the work and dream of Dr. King. Students also shared their talents through their songs, choral readings, an original piano solo, poetry, writings, and a short play about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. There were many parents and family members in attendance, and we all learned something from the student presentations. Congratulations students.

In spite of the craziness of the adult world, let us try to keep our young people at the center of our thinking and planning. They are our future and we need to ensure that they have the skills and tools to make good decisions and lead productive lives. We must lay the foundation for them now. Part of this foundation means being prepared for classes and ready to engage in their learning.  I am asking that you check in with your children to ensure that they are taking their books and materials to school each day, completing their homework, and putting forth their best effort in each class.  Also, it is important that you communicate with your child’s teacher on a regular basis so that you are kept abreast of what is happening with your child in the classroom. This does not have to be a formal contact, but you could write a note, email the teacher, or check in when you pick up your child at the end of the day. We are partners in the education of our children, and the responsibility for their success at Humboldt rests on all of our shoulders. We, as students, school staff, families, and community members, must all work together in order to equip our students with the type of education, cultural understanding, work ethic, and social responsibility that they need not only for the present but also for the future. We are the village for our students.

Please note the dates on our calendar. As always, we have lots going on at Humboldt.

Wednesday, January 25th – Site Council @ 4:30 and PTA Meeting @ 6:00

February 6th - March 2nd   - State testing in reading and math will be administered to students in Grades 3-8.

February 10th  - Parent Academy at Humboldt – “Telling Your Family Story”  - 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Wednesday, February 15th – Late Opening - The school day will begin at 10:30 AM for students.

Wednesday, February 22nd – Site Council @ 4:30  and PTA Meeting @ 6:00

Tuesday, February 28th – Kindergarten Round-Up @ 9:30 AM in the Gym - Registration for the 2012-13 kindergarten class will be accepted at this time.

Please join us on Friday mornings at 8:45 for our Parent Chats. Come and hear about school and community activities and initiatives. This is a good time to meet and talk with other parents. I look forward to seeing you at the Parent Chat in the Humboldt Parent Room.

As always, thank you for your support and partnership in the education of our students.

Sincerely,

Willie B. Poinsette

Principal