Dear Lake Bluff Families,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. At Lake Bluff, one can start to sense the feeling of change. Our dedicated custodial team is finishing up the big summer cleaning, books and materials are being delivered, and teachers are wondering when they can get back into their classrooms. Excitement is most certainly in the air.
For the past 15 years I have had the privilege of teaching 1st and 2nd grade in this wonderful community that truly values public education. As we embark upon the new school year, I am honored to serve the Lake Bluff Community in my new role as Interim Principal.
A little about me: I am originally from Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to moving to the US, almost two decades ago, I lived and studied in Ireland and Germany. After completing my degree at Marquette University, I was fortunate to be hired at Lake Bluff Elementary school. My interest in leadership developed as a result of working in the Shorewood School District, where I had the opportunity to serve on committees and leadership teams. I pursued a master's degree in Educational Leadership at Cardinal Stritch University, gaining the skills and understanding needed to collaborate with colleagues and families in order to work towards creating a more equitable educational environment in which all learners thrive. I look forward to continuing this work, partnering with you, and doing great things for our community of learners.
When not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I live in Wauwatosa with my husband, and our children, a rising fourth grader, Frankie, who is eager to get back to school, and a rising 7th grader, Ida, who is less than enthusiastic about the fact that summer is almost over.
As a community, we have much to look forward to: a Centennial Celebration, the implementation of a new English Language Arts curriculum, a focus on fostering an equitable and inclusive school community through the development of habits of character, and much more.
Although the start of a new school year is often a time of excitement, it is also a time of transition. Transitions can be hard for children as well as adults. Please be mindful that getting used to change can take time. Creating a calm and supportive environment is helpful and embracing the character trait of patience is essential. For those interested in tips for transitioning back to school, here is a resource from the American Psychological Society.
We look forward to welcoming our learners on September 3rd, but you have a few opportunities to connect with the Lake Bluff Community before then. Please join us for our New Family Popsicle Social on August 27 and the Meet and Greet (grades 5K-6th) on August 29. Please see the flier below for more details.
I hope to see many of you on August 29th for our Meet and Greet.
Warm Regards,
Johanna French, Interim Principal
