Dear GMS Team,
We hope this message finds you well as you look towards enjoying a well-earned break and finding time to rest and recharge.
It is truly an honor to introduce ourselves as the Principal and Assistant Principal of Gardner Middle School. It is with great excitement and humility that we join this incredible community of educators who are clearly dedicated to student success.
With any change in leadership, there are often many questions around direction, expectations, and what’s to come. Please know that we understand and appreciate that uncertainty, and want to be transparent in sharing that we don’t have all the answers just yet. As we officially begin our role in July, our immediate focus will be on listening, learning, and understanding what makes GMS the special place that it is. We invite each of you to come in and meet with us so we have a chance to get to know one another.
In these early stages, the focus will be on understanding the systems, structures, and practices already supporting student growth. We’re especially interested in your perspectives; what’s working well, where there’s room to grow, and how we can continue building on the incredible work already in motion. Together, we can deepen our shared commitment to ensuring that every student meets their goals.
Our approach in these first few months will be centered around listening, observing, and learning. We want to get to know our students, families, and staff. It is important for us to learn what drives you, what challenges you face, and what hopes you have for the future of GMS. Your voices matter deeply, and we plan to take great care in ensuring that all staff feel seen, heard, and valued.
We believe in the power of collaboration, the importance of continuous improvement, and creating a school culture where risk-taking is encouraged in service of innovation. Our goal is to foster a culture where we support one another, celebrate growth, and build on the collective strengths of our team.
Thank you for the many welcome emails we have been extended. We can't wait to meet more of you once we officially begin our roles in July and we begin this important work together in the coming school year.
With appreciation and excitement,
Cori & Chris
