Dearest Albert Hill Family:
I’m sure by now that many of you have heard murmurings about this being my final year at Hill. Thus, it is with great sadness that I write to confirm that those rumors are true. This, in fact, will be my final year. And while I realize that there is wide-spread speculation about the reasons for my departure, I can assure you that it is for nothing more than coming to the tough, but necessary decision to prioritize my children’s needs and to do what is in the long-term best interest of my family, both personally and professionally.
While I can’t thank you all enough for embracing and supporting me, my real reward is you allowing me to be a part of your children’s lives. Thank you for trusting me. With that, know that ‘The Hill’ has left an indelible mark on my heart and I will take with me nothing but the fondest of memories.
And if you haven’t figured it out by now, the true secret to my success is the team I have that walks alongside me every day. The teachers and faculty on ‘The Hill” are bar none, inarguably the most committed and caring group of individuals I’ve ever met. I was blessed to share this season of my life with them and am all the better for having had the privilege of getting to know them and working with them.
Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not thank Dr. Bedden for believing in me and giving me this opportunity to serve you all and your beautiful children. I also want to publicly thank my Executive Director, Mr. Jeffers, for his tireless support throughout my tenure. Because he has worked so closely with me, he has more than a working knowledge of the needs and desires of the Hill community and I know he is poised to work hand in hand with you all through this transition to identify a dynamic replacement.
Moreover, I know you all realize that Dr. Bedden and his team have the extremely challenging charge of reshaping the academic landscape in RPS, with unbelievably scarce resources, and under very difficult conditions, to ensure that all of our students are successful. In working with them, I know that their heart is in the right place and that they work interminably each day to get closer and closer to realizing that effort. In light of this, I ask that you support them, as you’ve so kindly done me, to remove all obstacles to student progress and to keep the focus on student achievement.
In the meantime, I can assure you that I will do my part to leave our little schoolhouse better than I found it. I look forward to spending to my final days honoring your children through service, enjoying my Hill family and celebrating the beautiful moments that remain on ‘The Hill’.
Sincerely,
Shante’
LaShante’ Knight
Principal Albert Hill MS
