From the Chief Learning Officer

June 30, 2010

Dear Colleagues,

Another school year is coming to an end, a year that brought wonderful successes and progress, as well as challenges, here and in public schools all over our state. Therefore, before you leave for a well-deserved break, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you. You have served our students so well during this year of transitions and adjustments—some planned, some necessitated by circumstances. Whether you are staying with LEAP or leaving, your efforts deserve acknowledgement for the many ways each of you contributed to our children.

Some experiences and milestones of the past year come to mind (in no particular order):

• Knowing LEAP is no longer in “category 1—in need of improvement” …
• Waiting to hear if school was open during record-breaking blizzards...
• Putting in school days that officially end at 4 p.m., but with many teachers staying much later...
• Leaping with faith and supporting the Saturday program—which went from HSPA Boot Camp in the first year—to grow this year to include children in the elementary grades, and to have it now become the Saturday Scholar Academy with the possible support of the Rutgers Center for Excellence...
• Enjoying the results of our great dance and music program, culminating in fabulous performances at Gordon Theater and the GALA...
• Enriching our students with school trips to see Shakespeare’s plays...
• Adding the service of our own bus...
• Initiating the STEM program, which will welcome 60 additional Grade 9 students in September, and feeling so gratified and proud of our LEAP students’ entrance tests/assessments, which scored higher than did those of students from other schools...
• Beginning lesson study this year in English and mathematics…
• Increasing the number of college visits by our Upper School students...
• Witnessing the outstanding family participation at the Father-Daughter Dance this past Friday...
• Traveling to Spain…
• Transitioning to in-school suspension for the first time this year…

I must also acknowledge the work of the Rutgers Centers for Excellence:

• A record numbers of Rutgers students volunteered at LEAP this year as tutors, classroom assistants, nursing assistance, and social workers. Together they enriched the experiences of adults and students alike…
• Through the work of urban fellow Sean Brown and the Pre-College Office, our student government is stronger and more vibrant than ever…
• More LEAP students are gaining more opportunities for dual enrollment with our neighboring institutions of higher education…
• Through the efforts of Dr. Westerberg and our new doctor, Dr. Prosseda, our health center has been newly improved…
• A newly created School Wellness Committee, under the Rutgers/LEAP Family Support Center, spearheaded our first Walkathon and Health Fair…

Regardless of the role (or roles) you played in these experience, know that your work has made a difference in the LEAP community, whether you are with us in September or continue your career somewhere else. LEAP is not for everyone. In order for our children to have the best opportunities for success, it is imperative that we continue to strive for the best possible match between staff and school. Together we are joined in an expedition by students, families, and community members on a multi-year journey toward higher levels of achievement and opportunity. If we are to be successful, it will require the hearts and minds of everyone. While our journey toward better learning experiences for students and adults never truly ends, it is important that we pause from time to time, reflect on what we have accomplished, and say thanks—which I do now for an unforgettable year in so many ways.

None of this would be possible, of course, without the steady and capable governance of our Board of Trustees and the dedication and commitment of our Board Chair, Dr. Gloria Bonilla Santiago.

Warm Regards,

Deanna Burney