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Spring brings sunshine, excitement, and fresh energy to our school community—but it can also bring stress and uncertainty as we begin thinking about the year ahead. This season often raises important questions:
- Who will my child’s teacher be?
- Will they have friends in their class?
- Will my child feel seen, safe, and valued?
- What will next year look like?
These questions are valid and expected. I recognize that I may have the privilege of more certainty, knowing I will likely return as your principal next fall. But I also understand that many of you are navigating unknowns, and that can feel heavy. Please know: you are not alone.
As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. Each new year brings a fresh opportunity for growth—not only for our students but also for our teaching teams and practices. With that in mind, I want to share a few important updates and reminders.
First, thank you to everyone who submitted input on student groupings for next fall. The survey is now closed, with 80 thoughtful entries. Your voices are appreciated and will help guide our planning. That said, our staffing and grade configurations are driven by enrollment, which may continue to shift over the next few months. While we will do our best to honor your input, we cannot guarantee that every request will be met.
As with any vibrant school community, change is inevitable—and we’ve already seen several shifts in our staff makeup, and it’s only May. Each spring, we reflect on our practices and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our students. Change can be challenging, but it also offers an opportunity for growth, renewal, and innovation. That said, transitions often invite speculation—and lately, we've noticed an increase in rumors and misinformation circulating about specific grades, staff, and routines. I want to gently remind our community that when we don’t have the full story, our minds often try to fill in the blanks. That’s natural—but it can also be harmful.
Let’s recommit to our WESTHILL WAY: I am Respectful. I am Responsible. I am Safe. I Belong.
These values should guide not only our actions—but also our conversations. If a story is not yours to tell, it’s not yours to pass on. Social media and word-of-mouth can feel like quick ways to get information, but they often lack the full picture. If something doesn’t sit right or you have a concern, we ask that you come to us directly. We’re here. We’re listening. We’re committed to transparency and to working through challenges together.
Westhill is a strong, compassionate, and close-knit community. Let’s stay grounded in that strength—not in speculation. Let’s continue to show up for one another and build each other up—especially during times of change.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in our shared work. Our team is here, showing up each day for your children’s growth and well-being—and we’re excited for what’s ahead!
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