Dear Cub Family,
My first 100 days as the 13th director of University Laboratory School have now passed and what a great few months this has been.
On June 1, I shared with you my 100 day plan. I conveyed my initial objectives, which were to listen and learn, from all of you, and to lead. Since then, my days have been filled with stories and anecdotes of Cub pride along with honest assessments of challenges that we face as our school enters its second century of service in education. I have met with faculty, staff, alumni, university leaders, local and state dignitaries and more.
By far, my favorite interactions began in August when our students returned to the classroom. Seeing their bright smiles as they enter the school building every morning and observing the depth and breadth of the learning that takes place within our classrooms reminds me every day of the mission, vision, and values on which this school was founded and through which we will continue to grow.
My administrative team and I have now begun a deep dive into available data, including current and historical standardized test scores, the results of our recent Johns Hopkins Climate and Culture Survey and the tremendous amount of formal and informal feedback I have gratefully received. Once complete, I will prioritize key action items for short- and long-term strategic plans that will elevate our areas of strength, address our issues, and advance our position as the state of Louisiana’s demonstration school.
Upon my arrival, I shared that I am committed to open lines of communication, transparency, efficiency, collaboration, and to developing lasting connections with our entire community, because the success of our students depends upon it. In that spirit, I will host a Town Hall in November to share with all of you what I have heard, learned and how together, as true partners in education, we can lead our school to new heights.
While the Town Hall will likely be a hybrid in-person and virtual event, I hope you will all join me. Specifically, I will discuss my 100 day plan, point by point, share the results of my formal and informal data collection and discuss strategy and continued analysis moving forward. I will invite questions and feedback from both the in person and virtual participants.
The exact date of the Town Hall along with specifics on how to register are forthcoming In the November 5 issue of U-Highlights.
Thanks to all of you for putting your trust in me. I am humbled by the opportunity to play a leadership role in moving this phenomenal community and most importantly, future generations of Cubs, to even greater heights.
Sincerely,
Kevin R. George