Redmond High struggling with construction, technology and size issues.

Principal Todd addressing School Board, 2010

"We have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened...It's exceedingly rare to find an unused classroom during any period of the day...It still feels crowded in the lunchroom...How will next year feel?" 

-- Redmond High Principal Jane Todd, "Mustang Messenger," Oct. 2011. 

 "Mustang Messenger" letter from Jane Todd, Principal, Redmond High School, Lake Washington School District...

Dear Parents,

It has been a bit of a wonderful, but crazy wild ride since the first day of school. The students seem happy and engaged, and, as always, they are a delight to me whenever I get the chance to interact with them personally and directly. They give me reason to be proud of them as individuals and as a group on a daily basis. In class meetings, assemblies, during "surprise" fire drills (more on this in a bit), and even, more informally, at lunch and during passing periods, students have been respectful, positive and appropriately spirited. Our staff is having truly wonderful conversations in our planning to welcome both 9th and 10th graders about this time next year. We have treated this reconfiguration all along as an opportunity to strengthen what we already do well and to address areas where we can do better as we embark on the adventure of converting to a four-year high school. I believe we had one of the largest turnouts for Curriculum Night we have ever had, despite the last minute rescheduling.

On the other hand, we have struggled with construction issues, technology issues and size issues since we opened in the beginning of September. Counselors went home on a well-earned vacation at the end of June, with their students scheduled in all classes and returned in August to discover that the "upgrade" to one of technology systems had wiped out about half the work that had been completed. They had to recreate what they had done, and they had to check schedules for appropriate placements.  Read More >>


Construction began in earnest the week school began with building permits finally in place. The first thing that happened is that construction crews hit one of the geothermal units buried in the construction zone. It turns out the map of the units isn't quite accurate. The next thing that happened is that crews inadvertently set off the fire alarm. On the only day so far when we have had a driving rainstorm. Of course.

We registered over 100 new students and many fewer students than normal moved out over the summer. Consequently, it is exceedingly rare to find an unused classroom during any period of the day, and a large number of our staff has reached their contractual limits for the number of students they can teach in a day. We have a three-lunch schedule now, as of last year, and it still feels crowded in the cafeteria to me. It makes me wonder how next year will feel.

And that's one of my constant thoughts: How will next year feel?

Whatever happens in the meantime, I know that in September 2012, we will welcome approximately 1000 students new to our school and that our staff will be waiting for them at the door, eager to meet them, ready to serve them, happy to welcome them to the Mustang family. It will be good.

Sincerely,
Jane

Published in the Redmond Mustang Newsletter, October 2011
Photo by Yoder