Dear Lab Schools Families,
The 2001-2002 academic year will be my 16th year with the Laboratory Schools and my twelfth as Head of School. I wish to inform you that I will be stepping down from my role as Director as of July 1, 2002. The timing is right for me personally and I am ready to pursue other avenues.
I have had the honor of following in John Dewey's legacy, as well in the footsteps of many dedicated and esteemed leaders before me. I was able to build upon their vision and foundation and to integrate my own ideas into theirs. The school community has grown in number, stature, spirit, and quality under the leadership of a strong and dedicated Board, a talented administrative team, remarkable faculty and staff, and most importantly, a truly outstanding student body. My thanks go to an administrative team that has led the Schools to stability, health, and clarity of vision. Our faculty has given endless hours of thought and care to all our students and has built a creative and rigorous curriculum to support the richness of all types of learning. They have validated strengths from our past and have developed a bold new vision for the school's future. I thank the faculty, staff, and administrative team for their loyalty, talent, and leadership.
I have had the privilege of officiating at every commencement for the past eleven years. Each year my hope for the next generation is renewed because of the remarkable talents and genuine humanity of our students. The promise and potential of entering students and the joyous celebrations of alumni reunions are constant reminders of my love for the teaching profession. My passion as an educator has been realized at Lab.
One of my most treasured roles is that of parent and, throughout my career, I have completely enjoyed working alongside all of you. Lab parents are sophisticated, generous, and completely dedicated to their children's education. I have loved our partnership of values and commitment.
Finally, I want to thank the Board of Directors for providing brilliant direction and support throughout the years. It has been especially important to me to have the wise counsel, professional and personal support, as well as the trust of the Board. With the strategic planning process nearing completion and a new mission statement with clearly articulated goals and objectives in hand, I will work with continued enthusiasm on behalf of Lab until July 2002. I will help to ensure a seamless transition to the new leadership of the Schools.
These have been wonderful years, filled with growth, challenge, and fulfillment. My life has been enriched beyond what I ever had a right to expect. As a school community, you have sustained and supported my work over the years and for your trust and confidence in me, I thank you.
Sincerely,
Lucinda Lee Katz