RE: News from the RMS Principal

To our Roosevelt Community: 

We hope this update finds you well in the last two weeks of the school year. 

Today, I have some important news to share.  After much consideration, I have accepted a new position as the Secondary Curriculum Administrator for our school district. While I am excited about the new opportunity, I leave our incredible school community with a heavy heart, having had the privilege of serving as your principal for four years.  

Working closely with our students in the ‘magical middle,’ watching them learn, grow, and thrive has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.  Having spent the majority of my career in high school with two short years in elementary, middle school was entirely new to me four years ago when I landed at Roosevelt.  I am now officially a middle school aficionado and deeply appreciate the unique and vibrant energy that fills our hallways and classrooms! 

Four years ago when I came to Roosevelt, we were navigating the first full year of distance learning and the year after that, the return to in-person school. A quick glance at our weekly eNews archives shows communications from 2020-21 outlining Zoom expectations, Canvas reminders, and ‘async’ and ‘synchronous’ class meetings.  E-news updates from 2021-22 are full of information about social distancing, masking and contact tracing.  Our community has endured a great deal in my four years as principal and students have made many triumphant returns.  It has been an absolute joy to be part of our students’ journey coming up and out of the pandemic and witnessing their growth and development at Roosevelt. 

Leaving is daunting, no doubt.  I am also looking forward to contributing to our district in a new way. As a Curriculum Administrator, I will have the opportunity to impact our systems by working to enhance and improve educational programs across all our schools. This role will allow me to support our dedicated teachers and ensure that every student in our district has access to the highest quality education possible. 

At the risk of understating my appreciation, I am immensely grateful for the trust and support all of you, our RMS families, have shown me during my time as principal.  Together, we have worked to create a culture of connection and belonging where high expectations are the norm.  Our strength lies in our commitment to nurturing and sustaining our diverse community of learners, and celebrating the success of each student.  Thank you for an incredible four years and for allowing me to be a part of your student’s educational journey. 

In leaving, I want to also acknowledge and celebrate the incredible staff at Roosevelt.  Mike Yocum, our two counselors, Kelly and Lee, our access center staff, our phenomenal crew of EAs, our grade-level teams, custodial and kitchen staff -- to a person, they embody the warm RMS spirit of dedication and commitment to our community.  Mike Y will continue at RMS next year to onboard a new principal and that alone brings me hope and contentment.

My transition to the district level brings with it the gamut of emotions.  I am confident our middle school will continue to thrive under new leadership, and I am excited to see the positive impact we will make at the district level.

With gratitude and my warmest appreciation,

Courtney