May 20, 2020
Dear Parents and Students of Orchard Elementary,
After six incredible years as Principal of Douglas T. Orchard Elementary, I will be retiring at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. I would not have wanted to be a Principal at any school other than Orchard. I have learned from you and have come to LOVE this community. This past two plus months I have missed you and your amazing children. Watching the hard work and time you have put into your children’s education you have proven that Eagles really do SOAR. The hard part about this crazy time is not knowing when things might settle back down to a more normal routine. I would just like to see your faces and hear your voices. My biggest challenges and my biggest hopes are, that the challenges and turns in life’s, sometimes rocky road, that Orchard Eagles and families are experiencing, will make you stronger. When this is all over, I hope we emerge grateful for a slower pace of life and more quality time together as families, more grateful for a family walk through the neighborhood getting to know those who live next door or down the street. I hope we are more grateful for each other and can slow down and take time to smell the roses. You have survived I hope with more confidence because all these experiences in life will either make us bitter or better, stronger, or weaker. I know we can all become stronger from this, better from this. We need to be determined to in a single moment change our path in life. This pandemic is a process playing out to shape and mold our lives. It all depends on us because it is what we make it. Stop saying it is what it is, it is what we make it. Be determined to make it positive, make it something that when we look back we can say, “WOW” wouldn’t want to go through it again, but because of it, we are stronger and better as individuals and as families.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have served in such a supportive community, a community where education is valued as a top priority by students, teachers, and parents alike. I am blessed to have been a colleague to such an extraordinary faculty and staff, and I am humbled by the fact that parents have entrusted a portion of their child’s education with me. I want to thank each, and every one of you for your support. The decision was not an easy one because of my deep commitment to all my Orchard Eagles, families, teachers, and staff.
I would encourage you to make Orchard even greater by investing time in PTA, Community Council, and volunteering, where you can truly make a difference in our community, school, and the lives of our students. Students LOVE to see their parents involved and at school. I know you can and will make this happen.
Please know that my dedication and commitment will continue as we transition to a new principal. Ms. Crista Holt. She is eager to continue to assist our Eagles in SOARING.
Once again Thank You for a delightful journey and perfect way to end my career. I wish you all the best.
With Much Gratitude,
Leona Chandler
Principal
