April 23, 2015
The next chapter doesn’t start until you turn the page.
Spring is a time of new life, rebirth and new chapters to be written. In just a few short weeks, our seniors will matriculate and move on to their next challenge. It is also a time when employment decisions are made in the world of education and I want to share with you some of the comings and goings at MPA.
We have a number of changes before us that present new opportunities for growth. Change is never easy but is certainly a reality we all face. As someone once said, “Change is inevitable. Except from a vending machine.” In the Upper School, we have reduced the class load for teachers so they have more time planning and preparing for their classes, collaborating with one another and being available for one on one time with their students. As a result, we will have a few new teachers joining us in the fall. We will also say goodbye to several teachers and staff members as they venture forth to new chapters and new opportunities. While we are sorry to lose exceptional friends and colleagues, we are excited about the energy and perspective new employees bring to us.
First of all, I would like to share with you that KaTrina Wentzel, Director of Studies, has resigned her position at MPA and will begin a new chapter at Marin Academy in San Rafael, California. In KaTrina’s words to her colleagues:
I have so thoroughly enjoyed my 14 years at MPA, in great part because of all of you. The support and joy from my colleagues has made this an incredible place to work, and there is no doubt I will miss you, the students, and MPA as a whole as my family and I embark on our next adventure. I am confident in MPA and its direction and will be watching and celebrating your successes from afar.
Katrina will be missed greatly and I am so very grateful for her leadership this past year in designing and spearheading our new curriculum review process. She is a phenomenal teacher, administrator and colleague.
While I am sad to bid KaTrina adieu, I am pleased to welcome Kari Kunze to the Administrative Team, replacing KaTrina as Director of Studies. Kari is a 15 year veteran of MPA, having taught for several years before at Eagan High School. She has taught in our World Languages Department, teaching MS and US Spanish, including AP Spanish. Kari has served as Department Chair, led various faculty committees and coached our award winning Speech Team during her tenure. She brings a solid background in curriculum development and is beloved by colleagues, parents, and students.
In addition to teaching part-time, Kari will oversee the curriculum review process, create a faculty professional improvement process, plan professional development opportunities, assist with the implementation of our new strategic plan, as well as several other duties.
We also have several retirements. Theresa Reardon Offerman, Upper School Math teacher will retire this year after 31 years of faithful service to MPA. You may be aware that Theresa was the architect of the US one-to-one laptop program, one of the first in the nation. Jim Schwieger, MS Science teacher, will retire after 27 years of service. Jim has inspired countless budding scientists and instilled an appreciation of science among all his students. Finally, Stephanie Sommer, US English teacher is putting her teaching career on hiatus as she returns to being a full-time mother.
Division Directors are working closely with one another and our academic departments to fill the open positions.
In other news, Marketing and Communications Manager Olivia Herrick has announced her intention to step back from MPA employment to focus her time and talents on running her graphic design business full-time. Olivia will continue to oversee all of MPA’s design work on a contract basis. Below is an excerpt of her message to MPA employees:
It has been the greatest privilege to spend the past three and a half years working with all of you. I have never had a deeper or more profound appreciation for the work you do as educators, administrators, and staff — you have inspired me each and every day. MPA has had my heart for the past 17 years and that will never change.
We will miss Olivia’s energy and passion for MPA but are grateful she will continue to be a part of the school community as our graphic designer and golf coach for years to come.
While I am sad to see our colleagues leave, I am very happy for them as they follow their dreams. I am also comforted that all of them are moving to something rather that moving away from MPA. MPA continues to enjoy a great deal of energy and momentum as we build for the future. I look forward to all that lies ahead.
Thank you for your support.
Bill
