An important announcement from Marin Primary & Middle School
LETTER FROM JULIE ELAM Head of School April 20, 2016 Dear Marin Primary & Middle School families and friends, Almost twelve years ago I met a group of teachers at a conference who spoke with passion and keen insight about children and learning, and the educational mission of a unique independent school in Marin. I had no idea this would be my introduction to MP&MS, where I have had the honor of serving as your head of school for the past ten years. It is with deep appreciation mixed with sadness that I write to let you know of my decision to retire at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. It has been a privilege to lead the school founded by Roberta and Jim Heath forty years ago, and to work with the dedicated faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees on behalf of our students. Over the past ten years the depth and breadth of our educational program has grown significantly, always guided by our mission. Our campus has been transformed by the completion of the first phases of our Master Plan, from the beautiful wooden fences to the renovation of our buildings and completion of the Schoolyard. Our enrollment has grown as others have learned about the strength of the MP&MS educational experience. We have attracted exciting new teachers to join the strong long-time faculty, creating a talented group of educators who thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. With the completion of the strategic plan for the next five years, our school is poised for another period of exceptional growth under the leadership of our outstanding Board of Trustees and a new head of school. And we have so much exciting work underway right now, beginning with the Middle School 2.0 project. Next fall’s launch of a new program structure and the addition of more students will enhance the middle school experience. This summer’s planned construction of new science labs will support greater depth and integration of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) for all students. While this letter opened with the news of my departure at the end of next year, I hope you recognize my deep commitment to the projects underway that will continue the growth of our school, prepare our students for the future, and pave the way for the next head of school. I am so grateful for your support and partnership over the past ten years. This has been an incredible journey, and I am looking forward to spending next year with you! With deep appreciation,
Julie Elam Head of School
LETTER FROM SAMANTHA CROSS Board Chair
Dear Marin Primary & Middle School community, After a distinguished tenure at MP&MS, I share on behalf of the Board of Trustees that Head of School Julie Elam has announced her retirement, effective June 30, 2017. Julie has led a meaningful transformation of MP&MS during what will be an eleven-year tenure as Head of School. During her time at the school, she has overseen the dramatic transformation of our campus and facilities, helped develop our five-year strategic plan, which is already being implemented through our Middle School 2.0 expansion, and helped us reach the highest enrollment in our school’s history. Her accomplishments are too many to list, but I can say with the utmost confidence that she has put our school in a position of strength unmatched in its history. Over the next 14 months, there will be ample opportunity to celebrate Julie and her numerous accomplishments, and to express our gratitude to her for her incredible leadership and dedication to our children. Looking forward, MP&MS is well positioned to build on Julie’s achievements as we seek a new leader for the next chapter of our school’s history. The Board has already begun the process of identifying a new Head of School and has engaged the very experienced search firm Educational Directions to assist us in a thoughtful and deliberate nationwide search. The Board is actively forming a search committee comprised of trustees and members of our community including faculty, staff, parents, and administrators. There will also be opportunities for the broader community’s involvement in the search over the coming months. We are confident that we will be selecting a new Head from an impressive list of candidates. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I offer my sincere appreciation to Julie for her unwavering dedication to MP&MS. We are grateful for her leadership in setting the school’s course for the future and for the vision she and the Board have provided to enhance the legacy for the MP&MS of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Sam Cross Chair, Board of Trustees
MP&MS Board of Trustees Samantha Cross, Chair Mark Slavonia, Vice Chair Tanya Peterson, Treasurer Maria Forney, Secretary
Kim Kraemer Liz Ranieri Kuth Rachel Lehman Mike Mojabi Jeff Powell Jeff Rabkin Dan Schlager Michael Schon LeAnn Wanninger Karen Whitaker Susan Kan Whitaker
Julie Chaiken Nancy Connery Lorin Costolo Joseph Keene Hilary King Sloan Klein
20 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur, CA 94939
415.924.2608
www.mpms.org