June 28, 2012 -- Dear parents,

I hope you're enjoying a restful and relaxing summer. The past few weeks have been busy at Turtle Lake, and I'd like to give you a brief update of a recent change you will notice next fall. Jill Arendt, our Student Services Assistant, will not return next year because she has accepted a dean position at Chippewa Middle School. Although we're very sorry to see her go, we're happy to see her stay within our school district.

I'm also pleased to announce our new Student Services Assistant will be Andrew Skinner. For the past seven years, he has been an English Language Arts teacher at Edgewood Middle School. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Mr. Skinner recently received his Administrative License from Hamline University, and he also holds a master's degree from Bethel University.

Over the past few weeks, I have met with Mr. Skinner numerous times to discuss this position, and I am confident that he will be an excellent addition to our staff. Mr. Skinner has strong communication skills and a demeanor that will allow him to continue to build positive relationships with the students, staff and families at Turtle Lake. In his years at Edgewood, Andrew has developed his leadership skills as a member of their Building Instructional Leadership Team, and this summer he is the Site Coordinator for Edgewood's Summer STEAM Program. Mr. Skinner's high expectations for the growth of students, coupled with his natural ability to establish rapport with students, staff and families, will be qualities that you will appreciate as you get to know him.

Please join me in welcoming Mr. Skinner to Turtle Lake next fall.

Sincerely,
Darin Johnson, principal