I am Reggie Robinson, principal of Oakland Elementary School. I have been an educator for twenty years. During my career, I have been a teacher in the Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, a graduate fellow at Harvard University in Massachusetts, a central office administrator in the Saint Paul Public Schools in Minnesota, and a senior consultant with Doug Reeves at the Center for Performance Assessment (now known as The Leadership and Learning Center). I have been a principal here in Denver since July 2000.

I have the highest confidence that we will make the improvements identified in our Title I School Improvement Plan. Specifically we'll focus intensely on instruction, exhibit a sense of urgency around our children's needs, and align our resources toward our improvement targets. We will have a more intense and sustained focus on what we can control, teaching and leadership.

There will be changes and there will be clearer expectations with accountability. Everyone we hire is highly qualified but this is not enough. We must ensure that each staff member, administrator, teacher, support staff is HIGH QUALITY.

To me, that means each person: Is willing to change her/his way of teaching/working. Sees Oakland's children as beautiful. Is willing to work with colleagues in new and collaborative ways. Believes he/she will make a difference at Oakland. Is up to the challenge and ready to prove it! The professional team of administrators, teachers, and support staff we have lined up for 2008/2009 meet or exceed these expectations. They will be our Chief Energy Officers who will help us fulfill our charges.

Join us as we grow.

Sincerely,

Reggie Robinson Principal