Posted November 16, 2021
Hamilton Community,
I want to thank all of you for allowing me to be a part of the Hamilton school community for the past six weeks. As you may know, Thursday of this week will be my last day here as Interim Principal as I need to attend to other obligations that cannot be changed. When I was asked to help support the school, I was told it would be a week or two to assist the principal and help wherever the school needed support. My first day was one of surprise as I was told I would be the interim for a couple of weeks. Two weeks became four weeks and then six. With the support of the Hamilton staff, S. East Admin team, Deans, and especially the two AP’s I was able to ground myself and learn about the culture and climate of the school and what some of the supports were needed. I believe that we, as a team, were able to re-establish some processes that were currently not in place and establish some processes that were needed to keep the school moving in a positive direction. I did my best to keep students first and make sure that we considered what affect all of the processes had on teachers and the rest of the staff. I have made new connections and also some new friends along this short journey. I hope that my time here has left Hamilton a bit calmer, quieter, and moving towards the goal of having students engaged in learning and becoming academically successful. We know that everyone, particularly students, learn on their own time and in their own way. We need to remind, re-teach, and have patience with the work we do and believe we are making a difference for all of our kids. I know that not all the issues at Hamilton have not been addressed, but with a new leader who should be named in the coming weeks, it is my hope that the Hamilton community can set itself on the path that students, parents, and staff are proud of to make this the best school it can be. It may take some time but with stability, patience, and support from all of you it will happen. Remember to say thank you, give praise to each other and step back and breathe when you need to. It has been a pleasure and an honor serving with you and I look forward to reading about the incredible progress and transformation Hamilton experiences this coming year. Best of luck to you all and thank you for the work you do, your commitment to our community, each other, students, and your belief that everyone has the ability to succeed.
With gratitude,
Dr. Wes Montoya