• To My Highland Village Vikings Community,

     

    I want each of you to know how much I appreciate all the support, research, hard work, eloquent speeches, passionate speeches, meaningful glances, moving words, and warm hugs that have happened over the last 2 ½ months. There is no way I can say enough sincere words to show my love and appreciation for all of you.

     

    During every board meeting or listening tour, I received texts from coworkers, friends, and family about the wonderful and variety of speeches. Examples: “Your parent speakers are amazing!”, “You parents made so many good points”, “I appreciate what your parents shared last night at the board meeting.”. Poignantly from another one of the 5 principals whose school was up for closure, “You should be super proud of your family engagement.” I am proud!

     

    Many of you have heard me say many times that HVE is the best community and school that I have experienced and had the honor of leading in a career of 38 years and 5 different schools. Those are not just words…those are my truths.

     

    Part of my truth is also my 27 years with LISD. LISD is the best district in the area and has been extremely good to me. In fact, I have continued to drive a long way back and forth in order to continue working for LISD. Last night’s vote did not go our way, but I believe in LISD’s ability to support students, families and staff. They will also be with us each step of the way as we navigate next steps and successful transitions through the spring. The district will be sharing much more about these steps with you soon.

     

    I am naturally a positive person and look for silver-linings and hard optimism. There is always room for laughter and smiles among the tears. All students, staff, and parents deserve the opportunity to feel and live what we have lived at HVE. Maybe our task is to be “fireflies” and spread the “Build Relationships, Work Hard, and Have Fun” mission of this amazing school and community. What a great legacy that would be!

     

    Regardless of last night’s decisions, HVE and the Viking Spirit will continue to live on in all of us. My prayer is that all my students remember, live, and share our culture throughout their lives. They will be leaders one day and can build for others a culture just like this one. What a great way to bless the lives of others.

     

    Again, thank you for the support. Thank you for supporting all my staff and students. Thank you for blessing my career with a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead a “lightning in a bottle school and community”.

     

    We are still Viking Strong! In the words of Mrs. Hogan, “All good things are in front of us.” Let the “fireflies” free to share our Viking Pride far and wide.

     

    Once a Viking, always a Viking!

     

    Leslye Mitchell