November 10, 2020
Dear Brown Families,
I have always prided myself on sending parent emails that are informative and personal. Strong school-home communication is critical for the success of a school, but the mutual respect and appreciation of school personnel and parents is what makes the work so rewarding. The bottom line is that we are all in this for the success of our students...your children.
Today I am communicating to you on a personal level. As of Friday, November 13th, I will be on medical leave until January 2021. In mid-October I was diagnosed with a mass/cyst in my head (not a tumor) and it has impacted my vision. Your child may have commented on my eye patch over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, the location of the mass/cyst is in a difficult location to access, therefore I have to undergo a very invasive procedure with a long recovery.
I am fortunate in so many ways. I have an incredible family, great friends, and a talented team of doctors. I am also the proud principal of Brown Intermediate School and I know I have their support. The faculty and staff are incredible, and I am not only appreciative of the students, but they are my motivation to get healthy and return to work as soon as possible. This is my 20th year as an administrator in the Madison Public Schools. I am so grateful and appreciative for the support I am receiving from the Board of Education and Central Office.
I do not plan on saying anything to students. This is where I need your help...you know your children best. They, like so many young people, have been through a lot this past year. I trust your timing and messaging. All I ask is that you communicate to them how much I love going to work each day because of them...I will be back to Brown as soon as I possibly can...and I will be fine. (Although I don't think they can fix my voice. but I am fine with that.)
I will be leading Brown the rest of this week. Early next week, Central Office will communicate with you the administrative coverage plan moving forward. If you or your child need anything, please contact one of their Team teachers or Eliza Hayes, our school counselor.
I appreciate all of your positive thoughts and support for me and my family. I look forward to sending you that "Happy New Year" email in January. I also look forward to seeing you while I direct traffic in the morning and afternoon without my eye patch on! Most of all I look forward to seeing your children at Brown Intermediate School. Clearly, I have a great deal to look forward to!
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Frank
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