“Imagine School at Land O’Lakes is a comprehensive learning center wherein the parents, teachers and administration are committed to providing a dynamic learning environment. As a community we are proud of the advances we are making on behalf of our students and take exception to the misinformed comments and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper’s pages and on its blogs.
The 2010–2011 school year brought a period of transition and offered the administration and staff an opportunity to initiate true and valued change. These changes provide enrichment for advanced programming opportunities, as well as interventions to assist students not meeting state standards. Some examples: Intensive reading and math for students who score low on FCAT; daily advanced instruction for elementary students above grade level and additional reading intervention for those who need it; and new middle school offerings this year in algebra 1, music, Spanish, and careers. Elementary art and music will be offered beginning in January.
Extracurricular offerings include drama club, chess club, an after-school sports program that began in October, and planned middle school trips to the Florida Keys and to Washington, D.C.
The above improvements can only be made when the highest quality teachers are leading their classrooms. Since my arrival at Imagine School at Land O’Lakes, I’ve made it my priority to assess every teacher and make changes where changes are necessary. Our teachers meet or exceed the state required certifications for their assignments, and several are working on additional endorsements and certifications. The students reap the benefits of dedicated teachers — most of whom choose to send their own children to Imagine — who are committed to developing each child’s full potential.
Our educational community invites and encourages parental involvement at all levels.
Without a doubt, I faced challenges when I took over this school. But those challenges were my opportunity to design and deliver a first-class school to the families who want first-class educations for their children. Under my direction filings are made completely and on time. With the support of my board, I am finalizing a new, state-of-the-art building that will be the permanent and proud home of Imagine School at Land O’Lakes. And because of the progress our students are making, I’m looking forward to the results of the next FCAT.
I will not accept any person marginalizing our students, slandering our staff, underestimating the role of our board, or insulting our parents. The pride we feel at Imagine School at Land O’Lakes this year simply is a starting point. It will thrive and grow as our students — the heart of our school — continue to achieve their goals.”
Kathy Helean, principal
Imagine School at Land O’Lakes
Letter to the Editor published on Dec. 8, 2010 by the St. Petersburg Times.