Dear Stout Community,
Next school year, I will be moving to Whitmore-Bolles Elementary School. My first principal position was at an elementary school and I am looking forward to returning to that level. I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to lead Stout these past 7+ years. Some amazing students have passed through our doors, and I truly enjoyed getting to work with them. I have also had the pleasure of working with some great teachers. I have learned a lot during my time here, and I will take some great memories with me.
Change is not always easy, but I believe that it’s a necessary part of life. While I believe that this change will be a good thing for me, I also think it will be a positive change for Stout. A new principal will bring in new ideas and that always has a way of re-energizing schools. It was like that when I first came to Stout and it will be that way when the new principal starts.
During my time at Stout, there are many things that I am proud of. I am proud of the improvements our teachers have made in the classroom. Many teachers have embraced new strategies to meet the needs of our students. I also take pride in our implementation of and commitment to restorative practices and in starting the AVID program at Stout. Stout has been recognized as an AVID-certified school and a few years ago Stout was recognized as an ESEA Distinguished School Finalist. I am proud of both of these recognitions. The return of performing arts to our school coincided with my arrival at Stout. Over the past seven years, I have had the pleasure of watching our talented musicians, vocalists, and thespians perform on the stage. It has been a joy to watch Stout students grow both in and out of the classroom.
I will still be at Stout for the remainder of this school year and also for the summer program. During my remaining time at Stout, I will be working on students’ schedules for next school year, making sure staffing is completed for the fall, and helping the new principal with their transition. The district has a process for filling principal positions. Once that process has been completed and a new principal is selected, I will make sure there is a smooth transition.
When I first came to Stout, I felt at home immediately. The students at Stout are the friendliest students I have ever worked with. I know the next principal will feel just as welcomed as I felt 7 years ago when I first walked through Stout’s doors.
Thank you for everything.
Gregory Oke, Principal