Dear Families

I have stalled to write this letter because it is hard for me to put on paper how I feel about this circumstance. In my time at Trillium I have come to love this place and your children very much. No matter where I go I will bring Trillium and its spirit with me. However, as many of you know, I was not able to be in control of where my family would end up after this year. Our journey will take us to Minneapolis for at least the next four years. Not what we had hoped for but an exciting step nonetheless.

As a team we have already been discussing options for next year and will be posting for the position soon to find the best possible educator for your children. This is a priority of mine and I will be involved with my team in helping select the new teacher. We all know the position is mentally demanding and I will, ideally, be able to help train the incoming teacher before the end of the year.

That said I did want you guys to know my time table. I plan stay on to the end of the year and then leave. I may even drive the UHaul to school the last day. Sarah has to be there on June 8th and we will be looking for ways to cut down on the separation time as much as possible. Please understand that those last few weeks will be frantic and I will appreciate any help in the classroom during those times.

Finally, I understand that some of you may feel a gut reaction to attempt to switch your students out of our advising because you may be more familiar with another teacher. I encourage you to be patient with the hiring process before you make any requests to myself or Stephanie. It will be important for the students to maintain their community as they head into next year. I believe this is really important for the 1st graders. However, I do understand special circumstances and will be open to hearing your concerns and working to find the best solution for your individual child.

I wanted to thank all of you for everything you have given me this year and over the years. Your confidence in me as an educator and your trust of me with your blessed souls has inspired me to become a better teacher. I leave Trillium a more confident teacher with a firm grip on my ideals as an educator. I can only hope that I have left Trillium a fraction of the impact it has left on me and my family. Peace to all. We will miss you very much!

Billy