To the Holley School Community,
Today, I attended the memorial for the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting that was planned by the Humanities class at the Middle School/High School. The memorial was held in the auditorium, with a student or faculty member holding a poster with the victim’s photo, name and information about them. A majority of the student body attended the memorial. Students entered the auditorium quietly and respectfully, and they maintained silence for the entire 17 minute program. Our school security guard, Mike Roffe, played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as the students exited the auditorium. After the event, students were asked to drop off ideas for “Acts of Kindness” that could be shared with and adopted by the school. Wrist bands were sold to benefit the victims’ families, with proceeds to be distributed there.
I couldn’t have been more proud of the way the student body and staff prepared for and managed this event. It is a credit to the school community and a testament to the strong relationships that exist here in Holley.
On another note, I want to thank you all for welcoming me to your district. Previously planned work and personal commitments require me to end my time as your Interim Superintendent at the end of the week. It has been an honor and privilege to meet so many of your faculty, staff and students, to visit classrooms, and to enjoy extracurricular activities like “The Wizard of Oz” production. The Board has named a very experienced Interim Superintendent for the remainder of the year, while a permanent replacement for Bob D’Angelo is sought.
Best wishes to Mr. D’Angelo on his retirement and best wishes to all of you for continued success.
With gratitude,
John Schiess
Interim Superintendent