Thank You, Creative Minds: A Message from Chuck Jackson
Dear Creative Minds community,
After significant personal and professional reflection, I have made the decision to leave Creative Minds at the end of this school year. I love this school and I have loved my work – and I am also excited to begin my next professional adventure. When I joined as interim Executive Director six years ago, I was excited for the opportunity. But I believed in the school’s mission and in our students and faculty, and I am immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished in the past few years. We turned Creative Minds around from a position of declining academic achievement to an upwards trend, and reinvigorated arts and music programs for our students. We went from 60% staff turnover per year to over 90% retention. We became one of the most diverse and inclusive schools in the DMV area.
Throughout my time at Creative Minds, I have always tried to lead with my heart and to embrace the excitement our students have about learning. Like many in our community, I have experienced many life events while leading Creative Minds and this community was always an essential part of those life developments. Some of my fondest memories will be watching students figure out what they are most passionate about and set forth on a path to succeed their dreams. I will also look back on the joyful and lighthearted memories at Creative Minds. I loved hearing the cheerful noise of children learning. I loved greeting our students at the start of every day as the “funny man” crossing guard. I loved getting dressed up for our Fall Festival, wearing silly hats and strutting the halls on Fridays in my cowboy boots. I will especially remember salsa dancing with Ms. Aura.
I have no doubt that Creative Minds will continue to grow and succeed because you, the Creative Minds community, are committed to the school’s success. Although I have decided to step down from the Head of School role, I will remain available to the school community and the board as a strategic advisor to support a smooth transition. Thank you for six wonderful years.
Sincerely,
Chuck Jackson
4 days ago Monday, May 5 at 3:56 PM, ParentSquare
