McGee Principal Bids Berlin 'Farewell' With Love

The following was submitted to Berlin Patch by Scott Ratchford:

To the Berlin Community:

I am writing to offer some parting words to the Berlin community before moving on to a new position this fall. I move on after three cherished years as Principal of McGee.  Leaving will be bittersweet for me. McGee was my first principalship, but that is not what will make leaving difficult. Leaving will be difficult because I have grown extremely attached to the children at McGee and to the community. Educators enter the profession to connect with children in the hope of making a difference in their lives. Our teachers work tremendously hard to challenge and support the children who walk through McGee’s doors. Those children come to school with open eyes and open arms. The successes we have had at McGee are in no small part due to the positive attitude they bring to school. If my career in education has taught me anything it is that schools can have their most powerful impact on young people when educators and parents partner. In all that we have done at McGee I have always felt tremendous support from the community. Berlin has shown me that it is a community that clearly values education and one that respects educators. I write to say farewell and thank you. I hope I have given as much as I have received. I will miss McGee, your young people and Berlin.

Sincerely,

Scott Ratchford, Ph.D.