Dear St. ELizabeth's Community, 

My heart is full. Together, we have lived out what it means to practice gratitude not only in the easy seasons, but in the complicated ones—especially now, as we hold the joy of being in community alongside the reality that this extraordinary school will come to an end. In a moment when it would be natural to turn inward, we have continued to turn toward one another. That shared choice—daily, imperfect, human—has given St. E’s its character and its strength. Every one of you contributes something essential to the spirit of this school, and we want to take a moment to thank you.

To our families:
Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. You have partnered with us through moments of joy and challenge, asked thoughtful questions, extended support when it was most needed, and offered steady encouragement along the way. Thank you for rallying around classroom needs and strengthening the community. Your belief in this mission—and in the possibilities that exist for every child—is a gift. We do not take that trust for granted.

To our Staculty:
You are the heart of this place. Your commitment to nurturing each student, tending to their academic growth and their humanity, and keeping the school running through countless visible and invisible acts of care is extraordinary. Thank you for stepping into new responsibilities with grace and working behind the scenes to keep our days running smoothly. I marvel at the myriad ways you help students learn, grow, and develop into changemakers. This community stands on the strength, professionalism, creativity, and compassion you bring into the building every day. We are grateful for the work you do—and for the way you do it.

To our students:
You are the reason this school exists, and you make it a joyful, vibrant place to learn. Your curiosity, your kindness, your resilience, and your willingness to grow—individually and together—remind all of us what matters most. Thank you for being yourselves so fully. Thank you for including one another so generously. And thank you for showing us, time and again, that the future is bright.

To our supporters—past and present:
Your care for this community has made so much possible. Through your time, expertise, advocacy, and financial generosity, you have strengthened a mission that stretches far beyond any single year. Special thanks to our board members who provided thoughtful counsel and unwavering support during the closure process. You have helped create a school where belonging is not an ideal but a lived experience. Thank you for standing with us.

And to the individuals who went above and beyond this year:
Thank you to BOOST volunteers, especially Amanda Bissell, Kelly Church, Zandra Fox, Amber Hornbacher, Meghan Rettelle, and Jennie Tuttle Baughn, who have organized events and offered steady hands during very busy moments; to Kelly Church and Sarah McCaffee for their incredible work on the Luncheon; to Emily Branam and Ellen Parman for leading the choir and supporting second grade for the students’ performance at the Luncheon; to Jamika McNally for being a helpful resource and ear as families navigate the transition process; and finally, to Kit Ambrose, Kelly Church, Polly Donald, Amber Hornbacher, Kim Johnson, Loree Lindsey, Adrienne Mansaneres, Ronni McCaffrey, Jamika McNally, Destinee Perkins, Griffen Stabler, and Sara Yelpaala for taking on even more responsibilities while I was on medical leave. Your trusted and skilled leadership kept the school going during a particularly difficult time. We are deeply grateful.

As we look ahead, we carry deep gratitude for what we have built together and profound respect for each of you. Our shared work is meaningful, challenging, joyful, and deeply human. It has changed lives—including our own.

Thank you for everything you bring to this community. It is an honor to walk alongside you.

Best foot forward,