Dear Parents,

What a wonderful year 2005 was (doesn't it seen strange to think of 2005 in the past tense?). For me it was a year of transition, and I feel so grateful that my experiences have led me here. Swan School is such a positive place: students are happy and learning a great deal, the school looks great, things get done in a democratic and timely manner, the staff is one of the best I've ever had the opportunity to work with, the board is both effective and fun to work with, and the parents are wonderfully supportive!

Can it get any better? Can something as special as Swan School be improved on? Well, I think that we do have lots to look forward to in 2006. We will have new buildings that should be ready to move into this spring. Planning has progressed quite a ways on the grounds (wait until you see the plans!). I know you are already aware of the plans for improving the playground, and we should be seeing them turn to reality as the year progresses. The bookkeeping process is being streamlined and we can all look forward to the benefits that will give the school. With the improvements we have already made, word is getting around that Swan School is the best place for kids to go to school. With all of the improvements that should be completed this spring it is easy to expect full enrollment by this fall, improving even further the financial health of the school.

Wow, we have a lot to look forward to in 2006 and a lot to be thankful for from 2005. On behalf of the staff and myself, thank you for your very generous year-end gift, thank you for your support, and thank you for your continued trust.

Cheers to a great new year!

Russ