Dear Bunche Middle Parents and Guardians,

I would like to take this opportunity as the new Interim Principal of Ralph J. Bunche Middle School to welcome you back to our school.  I come to you as the new instructional leader of this proud and celebrated academic institution with a new focus to “Build a Better Bunche”.  I am new to the school, but not new to the profession.  As a veteran educator with 18 years of successful experience, I have strived to make positive intellectual contributions to whatever educational community I have been a part of.  As a fellow parent and resident of the Bunche community, I am excited to inform you of the following upcoming changes and improvements for the 2012-2013 school year.  In an effort to move Bunche towards becoming a GA School of Choice and National School of Excellence, the following will be implemented:

·            A new instructional schedule to give teachers the opportunity to effectively plan and implement the new GA Common Core Curriculum

·            Higher academic expectations for our teachers and scholars focusing on school culture and climate

·            Affordable, newly improved uniforms for our scholars; a school-wide focus on dressing for academic success

·            A concerted effort to improve the overall customer service experience among students, parents, community members, and other stakeholders

·            Modeling and reteaching appropriate behavioral norms using the APS/Bunche Middle School Student Code of Conduct; reminding scholars to do things the “Bunche Way”

·            Better communication with parents using a new monthly Parent Newsletter, quarterly Grade-Level Newsletter, and regular website updates

·            150 newly purchased computers for teachers’ classrooms to inspire a world class, 21^st century learning atmosphere

·            Three newly hired connections teachers to provide a foundational exposure student to French and Spanish in preparation for High School.

·            An “open door” policy where parents are welcomed and invited to visit the school to provide continuous input for change.

Our main goal is student academic success with a vision to provide a rigorous learning experience where our jobs are to teach children as we would want our own children taught.  As your facilitator for change, I look forward to meeting with you and establishing a partnership for promoting student success.

Sincerely and Professionally Yours,

Mario M. Watkins

Interim Principal