 Dear School Community:
This morning Nancy Hendry, Principal of Laurel School, announced her intended retirement to the Laurel faculty and staff at the end of this school year.
This announcement comes after 19 years of service to the Menlo Park City School District as Principal of Laurel School and as a transformational administrative leader for the District. Nancy was employed in the District on July 1, 1990, by former Superintendent Judy Rogers-Bianchi after a 20-year tenure in the Redwood City School District as a classroom and resource teacher, Director of Curriculum Services and Principal of Hawes Elementary School.
Nancy's contributions to Laurel School and the District have truly been distinguished. Nancy led the development of Laurel through a substantial increase in enrollment, selecting teachers of outstanding ability, implementing many instructional and support programs for students and developing Laurel as an exemplary elementary school recognized throughout the State. During the last several years, Nancy has championed with her faculty "differentiation of instruction" as a methodology and a curriculum structure to meet the needs of all students within the primary grades. This work with her teachers, associated with Carol Ann Tomlinson from the University of Virginia, has constructed a solid foundation for the Laurel instructional program for years to come. Laurel School was awarded the State Distinguished School Award in 2007.
Nancy's commitment to Laurel School and the District has been unwavering. In every encounter and interaction, Nancy has continuously demonstrated a sincere appreciation of the full school community of parents, students and staff working collaboratively. Her belief in students and their potential has been the cornerstone of her success. Both of Nancy's sons, Patrick and Evan who are now successful adults, attended Menlo Park City schools and graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School.
This early announcement of Nancy's retirement achieves two purposes. First we will all have several months to truly celebrate Nancy's contributions to Laurel and the District. Second, Nancy's decision to announce her retirement early in the year affords the District the time to best select the next Principal of Laurel School. Nancy's letter to the Board of Education demonstrates much about her review of her experience within the Community.
Nancy's passion for her work and drive for excellence has been a pleasure to watch and share. I know everyone will take the next few months to let Nancy truly know how valuable she has been to all of us. I wish Nancy and her husband Wallace well in the next chapter of their lives.
Respectfully,
Ken Ranella
Superintendent
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