August 13, 2010

 Dear Parents of the Flocktown-Kossmann School Learning Community,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and thank those of you whom I have met in my first two weeks for your warm welcome. To be chosen to lead the Flocktown-Kossmann School community is an honor and a privilege. I thank the Board of Education, Mr. Mohre and the search committee for the trust they have in my ability to continue to build on the successes of such a passionate and venerable educational leader as Dr. Canning. For making my transition to this position an effortless experience, I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Ippolito, Mr. Winsted, Dr. Canning, Mr. Melofchik, the district administrative team, the office staffs here and at the middle school, the custodial staffs in each building and the faculty I met thus far.

As I look forward to the quickly approaching school year, I am eager to continue learning about the elementary school community I inherited and forge positive relationships with you, your child(ren) and the faculty. I am dedicated to considering the possibilities of all that we can accomplish for the children in our care. I strongly feel my previous experiences as an administrator of five years as a Curriculum Coordinator in Mountainside, Assistant Principal at Long Valley Middle School, Elementary Principal in Mendham Township and seven years as a 4^th and 5^th grade educator in the Westfield Public Schools have prepared me well to continue to guide the children, faculty and staff of our school toward an educational experience of the highest quality every day. You’ll find that I am easily approachable, an attentive listener and an open, honest communicator.

My philosophy of education lies in the deeply held belief that we commit ourselves to the meaningful learning and academic success of every child, as well as to their current and future social and emotional well-being. I value continuously reflecting upon and enhancing our practices to cultivate a learning environment that dignifies the child, the educator and all those who support them in exceeding the challenges of a vigorous and humanistic education.

As your child’s educators have started to return to school to prepare themselves, their lessons and your child’s classroom, the energy level in the building is rising. The custodians are working diligently to have our facilities ready for student walkthroughs and the office staff, Mr. Winsted, and I are ensuring that we’ll be ready for Opening Day - when our buildings once again become a school.

I hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer, and you find yourself prepared for the next milestone on your child’s educational journey. I look forward to being your  principal, meeting you and collaborating with you to make this a rewarding school year for your child.

Sincerely,

Michael Craver

All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.

- Aristotle