Hello Band Families,
It is with mixed emotions that I share some news with you. After much consideration and discussion with my fiancé, I have made the difficult decision to leave my position as the band teacher at Shaw Middle School at the end of this school year.
This decision was not made lightly, as I have truly enjoyed every second here and have come to love each and every one of our students. I have had the extreme privilege of watching them grow as musicians and individuals, and I am incredibly proud of all that they have accomplished during our time together. It breaks my heart that I will not be able to watch them continue their growth.
While I am saddened to be leaving, I am confident that this decision is what is best for both myself and my fiancé as we embark on this new chapter in our lives. My fiancé has been accepted to the medical school at UCLA, and we will be moving to Los Angeles to continue his education. I am so incredibly proud of him and I wouldn't be leaving such an amazing school with phenomenal students if he wasn't worth it. I want to assure you that I will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition for the band program and will do everything in my power to set up the next teacher for success.
I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your support and partnership over the years. Your encouragement and involvement has helped this program grow and thrive. Your continued support has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your children's musical journey. I would like to encourage you to not let this be the end of your student's music journey at Shaw MS. It would break my heart even more to know that my departure leads to our students removing themselves from music.
I would like to announce the new band director who I have full confidence in doing a phenomenal job at Shaw MS. Her name is Mrs. Amy Whiteley and she is currently the band director at Vaughn Middle School. I met and learned alongside Mrs. Whiteley in college and she is an incredible educator. If you would like to contact Mrs. Whiteley, her email address is amy.kohler@washoeschools.net.
As we approach the end of the school year, I look forward to cherishing the remaining time we have together and making the most of every moment. If you have any questions or concerns about the transition process or anything else, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you, once again, for raising such wonderful students and for allowing me to be their band teacher.
Enjoying every moment that remains,
Mr. Skinner
