Principal's Message

 

Dear Leigh High School Community,

Hello and welcome to/welcome back for our 2022 – 2023 School year. I am Joe Ianora, your new principal and I am very excited to be part of this community! 

I want to start my introduction with celebrations:

• First and foremost, a return to campus!! After stops and starts for the past two years, we are excited to start the school year on campus. We will still continue with recommended safety protocols as set by the CDC and our District Office to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
• Leigh is celebrating 60 years of outstanding education!! We want to make sure we have a special celebration this year. Please stay tuned for more information regarding this wonderful milestone!
• The last remnants of construction are being completed as you are reading this letter. While we still have more to do, our facility is up and ready to receive learners!
• WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) will be doing its mid-cycle review this March. While this evaluation of our educational process at Leigh may not seem like a celebration, I believe that the process of this evaluation will highlight all we have done to ensure our students are receiving the right education to move them successfully to their next endeavor.

On to a bit about me:

This begins my 36 year in education. In that time I have held almost every job within a school from custodian to principal. I have been lucky enough to pick up some wisdom along, from parenting my 3 children, to professional experiences along the way. You can read more about my professional experiences in my bio. 

Below are some of the things I have learned that I think will help strengthen our relationship and provide the best possible learning atmosphere for your student.  They are as follows:

• There is a strong partnership between the parents, students, staff and district office.
• There is a compelling and focused purpose around student learning.
• There is open, honest and clear communication with all stakeholders.
• There is a strong, positive leadership team who works collectively to form a cohesive unit. 
• The campus will be a clean, safe and orderly place where respect for self and others is expected, modeled and practiced.
• Teachers have the resources to ensure students are successful learners.
• Support for long-term professional development that is consistent with efforts to improve student learning.
• Each student, although part of a large community, is still looked on as a unique individual.
• Data must be analyzed to help drive decision-making.
• Listen without judgment, assess without bias, and respond with compassion.

Lastly, we will have a couple new teachers on campus this year. I am looking forward to you and your students welcoming them to the Leigh Family.

While there is much to be excited about this year, change in leadership can be anxiety producing. I will be holding meetings for families new to Leigh and a separate night for returning families to hear a bit more from me about my vision and direction for Leigh. Please stay tuned for these meetings!

Below are some upcoming dates that will be important for you and your student:

• August 5th - New student orientation. This event will be held in the Large gym from 8am - 1pm. This is a “link crew” day and one your new student doesn't want to miss!
• August 5th - New Families Night (formerly called “boot camp”). 4pm- 5:30pm. The first hour will be informational, then we will have a student/parent panel.
• August 10th - First day of school!! Please review the bell schedule as it has been changed to accommodate the 8:30 start time.
• August 15th - First Home and School Club Meeting (HSC) 7-8:30PM (Zoom)
• August 19th - First Rally and Dance
• August 25th - Back to school night, 7pm. Please see your student’s schedule – see your students schedule.

I am looking forward to our year together and the many challenges, changes, celebrations and progress it will bring.

Sincerely,
Joe Ianora