Dear Jenison Friends:
As you likely already know, I will not be returning to Jenison High School for the 2015-2016 school year. Since this has all come about very quickly I thought the least I could do is offer an explanation to all those I have come to know so well - can care so deeply for - in my brief two years at Jenison.
A few weeks ago I was offered an incredible opportunity to return to West Ottawa High School to teach some AP classes and to be a part of their 1:1 Chromebook initiative - starting next school year all students in grades 6-12 will receive a Chromebook! After a LOT of thinking, discussing, soul-searching, several "pro/con" lists, and maybe a few tears, it became clear that taking advantage of that opportunity was not only the right thing for me personally and professionally, it was the right move for my family. The thing is, I wasn't looking to leave Jenison, so really what I was faced with was a choice between two really great situations... which meant I was going to have to let go of one of them.
To any of my students who are reading this: PLEASE PLEASE know that you were all the absolute best part of every single day I spent at JHS and the hardest part of my decision to leave. The fact that I wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye to you all face to face or thank you in person for all that you have done for me (seriously - you've done more for me that you can imagine) was tough to swallow.
On the bright side, we live in an amazing age of communication and connection. I do hope that you will stay in touch with me and share your successes, accomplishments, stresses and struggles. Just because I'm not there doesn't mean I don't care.
Thanks for reading... Please stay in touch!
| johnsonj@westottawa.net | Twitter: @johnsquared1829 | Instagram: johnsquared1978 |
Or just leave a comment below!
A few weeks ago I was offered an incredible opportunity to return to West Ottawa High School to teach some AP classes and to be a part of their 1:1 Chromebook initiative - starting next school year all students in grades 6-12 will receive a Chromebook! After a LOT of thinking, discussing, soul-searching, several "pro/con" lists, and maybe a few tears, it became clear that taking advantage of that opportunity was not only the right thing for me personally and professionally, it was the right move for my family. The thing is, I wasn't looking to leave Jenison, so really what I was faced with was a choice between two really great situations... which meant I was going to have to let go of one of them.
To any of my students who are reading this: PLEASE PLEASE know that you were all the absolute best part of every single day I spent at JHS and the hardest part of my decision to leave. The fact that I wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye to you all face to face or thank you in person for all that you have done for me (seriously - you've done more for me that you can imagine) was tough to swallow.
On the bright side, we live in an amazing age of communication and connection. I do hope that you will stay in touch with me and share your successes, accomplishments, stresses and struggles. Just because I'm not there doesn't mean I don't care.
Thanks for reading... Please stay in touch!
| johnsonj@westottawa.net | Twitter: @johnsquared1829 | Instagram: johnsquared1978 |
Or just leave a comment below!