I met with the students this morning to tell them what I am about to tell you all now. I wanted to meet with the students first thing so that I could tell them one on one first, that is why I did not make the announcement last night at the banquet. I wanted to send you all a message before the word got out from all of the students, but as I'm sure some of you might have heard by now, I will be
leaving RHS after this year and will be moving to Seattle with my wife. I
have accepted a position to learn at a recording and mixing studio with the
University of Washington and will be learning directly under the guys who
run the sound at the Grammys starting in October.
It has taken me a long time to think about this and make the decision to go forward with it, but I know that if I wait, this opportunity may never come again. Saying goodbye to all of my students and to all of you is one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do in my life. I have truly and honestly enjoyed every bit of my time here at RHS. You all have made me feel just like
family. In my opinion, there isn't a better school that anyone could find
to work in. I've had incredible support from our administration and from all of my student's parents.
Some of you may think badly of me for making a decision like this
and leaving, but I pray that is not true. I am not leaving because
something has gone wrong or that there is a "better school out there" or that this experience has been anything but a fantastic situation to be in. This
school is awesome and everyone who takes a job here is lucky to have been
able to. I will only have fond memories of everything I have experienced
while teaching here. I want to thank each and every one of you for making
my time here truly wonderful.
Thank you to our amazing current and former band booster staff, Angela Hay, Amanda Deese, Ann Gay, Kimatha Johnson, Jane Morgan, Regina Jordan, and Andrea Slaton. You guys made my job so much easier with everything you have done behind the scenes and I will be forever grateful for that. Thank you to all of the parents who pledged their endless support to our group throughout these two years through working concession stands, preparing for dances, chaperoning events, driving our band trailer, and everything in between. Thank you especially to the band students for being the bright spot in my day every day. I also want to thank our wonderful faculty and administration at RHS for supporting me every step of the way.
I have forged close friendships here with students, parents, and staff that will last a lifetime. I will return when I can to see you all as often as possible. We are also making sure that the next band director that comes in to take the position will be someone who keeps the group trending in the right direction and keeps everything running smoothly as it has while I have been here.
I can't say enough how much I will miss you all once we move. I will be here until the end of school, so please stop by and see me if you get the chance.
I love you all so very much. Go Dawgs.
Sincerely,
Mr Smith