Martin Luther King Day is a day to reflect on the principles of a Baptist Minister that recognized and brought light to a system of injustice, one that is easy to recognize some 75 years into the future. So, when we take this day to remember the accomplishments of Dr. King, I use it to remind myself that I can do better. As a school leader with 1,150 students, over 120 employees and exponentially more community members with a dynamically diverse population, I know the importance of inclusion and I strive to make all students, staff and families feel welcomed and respected.  

We have a lot going on at the Den this week. Please check through the announcements that follow my message. I am excited to have the staff from Winter Park High School visit Tuesday evening for an informational session on their International Baccalaureate Program. As you may know, we are their only feeder school that offers the middle years program of IB. Our students are more prepared for this rigorous course load than any of the other students that matriculate to Winter Park and that is proven by the number of Glenridge students that ultimately receive a prestigious IB Degree. Over the years, more Glenridge students have completed the IB program at Winter Park than any other feeder school. In fact, we make up more than half of the degrees obtained. While the IB degree may not be for everyone, I highly encourage any 8th grade parents to attend this meeting to learn about the benefits and have questions answered by the experts.   

Without exaggeration, I reflect on the honor that it is to lead Glenridge every day. It is important for me as a school leader to provide resources and a pathway to success for all students. We are extremely proud of our track record. I want to take time here to recognize how impressive our school is. Last week, I was able to attend the state awards ceremony for music educators. Glenridge was one of 12 traditional middle schools in Florida recognized for their commitment to music. Over 57 percent of our students are enrolled in either chorus, orchestra or band. That is not an easy accomplishment, and it reflects the culture on campus that prioritizes the whole student as a learner. State performance and accountability are important. I want to measure our academic success across the state, but we also need to recognize that our students have many pathways to a bright future, and as a middle school principal, I want every student to come to school and have an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths every day. I believe that Glenridge does that better than any school in this district.  

Finally, I hope you can take the time to respond to our stakeholder survey. This is an anonymous survey that lets you provide feedback on success areas and areas you want improved. Each family member can complete the survey. Students will complete a different survey on campus in the following weeks. The results of these surveys, along with our student and staff surveys provide the leadership team focus for improvements. You can find the survey beginning January 16th on the OCPS home page. Further communication will be forthcoming.  

Mr. Kempinger

Proud Principal

Glenridge Middle School

Pictured very top: There is no school this Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Pictured is the intersection of Rosa Parks Blvd. and MLK, Jr. Blvd. named after two great civil rights leaders (Detroit, MI).