Announcement

[Carlsen, Miranda]

Good morning!

Never in a million years did I think I would be sending this announcement.

  

One of my favorite songs of all time is Sara Bareilles "She Used to Be Mine."  There is a line in that song that says, "Sometimes life just slips in through the back door."

There was a moment this past fall, when my mom was having her fourth tumor removed from her leg, when I had to leave her while she was still sleeping to get down to our scrimmage game.  I guess I didn't have to go, but I definitely felt compelled to go.  Mr. Carlsen had led the band through the paces and they were fine, he's been such a remarkable educator and assistant the 14 years that we've partnered and built this program.  But in that moment, a little part of my heart broke, because it was the first time I seriously considered leaving band directing.  

Our daughter, who we have mostly kept from our longer distance families because we live two hours between them, is going on 11 and entering her own world of competitions, social engagements, and more.  

Therefore, in a strategic financial, family, and maybe a bit of mid-life-crisis move, it is with a very sad heart, and later, a heart with a bit of excitement for change and adventure, that the Carlsen family is announcing today that at the end of this school year, we will be leaving Harris County.

Our number one priority is protecting a smooth transition for our students and setting up the program for continued growth specifically geared towards increasing quantity, quality, and community engagement.  We have a plan to document and preserve their favorite traditions, to acknowledge the hopes and goals of the junior class as they get ready to savor their senior year, and to facilitate a transition that protects their hearts and dreams to the best of our ability.  We also aim to help set up and preserve the events that fund the program and their scholarship program.  It is vital that we protect not just our own efforts over the last 15 years, but the blood, sweat and tears (and financial investments) of the parents, students, families and community members who have so lovingly and heavily invested and supported this program for the past 15 years.  Your legacy is every bit as important to us as our own.

Today and the rest of this week, our goal is focused on completing our public announcements and helping the students through their feelings.  

For those interested, we will be relocating to Lee County, Georgia, where Mr. Carlsen will be teaching 9th grade math after having helped write HCHS transition plan to integrate the State of Georgia's new math standards for the fall of 2024 and I will serve as their next Director of Choral Activities.  

We look forward to a very special last couple of months here, savoring every moment with your kids and families.

Most Sincerely,

--

Miranda A.V. Carlsen, Director of Bands

Harris County High School

harriscountybands.com