McClendon being honored, Soiree Teaser, Camping

[prin...@sethigh.org]

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardian,

• McClendon is being honored as a finalist for the Charter Stars Legacy Award tonight
• Last chance for Spring Soiree (teaser)
• Information for those parents who requested financial assistance for Soiree
• Family Camping on May 27th and 28th

McClendon is being honored as a finalist for the Charter Stars Legacy Award tonight

We are proud to announce that Mr. McClendon was nominated for and is a finalist for the Legacy Award at tonight's Charter Stars Banquet.  The SET High Board of Directors will be in attendance tonight to honor him.  The following is what we submitted to the decision committee to describe Mr. McClendon's impact on the staff and students at SET High:

Describe the legacy (lasting contribution in the field of education) of the nominee.

Darrell has been the heart and soul of the schools that he has been a part of.  Students and staff adore him and lean on him for his sage advice about both personal and professional issues.  Darrell started his career in education as a teacher at High Tech High after a highly successful run as a Director of Engineering at Motorola.  I taught with him at High Tech High where I was first introduced to “Darrell’s World”.  He seemed to always be holding court, with a group of adoring students around him whether it be before school, during lunch, or after school.  The tradition of the students of SET High applauding any time Darrell enters a classroom is just the physical proof of how an entire school feels about this man and his legacy.

As the Assistant Principal and Chief Business Officer at SET High, Darrell has worked tirelessly to establish a beautiful culture of caring and compassion that permeates throughout our school.  Students trust the staff, spend more time in our offices getting help instead of being in trouble, and work as a community to help all students stay safe.  Darrell is usually the first person to know about a family loss, a break-up, a first kiss, or concerns about a friend who is having mental health or substance abuse issues.  The students tell him everything, the parents tell him everything, and the staff tell him everything.

The transformation that Darrell ushered in at SET High was not just cultural, though.  Taking over as CBO, Darrell helped us overcome what seemed like an insurmountable financial hole.  The legacy that he left to the individuals he has encountered throughout his educational career is profound, but even more important is the legacy he left to SET High.  Quite simply, the school would not exist without his tireless work, his apologies to vendors, his warmth during meetings with our authorizers, and the optimism he conveyed to bankers.

How has the legacy impacted the organization/community?

Darrell’s impact on our community has been multi-layered and profound. On a small, daily level, he keeps his snacks stocked to feed hungry students and regularly helps a kid get through a rough day.  On a larger scale, the guidance he gives students can completely alter the course of their lives.  He has helped students grow, both in maturity and academically, leading them to raise their own expectations from just making it through high school to continuing on to higher education and beyond.  He has counseled students through loss and grief, depression and anxiety and even suicidal ideations, with those students coming out on the other side, stronger, more resilient and ready to take on the world.  He has quite literally saved students’ lives.  His deep and genuine care for our students spills out into the wider community, creating ripples of hope and compassion that end up spreading far beyond our small family.

What servant leadership (putting others first) behaviors does the nominee demonstrate?

Darrell demonstrates putting others first on a daily basis.  Nearly all of the staff come to him to talk through whatever difficulties they are going through in their personal lives and he is there for his teachers just as much as he is for his students.  Even though he is the Assistant Principal, he’ll readily go unclog a toilet, pick up trash out front, or drive students to basketball practice.  If he’s worried about a student who is not showing up to school, he will drive to that student’s house to talk with them and their family.  Every single person in our community feels known and valued by Darrell, and that is because he puts everyone else first.

Is there anything else you would like the nomination committee to know that relates to the nominated leader?

https://sethigh.org/best-today-ever-with-darrell-mcclendon/

Last chance for Spring Soiree (teaser)

From the SET PA:

Get ready to bid on some amazing items at the upcoming SET PA Spring Soiree Auction! From luxurious hotel stays and spa packages to unique experiences and exclusive access to events, there's something for everyone. Don't miss your chance to score incredible items while supporting your school community. In addition to the exciting array of items up for bidding, we will also feature a wine pull! For a $40 donation, you'll have the chance to draw a numbered cork from a selection of fine wines. Will you pull a bottle worth $50 or even $100? It's all part of the fun at this year's Spring Soiree. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to try your luck and support your school at the same time!

Ticket sales end on May 14th! (Don't forget, if you can't come, you can still donate!) https://www.socalmakersmarket.com/setspringsoiree/ 

Here is the teaser flyer.

Information for those parents who requested financial assistance for Soiree

We have 12 parents who have requested assistance to attend the Soiree.  We are so glad that we asked because we want you there!  We have secured the donations to cover the cost of your financial need.   Now we just have to figure out how to complete the transaction.  We are hopeful that you feel comfortable revealing your identity to any one of our staff members so that we can get you your tickets.  Each staff member knows to expect contact about the Spring Soiree and will be sure to keep this transaction private between the two of you.  I am happy to assist as well if you feel comfortable contacting me.  A special thank you to our donors!

Family Camping on May 27th and 28th

Some parents have organized a family camping trip during Memorial Day weekend.  I am so excited for all of you and hope that you can make this an annual tradition.  This is totally my jam, but I need to bow out because there is no way that I would be able to separate my principal duties from my dad duties in a situation like this.  I really want this to work out though because I love the idea of our families all socializing together in this kind of setting.  Activities like these will build the community that we all need and that we all cherish, and it will create memories for years to come.  Once this is established as a family event and not a school event, maybe in future years you'll have me as just a dad!

The following is the information about the event:

RSVP for SET Campout Horse Heaven Group, Cleveland National Forest May 27-28, 2023

There are ONLY 16 parking spots but the site can hold up to 80 people.  ONLY RSVP to stay the night if you REALLY INTEND TO. You will not be able to park overnight on the site if you do not have confirmation for a parking spot. We ask each site to contribute Venmo: @Jeff-Kane-9

The campground is located 50 miles east of San Diego, California. Take I-8 to Sunrise Highway exit. Go approximately 14 miles until you see the Horse Heaven Group Campground sign and turn down the campground entrance road.

 

Thanks everyone!  Good luck to Mr. McClendon tonight!

Dr. McCurdy