New LFHS Principal Chala Holland Introduced to Parents Via Email

New Lake Forest High School Principal Dr. Chala Holland introduced herself to parents of current students this week via an email that was shared by the Daily North Shore Wednesday.

In the letter, Holland says she was drawn to LFHS because of “the District’s commitment to supporting the holistic well-being of every learner.”

Read More: LFHS Hires Chala Holland as Principal

“With a focus on the holistic needs of each student, I look forward to supporting academic excellence while also working to ensure that the social and emotional needs of all students are acknowledged and nurtured,” she wrote.

Holland had been criticized prior to her hire regarding an alleged blog post she later deleted that referenced “white privilege” and its connection with tracking (offering advanced placement courses).

Read More: Controversy Surrounds Possible LFHS Principal Pick

But in the letter, Holland shows her history of supporting such programs.

“I have been fortunate to work in large area high schools, serving the development and growth of all students,” she wrote. “This entailed supporting the progress and success of students in Honors and AP courses, ensuring the growth of advanced students, accelerating the growth of students facing academic challenges, and personalizing the learning and supports for students in Special Education.”

She continued,

“To ensure the success of all students, I spearheaded work that created and expanded Advanced Placement supports (AP Bridge Courses, AP “Bootcamps,” and AP teacher-led study sessions), implemented school-wide Executive Functioning (EF) professional development for teachers and EF supports for students.”

As a new member of the school community, Holland indicated she has “a lot to learn and a lot to contribute.”

“The Lake Forest High School community has my unwavering commitment to fostering positive collaborative relationships, furthering the vision of excellence, and ensuring the needs of our students as my top priority,” she said.

Read the letter in its entirety on the Daily North Shore