Dear Principal/School Leader,

"It takes a whole village to raise a child." How true. how true. As the world continues to shrink due to the acceleration of modern technology, the basic transaction of speaking to a neighbor is becoming rare. While we have reaped the benefits of technology and innovation, the thread of relationships appears to be growing thinner every year. The neighborhood in America was once a hub of interactions. Neighbors sharing recipes, caring for the sick and elderly, watching each other's property, passing out praise, and; if necessary, chiding each other's children. These interactions seemed to be expected neighborly duties. They were the things that village members did willingly. And, the relationship with school was usually an extension of the village. The school was considered a member of the village.

In the midst of all of this community activity were the innumerable hopes that parents and others held for children. There was fresh idealism and optimism, and hopefulness that children held for their future. Certainly I recall how often my mother and father expressed their hopes for me. They believed that my education would allow me to do great things. They gave me roots and wings. I gave them hope. I remember looking at the stars at night and turning the pages of my new Encyclopedia Britannica's with dreams of visiting faraway lands and being a service to mankind. Undoubtedly you may have your own memories of how the faith and determination of family, friends and neighbors helped you to achieve your dream of success. And we know for sure that the families of our students hold fervent hope that their children's futures will be bright.

As school leaders we also experience our greatest excitement when we see children taking hold of their dreams. And finally, we also know that education is at its best when we have a working partnership with our families and community members in the service of student achievement.

The 13th annual ATLAS Learning Communities Principals' Institute is proud to announce this year's theme: The Principal as Village Builder: Connecting Parent Hopes and Student Dreams. You will be challenged to respond to these questions: · What will it take to build a village that connects parent hopes and student dreams? · What role must I undertake? · And, what do I need to be successful in the role?

The 2008 Institute will continue to build upon the successful legacy of past institutes. We will be at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay in Tampa, FL, March 26-28, 2008. As a participant you can expect to be challenged. You can expect to enjoy your learning experience in friendly confines. There will be time to think, do, reflect and relax.

A new element is also being added this year. We are seeking creative village building models. If you have a program that successfully engages parents, community and school personnel in the act of connecting parent hopes and student dreams, we want to learn about it. All promising practices will be formatted, bound, and given to every person attending this year's institute. We will give special recognition to the three that model the mantra, "It takes a village to raise a child". Please see the attached RFP.

Registration begins immediately. I urge you to go to our website, www.atlascommunities.org for details. If you have any questions do not hesitate to email Shana Scollo at sscollo@atlascommunities.org or Ron Walker at rwalker@atlascommunities.org. This is a very important institute designed to address a critically important subject.

See you in Tampa!
Ron