LH Band Family-

I am writing to inform you that I have resigned my position as Band Director at Lake Highlands Junior High for the 2020-2021 school year.

This decision has been incredibly difficult for me.  To put it frankly, it has felt impossible, particularly with very little concrete information; however given the current state of our world and the uncertainty surrounding what is to come with school/childcare, I have decided to take some time to stay home with Zoe while we wait it out together.

My time in LH and RISD has been so very rewarding. In the past 6 years, I have met some of the greatest people I will ever work with who will be life-long friends, and served a fantastic community of kids and parents.  I have poured my life and soul into the band program at LHJH and I want nothing more than to see it continue to thrive and excel in the future.  I will be available to help make the transition as smooth as possible for the new leader of this program, and I will be  in touch to keep tabs on my favorite Wildcats as they continue to achieve greatness not just in band, but in life.

Parents, I want to thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your kids’ lives.  I have learned so much from them that I will take with me into future roles after my hiatus as full-time mom. (Something, I admittedly never pictured for myself.  Global Pandemics have a way of making you have to go back on saying “never”).  As I mentioned before, I have struggled with this decision, but I ultimately have to do what is right for my family.   I know I will never regret the time with my daughter, but I will certainly miss all of the kids’ faces and getting to create music day in and day out.

Kids, I have no doubt that what we have built together will hold strong, because it has never been about the teacher in front of you.  Your successes are a direct result of your ability to work hard and allow yourself to be pushed.  If you find yourself needing a little extra push along the way, feel free to email me recordings, you know I’ll tell you like it is :).  Band makes you awesome if you let it, so let it.

Thank you again so much for everything,

Meghann Zenteno

Non- RISD email (since that one won’t exist much longer): meghannzenteno@gmail.com

Hello Wildcat band family,

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that I will not be returning to Lake Highlands this year. I have accepted a band director position at RL Turner High School in Carrollton.

I am very excited to start this chapter of my teaching career. I consider myself very lucky and grateful to have spent my first two years teaching with this band family. The memories I have made with the students and staff will be cherished and I will miss you. Seeing students throughout Lake Highlands grow from 6^th grade to the junior high and cheering on our high school Wildcats has been so rewarding the past two years. It is challenging to write this and to say goodbye to a community that has welcomed and supported me so much. I have learned so many lessons that have allowed me to grow alongside our students in LH and I will take those lessons with me. 

Looking forward, this upcoming year will be a new adventure for all of us and I do hope with that in mind that you all take care of one another. Be patient and willing to support your fellow bandmates and community. Music opens the doors to connection and compassion that can be shared with others, use it. Keep up the excellent work, I am proud of the students of LHJH and I am proud to have shared so much with you all.

Thank you Lake Highlands,

-Mr. Purvine