Holmes Middle School

We dare to empower the whole child to profoundly

impact our world.

Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent

Anthony Karr, Principal
Yann Ulrich, Asst. Principal
Alisa Snelson, Asst. Principal

May 18, 2020

To Whom it May Concern,

Please accept this Letter of Recommendation on behalf of Tessa O’Brian as a sign of my full confidence in her
ability to have an immediate impact on your school’s student support team. I have had the pleasure of working
with and supervising Tessa for the last two school years, and I can conclude that Tessa is mission-driven and
student-centered.

I have observed Tessa supporting our school and district mission by building effective relationships with
students, parents, and colleagues, and by building trust through listening and problem-solving. Tessa is able to
accomplish this tight-rope act by always presenting a calm and collected demeanor, and by maintaining a high-
degree of consistency with her decisions.

Tessa has also championed our school’s efforts to build a culture of inclusion. Holmes Middle School is
demographically diverse, and our diversity mirrors that of our surrounding community. Our students come from
different backgrounds and different neighborhoods and neighborhood elementary schools. For many, our school
is the first time they are exposed to peers with different background experiences and beliefs. Tessa has thrived
in helping students to realize the value of that experience through her conflict mediation process and passion for
providing tailored, individualized support.

I have been in public education for 18 years, and an administrator for 10. I know and understand the value of
having a strong, student-centered counseling team. Losing Tessa O’Brian is not only the loss of a quality
counselor, but also the loss of a school leader. Should you have any questions about my recommendation for
Tessa to become a counselor at your school, please do not hesitate to ask.

Best Regards,

Anthony Karr
Anthony Karr
Principal
Holmes Middle School

Oliver Wendell Holmes Middle School 2455 Mesa Road Colorado Springs, CO 80904-1898
Phone: 719-328-3800 Fax: 719-448-0358 www.holmes.d11.org