To the Editor:
I want to congratulate the Gazette Packet on the excellent article on Patricia Zissio, the retiring Lyles-Crouch (LCTA) principal. She is indeed a wonderful person and an extremely talented educational leader. Both of my daughters (now 25 and 27 years old) went to LCTA from first through fifth grade and received wonderful educations.
One event that Dr. Zissios held that epitomizes how she always went the extra mile was when she invited the graduating high school seniors who had graduated from LCTA back for a celebration (with cake) and an assembly, where they acted as living proof to the current LCTA students of the success of an ACPS education. Each graduating senior related their post-graduation plans (e.g., the fire academy, a college, the military, etc.). It was a very powerful experience for both the current LCTA students and the graduating seniors.
I do have one quibble with the article though. LCTA was not a "failing school" as your article states. It was a school already on an upward trajectory. Lucretia Jackson was the principal before Dr. Zissios. She was also a beloved figure in the LCTA community. Ms. Jackson was moved by ACPS Central Office staff to what was then Maury Elementary School (now Naomi L. Brooks Elementary). Ms. Jackson was moved to save that at-risk school because she had done such a good job at LCTA.
There is no question that we were extremely lucky to get Dr. Zissios as the replacement for Ms. Jackson. Dr Zissios's leadership ensured the continued success and upward trajectory of LCTA. There is no need to rewrite history to properly celebrate Dr. Zissios.
Louisa Miller
Alexandria