Lakota Middle School

May 8, 2020

To Whom It May Concern,

James Allen once said, “The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for
good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.” Robert Daniel has considerable influence, and
thus effectiveness while he builds trust with families, students, and colleagues, resulting in an elevated and
inclusive social emotional and academic learning environment for ALL students. Furthermore, Robert encapsulates
what Toba Beta wrote, “A man of calm is like a shady tree. People who need shelter come to it.” As a
Communities In Schools Family Liaison and most recently, a Counselor Intern, students and staff alike seek shelter
in his calming and inviting presence to reflect, learn, grow, and regenerate. It is my belief that this distinct
characteristic combined with his excellence in the three domains of the ASCA Counseling model– Academic,
Career, and Social/Emotional will outshine any candidate applying for your open position.

When Robert commits to a task, I am at ease that the job will be done efficiently, and with significant thought. He
takes his contribution seriously while intuitively anticipating student and team needs. Robert has led our staff in
developing differentiated advisory lessons that incorporate a balanced menu of academic, career, and social
emotional learning. Additionally, he has led our Scholar Voice Collaborative, a group of historically underserved
students, leveraging student voice to improve the school operations. He infuses an unwavering lens of equity
throughout his work as he navigates to dismantle inequitable practices in our school system. I am confident he will
take this same approach working collaboratively with all constituents of the learning community.

Not only is Robert’s thinking extremely organized and clear, his ability to communicate thoughts, grounded in
data, are equally so. I have observed him in multiple settings ask thought-provoking questions that promote the
use of data to guide deeper reflection and growth. For example, whether it is reviewing Tier 2 interventions, or
analyzing correlated data including academic, PBIS, and perception survey data, Robert recognizes that everyone
has a zone of proximal learning and he will find that zone and nudge gently, honestly, and effectively towards
school improvement.

Robert leverages his leadership in ways that support all students, consistently practicing what he preaches to
ensure that everyone feels like they truly belong at school. In turn, adults follow suite in the wake of his
leadership. He is exceptionally keen on inclusive practices for students of color, students who have experienced
trauma, students with behavioral needs, as well as students who identify as LGBTQ+. In fact, Robert was
instrumental in developing our robust Gay Straight Alliance Club as well as our LGBTQ+ parent support group in
partnership with a local church. He thinks outside the box on how to best engage and empower all students.

In summary, Robert Daniel has gifts in listening, learning, and leading. He will make an exceptional counselor. In
fact, I contend that ALL members of the learning community, namely the ones that matter most, the students, will
benefit from Robert serving in such a role. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Sincerely,

Angela Williamson
Principal
La k ota M i ddl e S ch o o l | H om e o f th e Fal c on s
1415 SW 314th St. Federal Way, WA 98023 | (253) 945-4800 | (253) 945-4848 | www.fwps.org
 Lakota Middle School

La k ota M i ddl e S ch o o l | H om e o f th e Fal c on s

1415 SW 314th St. Federal Way, WA 98023 | (253) 945-4800 | (253) 945-4848 | www.fwps.org