Los Perales Elementary

Dear Los Perales Community,

 

It is my sincere pleasure to be a part of this great school community as the Principal of Los Perales Elementary School. Before coming to Los Perales, I worked as an elementary school administrator in Oakland for four years, taught as an elementary school teacher for fourteen years, and worked in collaboration with many organizations to improve equity in education. Acting to change educational outcomes, and supporting schools to realize their full potential, is what wakes me with a smile each day.

 

I am so excited and honored that my long career in education has brought me to Los Perales Elementary School; a community that is committed to helping each child flourish both academically and as citizens of the world. The shift to Common Core Standards has profoundly increased the rigor, and deep thinking demanded from our students. Beginning in kindergarten, students are learning the skills necessary to succeed in the twenty-first century: thinking deeply and critically, and exploring the why behind the what. Beyond academics, Los Perales believes in educating the whole child. In fact, these socio-emotional competencies are integral to access the curriculum fully. The type of deep learning we expect from our scholars cannot happen without taking risks, trying new things and celebrating mistakes. Together we will continue to work tirelessly to create classroom and school communities where every student feels welcomed, included, and successful.

 

None of Los Perales’s continued success would be possible without the tremendous partnership between faculty and families. We rely on our families to support our educational program in so many ways: volunteering in the classroom, serving as leaders on the PTA, and assisting with special events. We know that children learn best when their families are involved and will continue to prioritize building strong partnerships.

 

I am truly grateful to be the principal of Los Perales Elementary School. I look forward to deepening my relationships with the dedicated and talented staff, enthusiastic and engaged students, and wonderfully supportive families that make Los Perales a community school where every child can and will succeed. While I believe that it is important to spend a significant amount of my time in the classrooms supporting students and teachers, I am always open to meeting with you and hearing your ideas and concerns. I am confident that this will be an enriching and exciting school year for all of us.

 

In partnership,

 

Stephanie Richards