Dear Parents/Guardians and Staff Members:

As we embark on this new year, I want to thank all of you for your commitment to one another and to our students. We will continue to face many challenges and hurdles. However, we will tackle and resolve these challenges with vigor, enthusiasm, creativity, and fearlessness. Each one of you has made and will continue to make a positive difference for someone else.

Last year was a year for reflection, especially about what matters most: treating everyone with respect and compassion; acting with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; taking time to appreciate one another and to build a stronger community; being open to perspectives that are not your own; and maintaining a laser-like focus on student outcomes.

I appreciate your ongoing commitment to education, learning, and well-being and to ensuring that equity is at the center of that commitment. Students and educators across the country need as much support as we can provide to make up for the learning loss, trauma, and scars that occurred last year—and most recently from last week’s attack on our nation’s capital. All of us need to “lean in” even more, with our collective sleeves rolled up for a year of absolute essential work. As educators, we do indeed make room for discussions that stem from our students’ questions, feelings, anxiety, and concerns—even while we grapple with our own disbelief at our nation’s divisions. Our District has provided its educators with strategies to explore events in a reasoned, civilized context that is in keeping with our nation’s core values. We will discuss issues in a responsible way that respects the diversity, views, and beliefs of all students.

As I reflect upon learnings from last year, I discovered my fundamental priority is the health and safety of our community, followed by ensuring that we continue to focus on our mission of providing an excellent learning environment for our students. All this while maintaining financial stability as good stewards of public funds. My commitment to each of you this year is to strengthen our community through better engagement and enhance our connections with heightened transparency and communication.  Be on the lookout for a survey from your school’s principal in regard to In-Person (Hybrid Model) and Distance Learning options. Click here for our most recent updates, including access to Frequently Asked Questions.

I embarked upon my 2021 journey with a realistic sense of optimism and opportunity. There is much to accomplish ahead. I am eager and honored to embrace these opportunities with all of you.

Warm regards,

Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D.
Superintendent