Principal

What is your education background?

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration and Supervision. I hold endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Ready Specialist K-12, English as a Second Language, and Structured English Immersion. I have worked in education over the past 22 years as a classroom teacher, Curriculum Specialist, Language Support Specialist, and an Administrator in both elementary and middle school capacities. This is my 11th year at Chaparral Elementary. 

What are some of your key priorities as principal?

To ensure high level of learning for ALL students. I work with my teach teams to ensure that every students feels loved, valued, emotionally safe, and physically safe while growing academically.

Is there a program or initiative at your school you are particularly proud of?

I am so proud that Chaparral is a Leader in Me school! We have been a LIM school for five years and we have worked hard to empower our students and staff to lead themselves. We believe that everyone has a genius and that everyone can be a leader.

What is your philosophy when it comes to working with parents and students?

Working as a team is very important to the success of all students. Through open communication and partnering, we can help every student reach their full potential.

How has the previous bond/override investments helped your school?

We are very thankful for the funding received from the previous bond/override. These funds have helped ensure that our school is well maintained and inviting for students, families, and staff. It has helped to provide upgrades to buildings and our playgrounds and has supported us in hiring quality support staff to better meet the needs of our students.

How do you emphasize character as part of the overall education being offered?

We are a proud Leader in Me school and absolutely believe that character is an important part of the overall education process. The Leader in Me is Franklin Covey's whole school transformation process. Through this process, we teach 21st century leadership and life skills to students and create a culture of student empowerment based on the belief that everyone has genius, and everyone can be a leader.

What is one thing that stands out to you about the Higley Unified School District?

Higley is home to some of the most passionate and hard-working teachers and Administrators I have known in my 22 years working in education. In addition, we are housed within a community of families who are very supportive of their child's school and parents who often go above and beyond to support in any way they can. Higley puts students first!

What is one thing you wish more members of the community knew about your school?

Chaparral is such a wonderful place for students to be. Our teachers, staff, and administration work hard to ensure that our students feel loved, valued, and safe. We set high learning expectations for ourselves and our students. We have such passionate and dedicated teachers and staff who work hard to make a difference in the lives of our students.

How has your school embraced Higley Unified Strategic Plan specifically the #higleyhelps challenge?

We work to ensure that we align our professional learning topics and school-wide goals with the strategic plan. It was so exciting to see the student presentations, last year, representing the strategic plan and how we "Chaparral" align to the plan. Our students consistently pointed out our Leader in Me process and the 8 Habits all align with the Strategic Plan.

We were excited to hear about the #Higleyhelps challenge because it aligns with:

1. Chaparral's mission of Empower. Connect. Impact
2. The LIM Framework of Leadership, Culture, and Academics
3. Our SIAP Goal, Principle 6: Family and Community Engagement

We look forward to showcasing what we currently have in place but also thinking outside the box for new ideas to help within our community.