Dear Plavan Students and Families,

 

It is with great honor and excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the newly-appointed Principal of Plavan Elementary School.  Starting at Masuda Middle School, and most recently at James H. Cox Elementary, I have been an administrator with the Fountain Valley School District fr the past 13 years.

 

In addition to my role as a principal, I am first and foremost a husband and a father.  I have been happily married for 15 years to my wife Alice, and in September, my oldest daughter, Lauryn will start her freshman year in high school.  Rachel and Olivia, our identical twins, will start middle school in the 7th grade, and my youngest, Ryan, will enter 5th grade.

 

The 2020-21 school year will mark my 19th year in education.  I graduated from UCLA (Go BRUINS!!!), earned my Masters in Educational Leadership in 2008, and recently received my Doctoral degree in 2019 from Cal-State University Fullerton (Go TITANS!!!).  Though I deeply enjoyed my years as a classroom teacher, it is my current position as an elementary prinicpall where I am most fulfilled professionally.  The position provides the perfect opportunity to collaborate with passionate teachers and parents, and stay connected to the amazing student and families of the Fountain Valley community.

 

To the students of Plavan, I cannot wait to meet all of you!!!  Though we are starting the 2020-21 school year under unique circumstances, I know that the Plavan Panthers will thrive and find success.

 

To the parent of Plavan students, please know that Plavan Elementary is very special to me.  My very first experience as an acting principal was actually at Plavan Elementary School, when I had the privilege of serving as the interim principal for Mrs. Ballesteros many years ago.  It is truly a blessing where I get to come back and follow a colleague that is also a friend.  Her strength as a leader inspires me, and I look forward to continuing the warm and welcoming culture that she has helped establish here at Plavan.  Additionally, I know most of our staff her at Plavan.  I am deeply excited to work with such a warm, caring, and dedicated staff for many years to come!

 

For the 2020-21 school year, we are planning on opening in the Virtual model and moving to a Hybrid model as soon as State and County Officials deem it safe.  We have implemented a number of safeguards - from regular cleanings, health checks, masks, and special dividers, to keep students safe while at school.  Paired with our already superb teachers and staff, I know we will continue to offer students a wonderfully enriching and educational experience.  I, along with the entire staff, am eagerly looking forward to what is sure to be a remarkable year.

 

Warmly,

 

Principal

Plavan Elementary School