After teaching children for over thirty years, I became a Principal. Many friends and colleagues were surprised that I chose a new path. They often asked,"... but won't you miss the children?" There was no need to be concerned! I have the ultimate opportunity to be with children every day! Better yet, I lead and create the vision for what and how they learn. This gives me a great sense of deep joy. But make no mistake, I know your child's education is serious business.
    Here at Our Lady of Guadalupe School we are, first and foremost, a Catholic community of faith. We operate under the authority of the Diocese of Orange and Bishop Brown. We plan Religion classes using the 2011 published standards from the Diocesan Office of Faith Formation.
    Our academic programs are Standards based and in keeping with all Diocesan guidelines. Teachers are now studying the California Common Core Standards in alignment with the new National Standards. These curriculum expectations are rigorous and move all students toward "college and career readiness." In addition, we embrace the whole child as a unique creation of God. Our Lady of Guadalupe has an Inclusion Program with Student Support Services for teachers and students. This allows us to address any needs that a particular child may have. We pace and map our goals and disaggregate all standardized test results to address areas for curricular growth. Algebra One and elective programs offer older students the chance to gain skills for accelerated placement in High School! P.E., Music, Technology and Art Masters touch the body and soul of all of our students. They help make OLG graduates well accepted at all local high schools.
    I never stop teaching and learning. Each day, I teach teachers, help students, and guide parents. My job is truly a call and a gift!

Way back in the 1970's, I was a young woman selecting from the many choices available to recent graduates of university teaching programs. Where did I want to work as a young teacher and why? My own education included twelve years of Catholic School, so that enviornment seemed like a second home. Having an opportunity to pray and emulate the many good Sisters and lay teachers that I had experienced was alluring. The salary, however, was not. By fate and God's will, I made the better choice for my life. I have never had regrets...
    Catholic school communities embrace the whole child as a unique creation of God. All of the bells and whistles of techno campuses cannot begin to compete with the power of grace and the Holy Eucharist. Today's Catholic Schools have highly qualified staff who are devoted to God and to challenging curriculum. The other key component to our success - and my happy choice - is supportive parents. Over the years I have met exceptional people who are willing to make great sacrifices. Catholic school parents value their faith and their children so very much. These committed parents want the best for their children and will do whatever it takes. 
    A qualified and nurturing faculty + dedicated and caring parents + a faith based environment = a recipe for successful students.
    I know that I made the right choice in my career, my ministry, and my life! My adult children attended OLG and now my grandchildren do too. Their smiling faces and simple faith are all of the evidence I need.

I pray that this Advent season and the coming Christmas Day bring you all great joy and lasting peace. The hope of our salvation becomes manifest in the birth of an infant destined to be a king. May we share this great story with our loved ones as a sign of our faith and our commitment to celebrate the real reason for this season.  I wish each of you warmth and Christmas blessings that last well into 2012! And speaking of the coming year… how did that happen so very fast? Before that midnight ball drops in Times Square, I want to thank you for sharing the Viking successes of 2011. Among our school achievements in the last twelve months are:«  Enhanced opportunities for a strong Catholic Identity through weekly Masses, visits from our Priests, sacramental opportunities, and strong service projects throughout the year

«  Faculty development focused on the new Common Core Standards, Curricular Mapping, and the Diocesan Faith Formation Standards

«  Three student restrooms completely renovated and upgraded through grants and creative financial management (fourth restroom will soon be completed!)

«  Standardized testing scores (ITBS) that reflect our graduates, as a group,  well above grade level in all core subjects

«  Members of the Class of 2011 were readily accepted into their high schools of first choice – many in honors, I.B., and Heritage programs!

«  Junior High students selected to serve as representatives on the La Habra City Youth Council.

«  A newly invigorated Student Council structure, including grade 3-8 class representatives.

«  Continued success and growth in our Athletic Programs including a championship softball season and trophies in varsity and junior varsity flag football

«  Parent volunteer development of our field areas and Softball “Stadium”

«  A spectacular Patriotic Concert with Grandparents Day last Spring

«  An amazing Christmas Program attended by over 800 happy relatives and friends

«  Completion and commendation on our Catholic School Management consultation and planning

«  A new structure and program for our Extended Care Program – Vikings Kingdom. The 70th student just enrolled in this well-received and attractive program

«  The purchase of Acer Netbooks for all faculty,  facilitating efficient  parent communication and updated classroom instruction

«  Wireless connectivity throughout the school grounds and beyond

«  A Junior High elective program including student leadership on the annual Yearbook, a new OLG Newspaper, basic conversational Spanish, and Speech and Verbal Interpretation

«  Continued commitment to co-curricular areas of Music, Physical Education, Art, and Technology

«  A Student Support Program addressing those students with special  needs

«  A successful Annual Fund Drive and Alumni Contact

«  Innovation in our Parents Association with expanded fundraising including a highly beneficial La Fiesta effort     ----     AND EVEN MORE THAN LISTED HERE!