Principal's Message
Hello Kingsley Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We are so grateful that we have an opportunity to serve our returning students, and we are even more excited to welcome our new students at Kingsley Elementary! The first day of the 2023-24 school year will begin Monday, August 14, 2023.
I am the principal of Kingsley Elementary, and my journey is deeply intertwined with the community of Pomona. Born and raised in Pomona, I had much of the same path as our students, attending Montview Elementary, Emerson Middle School, and eventually graduating from Pomona High School. After completing my higher education at Sacramento State, I made a conscious decision to return to Pomona and contribute to the development of my community.
My path in education began at San Antonio Elementary, where I spent nine years as a dedicated teacher. My passion for helping students led me to take on various roles, from being a Resource Teacher at Madison Elementary to serving as a Site Specialist at Kingsley. My commitment to fostering academic growth and creating a positive learning environment led me to the position of Assistant Principal at Simons Elementary. In 2019 I was honored to return to Kingsley Elementary, in the role of Principal.
We believe that a strong partnership between the school and parents is crucial for our students' success. We invite parents to become active participants in their children's education by volunteering their time and skills. Whether you are interested in joining the PTA, contributing as a part-time school volunteer, or taking on a more involved full-time volunteer role that requires fingerprinting, we encourage your engagement. Please visit our office for more information and to pick up applications. Together, we can create an enriching learning journey for our students and strengthen the bonds within our community.
I want to share our comprehensive goal that highlights our commitment to your child's overall development. Our mission at Kingsley Elementary is not only to provide quality education but also to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped for success. To achieve this, we want to focus on reading improvement through intervention, enhancing math proficiency, fostering social-emotional learning, and fostering active parent involvement.
- Reading Improvement through Intervention: We recognize the role of reading in shaping a student's educational journey. To ensure that each child reaches their full potential, we are implementing targeted reading interventions. By identifying students' unique needs and providing tailored support, we aim to bolster their reading skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities. Our dedicated educators will collaborate closely with our intervention teachers to create an inclusive environment that celebrates progress at every step.
- Enhancing Math Skills: Mathematics is a cornerstone of critical thinking and problem-solving. We are dedicated to equipping our students with strong math foundations. Our curriculum will emphasize conceptual understanding, application, and real-world application. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and differentiated instruction, we will empower students to become confident mathematicians, capable of tackling challenges with creativity and precision.
- Fostering Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Academic success goes hand in hand with emotional well-being. Our commitment to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) will help students develop essential life skills through our P.B.I.S. initiative that includes gratitude, respect, integrity and thinking skills. Our educators will integrate SEL into daily routines, providing opportunities for self-reflection, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. By nurturing their emotional intelligence, we are preparing our students to navigate both their academic and personal journeys with confidence and compassion.
- Active Parent Involvement: A child's education flourishes when there is a strong partnership between school and home. We wholeheartedly invite you, parents and guardians, to actively engage in your child's learning journey. Through our PTA events, regular communication, workshops, and events, we aim to create a collaborative community where your insights and involvement contribute to your child's success. Your support and guidance are invaluable in creating an environment where each student can thrive.
We look forward to working with you, in meetings where we can develop deeper relationships. The Kingsley Elementary campus is open from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. Please do not hesitate to call or email with questions or concerns. We will continue to communicate via Remind, All-calls, or the school website and marquee to keep you updated on the daily happenings of Kingsley Elementary and welcome your participation.
Sincerely,
Jose Balvanera
Principal Kingsley Elementary
