Principal's Message

Message from the Principal

Welcome to Monte Vista Elementary School.

It is both an honor and a privilege to join this remarkable community as your new principal. I am excited to begin this journey with our students, families, staff, and community partners. While I bring my own experiences as an educator and school leader, I also recognize that every school has its own story. My first responsibility will always be to listen, learn, and understand the strengths, traditions, and aspirations that make Monte Vista unique.

I believe that exceptional schools are built through trust, strong relationships, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement. The Monte Vista community has much to celebrate, including dedicated educators, supportive families, and students with tremendous potential. At the same time, as a District we have identified clear opportunities to strengthen academic achievement while continuing to improve school connectedness and belonging. These priorities will guide our work together.

Every successful partnership begins with a promise. As I join the Monte Vista family, I aim to make a PACT with our community. This PACT represents the commitments that will guide my leadership and our collective work on behalf of every student.

P – Professional Excellence
I promise to invest in our greatest resource, our people.

Outstanding schools are built by an outstanding workforce made up of both certificated and classified employees who together provide transformative experiences for our students and their families. Together, we will strengthen collaboration, develop leadership at every level, and build a culture of continuous learning where adults grow alongside students. We will use data thoughtfully, learn from one another, and continually refine our instructional practices so that every classroom reflects excellence. Data tells a story. Our job is not to look for someone to blame, but to discover what that story teaches us. Data is not a report card. It is a roadmap, helping us identify effective practices, recognize success, and focus our efforts where they will make the greatest difference. Data is not about judgment. It is about discovery.

A – Academic Excellence
I promise that student learning will remain at the center of every decision we make.

One of the clearest priorities will be strengthening literacy. Literacy is far more than learning to read. It is the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, and access every other area of learning. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the foundation upon which future success is built.

Our work will focus on providing strong, research-based instruction for every student while ensuring timely intervention for those who need additional support. We will strengthen Tier I instruction across every classroom, intentionally develop academic language, and provide equitable learning opportunities for English Learners, Students with Disabilities, and every child we serve.

Literacy will not belong to one classroom or one grade level. It will become a shared commitment embraced across every subject, every classroom, and every interaction with students. Together, we will help every child become a confident reader, thoughtful writer, effective communicator, and lifelong learner.

C – Culture of Belonging
I promise to cultivate a school where every student, family, and staff member feels welcomed, valued, respected, and connected.

Students achieve at higher levels when they know they belong. We will continue strengthening a positive school culture through meaningful relationships, restorative practices, positive behavior supports, and a shared commitment to ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and supported. 

Our goal is not simply to improve behavior, but to build a community where students feel connected to school, engaged in learning, and confident that adults care deeply about their success. This commitment reflects Monte Vista's emphasis on improving attendance, reducing disproportionality, strengthening Tier I behavioral supports, and expanding meaningful family engagement.

T – Together
I promise to lead through partnership.

Families are a child's first teachers, and lasting success is built when schools and families work together. I am committed to maintaining open communication, listening carefully, seeking input, and working collaboratively with our staff, families, School Site Council, ELAC, community partners, and students. Together, we will celebrate successes, address challenges honestly, and continuously improve on behalf of every child. This collaborative improvement process is central to Monte Vista's planning and decision making.

As I begin my time at Monte Vista, I do so with optimism, humility, and great purpose. I look forward to visiting classrooms, meeting families, celebrating our students' accomplishments, and learning from the dedicated educators and staff who serve this community each day.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Monte Vista family. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as your principal, and I look forward to the work we will accomplish together as we ensure every student is known, challenged, supported, and inspired to succeed.

With appreciation,

Jose Miguel Kubes
Principal