Dear De Anza Community,

Welcome to a new and exciting school year!  It is both an honor and a profound privilege to introduce myself as the new principal of De Anza Middle School.  I am thrilled to be joining this exceptional learning community, and I come to you not as a stranger but as a familiar face from within the Ontario-Montclair School District, having previously served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal.  That experience has only deepened my belief in the incredible potential of every student in our district and my commitment to seeing them succeed. 

My core belief is simple: every student can achieve at high levels.  Our mission at De Anza Middle School is to nurture that potential and provide each child with the academic foundation, critical thinking skills, and character needed to thrive in high school, college, career, and beyond. We are dedicated to preparing every student for a bright and successful future, no matter which path they choose after their time with us.  

I am honored to lead De Anza Middle School and build upon its distinguished legacy, including its recognition as a School to Watch, an AVID Site of Distinction, and its Project-Based Learning model.  Together, we will build upon this strong foundation.  To ensure our school remains a place where students feel empowered to learn and grow, we are committed to sustaining a safe, supportive, and positive environment for all.  We achieve this through our school-wide PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework, which establishes clear expectations for our school community.  We ask every student and staff member to commit to being Safe, Respectful, Responsible, and a person of Integrity. 

We believe that partnership is key to student success.  Our doors are always open to parents, guardians, and community members.  Your involvement is not just welcome; it is essential.  I encourage you to stay connected, communicate with our teachers, and join us in celebrating your child's achievements.

I leave you with a quote that guides my work every day: "Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way." - George Evans.  This reminds us of our responsibility to meet students where they are and help them grow in their own unique way. I am looking forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth. 

Sincerely,

Alissa Garcia - De Anza Middle School Principal