Principal's Message

Dear Adams Families,

Welcome to another exciting school year at Adams Elementary! As we begin the 2026–27 school year, I am filled with optimism and excitement for all that lies ahead. This promises to be a year of innovation, exploration, and meaningful learning as we continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for every Adams All-Star.

Our school has much to celebrate. In 2025, Adams Elementary was honored as a California Distinguished School, recognizing the outstanding academic growth of our students, the dedication of our exceptional staff, and the strong partnerships we have built with our families and community. This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

This past year brought even more exciting news. Adams Elementary was named a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for 2026, recognizing our outstanding commitment to STEM education and providing students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to become the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow. We are especially proud that our STEM teacher, Kathleen Harmon, was recognized as the California C-STEM Teacher of the Year, an incredible honor that reflects her passion, creativity, and dedication to inspiring our students every day.

While we are proud of these accomplishments, we are even more excited about where we are headed. This year marks the beginning of several new initiatives that will continue to expand opportunities for our students. As our school evolves, you will notice an increased emphasis on global perspectives, international-mindedness, inquiry, collaboration, and developing the skills students need to thrive in an increasingly connected world. These exciting endeavors will build upon the strong academic foundation that has made Adams such a special place to learn.

At Adams Elementary, we believe in educating the whole child. Along with rigorous academics, we provide enriching opportunities in STEM, the arts, leadership, physical wellness, and character development. Our goal is for every student to feel challenged, supported, and inspired while developing the confidence and compassion needed to make a positive difference in their community.

As your principal, I feel incredibly fortunate to serve such a caring and dedicated school community. Our talented teachers and staff work tirelessly to create engaging learning experiences while fostering a warm, welcoming environment where every child is known, valued, and celebrated. The partnership we share with our families is one of our greatest strengths, and together we create the supportive environment our students need to succeed.

With more than 25 years in education—as a science and AVID teacher, assistant principal at both the middle and high school levels, K–8 principal, and executive director overseeing schools—I remain deeply passionate about instructional excellence and creating opportunities for every student to reach their fullest potential. It is an honor to serve the students, families, and staff of Adams Elementary and the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such an important part of our Adams family. I encourage you to stay connected, get involved, and share your ideas throughout the year. Together, we will continue to make Adams Elementary a place where every child can learn, grow, and shine.

I hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with rest, laughter, and time with loved ones. We cannot wait to welcome our All-Stars back for what promises to be an extraordinary school year. Here's to another year of learning, growing, and reaching for the stars—together!

Principal
Adams Elementary School