Principal's ALL CALL message

Our Mission: "To educate our students in a  safe and challenging learning environment to become life-long learners who will be resourceful, responsible, and compassionate community members"

What a great six years we have had since the opening of Carmel Valley in September of 1999! 

As I begin my retirement, I take with me many wonderful memories of my years here, as well as a feeling of profound appreciation for what we have been able to accomplish together. That we opened the school under challenging conditions allowed us to respond with a degree of creativity, flexibility, and resilience that created a belief that there is absolutely nothing we can’t do! A supportive environment, rigorous academics, and a focus on the performing arts are the hallmarks of CVMS. Even as we grow, we strive to be a school where every student can make a positive connection. Even though we have one of the highest API scores in the county, we are committed to providing support so that every Carmel Valley student can achieve at the highest level possible. And even though we work hard, we always make time for fun, because what great middle school would be without it!? 

The secret of Carmel Valley’s success is an incredible team working together to make this a great place for kids. I cannot give enough thanks to the professional, dedicated, compassionate faculty who connect daily with each of your children in the classroom and on campus. The support staff, whose job it is to keep the school running, is also committed to knowing and helping students. I want to give special recognition to the Site Leadership Team who has worked so closely with me to accomplish our goals: Sandra Madrigal, school secretary; Michael Grove and Desiree Manuel, assistant principals; Angie Miranda and Toni Zurcher, counselors; Mary Freeman, library media specialist; and Tom Lockhart, ASB advisor. And lastly, huge thanks go to our parents and community who support all of us in providing an environment where students can learn, create and grow. 

As a child I knew that I wanted to be either a cowgirl movie star or a teacher. Fortunately for me, there was no room in Hollywood because I cannot imagine a more rewarding or happy place to be than working with students and teachers at a middle school. I have had an incredible time!  It has been a privilege to be able to influence so many young lives and to support those who make a difference every day in the classroom. Those of us in education truly have the greatest job in the world. 

As I head for my new home in Washington, I will carry wonderful memories of the years spent in the San Dieguito Union High School district at Oak Crest and Diegueno Middle Schools and most especially here at CVMS. Congratulations to Michael Grove, the new principal, who has been part of our success and who will continue the school’s tradition of excellence. Carmel Valley remains in good hands, and the Bobcat “can do” attitude will continue to find a way to meet every challenge and embrace every opportunity that the future brings.

   
              Thank you for everything, especially for sending us such great kids.  
 
    

Click here for STAR Results. Individual student scores for SDUHSD were sent to students' homes in August.