Dear Steele Elementary Parents/Guardians,

It is with great honor and privilege that I undertake the role of principal at Steele Elementary School. Throughout my career, I have cultivated a deep passion for empowering and supporting young individuals, and I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. With over two decades of experience in the field of education, ranging from being a Classroom Teacher to a Special Needs Administrator, Assistant Principal and now Principal, I am truly humbled to be a part of such a diverse and robust community.

Our mission is to “empower scholars to engage in a rigorous and culturally responsive learning experience while undergoing joy and corresponding to high expectations.” As a direct result of our mission we are invested in providing each and every child with the highest quality education so that each student will graduate with the skills needed to be the change agents of the future. I am grounded in the proverbial saying that "it takes a village to raise a child," and we are truly a village with teachers, parents, and other community members building and empowering our students to attain optimal success. As educators, we hold an acute responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity to invoke lifelong learning. We must support our students holistically with a laser focus on student’s academic, behavioral, and social emotional needs. Our focus this year will be to have student’s access grade level resources, engage in rigorous but rewarding tasks, affirm how they impact their own learning and meaningfully apply knowledge that informs and propels their world.

As the principal, my allegiance is to keep what is best for our students at the forefront of every decision we make as a school. We will educate and prompt curiosity, problem-solving, and a life-long love of learning and service to community and others. We will promote a growth mindset and GRIT so that all students will learn to confront challenges with confidence and resilience. Above all, every child will be valued and loved at Steele Elementary School.

I am sure that we will have an amazing year! Let’s go Cougars!

With immense pride,

Frances Echevarria, Principal