Principal's Message

 August 2012
Dear Foothill Families,
It’s hard to believe that August is upon us and, yes, it is that time again for the welcome back letter. I hope you are still having a wonderful and relaxing summer. I had a great break and look forward to the start of a fresh year.

As you and I continue our journey this year you will see some new faces at Foothill. With the retirement of Mike Mattos, we have David Roe joining us in the Vice Principal position. Dave comes from Sequoia Middle School where he has been an administrator for over six years. Previously he taught history for a combined total of 15 years at Clayton Valley High School and Pine Hollow Middle School. Dave looks forward to working with the entire school community to continue Foothill’s long tradition of academic success. You might want to catch one of his infamous “Coffee with Dave” morning gatherings coming to you this fall. Dave will be overseeing the 6th grade.

Also joining us is Theodora Pappas in the Student Services Coordinator (SSC) position. Theo is very excited to join the team here at Foothill and get to know students, staff, and families.  Last year she worked between Pine Hollow and Riverview Middle Schools as a SSC and previously she was a middle school Assistant Principal in San Ramon. Before beginning her administrative career, Theo taught high school government, economics, and world history. Theo spent her summer in Greece and is a life time resident of Berkeley. She will be overseeing the 7th grade.

I spent my summer enjoying travel, family, friends, and water skiing along with joining the staff for some excellent professional development. Good news to all you 8th graders (lol), I will be overseeing 8th grade this year and I seriously look forward to 100% of our 8th grade students successfully promoting to High School next year!

We also have several new members joining our teaching staff including: Corrie Garner, 8th Grade Science/P.E.; Helena Lamb, 8th Grade Core/Reading; Sarah Perez, 6th/7th Grade Science; Jennifer Corning, SDC/Autism; and a Spanish 1B teacher to be announced.

Many members of our staff have participated in some excellent professional development over the summer that will bring innovation and inspiration to our classrooms. Joining with the experience and success that is known at Foothill, it promises to be a remarkable year.

Please remember that all students must show proof of having received the DTap/Whooping Cough Vaccine by the start of the school year. You can provide documentation to the main office or by bringing it to Walk Through. Some important dates to remember in August include:

• Walk Through, August 22 (11:00 – 5:30)
• Camp Griffin, August 23 (9 to Noon)
• Students Return, August 30 (Wednesday Schedule, 8:12 – 1:36)

As we embark on the new school year together there are many high expectations for ourselves and your children. We look forward to offering an engaging and successful experience for all Foothill students in 2012-2013 and beyond.
Sincerely,

April Bush
(925) 939-8600, ext. 5700
bushaa@mdusd.org