Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
It is my pleasure to introduce myself to you as your new principal of Arcade Fundamental Middle School. I could not be more excited to join such a wonderful community and school. Arcade’s rich tradition and continued scholarly success inspired me to transition from Vice Principal at Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy to Principal of Arcade Fundamental Middle School. This school year will be my 10th year in the San Juan Unified School District. I have taught, coached, and been a site administrator at both the elementary and middle school levels. Over the past three years at Jonas Salk High-Tech Academy I have been developing and creating a 1 to 1 laptop program (each student had their very own MacBook computer) with a focus on 21st century learning skills. I am very excited to bring my experiences and background to Arcade’s community.
I believe my role as Principal centers on instructional leadership. I have set aside two full days a week to be in the classroom with our students and teachers. I see my role as one of creating process within the school to allow all stakeholders to collaborate, develop, and create goals to work toward. This summer the Leadership Team and staff have been working hard to create a professional development plan focusing on instructional rigor. There are numerous ways to develop a student work ethic that values intellectual challenge. The Arcade staff is committed to developing a classroom culture that celebrates rigor and challenges each and every student to go beyond the state standards. It is important that Arcade continues to promote scholarly achievement as well as opportunities for social, emotional, and physical growth.
We are going to have a fabulous year at Arcade. I am committed to building open and trusting relationships with students, staff, parents, guardians, and community members. Together we make a powerful team that can take on the challenges of the 21st century. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at the upcoming student orientations. Please consider this letter as my first invitation to come by my office and say “Hello.”
Sincerely,
Gabriel Cooper
