Dear Students and Families,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the 2018-2019 school year! I am honored to have the opportunity to be a Zanker Jaguar and serve you and our community. This is my 18th year in education. I previously taught elementary school for 13 years in Southern California and the Bay Area, prior to becoming an instructional coach and school administrator.

Zanker is an amazing place where every student is challenged to be the best version of themselves. At Zanker, teachers, administration and support staff see each child as a shining star. I look forward to meeting you all and sharing all of the wonderful academic and extracurricular endeavors that your students will be engaging in this school year.

Our school is a learning community where all students are empowered to have voice and choice in their learning experience. Our school model will include integrated learning communities where students will receive instruction in diverse ways, including the use of technology as well as direct teacher instruction. Students will also be able to work towards mastery of grade level standards aligned to the Common Core through project-based tasks. All lessons will integrate 21st century skills necessary to be successful. A focus on communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking will prepare our students for their future in college and career. As a school team, we will continue to nurture healthy social lives and positive self-image through our work with character building and positive behavior strategies. We will also continue to provide academic interventions for those students needing additional support beyond the regular class day, as well as offer enrichment opportunities in art and music.

At Zanker Elementary, we are very fortunate to have a Parent Teacher Association whose dedication and support is an integral part of why Zanker students succeed. Please consider joining our PTA. This team of dynamic individuals puts on fundraisers and runs support programs throughout the school year that enrich our students’ educational experience. I am especially thrilled to share that this year, we will be utilizing the support and collaboration of room parents. If you are interested in being a room parent, or would like to learn a little bit more about the role, please email me at smia-ramzan@musd.org and/or join us at our next PTA meeting in September. We’d love to see you there!

I look forward to beginning this new journey with you all. Please feel free to contact me at smia-ramzan@musd.org if you have any questions or suggestions. I know that the 2018-2019 school year is going to be amazing!

Warm regards,

Shangrila Mia-Ramzan

Principal