Dear Students and Families,

It is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year! I am honored to have the opportunity to be a Zanker Jaguar and serve you and our community!

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, sports and STEM.

I am sad to share the news that Mr. Soria will not be continuing as our Assistant Principal this year, but am excited that he will be moving on to the next chapter in his professional journey. Mr. Soria is going to be the principal of Audubon Elementary in San Mateo. We will definitely miss him and wish him only the best in his future endeavors.

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 conducts fundraisers and organizes multiple diverse community events throughout the school year that enrich our students’ educational experience. We hope you can join us at our next PTA meeting in September. We’d love to see you there!

I look forward to our learning journey this school year. Remember that you are a valued partner in your student's learning experience. Please feel free to contact me at smia-ramzan@musd.org if you have any questions or suggestions. I know that the 2019-2020 school year is going to be amazing!

Warm regards,

Shangrila Mia-Ramzan

Principal