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Principal's Message

John Muir TK-8 Academy

August 2025

Dear John Muir TK-8 Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy, happy, and ready for a year filled with learning, growth, and achievement. On behalf of our dedicated teachers and staff, we look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

Maria Calimquim Yepez

At Muir, our mission is to educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement, enabling them to reach and expand their potential. We prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative, and compassionate members of society. Our vision supports and includes all members of the Muir community as we strive to create a collaborative, cohesive, and equitable environment, with shared responsibilities and consistent behavioral expectations.

In alignment with LBUSD’s commitment to equity and excellence, we are dedicated to providing inclusive learning opportunities and fostering a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where every student can thrive academically, personally, behaviorally, and socio-emotionally.

For many years, Muir’s motto has been “A Good Place to Grow.” This year, we are building on that strong foundation and moving from good to great, becoming John Muir TK-8 Academy, “A Great Place to Grow.” This shift reflects our shared commitment to excellence, intentional action, and the belief that our best work lies ahead.

As author Jim Collins writes in Good to Great, “Greatness… is a matter of conscious choice and discipline.” At Muir, this means choosing to collaborate deeply, innovate boldly, and keep our students at the heart of everything we do.

Muir is more than just where I lead… It's part of my life story. For our new families, I want to share that my connection runs deep. I began here in 1994 as a teacher’s aide, later taught Grades 4-5, and served in leadership roles, before becoming an administrator for the past 11 years. This is my 8th year as a principal in LBUSD and my 2nd year leading Muir. I was also a parent here.  My daughter attended middle school at Muir, so I know this community both as an educator and a family member.  Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching students grow into remarkable adults, and I’m humbled that some former students are now parents here. Together, with all our families, we will continue growing Muir from a good place to a truly great place to learn and thrive.

I want to recognize the incredible dedication of our teachers, whose hard work, expertise, and passion make Muir a place where students feel valued, challenged, and inspired. I am equally grateful for the vital role parents and guardians play in our school’s success. Your partnership ~ through volunteering, supporting learning at home, attending events, and staying engaged ~ has a lasting impact on student growth and achievement.

I am also excited to announce the official promotion of Mr. Brandon Kent, our Assistant Principal. Mr. Kent started mid-year last year and brought energy and experience to our leadership team.  I am proud to share that we have strengthened our culture of collaboration, centering student voices alongside high expectations for academics, safety, behavior, and joy in learning. Together we are committed to advancing the momentum we have built and serving our scholars and families with dedication and heart.

Please join me in welcoming our newest staff members:

  • Moreen Oca, TK Teacher
  • Paula Williams, 1st Grade Teacher
  • Ronald Siong, 2nd Grade Teacher
  • Erin Pacheco, Middle School Special Education Teacher
  • Kymia Jones, Middle School Science Teacher
  • Nakia Myles, Speech Pathologist
  • James Lucas, Plant Supervisor
  • Jorge Alvarez, Night Custodian
  • April Moore, Intermediate Office Assistant

Grade Level Changes

  • Elisa Turien, Literacy Specialist
  • Cheryl Abdelhadi, Intervention Specialist
  • Jenna Wolfson, Middle School Teacher

I am attaching important links with details and information for the start of the school year. Please be sure to read my August Principal Update for information about the First Day of School Assembly, gate assignments, as well as the first-week schedule.

As we step into this new school year, I do so with humility and excitement, knowing our strength lies in our collective effort.

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for joining us in the work of making Muir not just a good place, but truly A Great Place to Grow.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Signature

Maria Calimquim Yepez

Follow us on Instagram: @MuirLBUSD / @PrincipalYepez