Principal's Message
John Muir TK-8 Academy
August 2026
Dear John Muir TK-8 Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 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, at 9:00 a.m. We invite families to join us in the quad for our First Day of School Welcome Back Assembly, where students will meet their teachers and gather with their classes.
To our new families, I’d like to share that my connection to Muir goes back many years as an educator, a Muir parent, and now as principal. As I begin my 9th year as a principal and 32nd year in LBUSD, I’m proud to lead a school and community that has been such an important part of my life. Muir truly is home. I’m grateful to continue working alongside our Assistant Principal, Mr. Kent, and our counselor, Mrs. Colino, whose leadership, care for our students, and commitment to our families help guide our work each day.
What makes Muir A Great Place to Grow is the people who show up each day for our students. Our teachers and staff bring their knowledge, creativity, care, and commitment to their work, creating classrooms and spaces where students are engaged, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Our families are an important part of this work. Your trust, partnership, and involvement strengthen our school and remind our students that we are all working together for their success. Whether you are connecting with a teacher, joining us at an event, volunteering, or supporting your child at home, your presence matters. It truly takes all of us.
Please join me in welcoming our newest staff members:
- Nanny Nguyen, K-1 MM Teacher
- Terri Mostert, RSP Teacher
- Marlee Aguirre, RSP Itinerant Teacher (.50 FTE)
- Tiffani Rollins, Middle School Science Teacher
- Chris DeLa Garza, Middle School ELA Teacher
- Robb Rugeroni, Teacher Librarian
- Meghann Stanford, Speech Pathologist
- Khanarra Tep, Long Term Sub EL TOSA
- Jose Aguilar, Plant Supervisor
- Brechael Walker, Psychologist
- Veronica Sandoval, Social Worker (Wed - Thur & every other Friday)
- Michelle Smirnoff, Choral Teacher (.50 FTE)
- Sor Chan Threa, CDC Partner Teacher
- Lisa Archie, Health Assistant (part-time)
Other Staffing Updates / GL Changes
- Moreen Oca, TK Teacher | Dr. ThuyVi Nguyen, RSP | Bradford Waterman, Grade 4
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,
Maria Calimquim Yepez
Follow us on Instagram: @MuirLBUSD / @PrincipalYepez