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Principal's Message

Mrs. Yepez

Dear John Muir TK-8 Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2024 - 2025 school year!  I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy, happy, and safe!  

It is with great humility and gratitude that I step into the role of principal at John Muir TK-8 Academy, a school that holds a special place in my heart. As a former teacher and someone who has served in various capacities within this community, I am deeply honored to have this opportunity to lead.  I am immensely thankful to the mentors and Muir teachers (current and retired) who have helped shape me into the leader I am today. Together, we have grown alongside our students, inspiring them to reach their full potential and become the best versions of themselves. 

This homecoming is sweet, having been raised in this very west Long Beach after immigrating from the Philippines. My adventures at Muir began in 1994 as a teacher’s aide for four years. Then, I was hired as a fifth grade teacher, served as 4th grade teacher (4 years), Reading First Coach (4 years), Title 1 Program Facilitator (3 years), Intervention Specialist (1 year), and 4th grade Multiage Teacher (3 years) before becoming an administrator.  These roles gave me the opportunity to grow as a reflective collaborator and an effective leader to serve at Bret Harte Elementary School as Assistant Principal for 4 years and as MacArthur Elementary School Principal for the last 6 years.    

Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact we can make on the lives of our students. It fills me with pride to see former students, now adults with families of their own, making meaningful contributions to the world. Change may be daunting, but I am genuinely excited for the new opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead.

As principal, I am committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, where every voice, especially our students, is valued and heard. Together, we will ensure that Muir remains dedicated to the core values of LBUSD, with a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence. With ten years of experience as an administrator, I am eager to bring my knowledge and passion to this role. However, I recognize that true success lies in our collective efforts and genuine partnership within our school community.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their child’s education, and I invite you to continue partnering with us on this journey. Your support and involvement are invaluable as we work together to nurture and empower our students.  As we embark on this new chapter together, let us approach it with warmth, humility, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Muir is not just a school; it is a community built on love, care, and a shared commitment to educational excellence.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Jennifer Kolb, our new assistant principal.  Dr. Kolb is an experienced administrator who spent time at Mann ES, Franklin MS, Barton ES, Robinson K-8, Jefferson MS, and Tincher K-8.  Together, we are committed to ensuring we have a seamless transition into the new school year and we're looking forward to meeting you all.  

I would also like to introduce the new staff members joining us this fall.  

  • Zoe Kingsbury, Art Teacher

  • Erica Kelly, 8th grade Science Teacher

  • Sonya Vartanian Flores, 7-8 Health / Science Teacher

  • Maria Nevarez, Office Supervisor

  • Providence Riggs, Social Worker

  • Clinton Toledo, NonCat Grades 6-8 Teacher

  • Iris Salmeron, TK Teacher

  • Elisa Turien, 1st grade Teacher (Job Share)

LBUSD's Annual Student Verification Link in PVUe/ Update Emergency Cards

To ensure we have your updated contacts, please verify your student and family information and emergency contacts on ParentVue using the link provided to families from LBUSD. Here are directions on how to update student information, including emergency contacts.This link includes release of information docs such as the "opt-in" participation in the LBUSD media publications (including but not limited to/district videos, photos for display and/or other MacArthur/LBUSD publications).

Guidelines for Parents and Students

LBUSD annually notifies families of your rights and responsibilities contained in the California Education Code.  Here is the link to this year’s Guidelines for Parents and Students 

Please Mark Your Calendars

 

  • September 2 Labor Day, No School

  • September 17 LBUSD Minimum Day, Dismissal for TK - Grade 8 is at 2:00 p.m.

  • September 19 Muir Back to School Night (this is different from LBUSD) @ 5:30 p.m.

I am honored to serve as your principal and look forward to an exciting year ahead.

Sincerely,  Mrs. Yepez