Dear Victoria Families,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We are excited to see new and returning Victoria Tigers for the new school year! The first day of school is on Wednesday, August 9th! The first day of school is a minimum day with dismissal for TK AM & PM at 11:40 a.m., Kindergarten dismissal at 12:20 p.m., and grades 1st -5th at 12:30 p.m. Also, Back to School Night will be on Wednesday, August 9th, starting at 6:00 p.m. inside the MPR. Please add this important date to your calendar! The new school year will prove to be the best one yet!  As you can see, August 9th will be a very busy day! Please keep in mind dismissal times. 

Victoria has new and returning staff and programs! First, I am excited to welcome Mrs. Kristine Castro as our assistant principal. Victoria has a Reading Coach, Mrs. Brooks. The Extended Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) has a new program specialist Mrs. Murphy.  With new teachers on board, we will continue to expand and build excellence across all programs. ELOP information has been sprinkled throughout the summer via ParentPortal. Our site After School Education and Safety (ASES) program will continue after school. Our Exploration Experience after-school program refers to both ASES and ELOP. 

This past summer a group of teachers attended the Summer Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Institute where we will further implement AVID strategies across all grade levels TK-5! In all grades, we will continue our focus on the use of organizational tools, as well as supporting students as they learn and practice skills around Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR). Victoria continues to focus on preparing students for college and career readiness.  As a Garner Holt demonstration school, our innovation teacher, Mrs. Burk will continue to lead many exciting opportunities for students to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities as a way to deepen their understanding of the concepts being taught by their teachers, as well as to develop critical 21st-century skills. We have added an additional TK classroom serving additional students in our community!

One of the most important components of an exceptional school like Victoria is the partnership between home and school. Victoria has a strong tradition of supportive families. Throughout the year will have opportunities to develop and strengthen partnerships in a variety of ways. Please consider joining Victoria’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or becoming a member of the School Site Council, Coffee with the Principal, and/or the Safety Committee. 

Information regarding your child’s teacher, grades, attendance, as well as ongoing communication between school and home, is all facilitated through our Aeries Parent Portal. On Friday, Aug. 4 you may view your child’s teacher in the portal. It is very important that you access this account in order to receive this and other pertinent information. If you need any support creating your account, please contact our school office between the hours of 7:30 - 4:00 p.m. We have an excellent staff standing by to serve you. 

School safety continues to be our number one priority for students and staff. For the first three days of school, parents/guardians will be given the option to walk their children to class. Beginning Monday, August 14th, students will be expected to walk onto campus on their own. In order to ensure the continued safety of our students, access to the campus is limited during the instructional day. If you have an appointment that requires your presence on school grounds, please report directly to the office. A valid photo I.D. must be presented to facilitate the check-in process and obtain a visitor's pass. To ensure the safety of our students and school community, the RED Zone on Richardson St will be strictly enforced. As mentioned, school safety is our number one priority. 

This new school year is full of promise for our students and I am excited for the great work we will do together for the success of your child. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve Victoria Elementary and the community.  Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. 

In partnership,

 Estella Patel, Ed.D. 

Principal, Victoria Elementary School