Principal's Message

A Message from the Principal… Mrs. Charise Santana

Dear Thomas Paine Families,

Welcome back! I hope you and your family had a wonderful, restful summer filled with opportunities to relax and make special memories. My husband and I were fortunate to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this summer with trips to Kihei, Maui and Las Vegas. It was a meaningful time to recharge, and I am excited to begin another incredible school year with our Thomas Paine community.

It is truly an honor to serve as your principal for my fifth year. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff as we create a year filled with learning, growth, meaningful connections, and lasting memories.

This year, our work will continue to align with GGUSD's district goals to ensure every student thrives:

• Goal 1: Academic Skills – Equipping students with strong foundations in academic content, scholarly habits, and academic English.
• Goal 2: Personal Skills – Supporting students' motivation, well-being, and fostering a positive school climate and culture.
• Goal 3: Lifelong Success – Preparing students for college, career, and future readiness.

We are also excited to welcome several new staff members to the Thomas Paine family. Their experience, enthusiasm, and dedication will strengthen our school community, and we know they will make a positive impact on our students.

• Laureen Parks – Middle School Teacher
• Tu Dao – Vietnamese Liaison (1:00–4:00 p.m.)
• Matthew La Belle – Instrumental Music Teacher
• Jonathan De Santiago – Social Worker (ASPIRE Team)
• Heidy Correa – MHS
• Kathleen Andrews – Program Supervisor (OSE)
• Florencia – PM Custodian
• Todd Rodgers – Technology Specialist
• Rosa Gonzalez – Health Assistant

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we will create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where every student can learn, grow, and succeed.

Here's to an amazing school year filled with joy, achievement, and unforgettable moments.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Santana

Our School

Thomas Paine Elementary School is proud to provide a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every student is empowered to achieve academic excellence while developing strong character and leadership skills.

Our commitment to student success has earned our school numerous prestigious recognitions, including:

• National Blue Ribbon School (2023) – Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as one of the nation's highest-performing schools for academic excellence and student achievement.
• California Distinguished School – Honored for implementing innovative and effective educational practices that support student success.
• California PBIS Gold Recognition (2025 & 2026) – Awarded the highest level of recognition for implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), creating a safe, respectful, and positive school culture where all students can thrive.
• No Place for Hate School – Recognized for fostering a school community built on kindness, respect, inclusion, and acceptance, where every student feels valued and supported.
• Special Olympics Unified Champion School Partner (since 2023) – Through our partnership with Special Olympics, students participate in inclusive activities that promote leadership, empathy, acceptance, and meaningful connections among all learners.

At Thomas Paine, our dedicated teachers use innovative instructional practices and technology-rich learning experiences to prepare students for lifelong success. With a 1:1 student-to-device ratio, strong academic intervention and enrichment programs, and robust music and extracurricular opportunities, every Panther has the opportunity to discover and develop their unique talents.

Our school community believes that strong relationships are the foundation of learning. Through the support of our families, PTO, community partners, and staff, we create a culture where students feel connected, challenged, and inspired to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Together, we are building future leaders who demonstrate responsibility, resilience, kindness, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.