Welcome back to the 2024-25 school year! We're all excited to welcome our students back to school and meet new families. I hope you and your family had a chance to relax or take a trip. This summer, I worked summer school for two weeks but also visited Cabo San Lucas and Las Vegas with Mr. Santana, as well as a girl’s trip to the spa.

 This year, we'll continue to focus on implementing practices that align with our district's Strategic Plan: Academic Skills + Personal Skills = Lifelong Success! We'll share more information with students and families throughout the school year. This year, we'll continue to provide rigorous, engaging instruction aligned with state standards as part of our Academic Skills for Goal 1. For Goal 2, Personal Skills, we'll continue to use the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) framework, partner with Special Olympics Southern California to support inclusive practices, and continue with activities that align with being a “No Place for Hate” school ambassador. For Goal 3, Lifelong Success, we'll support students in developing scholarly habits and establishing a college or career mindset.

To support student’s mental health, our Panther Wellness Center will still be available to students at least 4 days a week.

While we will miss Mrs. Lindy, I'm excited to introduce our new secretary, Nicole Simmons, who previously worked for the Westminster School District :

"My name is Nicole Simmons and I am really excited to join the Paine Elementary family! I was born and raised in Garden Grove and a proud graduate of GGUSD! 

Prior to joining this community, I had the privilege to work as a Family Enrollment Specialist for the Early Ed Department at Westminster School District where I helped families find care and enroll their children in preschool.

In my free time I enjoy doing some local volunteering, hiking with my family and friends, listening to music, and trying out new foods to eat!

I look forward to interacting with the Paine family community and helping in any way that I can!"

I would also like to welcome the following new staff members:

• Summer Hughes, Assistant Principal
• Daylyn Walsh, K/1 Teacher
• Linh Nguyen, 5th Teacher
• Rachel Vergilio, 6th Teacher
• Sandra Welch, Nurse
• Jared Jew, Speech & Language 
• Hannah Nguyen, Speech & Language
• Julia Ciejka, Program Supervisor

We are looking forward to seeing students and families for another great school year. Go Panthers!