Atherwood Elementary School
Principals Message
Meet Principal Jennifer Kaitz
Jennifer Kaitz has been an educator for twenty nine years. Mrs. Kaitz has been an elementary teacher for fourteen years, served as a an assistant principal at two elementary schools and a high school. Prior to coming to Atherwood Elementary School, Mrs. Kaitz was an elementary principal for seven years. She brings to Atherwood knowledge and experience with curriculum, best instructional practices, and ensuring a safe, positive learning environment for all students, staff and families.
On a personal note, Mrs. Kaitz has been married to her high school sweetheart for twenty five years. She has two children, Cole, 22 years old, and Chloe, 19 years. The family also has their beloved golden retriever, Midas. Mrs. Kaitz enjoys reading, gardening, shopping, spending time with family and collecting vinyl records.
Welcome to Atherwood Elementary School, home of the All Stars where we find the star in every child! It is with great honor and pleasure to serve as the principal at Atherwood and be a part of the SVUSD community.
As a school leader, it is my responsibility to consistently be the positive role model for students, staff/faculty, community members, and families making each individual feel welcomed, valued and a part of our school. I operate under the mindset of being a servant leader and represent the mission of the school community with all stakeholders. It is my goal to work daily on ensuring the school environment/community celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion while implementing social justice practices with kindness, respect, and love. As a principal, I pride myself on collaborating with others and actively listen to feedback so all voices are heard and decisions are made jointly when applicable. I, too, as a leader am a lifelong student learning and growing personally and professionally.
I strongly believe that all students can learn given a nurturing environment with the assistance of the school’s stakeholder. Each student will be treated individually recognizing academic needs and strengths as well as the social emotional ones. Learning can only take place when a student is feeling safe socially and emotionally in a diverse, inclusive environment while also being given the appropriate instruction, resources and encouragement from the teacher and the team. It does take a village to raise a child as the African proverb states.
Lastly, I take pride in my passion to continue learning with my students, staff/faculty, and community; this is of utmost importance and is both a value and goal I practice daily. During our current times, our students and their communities need support, guidance, respect, patience and love which I thrive in giving to them. As an educator/parent/human being, I, too, continue to learn and grow while working with colleagues, families, and community members to ensure a safe, loving environment which celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice.
With sincere gratitude,
Jennifer Kaitz