Dear Chaparral Parents:

My name is Mrs. Somer Harding, and I am thrilled to have been appointed the new principal of Chaparral Elementary.  I have heard many wonderful things about this school and I look forward to working with the staff and parents to continue to provide a supportive, creative and dynamic learning environment for the students.

During the summer, I met with the PFC leadership and was very impressed with the level of support that is provided to the school, and teachers have shared with me their appreciation of how this support benefits Chaparral students.  I plan on working closely with Laura Ainsworth and her leadership team to make sure that all efforts are focused on improving student performance and enriching the student experience.  I feel fortunate to have the additional resources and support that a strong PFC organization can provide.

Some families with older children may realize that I have had some experience working in this community, as I was the assistant principal at A.C. Stelle last year.  Prior to that, I was the Dean of Students at Lindero Canyon Middle school, and I was also a 5th grade teacher at Yerba Buena Elementary.  While my roots were in elementary, I feel that my secondary experience is valuable in having first hand knowledge of where our students are going after their years at Chaparral. 

I live in Newbury Park with my husband, two daughters (ages 12 and 14) and two dogs.  Given the ages of my children, I am well aware of the demands of family life during the elementary and middle school years, and now I have one starting high school, which is just hard for me to believe at this point!  I have been a soccer mom, a softball mom, a Girl Scout leader, and a room mom at school.  I certainly appreciate the energy and efforts of all parents in their children’s education and activities. 

This will be a great school year, and I look forward to meeting all of you.  Thank you for your continued support through our PFC activities.

Somer Harding

Principal