Dear Dear Mirada Families,

As we begin to focus on starting the 2010-2011 school year, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to join the Mirada learning community as the new principal. I look forward to working with students, parents, and staff to continue the commitment to “achieve academic excellence through high-quality teaching, learning, and community involvement.” As we work together to assure that “students are being well-prepared to meet future educational challenges and to contribute to society”, I encourage you to provide me with continuous feedback about how we are doing and how we can work together to do even better. Please know that my door will always be open to each one of you.

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly share with you my educational experiences and my educational philosophies related to teaching and learning as well as share a little bit about me personally.
I share my life with four beautiful daughters, four wonderful sons-in-law, and three (soon to be five!) beautiful grandchildren. They all bring me great joy! My family is scattered across the country and world. Alabama, Utah, Maryland, and Scotland are my predetermined vacation spots thanks to my children! When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy being with my friends, reading, decorating, shopping, and traveling. The Tuscany region of Italy is my favorite vacation spot yet! I also have a heart for abused and wounded people and have been actively involved in faith-based ministries that reach out and touch the lives of victims of abuse.
In December 1989 I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University and in May 1999 I received a Master of Arts in Education (Administration and Supervision) from the University of Phoenix. I began my elementary teaching experience in 1990. During that time, I taught first, second, and fourth grades at Kyrene Monte Vista. I also spent one year working for the Kyrene School District Career Ladder Office. I began my journey in administration in 2001 when I served as Kyrene del Milenio’s assistant principal. I filled the role of principal at Milenio from September 2002 – June 2009. This past year I worked with the Chandler Unified School District as principal of one of their traditional academies. After a year of missing everything and everyone I know in Kyrene, I am returning to Kyrene and am very excited to become Kyrene de la Mirada’s next principal. Being a principal is a role I find both challenging and rewarding. I like to say that it is the best job in the world!

My passion for children, teaching, and learning are among the gifts that I will bring to Mirada. Additionally, my strong background in assessment, curriculum and instruction will enable me to provide important instructional leadership. I have attended a wide variety of workshop/trainings and have provided trainings for teachers, parents, and other educational stakeholders. I feel these strengths and learning opportunities coupled with my passion for teaching will enable me to successfully fill the role of Mirada’s school leader. The support of the staff and families and the strengths each one brings will help me in my efforts to ensure success for all Mirada learners.

It is my belief that principals must be visible and accessible; therefore, you will find me in classrooms, the cafeteria, the playground, and out on duty (I love wearing my green vest!). I also believe that a principal must be involved in the instructional program and must be involved in student learning. Improving student achievement and engaging others in doing so is a primary focus I have as a school administrator. I also strongly believe that a school administrator must assure and support the effort to provide a safe and orderly school environment for students, staff, and community. My deep and personal passion for students and teaching will help drive the many goals that I know the Mirada learning community believes in.

I am anxious to meet each one of you and your precious children. I will be holding an informal “Open House” on Thursday, July 15th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. in the Mirada front office. Please stop by and visit if you are in town and able to do so. I look forward to meeting you all in the very near future.

Here is to a wonderful and successful 2010-2011 school year at Kyrene de la Mirada!

Respectfully,

Nancy Branch


Personal Mission Statement
I desire to positively influence the personal and educational experiences of others – children and adults alike – by sharing my heart, knowledge, and my own experiences with others.

Nancy Branch
Principal

E-mail: nbranch@kyrene.org