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Meet the New Principal, Leif Utler

Strandwood Elementary 2023-2024

Meet the NewPrincipal, Leif UtlerStrandwood Elementary 2023-2024
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Hello Families and Community!

I am so excited to join the Strandwood Community as your new principal. I've only had a few days on campus and I have been so pleased with how warm and welcoming staff and parents have been so far. I wanted to take an opportunity to introduce myself so you can get to know me and give you the opportunities to ask any questions you may have.
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Excited to meet you!

  • Families are so important in each child's education. Please feel free to email me any questions or concerns you may have. If I don't yet have the answer, I will do the best I can to get that answer for you. I hope to have the new school website up soon, but I will be communicating events and updates on Parent Square in the meantime.

Email: utlerl@mdusd.org
Website: https://www.mdusd.org/
Location: 416 Gladys Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Phone: (925) 685-3212

My Background

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Mount Diablo Alumnus!

I attended Fair Oaks Elementary, Pleasant Hill Middle, and College Park High School!
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My family

I am grateful to my wife, Rachel, my daughter, Rylee, and my son, Landon, for continuing to make me a better person.
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Baseball fan

I grew up watching baseball, playing baseball, and going to games almost every season. I continue this with my kids. Go Giants!

My Career

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  • Earned my BA in 2009, Teaching Credential in 2012, Admin credential in 2019, and Master's in Educational Administration in 2022
  • Started teaching in college at Patten Academy in Oakland
  • Taught English for ten years in Los Angeles, Pittsburg, Antioch, and Brentwood
  • Served as assistant principal in Brentwood and Manteca for 4 years

My Philosophy of Education

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All children can learn

In an inclusive, supportive, and effective environment, each child can learn. It is the job of the community to create that environment.
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Children are more than just students

While the academics are very important in a child's growth, their social and emotional development affects their ability to learn.
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Working Together

Building and maintaining positive relationships amongst students, staff, and families is the foundation of a strong school.

Parent Resources

Please be sure to check out the PTA website (link below). I will update as needed, but I just wanted to make sure the following dates are marked in everyone's calendar:



  • August 8- Jump Start Day from 4:00pm-7:00pm
  • August 9- TK and Kindergarten Meet and Greet from 1:30pm-2:00pm
  • August 10- School Starts
  • August 12- MDUSD Parent Conference at Loma Vista Adult Center from 8:00am-1:00pm
  • August 14-16- Back to School Night from 6:00pm-7:30pm (more details to come)
  • September 7- PTA Meeting from 6:00pm-7:00pm
  • September 1- Fun Run (more details to come)