Meet Wendy Kerr

Dear Parents, and Students of Live Oak Elementary School,

I want to warmly welcome you to the 2014-15 school year. As the newly appointed principal, it is my sincere pleasure and honor to be able to lead all of us into a great school year, while supporting the mission of Fallbrook Union Elementary School District which is to provide the pathway for all students to attain expertise and develop skills of academic excellence that will empower them to:

· Become lifelong active learners

· Perform successfully in their chosen field and in society

· Model respect for themselves and others in a diverse and global society

· Think and apply information in a critical manner

I look forward to working with the dedicated staff to help provide the best educational experience for our students. Live Oak Elementary enjoys a rich history of academic and cultural excellence based on loyalty, community, and integrity. I feel fortunate and honored to have been appointed Live Oak’s principal at a school that serves a diverse population. It is important for you to know what I believe, for me; students matter, relationships matter, Live Oak matters, and academic, leadership, and character success matters. Therefore, I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, and parents.

I was born and raised in southern California and have lived in the San Diego/Riverside area with my husband and two sons for the past 20 years. I graduated from George Mason University in Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University, my Tier II Administrative Credential from Point Loma University, and currently am a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

I began my career in education eighteen years ago with the Temecula Valley Unified School District, where I taught grades first through fifth, at both Title I and non-tile I schools, and treasured every minute in the classroom. Prior to coming to Live Oak, I was the assistant principal at Mary Fay Pendleton K-8 school, and before that I was an Administrator with the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) for seven years. In my role at Mary Fay, I led the inaugural student-led 8th grade promotion, offered a monthly MFP newsletter, led and launched the the Leader in Me program, tripled our GATE offerings, implemented the Positive Behaviors Intervention System (PBIS) and Safe Schools team (student recognition programs), all of which led to improved student behaviors, increased student engagement and achievement, and bolstered student character. In my role at the county, I led the BTSA Induction Program for over 500 novice K-12 teachers and provided training for veteran, mentor teachers. Additionally, I co-created, implemented, and led the inaugural Teacher Leader Certification Academy (TLCA). I possess a deep respect and interest in scholarly and integrity-filled educational leadership, all of which has led me to this position at Live Oak.

Parents, teachers, support staff, community and administration all have unique roles in encouragement, support, and fostering of our children’s self-efficacy. Research shows that these relationships can have a significant, positive impact on our students in becoming engaged, active, and life-long learners. It is my sincere desire to provide expanded opportunities for our students to acquire the 21st Century. Skills needed to become productive citizens in our ever-changing society. I believe through a trusting, collegial partnership and clear communication with everyone associated with Live Oak Elementary School, we will continue strive for excellence!

Lastly, you have my full commitment to ensuring that your student receives the best education possible and I would hope that our students developed their talents, skills, and abilities in a variety of ways that will enhance their new school year. I leave you with this…

Mission, Belief, and Purpose:

If I am not positively impacting a life as a servant leader, then I have wasted mine. I bring a deep commitment, sense of responsibility, and passion toward living a “life of excellence”.

Please feel free to stop at my office to say hello, as my door is always open! I wish your family, and especially your student great success during this new school year.

Respectfully,

Wendy Kerr, Principal
Live Oak Elementary School, a Leader in Me school
Twitter: @WkerrED

DeCuba McMillon-Porter has been a member of the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District since 2004, serving students at San Onofre, William H. Frazier, Live Oak, Fallbrook Home School Academy, and most recently, Potter Junior High as Teacher On Special Assignment (TOSA).

Mrs. Porter earned both her Bachelor's Degree and Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.

Her personal statement:

The core of my philosophy of education is the respect for student individuality with the belief that ALL children can learn as long as their environment is safe and they are rigorously challenged. Children deserve a learning environment that allows them to take risks and reach their true potential!