Message from the Principal
Karen Hong, Principal
Dear Los Cerritos Families,
Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I am thrilled to begin my second year as your principal, and I feel incredibly honored to continue serving this vibrant and caring community. I hope your summer was filled with joyful moments, rest, and time with loved ones.
As we launch into this school year, our district has established three key priorities that will guide our collective work: Sense of Belonging, Academic Discourse, and Math Achievement. At Los Cerritos, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. You'll notice this in our classrooms, playgrounds, and daily interactions. We know that when students feel they belong, they are better equipped to learn and thrive.
We are also focusing on strengthening academic discourse and supporting our students to think critically, communicate their ideas clearly, and engage thoughtfully with peers. Whether it's a math problem or a classroom discussion, our goal is to give students the tools and confidence to express themselves and collaborate meaningfully. Speaking of math, our 3rd-5th-grade teachers will be embarking on a new math curriculum, and TK-2 will be building strong math foundations through hands-on learning, problem-solving, and student-centered instruction. You'll see an emphasis on conceptual understanding and a growth mindset when it comes to the new mathematics curriculum.
This year, I am also excited to welcome additional support to our campus. We welcome our very first wellness counselor and an instructional coach. While their work will primarily focus on supporting student well-being and teacher growth, their presence reflects our shared commitment to fostering a strong learning environment for all.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Los Cerritos community. I look forward to partnering with you for another year of growth, discovery, and connection.
With appreciation,
Karen Hong
Principal
Los Cerritos Elementary