Dear Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary School Community, It is with great honor that I introduce myself as your principal for the 2023-2024 school year. My name is Anthony Oskar Alvarado, and as an educator, I believe in the importance of supporting the academic, social, and emotional needs of our students to help them succeed in school. I am committed to establishing support systems that enable our students to achieve their goals and partnering with parents, teachers, support staff, and community members to continue programs that benefit our students while initiating new ones that can enhance student outcomes. My career in education started as a special education paraeducator in second, third, fourth, and fifth-grade classrooms, followed by student teaching experiences in second and fifth-grade classrooms. After completing the credential program at San Jose State University, I taught first grade, third grade, and fifth grade at Franklin Elementary School for five years. Last school year, I had the privilege of serving as the assistant principal at Shirakawa Elementary School, a K-8 school in the Franklin-McKinley School District. Additionally, in response to the need, I started working as the assistant principal of Bridges Academy, a middle school, in March 2023. I adeptly balanced both schools, catering to the students' needs and providing unwavering support to both schools at FMSD. Furthermore, for the past two summers, I had served as the principal of the summer school program at Bridges Academy. I am currently in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership program at San Jose State University and I am in my third and final year. In addition, I completed the Administrative Services Credential Program & MA in Educational Leadership at Concordia University Irvine in December 2020. In May 2017, I graduated from San Jose State University with a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential and a Master of Arts degree in Education - Curriculum & Instruction. In April 2013, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Banking and Finance from National University, Manila, Philippines. On a personal note, I am multiracial with a quarter Filipino, a quarter German, and half Salvadorian heritage. I am fluent in Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines, and I am conversant in Spanish. Outside of work, I enjoy singing karaoke with my wife, spending time with friends, watching movies, playing table tennis, dining out, and traveling. So far, my wife and I have visited 15 countries and 14 U.S. states, and our travel goals include exploring more countries and visiting all U.S. states. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me through various means: by visiting the office, calling me at the office number (408) 223-3750 ext. 77100, contacting my work cell number (408) 599-0884 during regular school hours, or emailing me at aalvarado@mpesd.org. I am truly thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community and eagerly anticipate collaborating with each one of you throughout this school year. With great anticipation, Mr. Anthony Oskar Alvarado