Principal's Message

Dear Encinal School Community,

Welcome to the 2025–26 school year at Encinal! We are thrilled to kick off another year of learning, growth, and community. Our mission continues to guide all that we do: “We educate, nurture, and inspire all voices to contribute to a better world.” This year, we’re especially proud to center our school-wide theme: Students as Mathematicians.

We believe every student is a capable problem solver and critical thinker. Throughout the year, students will engage in meaningful math experiences through hands-on learning, real-world applications, and joyful discovery. We’re excited to host two school-wide math challenges that will highlight and celebrate our students' mathematical thinking, creativity, and perseverance.

In alignment with our mission, Encinal remains a place where every child and family is seen, heard, and valued. We honor every student’s identity—starting with learning and using their names correctly—and foster inclusive classrooms where all voices are welcomed. Social-emotional learning is a foundational part of our program. Each classroom will continue engaging in age-appropriate lessons that help students build empathy, solve problems, and grow resilience.

Our dedicated educators will continue their own learning through ongoing professional development in balanced literacy, science, and mathematics. Thanks to continued support from our amazing PTO and many dedicated volunteers, the ENspired Lab will expand opportunities for students to design, build, and explore. We’re also grateful to our PTO for funding the installation of brand-new soccer goals—something our students have been wishing for and are already enjoying!

We look forward to the return of many joyful Encinal traditions, including our garden curriculum, the 3rd grade Lion King musical, 3rd–5th grade basketball and volleyball teams, the 4th/5th grade musical, school-wide assemblies, Awesome ME assemblies, Special Olympics send-offs, cultural celebrations, the Fall Family Fair, bike rodeos, Science Night, movie nights, and the book fair.

We also hope you enjoy the beautiful new trees planted in front of the school’s fencing—part of the community-endorsed bond measure to improve the look and feel of our campus.

It is a true honor to partner with you for another incredible year. Together, let’s celebrate the mathematicians, readers, scientists, artists, athletes, and kind-hearted educators who make Encinal such a special place.

Warmly,

Principal Burns