Principal

Dear Parkside Panther Students and Families,

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction to you as the new Principal of Parkside Elementary School.  I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a school with such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community.  I have heard nothing but positive things about the students, teachers and parent community. Even though I have only had limited interactions with the faculty and parents thus far, I feel very fortunate to be part of this school and to support the students and families. I can already tell that it is a unique and special place that I am incredibly excited to become a part of.

I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than sixteen years.  I have worked with students ranging in age from Kindergarten through 12th grade in a variety of roles. I have been a middle school teacher, a TK-12 Professional Development Specialist, as an Academic Administrator specializing in Instruction and Coaching at the middle school level and as an Elementary Assistant Principal to two elementary  schools and most recently as an Elementary Principal. I am thrilled to bring my skills as an educational leader to Parkside Elementary School and to work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child's success.

I view education as a life-long process and expect that I will continue to learn much about the uniqueness of Parkside this year and in the years to come. I will get to know our school site, our community, and familiarize myself with the unique needs of our school. I believe that great schools are the result of great teachers and that students' success should be at the center of all school-related decisions.  I endeavor to put our teachers in the best possible position to succeed,  and to provide them with the tools they need to continue to be successful because it will in turn put our children in the best possible position to succeed, grow, and prosper.

Because the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students, I encourage you to become involved in every way possible. I believe wholeheartedly that every student deserves a quality education and that only happens when the school and the families work together for the best interests of our children. With that in mind I will be calling on all of our faculty, staff, and parents to work together cohesively so that we can best serve our children.  Please get involved with our school  to guarantee that your voices are heard.

I am excited to unite my experience, my openness to learn, and my child-centered approach to support our students.  I am SO proud to be part of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, a district that values high standards by providing rich learning experiences for all students.  I look forward to meeting all of you and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas you would like to share!

Warmly,
Khaleelah Lewis-Wilkins
Principal of Parkside Elementary School