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Principal's Message

Dear Granada Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited to welcome back our returning families and extend a warm greeting to those joining the Granada family for the first time. A new school year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve together, and we can't wait to see what this year has in store for our students.

This school year is especially meaningful to me, as it marks my fifth year serving as your proud Granada Middle School Principal. I am truly honored and humbled to serve this incredible community. It has been a privilege to watch our students grow, celebrate their successes, and partner with our dedicated staff and families. Thank you for the trust you place in us each day. Together, we will continue building a school where every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

This year's theme is Excellence in Action. We believe excellence isn't about being perfect; it's about consistently giving our best, supporting one another, and taking meaningful action each day to help every student succeed. Excellence is found in the small moments: a teacher inspiring curiosity, a student choosing kindness, a staff member going the extra mile, or a family partnering with us to support learning. When each of us commits to doing our part, those everyday actions create extraordinary results.

We are incredibly proud of our dedicated teachers and staff, who work tirelessly to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. Their passion, commitment, and care are what make Granada such a special place. 

Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program continues to serve as the foundation of our positive school culture through our Matadors with M.E.R.I.T. values. We encourage every student to be:

  • Motivated
  • Engaged
  • Respectful
  • Inventive
  • Trustworthy

These values guide our daily interactions, strengthen our school community, and help prepare students for success both inside and outside the classroom. I am also proud to share that Granada Middle School earned the California PBIS Gold Recognition Award this year. This prestigious recognition reflects the collective commitment of our students, staff, and families to creating a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to excel. Together, we will continue turning Excellence in Action into a daily reality for our students. 

We also know that when schools and families work together, students thrive. We encourage all families to become involved in our school community and consider joining our Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Our PTSA plays an important role in supporting student activities, school events, and programs that enrich the Granada experience. Whether you volunteer your time, attend meetings, or simply become a member, your involvement makes a meaningful difference and helps strengthen our Granada community.

We are excited to welcome our Matadors back to campus on Tuesday, August 11th! First period begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Please note that the first day of school is also an Early Release Day, and all students will be dismissed at 1:38 p.m.

Please mark your calendars for these important events as we begin the school year:

  • Friday, August 7 - Matador Pride Day (6th Grade)
  • Tuesday, August 11 - First Day of School
  • Wednesday, August 26 - Fall Picture Day (PE Classes)
  • Thursday, August 27 - Early Release Thursday (1:38PM Dismissal)
  • Thursday, August 27 - Back to School Night (5:30PM)

Please also be on the lookout for the first edition of the Matador Minute, our weekly parent newsletter which will be sent through ParentSquare later this week. It will include important information about the first day of school, our Family Handbook, the daily bell schedule, upcoming events, and other important updates. 

In addition, Data Confirmation is now open. Please complete the Data Confirmation process as soon as possible, as it is required to access your student's class schedule. Student schedules will be available Friday afternoon, so be sure to log in to Aeries to view your child's schedule once it has been released. 

Thank you for your continued partnership and for being an important part of the Granada family. We look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and meaningful opportunities to demonstrate Excellence in Action.

Warm regards,

-Dr. Peña

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