Welcome to Our New Assistant Principal!

Dear Mi Escuela Montessori Families,

We are thrilled to announce that our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Kalani Schlenker, will officially join our leadership team on July 27!

She comes to us with a wealth of experience, including years of Montessori instruction, leadership, and a deep understanding of Montessori public schools. As a fully Montessori-trained leader, she is uniquely equipped to help our school community thrive.

Her Key Focus Areas

Our new Assistant Principal will be working hands-on to support our students, staff, and families by:

• Advancing Academics: Continuing to elevate our school’s academic achievement.

• Coaching Teachers: Guiding our educators in implementing high-integrity Montessori practices and supporting primary teachers as they finalize their training.

• Fostering a Positive Climate: Championing a safe, welcoming school culture through positive discipline, bullying prevention, threat assessment, and student advocacy.

• Guiding Assessments: Overseeing academic assessments to ensure every child is progressing.

  
  

She is eager to connect with our community before her official start date! We will be announcing dates and locations for informal meet-and-greets soon.

In the meantime, please read her warm letter of introduction to our community below.

---

Dear Mi Escuela Montessori School Community, 

It is with great joy that I introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal of Mi Escuela Montessori. I am honored to join a community that is rooted in the transformative vision of Maria Montessori, whose work continues to guide and inspire authentic, child-centered education around the world. 

With more than 15+ years of experience in public education and Montessori environments, combined with additional credentials in Montessori leadership, coaching, and early childhood education, I bring a strong foundation in both Montessori pedagogy and the operational realities of public charter schools. Throughout my career, I have served in leadership roles within Montessori programs, including Early Childhood Coordinator, Primary Team Lead, Director of Preschool Programs, Montessori Instructional Coach, and Summer Residential Co-Lead for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (teacher training program). 

Dr. Montessori once said, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” I hold this belief at the center of my work. Every decision I make as a leader will be grounded in respect for the child, a commitment to fostering independence, and a dedication to cultivating an environment where each student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

As Assistant Principal, my vision is to support a high-fidelity Montessori program that honors the integrity of the method while meeting the diverse needs of our students and families. I am committed to nurturing a collaborative school culture where teachers feel empowered, students feel valued, and families feel connected. 

Another guiding principle from Dr. Montessori reminds us, “Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.” With this in mind, I strive to help build a peaceful, inclusive, and joyful community. A community where grace, courtesy, and mutual respect are lived experiences for us all. 

I look forward to working closely with our dedicated staff to support instructional excellence, strengthen our dual-language mission, and ensure that every child is given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. I also welcome meaningful partnerships with families, as your insight and involvement are essential to the success of our school. 

Thank you for the warm welcome into this special community. I am excited for the journey ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve Mi Escuela Montessori. 

With respect and love, 

Mrs. Kalani Schlenker