image says "meet your new principal"

Greetings Staff and Families of Franklin Elementary School!

It is with great excitement that I write this letter of introduction as your new Principal of Franklin
Elementary for the 2022-2023 school year! My name is Catherine Mullins and I am currently the
Principal of El Vista Elementary School in Modesto City Schools. I look forward to my new principalship working with the Franklin staff, students, parents, and community members.

Next year will be my 17th year in education. I have served many different capacities throughout my
career. For many years, I taught junior high math and science, including Algebra remediation and
intervention in Stockton for Aspire Public Schools. I also taught multiple grades at the elementary level at Hart Ransom in Modesto before coming to Modesto City Schools as an administrator. I was fortunate to serve as the Franklin Vice Principal for one year and have served as the El Vista Principal for the past four years. I hold master’s degrees in educational inquiry and school leadership, as well as a multiple
credentials. I am always looking for ways to further my education and knowledge.

I strongly believe in having a growth mindset. Each day is an opportunity to learn something new and to become a better version of ourselves. I believe that when students are presented with the tools to achieve academic success, there can be no excuses for failure. Franklin has done a great job of providing students with the skills needed to succeed in ELA, math, science, and social studies. They have provided teachers and paraprofessionals with training in reading interventions to address some of the challenges the pandemic has placed upon our students and their families. Next year, I am excited for the implementation of the rigorous academic program called AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), and a social emotional curriculum called Second Step. Together we can bring our students the programs and support needed to find personal and academic success.

As a parent myself (I have three adult aged children, ages 25, 24, and 22), I understand the importance of a strong home and school connection. I know that when parents, teachers, and staff work together to help a child succeed, we see great things happen. Together we will ensure that all students are showing growth socially, emotionally, and academically. Along with a strong focus in academics, the implementation of the Second Step program and AVID, we will also continue to grow the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) program and plan monthly events where students can participate and take pride
in achieving scholarly behaviors.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in my new role as Principal of Franklin Elementary. My
official first day as your principal will begin July 1, 2022. I will continue to work with the current
principal, district and school site staff to ensure a successful end to our current school year. I look forward to an exciting 2022-2023 school year as a Franklin Falcon!

Sincerely,
Catherine Mullins, M. Ed