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Principal Message

Juy 28, 2026

Dear Mather Heights Families, Students, and Staff,

It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year at Mather Heights Elementary School. Whether you are returning to our school community or joining us for the first time, we are excited to partner with you in providing an exceptional educational experience for every child.

This school year is especially meaningful to me as I begin my 26th year of service in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District. As I enter my 36th year in education, I reflect with gratitude on the opportunity to have served students and families at the middle school, high school, and now elementary school levels.  Each experience has reinforced my belief that a strong educational foundation begins in the elementary years, where students develop not only academic skills but also confidence, character, and a lifelong love of learning. It continues to be an honor to serve as the principal of Mather Heights Elementary and to work alongside such dedicated students, staff, and families.

Our theme for the 2026–2027 school year, "The Climb to Excellence: Every Step Matters," reflects the collective commitment of our entire school community. Excellence is not achieved through one single accomplishment but through the consistent daily efforts of students, educators, families, and staff. Every lesson learned, every challenge overcome, every act of kindness, and every day a student comes to school ready to learn brings us one step closer to achieving our shared goals.

At Mather Heights, we remain focused on creating a learning environment where every student is safe, valued, challenged, and supported. Our work this year centers on several key priorities:

  • Delivering rigorous, high-quality instruction through collaborative Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that use student data to strengthen teaching and learning.
  • Expanding our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support they need to succeed.
  • Continuing to foster a positive and inclusive school culture through our SOAR Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, encouraging students to be Self-Aware, On Task, Achieving, and Respectful.
  • Improving student attendance and engagement by building meaningful relationships, providing engaging learning experiences, and partnering closely with families.
  • Developing the whole child by nurturing academic excellence, leadership, resilience, responsibility, and strong character.

These priorities are built upon one important belief: every child can succeed when schools and families work together. Your involvement makes a tremendous difference in your child's educational journey. I encourage you to stay connected through PTA, School Site Council, ELAC, volunteer opportunities, school events, and regular communication with your child's teacher and our staff.

As we begin this new school year, I am filled with optimism about what we will accomplish together. Our dedicated staff is committed to helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally while creating a school where all children feel welcomed, respected, and inspired to do their very best.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to partnering with each of you as we continue The Climb to Excellence, remembering that every step—no matter how small—moves us closer to success.

Welcome to another wonderful year at Mather Heights Elementary. Together, we will continue climbing toward excellence.

In partnership,                                                            

Joel C. Francisco

Joel C. Francisco, M.A. ELT, M.A. Ed, NBCT

Principal

Mather Heights Elementary School