A Message from Our Principal

It is with heartfelt joy and a deep sense of purpose that I introduce myself as the new principal of De Anza Elementary School. My name is Mrs. Vanessa Rivas, and I am truly honored to join this welcoming and caring community. I feel privileged to become part of a dedicated group of learners, educators, and families who are committed to student success.

Over the past 15 years, I have proudly served the Baldwin Park Unified School District in a variety of roles. I began my career as an instructional aide, then worked as a clerk at Sierra Vista High School, and later became a classroom Special Education teacher and CTI Coach at Jones Middle School. Most recently, I served as Assistant Principal, where I supported both students and staff in their growth and development.

I am a proud product of this beautiful community. I attended Central Elementary School, Jones Middle School, and graduated from Baldwin Park High School. These experiences have given me a deep personal connection to our core values and our mission of ensuring high achievement for all learners. I believe wholeheartedly in the whole child approach, which means nurturing not only academic excellence but also the social, emotional, and physical well-being of every student.

At De Anza, we deeply value partnerships with families. I believe that strong relationships between school and home are essential to student success. Together, we can create a supportive and enriching environment where every child feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive. I encourage you to stay involved in your child’s education and be an active partner in their learning journey.

I look forward to meeting each of you and working together to make this school year a memorable and impactful one for our students.

Kindly,

Vanessa Rivas

Principal, De Anza Elementary School