Local Principals Retire

Published: August 5, 2009

This summer we wished a happy retirement to two longtime friends and partners of LSNA – Principal Graciela Shelley from Darwin Elementary School, and Principal Dr. Sandra Fontánez-Phelan from Kelvyn Park High School. We will miss you. Mauricio Segovia is the new Darwin principal, and Isabel Téllez is the new principal at Kelvyn Park. Welcome to our community.
In our experience, both principals were driven by their passion for their students and their futures. At Darwin, Mrs. Shelley instituted a Spanish-English dual language program and chose Italian as a third language. Students and teachers visited Italy and Chile through Sister-School relationships she developed. Darwin was recognized many times for its improving test scores and good management. Mrs. Shelley was always ready to work with LSNA on any issues to protect and support her students and their families.
Dr. Fontánez-Phelan has worked tirelessly to improve Kelvyn Park since she took over 7 years ago. From the beginning, she sent a clear message that KPHS would provide a safe and nurturing learning environment to its students. Her priority was to prepare students to graduate and enroll in college. In 2009, 82% of KPHS freshmen were “on-track” to graduate on time (up from 62% in 2007). Scholarship funds for Kelvyn Park graduates have soared. She fostered innovative successes, such as the LSNA-KP partnership in the Social Justice Academy.

Mrs. Fontanez-Phelan

Mrs. Shelley

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