DON JUAN AVILA ELEMENTARY

Dear Eagles School Community,

 

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year as the proud principal of Don Juan Avila Elementary School. I am honored to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community of students, families, and educators. Together, I know we will continue to accomplish great things for our students.

I firmly believe that a strong school culture is rooted in positive relationships—among students, between staff and students, and between our school and families. These meaningful connections are the foundation that will help us navigate challenges and celebrate our successes as one united team.

 

With 25 years of experience in education, my journey has included roles as a science teacher, middle school assistant principal, and middle school principal for seven years. I joined the Capistrano Unified School District nearly three years ago, and it has been a privilege to serve both as an educator and as a parent of two children who have been part of Capo Unified from elementary through high school. I am truly proud to be part of this outstanding district.

 

At DJAES, I look forward to supporting and building upon the wonderful programs and initiatives already in place. One of our key strengths is the District-wide Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS), which focuses on supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. You may already be familiar with MTSS through recent district communications.

 

My goals for this year include a continued emphasis on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to help track and support every student’s academic growth, using assessment data to guide instructional strategies, and identifying students for targeted interventions and enrichment. I am also a strong proponent of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program, which promotes a school-wide culture of being respectful, responsible, and ready to learn. I am hopeful that we will once again earn the prestigious Platinum Level recognition at the state level.

 

In closing, Don Juan Avila Elementary is truly a special place—with dedicated staff, amazing students, and a supportive family community. We have all the ingredients for success, and I am excited to continue our journey together. Let’s make this another incredible year!

 

Go Eagles!

 

Warmly,

 

Richard Freda
Principal, Don Juan Avila Elementary School