Welcome

2025-2026 Principal Message – Color the World in Kindness

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at Maryland Avenue! I am thrilled to welcome both our returning families and those who are new to our school community. This year, our theme is “Color the World in Kindness,” a message that reflects not only who we are but who we strive to become each day.

At Maryland Ave, kindness is more than a word. It is a way of learning, leading, and growing together. You’ll see this theme woven throughout everything we do- from the way we teach social-emotional learning in our classrooms, to how students collaborate, problem-solve, and celebrate each other’s successes. We believe that when students feel seen, supported, and safe, they thrive.

Our commitment to student growth is also evident in our academic achievements. We’re proud to share that we have made significant progress in both English Language Arts and Math, as shown on the California School Dashboard. We are now in the green performance level, which highlights the tremendous growth our students have made in both proficiency and progress. This is a reflection of our dedicated teachers, our rigorous and engaging instruction, and the powerful home-school partnership we share with you.

As we head into the year, I encourage you to join us in bringing our theme to life! Encourage your child to notice acts of kindness, to lead with empathy, and to use their voice to make a positive difference. Together, we will “Color the World in Kindness” and continue to build a school culture that shines with both compassion and academic excellence.

Let’s make this year one to remember!

With gratitude, 

Stephanie Starr

Principal