Principal's Message

Welcome to the 2022 - 2023 school year!  

Do you believe in new beginnings? Even though this is my fourteenth year as the proud Principal of Victor Elementary School, I honestly and sincerely have to express that I feel like it is my very first year serving Victor and its community. Why do you ask? Simply because I find the 2022 - 2023 school year as the first year of "AC", meaning "After COVID" (hopefully!).  I know I do not have to explain to you the astounding challenges we all faced since March of 2020 when our schools were closed. Even last year when campuses reopened to our students and staff, we did not experience school in a normal way due to the required safety protocols and restrictions we had to implement.  This did have an effect on our students and community. Even though the worst part is behind us (hopefully!), we have much work to do when addressing our students' academic, social, and emotional needs. 

Last year was a rebuilding year as we slowly rose above the challenges we faced. This year is going to be a completely new year! One where we as an educational community will build upon the solid foundation we established "BC" (Before COVID) to ensure ALL our students receive a rigorous, viable, rewarding, and fun educational experience at Victor Elementary School. I devoutly believe that with the help and support of our wonderful Victor teachers, staff,  parent volunteers, and community members, we will make a positive impact on our students and community throughout the coming year. 

Two priorities that have not changed, and will continue to hold our non-negotiable commitment is our Mission and Vision for Victor Elementary School:

VICTOR MISSION STATEMENT:

Victor will provide a safe and positive learning environment that fosters the academic and social development of each child. We will use technology and best practices to engage and educate 21st Century learners. In partnership with our parents and community, we will empower each and every student to become a contributing member of our global community.

VICTOR VISION STATEMENT:

At Victor Elementary School we believe that learning is a lifelong process. At Victor Elementary School all students feel safe and supported within our positive and diverse learning environment. We at Victor believe that all our students will be successful when they demonstrate our core Victor Values of respectfulness, responsibility, safety and always giving their best effort.

These ambitions cannot be actualized without your support. One of the many goals we have set at Victor "AC"  is to increase our volunteer base. An abundance of research supports that students succeed in school when their parents and caregivers are involved at the school.  I implore all Victor parents and caregivers to become a part of our special community by volunteering through our fabulous PTA and/or within your child’s classroom. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our PTA President, Rocio Garcia for more information on how you can help with PTA. Her email address is garciar@alumni.usc.edu. You can also visit our website at https://www.tusd.org/schools/victor/parents/volunteer to see how you go about preparing for volunteering at Victor Elementary.

In addition to our efforts, parents and caregivers make a difference in a child's education. No matter how small the task the little bit of encouragement or time spent with our children can be strong and enduring. Enjoy this school year with your child as you learn together in a shared partnership of cooperation, communication and caring. If the following steps are followed by you, will be pleased with the product — I guarantee it!

• Participate in your child's learning
• Accept only the best your child can do
• Read to your child every night
• Exemplify those behaviors you would like your child to have
• Nurture a positive attitude in your child that he or she can learn
• Talk to your child and listen.
• Snuggle. Have you hugged your child today?

We implore all stakeholders to participate and be active in our school events and activities. The partnership between home and school is a key factor in every child's success in school. Volunteer when you can and join the PTA! You are an important part of what makes Victor School so special!

​Ongoing communication between school and home is critical to a child's success in school. Communication from home to school will be done primarily through our E Blast system and website. Some information will also be sent home via our Tuesday Envelope. Be sure to sign up for our E Blast to receive important information.  99% of my correspondence is sent via E Blast. This can be done by going to our website and subscribing.

We will continue to have minimum days every Wednesday so we can hold our TUSD School Board adopted Professional Learning Communities (PLC).  Every Wednesday, dismissal for grades one through five will be 2:27.  Kindergarten dismissal remains the same at 1:59.  During the week of parent/teacher conferences, dismissal will be at 2:12 Monday through Friday.

Lastly, at Victor we stress the importance of attendance.  Research shows a direct correlation between high achievement with high attendance rates.  I am proud to report that Victor has one of the highest attendance rates of all schools with an average 97.84%.  Please ensure that your child attends school on time everyday unless they are sick.  Plan vacations and doctor’s appointment according to our school and district schedule.  I would love for us to have the highest attendance rate of all schools in Torrance Unified School District.

Please keep in touch. All of your questions and constructive feedback are important to me and us at Victor. Do know that my door is always open to you.

Sincerely,
William Baker
Principal