PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME MESSAGE
Dear Vaca Peña Families,
My name is Colleen Moe and it is with great pride that I write this letter of introduction to you. My husband and I moved to Vacaville more than 30 years ago and are the proud parent of two Vacaville Unified School District graduates, Michelle, VHS Class of 2005 and Brenden, VHS Class of 2008. This school year marks my 8th year at Vaca Peña. I came to VPMS as the assistant principal in 2016 and in 2018 was appointed principal. My career in education began in 1998 with Vacaville Unified, first as an elementary teacher, then as a high school English teacher, Activities Director, EL Coordinator and now as an administrator.
At Vaca Peña, our mission stands for itself: "... to prepare and inspire all students to be active learnings and productive citizens through a challenging, comprehensive curriculum that integrates social and character development in a safe, respectful and healthy environment." This year I find myself reflecting on one of my favorite quotes, "It's going to be hard, but hard does not mean impossible." I believe this to be true for our students this year as we open with Distance Learning. This year will be filled with opportunities to learn in a new way, challenge our students and strengthen our communication with each other. Our staff is trained in implementing curriculum in person, online and a hybrid of the two. While content curriculum is always at the core of what we teach, our staff recognizes that the social emotional piece of learning is paramount this year. Distance Learning will be different and challenging at times but also a year filled with growth, resiliency and a newfound appreciation for the partnership between school and home.
I am excited to jump into this school year with an amazing team of educators. We are committed to working with you to provide great instruction and intervention for students who struggle. We have just two short years to ensure that your student has the skills necessary to take on the challenges and rigor of high school to graduate college and career ready. I look forward to a successful year for your student!
It's always a great day to be in the MIDDLE,
Colleen Moe
Principal Mrs. Colleen Moe
[email protected]
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S WELCOME MESSAGE
Hello Vaca Peña Families!
I am Jennifer Purdy, Vaca Peña Middle School's assistant principal. In 1990, I began teaching middle school fresh out of college and I have been working with middle school kids for most of the last thirty years. In 1996, I started teaching history at Vaca Peña Middle School and I have been proud to call myself a Panther ever since. I loved teaching history and I am still a total history nerd!
I left the classroom in 2018 when I became the Dean of Student Learning at Will C. Wood High School. The next year in 2019, the assistant principal position opened up at Vaca Peña and I jumped at the chance to come back home to my Panther family!
Life in the middle can be fun but challenging and students need a supportive, safe and encouraging place to grow and learn. I am deeply committed to helping our students navigate these middle school years and to making sure they are prepared for high school and beyond.
Assistant Principal Ms. Jennifer Purdy
[email protected]
DEAN OF LEARNING SUPPORT'S WELCOME LETTER
Dear Vaca Peña Families!
Welcome to the Middle! My name is Leslie Fitz, and as the Dean of Student Learning, my heart and joy is Middle School. I've lived in Solano County most of life, teaching middle school math in Vallejo before joining the Vaca Peña family in 2011. My kids currently attend Vacaville schools, and I appreciate the support and experiences they have received. I'm a big believer in community and building relationships. I value the opportunity I have to contribute to my community and support the schools my students attend.
My primary responsibility at Vaca Peña is to support student achievement through attendance, Learning Plans, and connecting families to community resources.
Dean Mrs. Leslie Fitz
[email protected]