Greetings and thank you for visiting our website! I would like to welcome you on our journey as we strive towards continuous achievement and excellence in teaching and learning at Bret Harte Elementary School. The 2011-2012 school year is already shaping up to be an exciting, successful year with an amazing group of hard working students, talented staff and dedicated parents.

This year will pose challenges for us with increased class sizes in all of our Kindergarten through Third Grade classes. Class sizes in these grades have increased from 22 students to 30 students per class. Classes in Fourth and Fifth grade remain at 35:1. For this reason this year in particular we are in need of parent and community member VIPS to help out in our classrooms and on field trips, as well as with social events such as the Luau and Jog-a-Thon. Please contact the office if you are interested in volunteering at Harte.

Finally, I would like to extend a “Harte-felt” welcome to the following staff members new to Bret Harte:

• Ms. Campos – Kindergarten (Room 1)
• Mrs. Azpeitia – Grade 2 (Room 40)
• Mrs. Hernandez – Grade 4/5 (Room 25)
• Mrs. Ramos – Grade 5 (Room 39)
• Mr. Cordero – Grade 5 (Room 36)
• Mrs. Harmon – 50% Librarian
• Mrs. Chiles – 50% Assistant Principal
• Mrs. Emerson - Counselor
• Ms. Carbajal – 30% Nurse

Each of these individuals has made a seamless integration to the Bret Harte family and is already contributing to the success of our students.

If you find yourself in the neighborhood don’t hesitate to stop by and visit. Visitors are always welcome – just make certain to make your first stop in the main office. With our continued efforts in supporting each other and working together I am confident that our young Bret Harte scholars will continue to show steady academic progress while enjoying journey along the way!

Mr. Scott Tardibuono, Principal