He said many of Sequoia Pathway’s seniors are ready to leave home and explore the world. As the newest principal, Hernandez said his focus is getting to know the needs of the community, his staff and administrators. He’s already sent a strong message to his 24 middle- and high-school teachers. “We want to make sure that every student has a safe and welcoming experience, and so we are prioritizing that our staff communicate that in the words that they use, the behaviors that they display, in attitudes and the approaches that they use in the classroom,” he said. Toepfer noted Sequoia Pathway Elementary is a diverse school with many “master teachers” who know their jobs well and educate with finesse, authority and professionalism. Sequoia schools differentiate instructional programs to help all students access a rigorous education with the enrichment and support for accelerated learners, English language learners, students with disabilities and students below grade level, Edkey leaders said. Toepfer agrees with the concept. “It’s very important to me that students see adults who look like them and who are very successful,” Toepfer said. “And that is one thing that I feel strongly about, my staff.” She calls Sequoia Pathway “a gem of a school” that is good at teaching educations basics: reading, writing and math. “We have some amazing teachers. I’ve got great teachers. We’ve got a great staff.”
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InMaricopa.com/NewResidentGuide • New Resident & Visitor Guide 2024
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