Welcome to Alisal Elementary School!

It is an honor to welcome you to Alisal Elementary School as your new principal.  I am excited to join a school with such a rich history, a tradition of excellence, and a community that is deeply committed to children.

Alisal has served Pleasanton families since 1956, and its longstanding reputation is built on outstanding educators, engaged families, and a shared commitment to helping every student succeed.  As I have begun getting to know the Alisal community, I have been grateful for the opportunity to meet with staff members, families, community members, and some of our wonderful students.  Every conversation has reinforced what makes this school so special: a community that cares deeply about children and works together to help them thrive.

Throughout my career as a teacher, literacy coach, intervention specialist, vice principal, and principal, I have had the privilege of working in schools both here in California and abroad.  Those experiences have reinforced my belief that every child deserves to be known, challenged, and supported, and that strong partnerships among educators, families, and the community are at the heart of every successful school.

At Alisal, our goal is to help every child grow academically while also developing confidence, curiosity, kindness, and resilience.  Our dedicated staff is committed to providing engaging instruction, meeting students' individual needs, and creating classrooms where every child feels a sense of belonging.  Through our ROAR expectations (Respect, Ownership, Awareness, and Responsibility), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, student leadership opportunities, and a strong culture of respect and responsibility, we strive to help students become not only successful learners but also caring and compassionate members of our community.

One of the things I value most about Alisal is the strong partnership between home and school.  Our Parent Teacher Association, School Site Council, English Learner Advisory Committee, volunteers, and community partners enrich the educational experience for our students in countless ways.  I look forward to getting to know our families, listening to your perspectives, and working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

I have already had the pleasure of meeting some of our wonderful students, and they have only increased my excitement about joining the Alisal community.  I look forward to getting to know every child, celebrating their successes, supporting them through challenges, and helping make their elementary school years joyful, meaningful, and memorable.

As your principal, my commitment is to lead with integrity, curiosity, and collaboration.  I believe in honoring the traditions that make Alisal special while embracing opportunities to learn, grow, and continuously improve.  Together, we will continue to foster a school where students are inspired to love learning, staff members feel valued and supported, and every family knows they belong.

Thank you for welcoming me to the Alisal community.  I look forward to partnering with you and to many wonderful years ahead.

Warmly,

Andrea Withers
Principal
Alisal Elementary School