Message From The Principal

August 7, 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

     I want to warmly welcome you to the 2023-24 school year. I am excited to join the Van Deene Avenue Elementary family! My name is Lora Caudill, and I have been given the wonderful opportunity to return to service as a principal. I have held various positions in Los Angeles Unified, including teacher, literacy coach, coordinator, principal, Equity Director, and, most recently, Community of School Administrator for Region South. As a principal, I was successful at starting a Global Awareness Magnet program, which was the first of its kind in Los Angeles Unified District. I am passionate about advocating for the arts and bringing partnerships to schools. As a result of those efforts, I was recognized by the LAUSD Board for my contributions in bringing arts partners to various schools. Knowing that Van Deene has a tradition of excellence in enhancing students' education by integrating the arts, I am honored to join a school that values these experiences as much as I do. I look forward to meeting and working closely with all of you to ensure that we continue to provide your children with high-quality and well-rounded education.

    In this new partnership in growth and learning, I hope to support you by fostering an environment that embraces diversity and celebrates all cultures. This school year we will continue to implement strategies to increase students’ motivation, grow their academic self-efficacy, and build their confidence in taking responsibility for their own learning. We will continue to enhance and set our priorities in:

• Attendance & Safety
• Social Emotional Learning
• Intervention for Students
• Enrichments: Art, Music, Dance, Theater

       I look forward to meeting and collaborating with you and your children. I am thrilled for the limitless possibilities ahead of us at Van Deene Elementary. My office is always open, ongoing communication is essential for a successful partnership. Hence, please feel free to stop by to share your thoughts, concerns, inquiries, or you may reach me at (310) 320-8680.

Sincerely,

Lora Caudill

Principal