Meet our new Principal

Hello Riverdale Elementary Community!

I’m thrilled to serve as the new principal at Riverdale Elementary!  I’m excited that I am already part of our educational community and know the majority of our staff and scholars.  For those that I don’t know yet, getting to know you will be at the top of my priorities.  Each school year brings new goals and opportunities for learning and growing as an educational community.  During the  2022-2023 school year, I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to get to know each of the students and their families at a deeper level.  I hope to serve as a resource to your family and to be a person of trust in helping your scholar(s) and your family feel connected and acquainted with our school.

I want to share a little bit about myself and my journey as an educator so you know that you feel confident in me as a leader at Riverdale Elementary.  I started my teaching career here in Adams 12 Five Star Schools as a 4th grade teacher at Eagleview Elementary when it first opened.  I have been fortunate to serve in various roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Educator Effectiveness Coordinator at the district office.  Along the way, I pursued my Master’s degree in Literacy and another Master’s degree in Educational Leadership in an effort to learn more about how to best support schools and meet the needs of all students. 

The Adams 12 School District is where I have grown as an educator and leader, and where I call home both professionally and personally.  My husband Ralph Garcia also works in Adams 12 at Horizon High as one of the Dean of Students and Head Baseball Coach. He’s worked at Horizon for 27 years as teacher, coach, and dean.  I have a 30 year old daughter, Samantha that has followed in our family footsteps and is an Instructional Coach at Tarver Elementary.   My son, Brandon is 21 and a senior at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.  He plays middle infield for the Culver Stockton Wildcats baseball team.  Also, I’m so lucky to be a new grandma!  My daughter had a beautiful baby girl in September of 2021, so we welcomed our first granddaughter, Xiomara into our family.

I am honored and excited to be the Principal of Riverdale Elementary.  I look forward to collaborating with the staff and community to contribute to the success of our scholars.  Please feel free to call, email, or schedule a time to meet if you have any questions or anything you would like to share,

Best Wishes!      

Tanya Garcia