Riverdale principal nominated for district administrator award

Congratulations to Riverdale principal Tanya Garcia, nominated for the Adams 12 Five Star Schools' Administrative Employee of the Year Award!

"I feel so honored to be nominated for Administrator of the Year in Adams 12," Garcia said. "When I first read that I was nominated, I was both surprised and very honored--honored that people would think enough of the work we're doing at Riverdale to highlight it in this way but also surprised because it feels like too much recognition for doing what I love most each day, working with students and school staff."  

This is Mrs. Garcia's first year as Riverdale principal, following four years as assistant principal at the school. 

More from her: "Some things I'm most proud of this school year are finding ways to support our scholars as leaders. We've done this through student-led announcements each day, classroom buddies where our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders mentor a younger buddy, among many other opportunities. I'm also so excited about the relationships we've created and the learning we've done as staff this year.  As principal, I have difficult decisions to make every day. I've worked hard to listen, elicit feedback, and create trust among staff so when decisions are made, we all know they are made through the lens of putting our students first. We have also worked hard to increase our communication with families. One tool we've used to help with that is Class Dojo.  Class Dojo has provided a platform that allows us to communicate information quickly and as often as needed.

"I feel so lucky to be the principal at Riverdale Elementary. I truly work with the best students and staff ever!  Being nominated is truly an honor, but the nomination is shared with every staff member at Riverdale. It's the work we all do together that makes this such a special place."

This nomination follows other Riverdale employees receiving nods--for Classified Employee of the Year and for Strengths in Action-- this spring as well! In March, employees from across the district nominated fellow colleagues for a set of annual awards for going above and beyond to elevate student success. 

The Administrative Employee of the Year winner will be announced May 12.