A Message From Our Principal

Dear Families and Community Members,

Students, families, staff, and community members—today we celebrate!

Last week, as our 8th graders visited the students at Robles Elementary, I couldn’t help but think about where this journey began. For some of you, your educational journey started right here in our kindergarten classrooms. For many others, the foundation was laid even earlier in preschool.

As I talked with our 8th graders during the visit, they spoke fondly about those early childhood days at Robles. It reminded me of a poster I used to see everywhere—titled- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.

The truth is, most of what you truly need to know about life, leadership, and success, you learned right here in Altar Valley School District. Some of you learned those lessons very early in kindergarten or even preschool.

So today, I ask you to think back to those early days. The lessons were simple, but they were powerful. As you move into high school, I challenge you to carry some of these ideas with you:

Share everything and play fair.
High school gets tougher. But the most successful people are not the ones who climb over others to get ahead. They are the ones who collaborate, encourage others, share credit, and treat people with respect.

Clean up your own mess.
You are entering a stage of life with more freedom and independence. With that also comes responsibility. When you make mistakes—and you will—own them, learn from them, fix them, and keep moving forward.

Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
High school is a new chapter, and sometimes you will take a wrong turn. You may say the wrong thing or make a poor decision. Having the courage to admit it and say, “I messed up,” is one of the greatest signs of maturity and leadership.

Live a balanced life. Learn some, think some, draw, paint, sing, dance, play, and work every day. Stay active!

High school is going to demand more from you academically, socially, and emotionally. Challenge yourself. But do not lose your sense of curiosity, creativity, and joy. Don’t lose the wonder you had when you were five years old. Have Fun!

Altar Valley All-Stars, Eagles, and Bobcats—look out for one another. Support one another. Be kind to one another, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.

Congratulations, Class of 2030. I am very proud of you, excited for your future, and cannot wait to see where your journey takes you. Coach/ Board Member Tankersley – who are we?

Dr. Dave Dumon
Superintendent
Altar Valley School District
ddumon@avsd.org
520-822-1484
#AllStarsRead