Principal's Message

Angelica Montelongo, Ed.D. : Thomas Jefferson Elementary Principal

Dr. Angelica Montelongo is thrilled to welcome everyone back for an exciting new school year! With over 25 years of experience in education, Dr. Montelongo brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our school community. She began her journey as an instructional aide and has since served as a teacher, program administrator, assistant principal, and principal over the past nine years.

A proud alumna of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Dr. Montelongo also holds a Teaching Credential from Cal State University, Los Angeles, as well as both her master's and doctorate from the University of La Verne. Her extensive background spans the Greater Los Angeles area and Bakersfield, where she has dedicated herself to fostering a high-quality educational experience for all students.

With a focus on building self-confidence, perseverance, and a positive mindset, Dr. Montelongo is committed to supporting our students in their growth and success. Having previously been a parent and teacher at Thomas Jefferson, she approaches this role with a grateful heart and deep dedication.

At our school, our primary goal is to provide every student with a challenging and rigorous curriculum tailored to their unique academic levels. We firmly believe that every child can achieve academic success, and we are committed to creating an environment where high expectations are maintained for all.

To that end, we ensure that each child experiences quality instructional opportunities that recognize and support their needs. Our Jefferson Jack Rabbit Scholars exemplify the values of being:

• Respectful

• Responsible

• Ready to Learn

We encourage our students to shine brightly as they embody these principles, leading them to become outstanding individuals and learners.

Welcome to Thomas Jefferson Elementary, the proud home of the Jefferson Jack Rabbits!

Warm regards,

Dr. Montelongo

Principal