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Principal's Message

Principal's Message

Principal's Message
July 2024
 

Dear Jensen Jaguar Community,

Welcome to Jensen Ranch Elementary School-home of the Jaguars!  Jensen Ranch serves approximately 400 students in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade and their families.

Jensen Ranch School is dedicated to establishing and maintaining a learning environment where school, community, and individuals work together in an atmosphere of open communication, respect and creative spirit to foster an expectation of excellence, responsibility and life-long learning.

We are dedicated to helping every child achieve excellence by:

• Achieving goals of education by providing for mastery of academic skills, the development of critical and creative thought, and openness to life-long learning;

• Promoting and modeling excellence and personal best;

• Recognizing the unique value of each individual while nurturing the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of each student;

• Encouraging the development of self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, compassion, and consideration of others within our classrooms, school, and community; and promoting a partnership between home, school, and community.

Families are critical members of our Jaguar community and I encourage you to be involved in your child’s education. Being actively involved in your child’s education is essential in developing a strong home/school partnership. Whether you are working full-time away from home or at home, make sure you take time every day to connect and be present with your child. Talk to your child about what they are learning in school, have your child read to you, provide a quiet place to do homework every day, and help your child stay organized!  Better yet, come and volunteer in a classroom or the library, join our PTA, and/or participate in school activities.  Information on our outstanding Jensen Ranch PTA can be found on our website under the "Parents" tab.   Please take time to review the PTA page and consider actively participating in this vital organization.

Jensen is a school where everyone shares in the responsibility for the success of every single one of our students. We cannot do it alone.  If there is something going on that may impact your child’s success or focus at school, please communicate with your child’s teacher, me, or any other staff member with whom you feel comfortable. We are all here to support you and your student in the pursuit of excellence.

Jensen Ranch has a rich tradition of excellence. In 2002, 2008, and 2012, Jensen Ranch was honored as a California Distinguished School.  In 2013, Jensen Ranch was awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award by the U.S. Department of Education.  Jensen Ranch is regularly recognized by the California Business for Education Excellence (CBEE) for academic excellence and for closing the achievement gap.

On behalf of the Jensen Ranch community, we welcome you and look forward to partnering with you to make this a wonderful school year!  Please know that my door is always open and that I value the opportunity to work in partnership with you.

Regards,

Lisa MacLean

Jensen Ranch Elementary Principal

About Ms. MacLean

A woman with silver hair smiles at the camera, wearing a patterned top.
 It is with pride and enthusiasm that I return for my 8th year as Principal of Jensen Ranch Elementary! I am honored to continue our tradition of excellence, PAWsitive engagement, high-quality learning, and strong partnerships with our amazing students, families, and staff.

Castro Valley has been my home for the past 29 years, and I’ve had the privilege of being deeply connected to our schools as both a parent and an educator. As a proud parent of a CVHS graduate, I understand firsthand the importance of community and collaboration in supporting student success. Over my 34-year career in education, I’ve served in a wide range of roles—from instructional aide to middle and high school teacher, including alternative education settings, to assistant principal and principal at the high school level. For the past 18 years, I’ve found deep fulfillment in my role as an elementary school principal. Supporting our youngest learners in building a strong academic and social foundation is a responsibility I cherish.

In addition to my leadership at Jensen Ranch, I am proud to direct the CVUSD Elementary Track & Field program, which brings together students from across the district to build teamwork, confidence, and school spirit. I believe every child has unique value and deserves access to meaningful learning experiences that empower them to be their personal best—academically, emotionally, and as members of our community.

My academic background includes degrees in Geography and Social Science and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. I also had the life-changing opportunity to study outdoor education during a year abroad in Norway—an experience that continues to influence my approach to whole-child learning. In my free time, I enjoy genealogy research, traveling, and spending time with my family and our two beloved pets, Captain and Chloe.

As we begin this new school year, I am excited to build upon our strong foundation and deepen our connections as a school community. I look forward to working together to ensure your children thrive, grow, and discover the joy of learning in a safe and inclusive environment. Jensen Ranch is a special place, and I am grateful to be part of this caring and supportive school community.

Other ways to Stay connected to Jensen Ranch Elementary School:

Like @lisamacleanprincipal on Facebook

Follow @jensen_ranch_jaguars on Instagram

Like @JensenRanchPTA on Facebook