Principal's Message

Hello amazing SLVE families,

I’m Kim Ponza, and I feel truly grateful to be part of the San Lorenzo Valley Elementary community and honored to serve as your principal. As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year—and as I begin my 15th year at SLVE and 3rd year as principal—I remain inspired by the heart, dedication, and spirit that make our school so special. I’m excited to work together with all of you to make this year the best possible experience for our students, families, teachers, and staff.

For those who may not know me yet, I live in Scotts Valley with my husband and have two grown sons. Before stepping into the principal role, I spent 12 wonderful years at SLVE teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. Prior to coming to SLVE,  I taught for 3 years at a private school and then spent 11 years in the Los Altos School District, where I taught multiple grades and served as the Extended School Year (ESY) Principal. I also took some time away from teaching to be at home with my sons before returning to this incredible community. Becoming a principal has been a lifelong dream, and I feel deeply privileged to serve in this role at a school and in a community that mean so much to me.

At SLVE, we’re fortunate to have a team of exceptionally talented and caring educators and staff, all committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for every student. As a PBIS school, we focus on fostering positive behavior, kindness, and mutual respect throughout our campus. We celebrate the strengths and successes of every individual while supporting each student’s academic and social-emotional growth.

Our updated school mission statement guides us in all we do:

“We are a supportive team of educators, collaborating with our community, dedicated to nurturing critical thinking, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong love of learning. Rooted in equity and inclusion, we strive to educate and prepare responsible, compassionate citizens through strong partnerships and engaging learning experiences.”

This year holds so much promise. Together, we will continue building on our strengths, embracing new ideas, and nurturing a learning environment where every child can flourish. Thank you for being such a valued part of our SLVE family—I’m eager to see all the wonderful things we’ll accomplish together.

Warmly,
Kim Ponza
Principal, SLVE