Dear El Cerrito Middle School Families and Community,

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the principal of this incredible school community. El Cerrito has a long-standing tradition of excellence, and every day I am inspired by the dedication of our students, staff, families, and community partners who make our school such a special place.

As a proud product of the Corona-Norco Unified School District, this work is deeply personal to me. Having attended CNUSD schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade and graduating from Corona High School, I understand the profound impact that caring educators, supportive families, and strong schools can have on a child's future. It is a privilege to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today.

At El Cerrito, our mission is simple: to ensure every student feels safe, connected, challenged, and supported. We believe that meaningful relationships are the foundation of student success. Whether I am greeting students at the front gate, celebrating their accomplishments, attending a performance, cheering at an athletic event, or simply stopping to listen, my goal is for every student to know they are seen, valued, and important.

Our staff is committed to providing engaging learning experiences that prepare students for success in high school and beyond. We strive to cultivate not only academic achievement, but also character, resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Through rigorous instruction, enriching programs, extracurricular opportunities, and a strong focus on student well-being, we empower our Redhawks to discover their strengths and reach their full potential.

At the heart of everything we do are our SOAR expectations:

Safety • Ownership • Achievement • Respect

These values guide our actions, strengthen our community, and help create a school culture where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

We also recognize that education is most successful when schools and families work together. I encourage you to stay connected, become involved, and partner with us throughout your child's middle school journey. Together, we can ensure every student has the support they need to succeed.

Thank you for being part of the El Cerrito family. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community and look forward to continuing our work together as we help every Redhawk SOAR.

With gratitude,

Dr. Karen DeBerry
Principal
El Cerrito Middle School