Dear Wildcat Families,

It is an honor and privilege to serve as Winchester's principal.  I have had a life-long passion for working with children and feel very grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role. Over the past 27 years, I have served in a variety of teaching and educational leadership roles. I earned my Bachelor's degree from UCLA as a member of the Women’s Basketball team and my Master’s degree from Azusa Pacific University, where I studied Educational Leadership.  Most recently, I completed an Executive Juris Doctor degree in Education Law from Concord Law School at Purdue University Global.   I am excited and eager to bring my knowledge and  skills as an educational leader to Wildcat Country. Being at WES is like “coming home” since I was a 4th grade teacher here during the 2006-2010 school years.  Last year was my fifth year serving as the proud principal of Winchester Elementary -  a school rich in history and tradition! !  I am truly honored to be part of such a caring, compassionate, and hard-working school family.

First, I would like to welcome everyone to Wildcat country!  Our mission is to provide each and every child with the highest quality education possible.  I believe it takes a village to raise a child and we are truly a village with teachers, parents, and other community members working together to provide what is best for every child here at Winchester.  As educators, we have the incredible responsibility and opportunity of not just teaching our children but also to make a positive impact in their lives.  I believe in teaching the whole child.  This means it is our responsibility to teach and to meet the needs of every child instructionally, socially, and emotionally. 

Please know that, as your Principal, you have my commitment to work hard to create a campus that fosters communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, and positive cross-cultural competence.  I promise to keep students at the forefront of every decision we make as a school.  We will strive to teach and provide students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to have a successful future.  We will encourage and teach curiosity, problem-solving, and instill a life-long love of learning.  We will teach perseverance and a growth mindset so all students will learn to face challenges with confidence and grit.  And most of all, every child will be valued and cared for.

Our campus is vibrant with energy, enthusiasm and activity.  The environment is congenial for learning and collaboration. We look forward to your partnership and contributing to our long-standing tradition of excellence as well as providing our students with various opportunities.

I look forward to another amazing year!  Go Wildcats!

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Dana Childs-Mazzei