Quail Summit Elementary School
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Dear Quail Summit Community,
As Principal of Quail Summit Elementary School, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2026–2027 school year. This marks my fifth year as part of the Quail Summit family and leading our beloved “School with a Heart.” It is also my 29th year in education. Over the years, I have served as a classroom teacher at various grade levels, a Teacher on Special Assignment focused on English Learners and Technology, an Assistant Principal, and now a Principal. This is my 15th year serving as a principal, and I continue to be inspired by the opportunities each day brings to learn, grow, and connect with others.
This year, our school theme is “Start a Ripple, change the world!” At Quail Summit, we believe that learning, kindness, leadership, and relationships should never stop at the classroom door. We challenge ourselves to extend a helping hand, extend our thinking, extend opportunities for others, and extend the positive impact we have on our community. Every act of kindness, every new idea, and every meaningful connection creates a ripple that reaches far beyond our campus.
Our students will continue to engage in rigorous learning experiences that promote academic excellence across all curriculum areas. We will encourage them to extend their understanding, challenge themselves to think deeply, and develop the confidence to take risks as learners. At the same time, we remain committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—so that every student feels supported, valued, and empowered.
Quail Summit continues to partner closely with the COTSEN Foundation to bring innovative instructional practices into our classrooms. Through our focus on Number Sense Routines and Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), we are making mathematics more accessible and meaningful for all students. Our dedicated staff is highly trained in research-based practices including Thinking Maps, G.L.A.D. strategies, IMSE phonics and morphology instruction, and meaningful parent engagement opportunities that extend learning beyond the school day.
We are empowering students to use their knowledge and skills to solve problems, innovate, collaborate, and pursue their passions. Our vision is to extend learning beyond memorization by fostering critical thinking, creativity, communication, and the ability to imagine new possibilities. We want our students to recognize that their ideas, actions, and voices have the power to make a difference.
Throughout the years, Quail Summit has been honored with numerous recognitions, including:
These achievements reflect the strong foundation built by our students, staff, families, and community. As we look ahead, we will continue to build upon that foundation by extending opportunities for growth, leadership, and success for every child. Together, we will strive to develop students who are academically prepared, socially responsible, emotionally secure, and ready to contribute positively to the world around them.
Our teachers and staff deeply appreciate the support and partnership of our families. We look forward to strengthening those relationships and warmly welcoming new families into our Quail Summit community. You belong here, and your involvement helps make our school stronger.
When we extend kindness, learning, and leadership to others, we create ripples of impact that reach far beyond ourselves. By starting a ripple, we can change the world.
Fondly,
Nicole Hernandez
Principal
Quail Summit Elementary School