We are pleased to welcome our new assistant principal, Mrs. Ana Ortiz, to our school. Mrs. Ortiz comes to us from the Title 1 Department where she served as the Bilingual Community Coordinator and worked as an ESL Parent Engagement Specialist.
Mrs. Ortiz has 14 years experience working in education. She is originally from Puerto Rico and attended Inter-American University in Puerto Rico. Mrs. Ortiz has a Bachelor of Arts in K-6 Early Childhood Education and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She also attended Harvard for the Public Education Leadership Project. She has been recognized for her work as the Employee of the Year for the WSFCS Central Office Division and as a speaker for national conferences.
Mrs. Ortiz is married and has one teenage daughter. Most of her other family still lives in Puerto Rico where they farm and grow coffee and vegetables as well as raise several farm animals. Mrs. Ortiz also has a dog, spends her free time reading and spending time with her family, and travels especially to learn about different cultures. She enjoys singing and karaoke, music and playing some basic piano. Mrs. Ortiz also enjoys cooking, particularly traditional Puerto Rican food.
Mrs. Ortiz's official first day was Monday, December 2. She spent the day learning procedures, becoming familiar with software and accounts as well as visiting classrooms to meet students and teachers. Mrs. Ortiz said she is excited to be a part of our school family and is especially excited to be part of such a diverse school with over 20 countries represented among our students and teachers.
She is "looking forward to working together and diligently with the faculty and staff to carry out the vision and mission of Diggs-Latham Elementary School." She is "committed to working with teachers, parents, and the community stakeholders to ensure our children reach their full potential."Our school has a special place in her heart as it was one of the first schools where she had the opportunity to work in the Adult ESL class when she started working in our district. She is committed to doing what is best for children.
Faculty, students and staff welcomed Mrs. Ortiz by decorating her door and wall with streamers and posters and surprising her with a basket full of treats, gifts and black and orange swag to represent our tiger pride.
Welcome to Tigerland, Mrs. Ortiz! We look forward to working with you.
