Principal's Message

Linden reminds me of my home town of Willits, California, and brings back fond memories for me as a high school student. Both towns have a strong sense of community and pride in all they do. I am grateful to have an opportunity to experience this again. I took a circuitous route to education and my position at Linden High School. I graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Telecommunications: News/Public Affairs and had dreams of being the next Edward R. Murrow. Instead, I went to work at FM 104 KHOP and, as a result, had no desire to be a news broadcaster. I eventually left radio and got into sporting goods management, which led to the footwear retail business, and eventually helping to start a footwear company. The problem was this involved a lot of travel and time away from my wife and two young sons. I needed a change. I contacted Stanislaus State University to learn about becoming an English teacher and, after 17 years in Manteca Unified School District, I feel blessed to be the Principal at Linden High School. I met my wife at Fresno State, and we have been married nearly 30 years. She just started her 30th year as an educator in Stockton Unified School District. We have two amazing sons. Our oldest is married and completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Duke University. Our youngest just started his junior year at California State University, Long Beach Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. He is a percussionist studying music performance. My educational career stared at East Union High School. During this 10-year span, I was an English teacher, department chair, head coach for track and field, assistant cross-country coach, and kicking coach for the varsity football team. During the last seven years, I served as an administrator at Manteca High School; the first three-and-a-half years as Vice Principal and the last three-and-a-half years as Assistant Principal. These 17 years shaped my thinking and philosophy about education. Education is the vehicle that propels our youth to become successful, contributing citizens in society. For it to work properly and to reach our goals, it takes a collective group of stakeholders and community partners working together for the betterment of our students. It is this collaborative effort that creates a culture in which all students are able to achieve at a high level. This high level becomes contagious and permeates throughout the school. It not only positively impacts academics, but also social and emotional well-being. Linden High School plays an integral part in this process. Everything we do at LHS is for our students. I like to say, “It’s not about the adults in the room, but about the students.” Our job as LHS educators is to make sure all students are set-up for success in achieving grade level standards, experience a safe learning environment, and are able to use the latest 21st century tools to meet the rigors of a 21st century education. It is important that our teachers are able to collaborate on accurate, meaningful data to inform their daily instruction to ensure their students are ready to be the next great leaders in our local and global communities. I am excited and optimistic about doing this work together! Go Lions!