Meet our counselors--Ms. Johnston and Ms. Hendrix. They are here to support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student at Doña Merced Elementary School. They are here to help every student feel safe, valued and ready to learn.
Greetings Doña Merced Elementary School Community!
My name is Armando Barajas, and it is a blessing and an honor to serve as the new Principal of Doña Merced Elementary School. I bring vast experience both as a school administrator and English, ELD, and Dual-Immersion-Spanish teacher. I am a data-driven and student-centered instructional leader who is committed to examining Doña Merced’s data, curriculums, and programs to ensure that our Jaguars are getting the best educational and social-emotional support Doña Merced has to offer, all while ensuring that our students are provided a safe, pristine, and conducive learning environment.
I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at USC. Moreover, I earned my Ed.M. in Educational Policy and Management from Harvard University, and my BA and MAT from USC. I also honorably served in the U.S. Army (Sgt).
During the summer, my family and I enjoy visiting national parks, our two favorites being Yellowstone NP and Glacier NP due to their beautiful sceneries, adventurous hikes, and amazing wildlife.
I am looking forward to a successful school year working alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families, and amazing Jaguars!
PAWS up!
Armando Barajas, Principal
Doña Merced Elementary School
My name is Armando Barajas, and it is a blessing and an honor to serve as the new Principal of Doña Merced Elementary School. I bring vast experience both as a school administrator and English, ELD, and Dual-Immersion-Spanish teacher. I am a data-driven and student-centered instructional leader who is committed to examining Doña Merced’s data, curriculums, and programs to ensure that our Jaguars are getting the best educational and social-emotional support Doña Merced has to offer, all while ensuring that our students are provided a safe, pristine, and conducive learning environment.
I am currently pursuing my Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at USC. Moreover, I earned my Ed.M. in Educational Policy and Management from Harvard University, and my BA and MAT from USC. I also honorably served in the U.S. Army (Sgt).
During the summer, my family and I enjoy visiting national parks, our two favorites being Yellowstone NP and Glacier NP due to their beautiful sceneries, adventurous hikes, and amazing wildlife.
I am looking forward to a successful school year working alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families, and amazing Jaguars!
PAWS up!
Armando Barajas, Principal
Doña Merced Elementary School
Wednesday, August 3 is the first day of school. We are so excited to have our students return to our school sites! Drop off traffic may cause delays, so please be patient with us. If your child is sick, please keep them at home and we will be happy to welcome them back into school when they are feeling better. This 2022-23 school year is going to be great! Together we are CSD!
Dona Merced will host a Family Orientation Night in the MPR on Monday, 8/1/22 from 4:30 p.m. to 6pm. Families will find out who their student's teacher is and the Kona Ice truck will be here to serve yummy treats!
Breakfast and lunch will be offered at NO CHARGE to all students during the 2022/2023 school year. No meal application needed! Questions? Contact Child Nutrition at (909) 484-2702.
Our 5th graders enjoyed a walk to the bowling area for a fun end of the year event. Thanks, PTA for providing a great time for our students!
Doña 5th graders made history today, beating the staff at our annual softball game!
Yesterday was an exciting one at Doña Merced. Several staff members were recognized for reaching milestones of service - 5, 10, 15 and 20 years! Students also got to meet Dr. Tamayo, their new principal for next school year!
We had a wonderful time meeting our incoming kindergarten students for next year at Kindergarten Orientation!
Our student body was treated to a delightful and informative visit to a biography museum put on by our amazing 5th grade scholars.
Students are enjoying a fun week with a live book fair on campus. In a collaborative effort with PTA and the staff, we were able to make it work! Teachers have the option to send any student who was unable to purchase on their scheduled day to the book fair on Friday between 9:00 and noon to shop.
What an absolute joy it was to get to do our last Jaguar Jubilee of the year in person, together in the library, the first time in over 2 years! It was a great way to end the school week.
Leprechauns were out in full force on Doña’s campus yesterday! Our first graders even found gold coins on the playground!
Thanks to everyone who supported our Bruster's fundraiser! Staff, families and dogs all enjoyed the delicious ice-cream!
Mrs. Gregoire's kinder students are enjoying some St. Patrick's Day math!
Ms. Beckie, our library tech, has been reading the book Wishtree by Katherine Applegate to our 4th and 5th grade students this year. They have designated this week as Library Wish Week and are celebrating this amazing book giving students the opportunity to write a wish for the tree.
Proctor Christy Humbles was appreciated with a sweet gift in honor of Chinese New Year. What a wonderful gesture to begin Kindness Month!
Our computer lab is coming to life with characters from well-loved books, thanks to our PCI, Allison Castro and Proctor Cynthia Hernandez!
See the attached poster for a great virtual opportunity to learn home-based strategies to help your child experience greater success, provided by our local West End SELPA! February 8, 2022 from 5:30 - 7:30.
We are celebrating the 100th Day of School Doña style!
