Principal's Corner

 

Dear Roy Gomm Community,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year at Roy Gomm Elementary! Returning to school after a rejuvenating summer is one of the best ways to kick off a year of growth and learning. Mr. Barker and I enjoyed a busy summer traveling and spending time at Eagle Lake and Lake Tahoe. One of my favorite moments was celebrating the Fourth of July with family. I can’t wait to hear about your summer adventures and the goals you have for the new school year!

As your principal, I am honored to continue being part of a community so deeply committed to its scholars. Our collective focus remains on building a connected, courageous community of learners, where high-quality instruction and meaningful learning experiences are provided for all.

One of our greatest strengths is our partnership with families. I encourage you to volunteer—whether in classrooms, after school, around campus, or in the office. Each of us brings talents, skills, and life experiences that help enrich our scholars’ education. Volunteering allows us to extend learning beyond the classroom in ways the school alone cannot. Ask your child’s teacher, stop by the office—there’s a place for everyone at Roy Gomm!

Our Parent Faculty Association (PFA) is a vital part of our school community. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or community partner, I invite you to join. The PFA meets monthly to organize academic supports and events like Gopher Day, a beloved schoolwide celebration focused on connection and fun. Mark your calendar—Gopher Day is Sunday, September 21st!

Our faculty has been hard at work refining strategies to support both the academic and social-emotional needs of our scholars through relevant, differentiated instruction. This year, we will continue to focus on reading, writing, and math, alongside frequent and transparent communication about your scholar’s progress and development. Additionally, we are excited to place a renewed emphasis on science instruction, ensuring that students are engaged in inquiry-based, hands-on learning that sparks curiosity and critical thinking.

To our new families, welcome! Whether you're transferring from another school, relocating, or experiencing Roy Gomm for the first time, we want you to feel informed and connected. Every Sunday at 4:00 p.m., I send a weekly update via phone and email with upcoming events, opportunities, and campus news. In addition, teachers share regular classroom updates (weekly or monthly), and the Roy Gomm Tracker provides a wealth of information—from important dates and contact information, to free dress days. You can also find helpful resources on our school website to support your scholar’s academic journey.

As we continue Roy Gomm’s tradition of excellence, we’re committed to meeting the evolving needs of our scholars. Join us for Kindergarten Orientation on Tuesday, August 12th, Back to School Night (Grades 1–5) on Tuesday, August 19th, and Art Night on September 30th. Details will be posted on our website.

I welcome your ideas, questions, and feedback. Feel free to stop by, send a note, or email me anytime. Let’s make it a great year—Let’s Go Gophers!

Gratefully yours,

Mrs. Barbara Barker
Roy Gomm Principal