From the Principal

A message from the principal: Dr. Marci Chavez

Dear Nelson Knight Families,

It is a great honor to be the Nelson Knight Principal as we head into the 2024-2025 school year.  Nelson has a wonderful reputation for creating a welcoming and positive school environment.  I am committed to help support our whole school community including students, parents, teachers, and staff- it truly takes a village for students to learn.  My hope is to facilitate a school where we empower our students together to be lifelong learners and caring citizens.

My passion for teaching, leading and learning has been positively influenced working the last 16 years in the Hacienda La Puente School District.  My roles include teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grades, Teacher on Special Assignment, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal and now I am the proud Principal of Nelson elementary. Personally and professionally, I believe it is my duty to model lifelong learning and having a growth mindset.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Educational Studies from the University of Santa Barbara, multiple subject teaching credential and master’s degree in Education from the University of Southern California, administrative credential from Cal Poly Pomona and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Cal Poly Pomona.

Family is the heart of what I do on a daily basis.  I come from a family that holds morals and integrity to the highest standard.  My mother taught me that children must feel safe, loved and nurtured.  My father demonstrated at a very young age that your word and character is the foundation to building trust and relationships. I have aimed to raise my three sons with these same values, and it is my hope to bring the qualities I learned from my family to Nelson Elementary. 

I am deeply humbled and grateful for this opportunity to serve and support the Nelson community and create an environment that feels like home.  I look forward to meeting all of you and learning more about your family and hopes for this school year.

I have a deep respect for our Nelson parent groups and neighborhood community.  I look forward to building lasting partnerships with all of you.  Thank you for such a warm welcome. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Marci Chavez

Principal of the Best School in the Universe

Nelson Elementary School