Meet Our Principal
Summer 2024
Dear John J. Daly Elementary School Community,
It is with immense enthusiasm that I take this opportunity to introduce myself as your principal. My journey in education began at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, where I immediately embarked on a teaching career after graduating, starting in a fourth-grade bilingual classroom in Los Angeles. I furthered my education with a Master’s Degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from California State University.
With nineteen years of experience as an elementary school principal across California, Massachusetts, and New York, I have had the privilege of serving the John J. Daly community for the past three years. Being a principal is not just a profession but a passion of mine, shaped profoundly by the students, staff, and families I have had the honor to work with. Here are some of the valuable lessons I have learned over the years:
- Every child has a deep desire to succeed, to inquire, to play, and to engage meaningfully in their learning journey, especially when nurtured by caring teachers.
- Teachers are dedicated to creating nurturing environments where every student can thrive. They too seek support and care to empower them to do their best for each child.
- Each child is a unique gift, and families entrust us with these precious gifts to nurture and develop. I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with families to ensure the best possible learning environment for all our students.
I am deeply honored to serve as your principal and am eager to contribute to the continued success of our school in collaboration with our dedicated staff, motivated students, and the supportive Port Washington community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via phone or email to introduce yourself, share your ideas, and discuss plans for the upcoming school year. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting each of you and am excited about the journey ahead!
Warm regards,
Lucia Laguarda
Principal
John J. Daly Elementary School