OUR STORIES

MRS. SHAY LUNDSTROM, PRINCIPAL

My Story

I grew up in Simi Valley and attended Bellwood Elementary School, Valley View Junior High, and Simi Valley High School (go Pioneers!). I had some amazing teachers throughout my years of schooling, but one in particular made a lasting impact on me, Mrs. Helen Daley. She was my teacher for 3rd, 4th and 6th grade, and she inspired me to become an educator. I began working with children at a young age when I started coaching gymnastics (my favorite sport). I saw how challenging and rewarding coaching could be, but decided to pursue my college degree in Human Resources Management at California State University Northridge. 

After getting my business degree, I went to work in corporate human resources and realized I wanted to make more of a difference in the world. I then went to work for a non-profit mental health agency in the San Fernando Valley in human resources and enjoyed that much more. However, I had decided to get my elementary teaching credential soon after, and completed my student teaching at Crestview Elementary School. I had an awesome master teacher in Mrs. Jan Brock, and she taught me much of what I still use today. I was hired to teach at Crestview for the next school year and my dream was a reality! After teaching for nine years and with two young children of my own at home, I decided to scale back for a bit and started job sharing at Township Elementary School.  During that time I got my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and administrative credential from CSUN.

Administration

My first administrative position was as Dean of Students at Hillside Middle School (aka Hillside STEAM Academy). It was a culture change going from the elementary world to secondary! The Hillside staff was very patient and supportive of me and I feel fortunate to have been part of the team. I was in charge of school safety and handled student discipline for a majority of each day. I was the CAASPP testing coordinator as well, and enjoyed much success with the students' performing very well on the state testing. After two short years, I was promoted to site principal at Katherine Elementary School. It has been a joy becoming part of the staff and PTA at Katherine and it is true that CROCS ROCK!

Beliefs

School is a place of safety and learning where students are taught lifelong skills to make their dreams a reality. I am passionate about reading and science, in particular, and my desire is that all students will enjoy reading and value scientific learning for many years to come.