Five People You Should Know at Your Child’s School

As a parent, you pack lunch and make sure your child gets on the bus and is ready for the school day. But do you do your homework and get to know all the important people at school?

With a new school year right around the corner, it's time to start figuring out who should be on your "must know" list.

1. Your Child's Teacher

Get to know your child's teacher well enough to ask questions about schoolwork and to give him or her information that will help your child learn.

2. School Counselor

The counselor can help your child deal with changes and challenges at home and at school. Counselors can be a great resource for college-bound students, too. A good school counselor can help explain dates and deadlines and review the application process with your high schooler. 

3. Health Office Administrator

Introduce yourself to the school's health care professional. They provide much more than bandages and ice packs. They are providing a safe haven for kids who need to rest or lie down, dealing with safety issues, and providing an endless list of services to our students on a daily basis.

4. Parent Association

Ask your school if there’s a committee of which you should be aware. Or better yet, sign up to volunteer and get involved! Your school most likely has a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or a Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). These groups are a well-established avenue for parent involvement.

5. School Principal

Find out if your school principal is holding any meetings, orientations, events or open houses to get to know parents. Many of our local schools host an informal "coffee" or "meet and greet" to discuss any questions or concerns regarding the school.

Important Contact Information

, 15510 Usher Street, Superintendent: Dr. Dennis Byas (510)317-4600

Elementary Schools:

, 2001 Bockman Road, Principal: Diana Tavares, (510) 317-4300

, 17115 Meekland Avenue, Hayward, Principal: Linda Santillan, (510) 317-4800

, 14790 Corvallis Street, San Leandro, Principal: Gail Drake, (510) 317-4900

Dayton Elementary School, 1500 Dayton Avenue, San Leandro, Principal: Neal Bloch, (510) 317-3600

, 1510 Via Sonya, Principal: Robert Patrick, (510) 317-5000

, 879 Grant Avenue, Principal: Vanessa Bramlett, (510) 317-3700

, 620 Drew Street, Principal: Wendy Garner, (510) 317-5200

, 15980 Marcella Street, Principal: Pam VandeKamp, (510) 317-5300

, 18250 Bengal Avenue, Hayward, Principal: Greg Sahakian, (510) 317-5400

Middle Schools:

, 800 Bockman Road, Principal: Gail Yothers, (510)317-3800

, 16160 Ashland Avenue, Principal: John Shimko, (510)317-5100

, 1170 Fargo Avenue, San Leandro, Principal: James Gray, (510)317-5500

, 2005 Via Barrett, Principal: Cathy Cowan (510)258-0106

High Schools:

, 15701 Lorenzo Boulevard, Principal: Larry Smith, (510)317-4000

, 20450 Royal Avenue, Hayward, Principal: Abigail Kotzin, (510)317-4400

, 20450 Royal Avenue, Hayward, Principal: Abigail Kotzin, (510)317-4400

, 50 E. Lewelling Boulevard, Pricinpal: Theresa McEwen, (510)317-3000

, 2005 Via Barrett, Principal: Jason Singer, (510)317-2330