Principal's Message

Hello Portola Families,

My name is Jaime Soria and I am honored to be the new principal at Portola Elementary School! I am thrilled to embark on this educational journey with this wonderful school community. I have spent 18 years as an administrator and teacher in the Bay Area and Central Valley, and I am grateful for the experiences and knowledge I have gained along the way.

My passion for education began at the elementary school level where I taught for nine years in the Central Valley. This experience laid the foundation for my subsequent roles as Assistant Principal at a K-8 and K-6 school in the Bay Area. Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as the Principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary for three years in Newark Unified School District. All of these experiences have shaped me into the educator I am today.

I am drawn to Portola Elementary's strong commitment to diversity and academic excellence. Over the years, the Pandas have achieved remarkable success, and I am eager to join the team that has fostered this exceptional environment. I am looking forward to collaborating with highly qualified teachers and staff who are dedicated to providing our students with the best possible education.

As we embark on this new school year, I emphasize the significance of open communication and collaboration between all stakeholders. By working together, we can ensure continued success for Portola. I am confident that our collective efforts will create a vibrant and supportive learning environment for our students.

I am excited to connect with the students, families, and staff of Portola Elementary. I am eager to learn more about our school culture and contribute to its ongoing legacy. Together, let us make this upcoming school year a fantastic one!

In partnership,

Jaime Soria

Principal, Portola Elementary