November 2019 Principal Profile – Adeline Mendez

November 2019 Principal Profile

Adeline Mendez

Principal – Rio Lindo Elementary School

1st Year as Lindo Principal

1st Year as Principal

12 Years as Teacher

This is Ms. Mendez’s first year as principal, previously she served as assistant principal for both Rio Vista and Rio Del Valle middle schools. Ms. Mendez was a teacher at Rio Rosales  and Rio Real Elementary Schools and has served as summer science academy administrator for multiple years.

Ms. Mendez earned her B.A. in History from California State University, Northridge, her teaching credential from California State University, Channel Islands, her counseling credential and M.A. in Counseling from California Lutheran University, and her administrative credential and Masters in Leadership from California State University, Northridge.

Adeline likes to watch old movies and spend time with her family which is huge. Saturdays are for family and Sundays are for football. Ms. Mendez grew up locally in Oxnard and Port Hueneme. Her family is still very rooted here.  

Ms. Mendez is a great example of the strength and vitality of our local community. While many California communities tend towards breaking families apart and the impersonality of the nuclear family, Rio and Oxnard families commonly are able and interested in developing their community through service. Adeline has always worked in service of others and has stepped up to leadership in a variety of roles. At her heart she is a learner and this is an invaluable asset as an educator. Her humility is a sign of her supportive and forward thinking leadership style. 

We asked Ms. Mendez the following three questions and his responses follow each;

• What do you think matters most to children when they attend school?

What matters most to children when they attend school is having positive relationships with peers, teachers and other adults on campus.  When students have positive relationships and interactions at school, it creates a sense that they trulybelong and that they matter, thus building a sense ofconnectedness to school.  I believe that students’ social/emotional well being is just as important, if not more so, than their academics needs.  In my past experiences as a classroom teacher, I found that students tried and worked harder when they knew and felt I cared about them, took interest in their likes and dislikes, recognized their strengths or areas they could improve upon.  Positive relationships with teachers and peers creates a safe learning environment where childrens’ innate curiosity, creativity and happiness are stimulated and energized.  

• How has your leadership changed over time and experience?

Throughout my experience in leadership roles I’ve learned that there is more to being an educational leader than merely managing a school site.  As a school administrator, not only are you responsible for the implementation of academic programs and instruction but also developing the capacity of 

students, parents and faculty.  In my role as a school leader, I have had to counsel, advocate, mentor and develop individual’s abilities.  I believe my success as an educational leader comes from cultivating competency in others’ capacity to lead.  Empowering others to see their own leadership capabilities is a true measurement of an educational leader.       

• What has working in schools meant to you in terms of your own development as a person, mother, and citizen?

Working in schools has been a great privilege and honor.  I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing people and schools that have influenced my development as a person, mother, and citizen.  As a person, I have become more empathetic, collaborative, reflective and less reactive. As a mother, I am more patient, understanding and attentive to their needs.  As a citizen, I have a greater sense of purpose and responsibility to the community that I work and live in.  

Throughout, my educational journey there have been teachers, principals, counselors, peers and other school personnel who assisted and inspired me in various ways.  I now feel an immense obligation to give back to the community that has given me the opportunity to develop into the educational leader I am today.