August 4, 2023

‘Once a Bobcat Always a Bobcat!’

Hello! My name is Kelly Rafferty, Principal of Santa Rita. I would like to welcome all families and students to the new school year and introduce myself to those who are new.

I am truly honored to be at Santa Rita. I look forward to meeting and getting to know every student and family member and look forward to reconnecting with those I already know. I am excited to partner with families and staff to create the most engaging, supportive, rigorous and joyful year as we move forward.

Working together, I believe we can support our students, our school staff and families, as we return to school with passion. The PTA and I are committed to continue building community with our traditional school wide events such as the Bobcat Chase on August 20th, Family Fun Nights, Grandfriends’ Day, Witches Delight and so many more! But first, we will begin a new tradition of a Back to School Picnic on Aug 15th. 

Our community is why my heart has always been with Santa Rita. As many of you  know, I grew up being a Bobcat, I went to Santa Rita as a child, as well as Egan and Los Altos High. I moved away for college, then to Tahoe and Colorado where I taught Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade, and returned home in 2004. I was a Santa Rita teacher, district coach and parent for 13 years where I taught 5th and 6th grade and STEM.  I moved to Covington and the District Office in 2017, where I served as an IST (Instructional Support Teacher) at many LASD schools. Now I am in my third year as Principal at Santa Rita and I have truly enjoyed every minute. 

My sons Cole and Drew were also Santa Rita Bobcats, Egan Vikings and now Drew is at Los Altos High as a Senior and Cole is at the Univ. of Oregon for his second year.  When they were at Santa Rita, I experienced how truly wonderful and loving the Santa Rita teachers and community are. It is a different perspective when you are a parent and I appreciate how Santa Rita families live out the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. As a current LAHS parent, you will find me every Friday night this fall at their football games. If you come cheer on the Eagles this year, you may even catch me on the field as part of the chain gang or in the snack shack helping to raise money for athletics. My husband Tyson and I feel so fortunate to call this unique place our home and are always looking to give back. 

Next Friday, August 11, you will receive an email with your student’s class placement and you can come by the office to see the entire class list. The lists will be posted after 5:00 pm.

When you see me at our kickoff events, please stop and say hello. This is going to be a wonderful year! Go Bobcats! 

Sincerely,

Kelly Rafferty

Principal Santa Rita