Dear Wolf Canyon Community,

Hello, my name is Casey Lange, and it is a privilege and an honor to be joining the Chula Vista Elementary School District, as principal of Wolf Canyon. My family, (wife, Nicole, son, Quinn, daughter, Ashton) and I are San Diego natives.  We spent three of the last four years in Beaverton, Oregon, which is just west of Portland, and have been back in sunny San Diego for the last year.  I have read and heard nothing but incredible information about the strength of the Wolf Canyon school and community.  Each time I interact with any member of the school, community, or district, the message has been the same, “You are very lucky. You landed in a beautiful place, and at an exceptional school.”  Please know, I don’t take that fact lightly.  My immediate priorities are to plan, listen, learn, and develop relationships with staff, students, and families in an effort to continue the great work that has taken place over the years.     

Education is our highest calling, and it truly is a privilege to serve each student, staff member, parent, and community partner.  This year marks my fifteenth year in education.  I have varied experience as a teacher and school leader.  For the first seven years of my career, I served at both the elementary and middle school levels, teaching a variety of grades and content areas.  The last seven years, I have gained valuable experience as an assistant principal at two middle schools, as principal at Johnson Elementary School, Bethany Elementary school in Beaverton, Oregon, and most recently at Ashley Falls in the Del Mar Union School District.  As I begin this new adventure, I eagerly look forward to utilizing the skills developed through my previous experiences to contribute to the beautiful school community that exists here. 

It is no secret that this year will be distinctly different in many ways.  Although this may be true, there are also aspects that will remain unchanged.  I want to assure you that despite the “temporary normal,” we are facing, we remain committed to the unrelenting pursuit of an extraordinary school experience for our students!  Most importantly, when students do return to school next Wednesday, I want you to know we are committed to maintaining an environment that is safe, nurturing, welcoming, joyful, and one that will aid in the development of responsible citizens in our school and community.   

As you are aware, planning has already begun to ensure the return to school for our students in-person.  After being named principal, I was immediately brought up to speed on our current status, involved in critical informational meetings, and have begun working with our school team about what our school’s reopening will look like.  I am confident that our staff, community, and district leadership will continue to work collaboratively to ensure a seamless return.  Please be on the lookout for an FAQ that will come out this weekend, or early Monday that will address many of the lingering questions that many parents still have about the start to the school year.  

I look forward to getting to know each of you, and I firmly believe that the current climate we are in will only strengthen our resolve, and nourish the powerful partnership between school and home. I am truly humbled and excited by the opportunity I have to serve the community, and can’t wait to meet each of you. 

Respectfully,

Casey Lange