Principal's Message

A Warm Welcome to the School Year!

Dear Mark Twain Students, Families, and Community,  

It is with great excitement, gratitude, and humility that I welcome you as the new Principal of Mark Twain Elementary. Having previously served as the Assistant Principal here, I am honored to return in this new role and continue serving a school community that has become so meaningful to me.

Mark Twain is a special place because of it's people. Every day, I have the privilege of seeing dedicated educators, supportive families, resilient students, and a caring community come together with one shared purpose: helping every child succeed. I believe that when schools and families work in partnership, children flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

On a personal note, serving as Principal is especially meaningful because this community reflects so much of my own journey. I was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, and grew up in Manzanillo, Colima. At the age of six, my family moved to Pasco, where I attended Robert Frost Elementary, Stevens Middle School, and Pasco High School. Those experiences shaped who I am and inspired my passion for education and service.

Before becoming an educator, I proudly served in the United States Navy. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving our community in a variety of educational roles, including paraeducator, Dual Language teacher, behavior interventionist, district Dual Language coordinator, assistant principal, and now principal. Each experience has strengthened my belief that every child deserves to be known, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

As we begin this school year together, my commitment is to foster a school culture where every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to learn. We will continue to hold high expectations while providing the support each child needs to grow academically and personally. We are also committed to celebrating the strengths that make our community unique, including the rich diversity of our students, families, languages, and cultures.

At Mark Twain, we believe that learning is an adventure. Together, we will encourage curiosity, perseverance, kindness, and a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom. We want every Wildcat to leave our school with the confidence to pursue their dreams and the character to make a positive difference in the world.

To our families, thank you for entrusting us with your children each day. Your partnership is invaluable, and I encourage you to stay involved, communicate openly, and celebrate the many accomplishments we will achieve together. My door is always open, and I look forward to getting to know each of you throughout the year.

Thank you for being part of the Mark Twain family. I am excited for all that lies ahead and look forward to a school year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories.

Together, we will make this an exceptional year for every Wildcat!

With gratitude,  
Cesar R. Vera-Rodriguez
Principal Mark Twain Elementary