New Principal Welcome Letter

Dear CICS Northtown Academy Community,

As I begin my 20th year in education, I am humbled and honored to be named the new Principal of CICS Northtown Academy. While I have met hundreds of students and families over the past two years as Assistant Principal, I look forward to continuing to meaningfully engage with you in the coming months in this new role. Getting to know our students, families, and staff revealed the rich history of our school community, the vibrant cultures that shaped us, and the tradition of respect woven into our interactions. In my previous roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school leader, I have valued building genuine relationships that foster a sense of belonging, elevating student voices and building agency to attain academic outcomes. As Principal, I will work alongside students, families, and staff to grow our academic achievement and strengthen our school’s spirit and sense of community.

I am passionate about ensuring student growth, supporting teachers with engaging instruction, and preparing all learners for success after high school. I bring to this new role a love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a former Math and Science teacher. Personally, I know first-hand the resiliency of English Language Learners, as I am a Filipino-American immigrant who learned English during elementary school in Michigan. I bring the lens as a parent of two children and reflect upon what I would want and expect from a school that serves my own children. My experiences inform, influence, and drive my leadership decisions and enhance my commitment to our diverse community.

As Principal, I am committed to leading with transparency and rooting my actions and decisions in what is equitable and best for our CICS Northtown Academy students. I will be present and engaged in classrooms, hallways, and at school events. I will clearly communicate the CICS Northtown strategic plan to ensure all decisions lead back to positive and measurable student outcomes. I believe in purposeful collaboration with all stakeholders in order to give our students more opportunities. I will hold myself and others accountable. Together, we will create an aligned CICS Northtown Academy ecosystem that serves the whole child by setting high expectations, delivering instruction with grade-level rigor, and building meaningful relationships to enhance school culture.

I look forward to partnering with you and our CICS Northtown Puma community to prepare students for the ACT and PreACT, and to enhance our school culture. I’m ready to serve our students, families, and staff with heart and dedication.

Sincerely,

Ms. Marivenus Garcia, M.A.
Principal
CICS Northtown Academy