NOVA Independent Study Main Directory Numbers


General Numbers For Contacting NOVA Independent Study

Main Office Line: (415) 897-7653

Fax Line: (415) 898-3910

Administration & Office Staff

Kessa Early
Kessa EarlyPrincipal
Jennifer Russell
Jennifer RussellAssistant Principal
Marianne Gates
Marianne GatesOffice Manager
Tracy Kreling
Tracy KrelingAttendance Technician

Teachers

Julie Adams
Julie Adams6th through 12 grades
Jill Lacues
Jill Lacues1st through 5th grades
Kim Duncan
Kim Duncan6th through 12 grades
Amy Ferhart
Amy Ferhart6th through 12 grades
Carmelita Watkins
Carmelita Watkins6th through 12 grades

College and Career

Krista Peach
Krista PeachCollege & Career Specialist

Support

Evan Englar
Evan EnglarAcademic Counselor
Elena Potovsky
Elena PotovskyResource/Student Support
Xeny Diaz
Xeny DiazCommunity Liason
Maricela Rangel
Maricela RangelCustodian
Kessa Early, Principal of NOVA Independent Study

Principal
Kessa Early

2019 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR ACSA REGION 4

B.A. IN SOCIOLOGY, MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

M.A. IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATIONSONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

MCSAA OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR

2011 District III CCEA ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR 2016

DOCTORAL CANDIDATE
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

About Our Principal

As I begin my 21st year in NUSD and my 16th year as the administrator of Alternative Education in Novato, I am filled with excitement as our District continues to emphasize our three goals:

· Culture of Caring

· Culture of Competence

· Culture of Excellence

With a continued focus on the Graduate Profile—21st Century Learning and the 6 Cs— our teachers emphasize the growth of the whole student; valuing not only content knowledge, but also a variety of skills. These life skills contribute to competitiveness in a global economy; healthy lifestyles; and a well-informed, productive citizenry.

At the Hill Education Center, every staff member from every program is passionate about education, strongly believing that all students can be successful. Each senior is expected to complete a Project-Based Learning presentation, and will have an opportunity to present this project to our community at Senior Project Night on May 3, 2023.

We believe the home/school partnership is critical to a positive educational experience. Parents can do their part by sending us well-rested students who realize that school is, first and foremost, a place for learning. Our job, in turn, is to provide a safe, supportive environment; identify and develop strengths; and address concerns so all of our students can experience success.

Hill Education Center offers a number of enrichment programs for all students. Bridges, one of the most comprehensive programs offered, is for students who are interested in learning soft skills, taking college courses, and earning units toward certification in a chosen vocation. To learn more about Bridges, please contact the front office and inquire about the application process.

On a personal note, I have strong connections to this community. I grew up in Novato, graduated from Novato High School, and returned to Novato High as a teacher in 2002. I absolutely love Novato and enjoy raising my children here.

Thank you for your support and partnership in helping to ensure that all students are prepared for post-secondary education and beyond. I look forward to another successful school year.

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