Welcome to New River Elementary

Dear New River Families,

Welcome to New River Elementary, where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to grow. I am incredibly proud to serve as principal of a school community filled with dedicated educators, amazing students, and families who truly care about making New River a special place for children.

I have spent my entire career in education working to create the kind of school experience I would want for my own children and grandchildren. My journey began with my own kindergarten teacher, who made me feel loved, capable, and excited to come to school each day. More than three decades later, that experience continues to guide me. I believe children learn best when they feel safe, connected, challenged, and genuinely cared for.

At New River, our work is grounded in a simple but meaningful belief: Lead with Heart, Grow with Purpose, Together. This is more than a school theme. It reflects how we approach our work with students, families, and one another. We lead with compassion, make intentional decisions based on what our students need, and recognize that our greatest success happens when we work together.

Our goal is to help every New River Knight grow into a confident, kind, and curious learner who is ready to solve problems, work with others, and adapt to a changing world. We accomplish this by providing rigorous and engaging learning experiences while giving students opportunities to think, talk, write, create, collaborate, and problem-solve.

Just as important as academic achievement is creating a school where children feel safe, supported, and that they belong. Through our PBIS systems, social-emotional supports, calming spaces, and caring adults throughout campus, we intentionally teach and reinforce what it means to be respectful, responsible, safe, and kind. We are incredibly proud to have earned California PBIS Platinum recognition, the highest level of recognition, reflecting our strong implementation of positive, proactive, and inclusive supports for all students.

One of the things I value most about New River is our sense of community. I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child, and families are an essential part of that village. We want you to feel welcome on our campus, connected to your child's education, and comfortable reaching out when you have questions, ideas, or concerns. Whether you volunteer, attend a school event, participate in PTO, or simply talk with your child about their school day, your involvement matters.

Outside of school, I am a wife, mother of four, and very proud grandmother. I enjoy traveling to spend time with family, hiking, playing card games, trying new restaurants, and singing much too loudly in the car. My family keeps me grounded and reminds me every day of the tremendous trust families place in us when they send their children through our gates each morning.

Thank you for choosing New River and for trusting us to be part of your child's journey. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I look forward to another year of learning, growing, celebrating, and creating wonderful memories together.

Together, we grow. Together, we shine.

Warmly,

Mrs. Jody Gardner Milbourn
Principal
New River Elementary