Newly-appointed Los Alamos Middle School Principal Jill Gonzales. Photo Courtesy LAPS
LAPS NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos Public Schools is pleased to announce that Jill Gonzales has accepted the position of principal at Los Alamos Middle School.
“I am excited to work with the incredible staff at Los Alamos Middle School,” she said. “I am looking forward to meeting the students and parents of our Hawk family. Go Hawks!”
“Mrs. Gonzales has a genuine love for students and has built caring relationships with all stakeholders at LAPS.” said LAPS Superintendent Jose Delfin. “She brings a well-rounded skill set and rich leadership experiences to continue the mission of educational excellence for students and staff at LAMS.”
In Los Alamos, Jill has served as principal of Pinon Elementary School in White Rock for seven years and the Topper Freshman Academy Principal for four years. Most recently, Jill has served on the LAPS Healthy Schools Team and has supported students in the areas of prevention and attendance.
“My educational philosophy is that, in order for students to be successful, they need to feel safe, connected and have a sense of belonging,” Mrs. Gonzales said. “When these protective factors are in place, students can thrive socially, emotionally and academically. It takes all of us – teachers, caregivers and community partners – working together to provide the tools, resources and supports students need to learn and grow into healthy and productive adults.”
Mrs. Gonzales is a California native who grew up one of four children in the San Francisco Bay Area, attending De Anza High School in Richmond and graduating from UCLA with a major in Political Science. After a brief stint in Washington DC, Jill pursued her desire to become a teacher – graduating from California State Dominguez Hills with a secondary teaching credential and her Masters in Educational Administration.
Beginning her career in education in 1995, Jill has served in a variety of roles – as a high school social studies teacher, activities director, educational advisor, assistant principal and principal.
Jill moved to New Mexico in 2004 with her husband, Greg Gonzales (a Pojoaque native) and their two children Michaela and Luke.