The new 2021/22 school year will launch with a new leader at the helm of San Jose Middle School.
Michael Casper began his official service as Principal on July 1, 2021 and hit the ground running, swiftly meeting with school and PTA leaders in July to begin planning.
Mr. Casper is a devoted local educator who has worked in NUSD for two decades. In fact, while earning his teaching credential many years ago, he completed a portion of his student teaching assignment at San Jose Middle School. He brings invaluable experience from years of involvement in NUSD Summer School and Student Services programs, and San Marin High School leadership.
Most recently, Mr. Casper served as Assistant Principal at San Marin High School for 16 years. Prior to that, he served as a classroom teacher for the Marin County Office of Education Alternative Education Program, and a Summer School Coordinator for NUSD elementary, middle, and high school. He has supported NUSD Student Services for the past several years. He holds an M.A. in Education Administration from Sonoma State University, a B.S. from Sacramento State University, and a Teaching Credential from Dominican University.
On stepping into the Principal role at San Jose Middle School, Mr. Casper says:
“I couldn’t be more excited about being given this opportunity to make a positive impact in the San Jose Middle School community. I have already had the pleasure of collaborating with San Jose staff regarding student services and our work with essential standards for the past several years. As principal, my number one priority is always maintaining a safe learning environment where all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential and enjoy their time at San Jose Middle School.”
He says emphatically, “Yes, we should have fun and enjoy school!”
Mr. Casper’s vision is to promote a culture where students and staff care for and look out for each other.
“We will not just focus on the mastery of content standards but teaching students the important 21st Century Life Skills outlined in the NUSD Graduate Profile. Our students will continue to learn how to properly collaborate and communicate with others, while celebrating our diversity. I am beyond excited to get to know our community partners and parent community with the hope of building life-long relationships, with the number one goal of supporting all our students. Go Scorpions!” commented Mr. Casper