Administration

Dear Victoria Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope your summer has been filled with fun, rest, and special moments with family. We are thrilled to welcome our amazing students, staff, and families back to school, as well as the many new students and families joining the Victoria community. We look forward to another year of growing, learning, and roaring together as one Tiger family!

This year, our theme is "Victoria Story!" Every student, family, and staff member has a unique story to tell, and together those stories become the story of Victoria Elementary. Together we create the Victoria Story. As an AVID Elementary school, we believe every child deserves opportunities to find their voice, share their ideas, set goals, and build a future filled with possibilities. Through strong relationships, student agency, and meaningful learning experiences, we look forward to helping every student write their next chapter of success.

New Assistant Principal, Teachers and Staff: I'm also excited to introduce our new Assistant Principal, Mrs. Dockham, who joins our Victoria family this year. Mrs. Dockham will be supporting both Victoria Elementary and Bryn Mawr Elementary. Although she serves two schools, she is committed to building relationships with our students, staff, and families, and we are excited to have her as part of our leadership team.

This year also brings several wonderful new teachers and staff members to Victoria Elementary. We are thrilled to welcome our talented educators and support staff to our Tiger team. They each bring valuable experiences, fresh ideas, and a passion for helping our Victoria students succeed. Please join us in making them feel welcome as they become part of our caring school community.

We're all looking forward to a year of learning, discovery, and fun. We understand that starting a new school year can bring some butterflies. Whether you're a returning student or joining us for the first time, please know that our dedicated teachers and staff are here to support you every step of the way. 

First Day of School and Early Release Day on Mondays: The First Day of School is Thursday, August 13th. Our school classrooms, halls, and playground will come alive again with the energy of students on the first day of school. This year, we’ll continue with Early Release Days/Minimum Days on Mondays.

Academic, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Enrichment

We’ll continue with our programs that have brought academic success to increase student academic performance in our schools such as AVID Elementary (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading: WICOR) strategies and targeted focused interventions such as focused small group instruction to intervention teachers.  

We'll also continue to foster a positive learning environment where we integrate Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) that will help develop essential skills such as self-management, peer relationship skills building, and responsible decision making that are all integrated in a positive school learning environment.  

Moreover, we are thrilled to announce that students will explore and develop their skills and talents through our Physical Education (PE) Enrichment Program and Arts and Music Program. Our Physical Education Program will continue for all Kindergarten - 5th grade students. We’re excited to see the positive impact our physical education program and Prop. 28 Arts and Music Program will have on our students.  

Students in 4th - 5th grade will have the opportunity to participate in Choir, Orchestra, or Band. 

We believe our programs will enrich and provide a well-rounded education for all our students.  Physical activity, combined with exposure to the arts, fosters not only physical and creative development but also social skills, collaboration, and self-confidence.  

Importance of Daily Attendance Matters

Each day at school offers valuable opportunities for your child to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections with peers and staff. Regular attendance plays a vital role in your child’s academic achievement and overall well-being. To help them thrive, students are expected to arrive on time every day.

If your child arrives after the start of the school day, please accompany them to the front office to receive a tardy slip.

If your child is absent, please call the front office to report the absence, or send a written and signed note explaining the reason when your child returns to school. Clear communication helps us ensure student safety and maintain accurate attendance records.

Exploration Experience Program (EEP)

We're also proud to continue offering our Exploration Experience Program (EEP), our engaging after-school program that extends learning beyond the school day. Under the leadership of Mrs. Murphy, Program Specialist, and our dedicated EEP team, students have opportunities to participate in enriching academic support, hands-on STEAM experiences, physical activities, and opportunities to build friendships in a safe, nurturing environment. Mrs. Murphy and the entire after-school team are passionate about supporting our students as they continue the second part of their day at Victoria. Their commitment helps ensure that every child feels valued, connected, and inspired to learn both during and after the school day. 

Strong Family-School Partnerships

We believe that students thrive when families and schools work together. Your involvement is a vital part of your child’s success, and we truly value the partnership we share with you.

To stay connected, we encourage you to regularly check our school website, Aeries Parent Portal Announcements, and the community board located outside the front office. 

We also invite you to join us for upcoming events like Back-to-School Night on Monday, August 17th, and to take part in school activities and committees such as:

• African American Parent Advisory Committee - new committee this school year 
• Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
• Pastries with the Principal
• School Site Council (SSC)
• English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
• School Safety Committee 

Together, by prioritizing daily attendance, we can create a thriving learning environment where all students can reach their full potential! 

Show You Tiger Pride-School Spirit Days

College & Career Wednesdays-As an AVID school, we are proud to promote college and career readiness. Every Wednesday is designated as College & Career Spirit Day! We invite students to wear gear representing a college, university, military branch, or future career. 

Tiger Spirit Fridays-Every Friday, students and staff are encouraged to wear Victoria Tiger spirit gear or school colors (blue, orange, and white) to show their school spirit! 

Spirit gear is available for purchase through an independent vendor. PTO has worked with Spiritwear Direct using our school’s logo: https://www.victoriaspiritwear.com/. 

Mark Your Calendars! 

First Day of School: Thursday, August 13, 2026

Back-to-School Night: Monday, August 17, 2026

1st. Min. Day of the School Year: Monday, August 17, 2026
 

We can't wait to embark on this journey together!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out at 909-478-5670 or email me at estella_patel@redlands.k12.ca.us. 

 

In Partnership,

Estella Patel, Ed.D. 
Proud Principal
Victoria Elementary School 

 

Tiger Families,

Mrs. Gayle Dockham serves as the Assistant Principal of Victoria Elementary School. She is dedicated to supporting students, staff, and families in creating a positive and thriving learning community. Mrs. Dockham holds a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from UCLA, a Master’s degree in Educational Counseling from the University of Redlands, and a Clear Administrative Services Credential.

With over 30 years of experience in education, Mrs. Dockham has worked as a teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student success. Beyond her work in schools, she has been an active member of the Redlands community, serving on the boards of the Redlands Swim Team, Redlands High School Aquatics, and the Redlands Community Scholarship Foundation.

A proud Redlands native and Redlands High School graduate, Mrs. Dockham is also an alumni mom whose son graduated from RHS. She believes in fostering a school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Guided by her belief in the power of education to empower young minds, she works to ensure that Victoria Tigers develop the skills, confidence, and character to succeed in school and beyond.

Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Dockham enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading a good book, and indulging her love of all things Italian. She is honored to serve the Victoria community and looks forward to helping every student develop their Tiger Tenacity! GO TIGERS!

 

Mrs. Gayle Dockham
Email: gayle_dockham@redlands.k12.ca.us