Parents and Community Members-

Welcome to another exciting year at Ponce de Leon Elementary School, home of the Panthers! It is an honor and my pleasure to serve as your new proud principal. I am excited to be joining the Ponce de Leon family this school year. For the past eight years, I have served as a principal and an assistant principal in Orange County Public Schools.

Ponce has a reputation for excellence in education, outstanding parental involvement and sustained community engagement. I am committed to building the school’s legacy of success by maintaining a positive and caring environment where all decisions are based on what is best for students. At Ponce, we expect and plan for high levels of learning for all students, regardless of their backgrounds and outside factors.

I am committed to continuing our progress in increasing student achievement and maintaining a safe learning environment by partnering with you. If you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher, the front office, or myself. I look forward to working with you and your children in the 2022-2023 school year.

I will continue to provide you with up-to-date information about Ponce de Leon Elementary School on the website and Facebook.  

I am truly proud to serve as the principal of Ponce de Leon Elementary School!

Sincerely,

Kristy James, Principal

I am very excited to have the opportunity to be Ponce de Leon’s official Assistant Principal! I came to Ponce during the 2020- 2021 school year and I immediately fell in love with the students, families, and staff!

Prior to coming to Ponce, I was the Assistant Principal at Southern Oak Elementary for 4 years and an ESE teacher there since 2007.  I’ve had experience teaching all elementary grade levels and have also worked in the Area 2 ESE compliance office.

I am a Florida native and product of Pinellas County Schools, a Starkey Bear, Osceola Chief, and Osceola Warrior.  I attended the University of South Florida, Bayboro campus for both my Bachelors and Master’s degrees. I love to learn and encourage others along the way, from our students to our teachers. I love children! I am married with 3 boys, ages 16, 4, and one of which forever lives in my heart! I also have two dogs and love to travel.

I look forward to seeing all of our new and returning Ponce Panthers and their families!