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

Ponce Parents and Families,

Welcome to Ponce de Leon Elementary School, where we are committed to fostering academic excellence and personal growth in every student. As Assistant Principal, I am dedicated to supporting our school community and ensuring a safe, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment.

At Ponce, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. I am privileged to work alongside our exceptional teachers and staff to uphold high educational standards and cultivate a culture of respect and collaboration among students, parents, and educators.

My goal is to contribute to the holistic development of our students by promoting their academic achievements, nurturing their social-emotional well-being, and encouraging their involvement in educational experiences. Alongside our principal, I am committed to fostering a positive school climate where every student can thrive.

I am honored to serve as the assistant principal, and I look forward to partnering with you to ensure the success of every student at Ponce de Leon Elementary School!

Warm regards,

Chelsea Smith