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Principal's Message

Welcome to Frank Vessels Elementary School . . . Home of the Bulldogs!

Welcome to the 2025/26 school year at Vessels Elementary School—a place where students learn, grow, and thrive! We are proud to share that Vessels has been awarded the California PBIS Coalition Platinum Award for the 2024/25 school year, recognizing our continued efforts to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all students.

This year’s theme is “Go for the Gold!” It captures our commitment to excellence and encourages every student to strive for their personal best—academically, socially, and emotionally. With a strong foundation in high-quality instruction, a vibrant school culture, and a caring, connected community, we are ready for another action-packed year of learning and growth!

At Vessels, we take great pride in celebrating our diverse and thriving community. Our staff is deeply committed to the whole-child approach, integrating academic rigor with social-emotional learning to prepare students to meet challenges with confidence and resilience.

Some highlights of the Vessels experience include:

  • Targeted instruction in reading, writing, math, and small-group settings that support collaboration, critical thinking, and student voice.
  • The use of depth and complexity prompts at every grade level challenges learners and deepens their understanding.
  • A robust STEM program with a robotics component for upper-grade students.
  • A dynamic musical theater program for 4th–6th graders that fosters creativity and self-expression.
  • And—just as important—we make sure to have fun! We believe that joy is essential to a meaningful and memorable elementary experience.

Our success is made even stronger through the support of our incredible families. We are fortunate to have both a dedicated PTA and a strong Vessels Foundation, whose efforts ensure our students have access to the “extras” that truly make a difference. From raising funds for technology, field trips, assemblies, and enrichment programs to organizing community events and providing classroom support, our PTA and Foundation work tirelessly to enhance every child’s experience at Vessels. Their partnership is vital to the success of our school, and we are so thankful for their unwavering support.

Vessels Elementary is more than just a school—it’s a place where students are encouraged to dream big, take risks, and support one another. With our theme of “Go for the Gold!” leading the way, I am confident that 2025/26 will be our best year yet.

Let’s make it one to remember—together!

Mark Holman, Principal