Assistant Principal Lenni Velez Fortifies Leadership and Familiarity at Emerald High School

“Anyone that wants to build a lunar base at some point must of course be familiar with the local conditions.” – Professor Hakan Kayal

Last week marked the physical opening of the new Emerald High School campus. From conception to delivery, it is a moment that represents over a decade of effort, momentary setbacks, hope and ultimately, exhilaration. In June, we were granted the opportunity to sit down and meet with EHS’ Inaugural Principal Francis Rojas. Mr. Rojas came to DUSD after a distinguished career as both classroom teacher and administrator – most notably at James Logan and Milpitas High Schools. We noted that Francis could appreciate both the nuances and profound differences for communities that support both singular and multiple high school campuses. Locally, Dublin Unified would be making a leap that our neighbors in Pleasanton and Livermore had taken several years ago.

So, it could be viewed as strategic to elevate a leader that would embrace this growth challenge and to provide a bridge for best practices that have been developed at Dublin High School. But this momentous role couldn’t be bestowed upon just anyone. Fortunately for Emerald High School, a qualified and strategic candidate was prepared for this challenge in Lenni Velez. Ms. Velez earned her BS in Mathematics from Cal State University Hayward. Subsequently, she completed an MA in Math Education from Stanford University. Her 20-year education career initiated in the classroom, and she then received her first bite of administrator life in 2013 – ultimately becoming a full time Assistant Principal in 2016. Lenni also benefited in the mentorship from both Dublin High School Principals Carol Shimizu and Maureen Byrne. Piece by piece, it all came together, and Ms. Velez was inducted as Emerald’s first Assistant Principal in 2023.

For our discussion, we wanted to widen the lens and pursue additional educational topics that are currently being debated.  At the same time, the opening of Emerald High School is one of the most highly anticipated events to occur in Dublin in several years. We are pleased to share our conversation with you.

OneDublin.org:  Your academic journey traveled through CSU Hayward (East Bay) and Stanford University. Speaking for yourself, how/why did you elect to transition from serving as a classroom mathematics teacher into leadership? How did your earlier experiences benefit you in your current role in leadership?

Lenni Velez: “I had a classmate while doing my undergrad at CSU that was also studying to become a math teacher, and we quickly became friends. It was her dream to attend Stanford so we both applied to the STEP program there and got in. Then about nine years later she wanted to go into an admin program and encouraged me to join her since we had done all of our schooling together. I still wasn’t confident I wanted to leave the classroom, but Mrs. Shimizu, the Principal of DHS at that time, and Ms. Byrne, the Assistant Principal at that time, allowed me to teach and be out of the classroom part time focusing on Intervention as we were just in the early stages of our College and Career Readiness Programming at DHS. I thoroughly enjoyed it so much and loved the impact I was able to have schoolwide. Two years later as Ms. Byrne transitioned to Principal of DHS, I moved to Assistant Principal and it was a great transition as Ms. Byrne and I had been working closely for two years on all schoolwide changes including FMP, GAEL period, Freshman Seminar and tutoring offered during the school day.”

OneDublin.org: One of the topics permeating academic circles is the concept of Social Emotional Learning. In a very basic sense, it is an examination of what is being taught (content/mastery) and then layered upon a students’ developing self-awareness and decision-making process. While it is a massive subject, what should students/families understand when this concept is being referenced?

Velez: “I would want them to understand that incorporating Social and Emotional Learning increases Subject Content Learning. People often feel spending time on SEL takes away from the rest, but I feel it is the foundation of learning overall and only increases the content learning. Having a base of SEL improves their individual performance, their social skills and therefore the classroom environment. It also just helps them become the best version of themselves.”

OneDublin.org: The Clark County School District (Las Vegas) adopted a cellular phone management plan for the 2024-25 year. Students in grades 6-12 will be required to place their phones in signal blocking pouches in an effort to minimize distractions and to help students to focus. As an educator and now current administrator, how might you be evaluating feedback from Clark County or any other school district that implements this policy? 

Velez: “I know there are already some school districts who have gone this route. It’s quite an adjustment at first, just like any change in education and then it becomes the norm. It’s about seeing what works and how to adapt that to the needs of our school and district. As long as students are learning at high levels and able to access their education, I say it’s a success. I would also be curious to know if engagement truly goes up, if learning is improving and that students feel safe and supported on campus. Technology is a useful tool, so I would imagine there will be access to district provided technology and education around how to still use their phone once at home.”

OneDublin.org: While we are factually entering the second year of Emerald High School’s existence, 2024-25 will be the inaugural year for its physical site. Please share some of the measurements that leadership and staff will utilize to evaluate this upcoming year. 

Velez: “We are focusing on building culture this year and ensuring everyone feels welcome and safe and is learning at high levels. We are so fortunate to have a Culture and Climate Specialist, Intervention Coordinator, Student Activities Director, PLTW Coordinator and Freshman Mentor Program Coordinator. All of these amazing people also teach. They will each be creating tools to evaluate our progress toward our SPSA, WASC and District Goals.”

OneDublin.org: Comparatively, only a fraction of educators is granted the opportunity to open a new school site. Surely this fact is not lost on your colleagues. What makes you excited for your team and what you will help to create?

Velez: “I do not take this responsibility lightly. I am honored to be opening Emerald and realize this opportunity does not present itself often. I am excited to start fresh while also honoring the expertise and experience our staff coming to us possess. We want to create a place where people enjoy coming to work each day. It’s because that all trickles down to the students enjoying being here and parents happy as well. We envision a school that is pushing the limits of what people think a traditional school is and meeting the needs of all students.”

The quote in this profile is attributed to Hakan Kayal, professor of space technology. He is leading a team of scientists in the deployment of a lunar telescope in Seville, Spain. The purpose of this project is to investigate “lunar transient phenomena” – or flashes of light observed near the surface of Earth’s moon. Back in Dublin, perhaps the fluorescence emanating from Emerald High School will be the spark of knowledge partially inspired by a staff that is devoted to its maturation and success. OneDublin.org would like to thank Ms. Velez for sharing her insights and experiences. We would also like to wish the entire Emerald High School community progress in fulfilling its vision in its first year as a stand-alone campus.