Principal's Message
Dear University Pathways Medical Magnet Academy Community,
It is with great honor to introduce myself as the new principal of University Pathways Medical Magnet Academy (UPMMA). I hope that this letter finds you well and enjoying the summer. I am looking forward to beginning a wonderful school year together and providing our students, parents, and staff members a great year of learning.
For the past thirty-two years, I have served at three schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) acquiring opportunities and expertise to effectively provide academic instruction and support to multi-cultural and low socio-economic students. I began my journey in education as a teacher assistant and after graduating from California State University, Los Angeles, I served as a classroom teacher, math coach, bilingual coordinator, and assistant principal. As an instructional leader, I aspire to create safe and conducive learning and working environment to support families and staff members in preparing our students to meet the challenges of an evolving 21st century. The proven success that I have experienced has had a positive impact on increasing student and teacher achievement. I believe that my strengths and skills will enable me to continue to guide and support the academic and professional growth of students and teachers.
Although I have had great experiences and fond memories in teaching students and supporting teachers and families while serving in out-of-classroom positions, it is in my position as the instructional leader where I have been most fulfilled in my work. As your new principal, I look forward to working and collaborating with teachers and families on a daily basis while remaining connected to student learning. I believe that the partnerships we can establish between families and teachers will build the confidence of our students and shape their future and the future of the community.
As the new principal at UPMMA and as a proud graduate of the LAUSD, I strongly believe and support public education. My vision is to continue to build a tradition of excellence. I am aware of the challenges and obstacles that many of our students often face and must overcome in order to succeed. After serving as assistant principal at UPMMA for the past two years, I am confident that our students can succeed. I am committed to exploring new ways and communicating with parents and staff members in the on-going process to improve our school and enhance student and teacher achievement. We will be meeting throughout the school year to identify our goals in the areas of student achievement, the climate of the school, and parent involvement.
I cannot wait to meet all of you. I hope that you are as excited as I am for this coming school year. It is going to be a great year of learning together. Let us collaborate and keep our students the primary focus of our work. I want to ensure you that my door is always open and that you have a voice in our school. I welcome your contributions and positive input and look forward to celebrating our collective successes throughout this year. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Sincerely,
Mario Torres
Principal
University Pathways Medical Magnet Academy