Knolls Elementary School
Principal's Message *
Greetings Knolls Families,
On behalf of the Knolls staff, we would like to welcome all new and returning Knolls Knights to the 2023-2024 school year. As your new principal, I am eager to meet your children and I feel privileged to serve the staff, students, and families of the Knolls team. I am very passionate about education and I look forward to partnering with you to provide our students with an engaging, rigorous, and high-quality experience where kids come first. As a parent, I recognize the importance of a strong home-to-school connection. I believe that by working together, we can make sure your child’s social, emotional, and academic needs are met.
Before joining Knolls, I served in a variety of teaching and administrative educational leadership roles over the past 26 years. My academic background includes a Master of Science in School Psychology and Counseling, an Administrative Credential and Pupil Personnel Service Credential, and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development with an emphasis on Child Mental Health Specialist.
Knolls Elementary School is starting its seventh year of specializing in Project-Based Learning (PBL) schoolwide. This instructional strategy allows students to develop critical thinking, problem solving, time management, and collaboration skills. Essentially, PBL allows students to take ownership of their learning. Our teachers will continue to serve as facilitators of knowledge who help students problem solve and think critically. Knolls’ PBL Academy approach focuses on real-world meaningful challenges that are incorporated throughout the academic curriculum. This helps students to see the connections between their academic learning and the world around them in order to apply what they have learned. Students who engage in PBL develop skills that are in high demand in both educational and workplace settings thus promoting success no matter the path they choose to take in the future!
School begins Thursday, August 10, 2023! All students will begin their day at 8:00 a.m. and dismissal is at 2:09 p.m. In order to access your child’s class schedule, you will need to complete the data confirmation forms in Aeries. Directions for updating your child’s information in the portal can be found by clicking on this link: Aeries Parent Portal Directions. Families that complete this process for each student will be able to view their child’s schedule by logging into the Aeries Parent Portal on Wednesday, August 9, starting at 5:00 p.m. If you need assistance logging into the Aeries Parent Portal, please call the Knolls Main Office at (805) 520-6735. Staff members will be available on campus before school on August 10 to help students navigate the campus and find their classroom.
I encourage you to contact me by phone at (805) 520-6735 or email to kendra.speights@simivalleyusd.org to discuss any questions, concerns, or ideas that you may have throughout the school year. I look forward to meeting you and working together to provide a positive learning experience for all.
Again, I want to welcome you to Knolls! I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2023-2024 school year with you!
Warmest regards,
Mrs. Kendra Speights, Principal
Mrs. Kendra Speights, Principal
In 2018, KENDRA SPEIGHTS came to the SVUSD from the Los Angeles Unified School District to serve as a Program Specialist for Student Support Services. She has worked at Apollo High School, Big Springs Elementary School, Monte Vista School, Mountain View Elementary School, Simi Valley High School, Sycamore Elementary School and Valley View Middle School.
Ms. Speights said she always wanted to work with children.
“I have had several amazing teachers and wanted to go into education to give back and make a difference in the lives of students,” she said. “I began as a classroom aide, general education teacher, school psychologist and special education administrator. I have more than 26 years of experience in education and I am a life-long learner who wants to make sure that education is accessible to all of our students.”
Ms. Speights earned her Bachelor’s degree from California State University-Northridge in Child Development in 1995. In 1999 she received her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling, and her Administrative Services Credential in 2022.
She said she is excited to help build a school community that is inclusive and provides academic rigor to its students.
“I am excited to embrace Knolls’ traditions while building relationships with all staff members to maximize our students' achievement.”
Married for 25 years, Ms. Speights has three children and two dogs. When she isn’t working, she loves to hike, go to the beach, and garden. Reading and long weekend naps are also on her joy list, along with spending time with her family and traveling.