PRINCIPAL'S PAGE

Greetings Knolls Families,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! My name is Dr. Jill Craft and I am honored to be the principal here at Knolls Elementary. This is my 22nd year as an educator in the Simi Valley Unified School District. I taught at Sycamore Elementary from 2001 to 2016 (3rd through 5th grades), and for the last six years I coached and supported nearly 200 beginning teachers from across our district, all the way from JK/TK through high school and adult education. I was also an SVUSD parent as my children attended schools in our district. I am grateful to be part of the Knolls community! 

Knolls is in its sixth year of specializing in Project-Based Learning (PBL) schoolwide. This instructional strategy allows students to develop their skills in critical thinking, problem solving, time management, and collaboration. Essentially, PBL enables 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 engaged in PBL develop skills that are in high demand in both educational and workplace settings, thus promoting their success no matter the path they choose to take in the future!

As a parent, I recognize the importance of a strong home and school connection. By working together we can make sure your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met. All students are welcome here! Our staff and I look forward to partnering with you to provide our students with an engaging, rigorous, and high-quality experience.

If you need assistance logging into the Aeries Parent Portal, please call the Knolls' main office at (805) 520-6735. 

Again, I want to welcome you to Knolls Elementary School! 

Warmest regards,

Dr. Jill Craft, Principal