Hello La Costa Meadows Families,

I hope this message finds you in great spirits as we eagerly prepare for the new school year. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I extend a warm  "Welcome Back!" to all our beloved students and families.

The 2023-2024 school year will mark my 23rd year in education. Prior to being an administrator, I was a teacher in grades 5-8 where I served as a lead Instructional team member, Department Chair, and lead district curriculum development. The past five years I have served as an assistant principal at San Elijo Middle School. I oversaw many systems and departments as well as being in a leadership position for five years as a lead district department chair for Social Science and Language Arts departments. I have my Master’s degree in Education with a Cross-Cultural Emphasis on Multiculturalism. I recently completed my National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) certification where I was trained in leading high performance organizations, improving instruction, leveraging data-driven decision making, improving student and school culture, and how to lead with equity based practices.

On a personal note, I live in San Marcos on a farm with my family. I have a love for the outdoors, animals, traveling, reading books, and spending weekends with my beautiful family and close friends. 

As we embark on this exciting journey together, I want to emphasize our commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all our students. I know the 2023-24 will be filled with incredible greatness in learning, leading with empathy, connectedness, and academic success! Our primary focus this year is to ensure that every child is heard and valued and that they receive support with their academic and social-emotional wellbeing. We firmly believe that listening to our students is the key to unlocking their full potential and fostering a true love for learning (know a face, a name, and a story).

LCM staff members are committed to involving students in decision-making processes that directly impact their school experience which can create an environment that is truly responsive to students' needs and interests. We believe in supporting students in their academic needs, empowering them to feel successful, and encouraging them to excel in their academia and peer relationships. We will continue to support students with tools and best practices in being resilient, adaptable, resourceful, technologically savvy, and learn to persevere while facing challenges. 

At La Costa Meadows Elementary, we deeply value the partnership between our school and families. Your support and involvement are instrumental in creating a nurturing and thriving educational community. We encourage parents and guardians to participate actively in school activities, volunteer opportunities, and parent organizations, where your valuable feedback and ideas are always welcomed.

Throughout this academic year, we will celebrate the unique strengths and achievements of our students, fostering a positive atmosphere that promotes self-confidence and personal growth. Together, we will create lasting memories, cherished friendships, and create a sense of belonging that will stay with our students for a lifetime.

As we step into the new school year, let us remember that every child's success is a shared responsibility. By working hand in hand, we can ensure that this year will be an extraordinary one, full of triumphs and accomplishments through grit and perseverance.

Thank you for your continuous support, trust, and dedication to our school community. Together, we will create a bright and promising future for our children.

Fondly,

Lisann Selph

Principal

Traci Barnhill, Assistant Principal

Dear La Costa Meadows Families,

I am thrilled and honored to be serving as Assistant Principal for a 2nd year at La Costa Meadows Elementary. I started my career at SMUSD in 2007. I love our LCM community! Building rapport with students and their families, along with our amazing staff is always a priority!

A favorite fun fact that I love sharing is that I was raised in San Marcos and am a proud product of  San Marcos Unified School District, as is my husband, Bill.  We have three children and one darling granddaughter. My husband and I currently reside in Oceanside. On the weekends or during the summer, you are most likely to find us relaxing on the beach or in the pool with our granddaughter. We love being with our family and friends! 

Thank you for welcoming me into the LCM community. I love being a dolphin and being a part of the La Costa Meadows family. I am thrilled to begin our 2023-24 school year together!