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Coleman Elementary School

Principal's Post: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Posted Date: 01/11/26 (04:00 PM)


The Principal's Post
Dear Coleman Families,

Happy New Year! The start of a new year provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our past successes while looking forward to the possibilities ahead.

Recently, the Coleman staff spent time reflecting on our identity as an organization and the values that define a successful, balanced community member. We believe that when a "Coleman Tiger" leaves our school, they should embody the values of Heart, Justice, and Growth. These principles are the foundation of our philosophy and represent who we are as a community.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the current social and global climate. However, I am reminded that we regain our agency through the intentional work we do with our children. We are not just teaching academics; we are fostering the empathy and connection necessary to bridge divides. Together, we are raising the leaders our future deserves.
 

Book Recommendation: When Stars Are Scattered Victoria Jamieson (Author, Illustrator) and Omar Mohamed (Author)

A National Book Award Finalist, this graphic novel is about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a former Somali refugee to the Newberry Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.

Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Life is hard there: never enough food, achingly dull, and without access to the medical care Omar knows his nonverbal brother needs. So when Omar has the opportunity to go to school, he knows it might be a chance to change their future . . . but it would also mean leaving his brother, the only family member he has left, every day.

Heartbreak, hope, and gentle humor exist together in this graphic novel about a childhood spent waiting, and a young man who is able to create a sense of family and home in the most difficult of settings. It's an intimate, important, unforgettable look at the day-to-day life of a refugee, as told to New York Times Bestselling author/artist Victoria Jamieson by Omar Mohamed, the Somali man who lived the story.

Coleman Handbook Highlight


Student Absences
Student absences should be reported promptly, preferably before school starts, on the day of the absence. Please call 415-485-2420 to access the school attendance line or notify Ms. Claudia Alvarenga and Ms. Linnea Rich through ParentSquare.  

  • Please share the following information: 1) name of student who is absent 2) student's teacher 3) the reason for the absence and 4) the caller's relationship to the student. 
  • If a student is absent for three or more consecutive days, evidence for excusing the absence, such as a doctor’s note, must be provided.

Appointments
Parents must physically come into the office to sign out their children before taking the student to an appointment. We will not release children to adults other than those listed on the emergency card.  Please try to pick your student up before or after snack, lunch, or recess. 

 

Important Resources, Links & PTO Weekly Newsletter

The Weekly Wrap - the Coleman PTO Weekly Newsletters

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

Coleman Family Google Calendar HERE