Deena Vela

I am thrilled to be leading the Hicks Canyon team as we continue to provide the highest quality 21st century education to all students.

I have been in education for 24 years, including sixteen years as an elementary teacher, five years serving as the Educational Technology Coordinator at the District Office and three years as an elementary principal. I am not a brand new face to Hicks Canyon as I helped to open the school as a second grade teacher nine years ago. Hicks Canyon Elementary families and staff have always been near and dear to my heart.

For the past three years, I've had the privilege of serving as principal of Barbara Benson Elementary School. Under my three year leadership, Benson was recognized as a California Gold Ribbon School, California Title I Academic Achievement School, an Apple Distinguished Elementary Program, and a California Honor Roll School (two years in a row). I strongly believe the success of any school is by building a collaborative culture with staff, the parent community, and students who work toward a common mission / vision setting high expectations for teaching and learning.

I will work hard in partnership with you to create a 21st century school of excellence at Hicks Canyon Elementary by building strong relationships with parents, students, staff, and community partners. Providing meaningful and engaging learning experiences will be our top priority, while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment where students are encouraged to communicate, collaborate, create and think critically each and every day.

I look forward to meeting the Hicks Canyon families and students this school year. Together we will continue to build a 21st century school of excellence with rigor and challenge all Huskies to perform to their fullest academic potential.

Kind regards,

Deena Vela