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Rose Elementary School

Home of the Tigers

🐯 Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year at Rose!

Posted Date: 8/03/25 (1:23 PM)

Dear Rose Community, 
Welcome back, students and families- and a warm welcome to those joining the Rose Elementary community for the first time! Rose is a school filled with incredible students, a dedicated and passionate staff, and a vibrant community of families who care deeply about their children and this school. I am thrilled to kick off the 2025-2026 school year and can’t wait to see our students on the first day of school- August 13th!

As I step into my first year as principal of Alexander Rose Elementary, I want to take a moment to re-introduce myself and share a bit about my journey. This year marks my 21st year in education. I’ve had the privilege of teaching kindergarten through fifth grade and supporting students in special education. I’ve also served as an instructional coach and assistant principal in both California and Texas, always guided by the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and inspired at school. My professional path also includes time in social work, where I worked for Child Protective Services and at a residential treatment center in Alaska, supporting youth ages 10-17 with mental health and substance abuse challenges. These experiences deeply shaped my commitment to nurturing the whole child- academically, socially, and emotionally. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Psychology and a Master’s in Educational Administration. I am passionate about creating a school where every student is known and valued, where families feel connected and included, and where educators feel empowered to do their best work.

To kick off the year, I’d love to invite you to our welcome event:

🐯 Tiger Talks: Meet the New Principals!

📅 Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
🕓 Time: 1:00 - 2:30
📍 Location: Alexander Rose Elementary School MUR

At this open-house-style event, you'll be able to meet me and our new Assistant Principal- Mrs. Susana Machado, see class lists, take a school tour, enjoy popcorn and the Kona Ice truck, and connect with other Rose families through fun games and activities. It’s a great way to start building community and celebrate the year ahead!

Please stay tuned- more information about first day logistics (including arrival and dismissal procedures, breakfast/lunch, and other routines) will be sent in a separate message very soon. In the meantime, i
n order to capture the thoughts of all of our Rose families, please take some time to fill out this brief survey so I can learn more about your wishes for Rose and for your student’s education for this school year. Here is the link to the survey: https://forms.gle/gPE87Lf5RWPZRsLx5

As we count down the final days of summer, I’m spending time with my own family- who are also proud members of the Rose and Milpitas Unified communities. My husband, Jonathon, works at Zanker Elementary, and our two boys are both MUSD students: Jack (12) attends Rancho Milpitas Middle School, and Ben (9) is entering fourth grade here at Rose. We’re all excited to start this new chapter, and I can’t wait to meet you and your children soon.

With Tiger Pride,
Mrs. Ryan Startz
Principal
Alexander Rose Elementary School