Dear Kordyak Families,
It is with great pride and excitement that I introduce myself as the principal of Kordyak Elementary School. As a proud product of the Rialto Unified School District, this role holds a very special place in my heart. I began my educational journey at Dollahan Elementary, continued on to Kucera Middle School, and graduated from Eisenhower High School. Coming back to lead a school in the district that gave so much to me feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that shaped who I am.
At Kordyak, we believe that strong relationships between school, home, and community are the foundation for student success. This year, our shared goal is to foster a warm, inclusive, and supportive school environment where every child feels valued, every family feels welcomed, and every voice is heard. From our youngest learners in preschool to our fifth graders getting ready for the next chapter, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where all students can thrive.
This year, I am fortunate to be joined by an incredible administrative team. Assistant Principal Mr. David Kretschmar brings a wealth of experience in instructional leadership and is deeply dedicated to student achievement and well-being. Our Program Specialist, Mrs. Laurie Hicks, is a passionate advocate for student support services and family engagement. Together, we are united in our mission to serve all Kordyak students with compassion, equity, and excellence.
As we begin this new school year, please know that our doors are always open. We are here to listen, to support, and to partner with you in your child’s educational journey.
With appreciation,
Jessica Artiga
Principal, Kordyak Elementary School
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kordyak Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying a restful and joyful summer with family and friends. My name is David Kretschmar, and I am truly honored to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Kordyak Elementary School. I am excited to join this incredible community and collaborate with you to support the success of every student.
I bring experience in after-school programs, ELOP (grades K–5), intervention, and instructional coaching. Most recently, I served as the Program Specialist at Trapp Elementary School. I am deeply committed to equity, collaboration, and fostering a positive, supportive school environment where each child feels safe, welcomed, and inspired to do their best.
On a personal note, I grew up in Diamond Bar, CA, and now live in Rialto with my wife and our three children. When I’m not at school, I often enjoy spending time outdoors or cheering on the Lakers and the Angels. Education is a family value — many of my immediate and extended family members are educators — and I am passionate about making school a place where all students feel seen, valued, and motivated to reach their full potential.
As I start this new chapter at Kordyak, I am eager to get to know each of you, discover what makes this community special, and work with you to foster excellence, equity, and joy in learning.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Kordyak family. I look forward to meeting you and your children very soon as we begin this journey together!
With warmest regards,
David Kretschmar
Assistant Principal, Kordyak Elementary School
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Kordyak Families,
Welcome to a new school year! I am very excited to begin my second year at Kordyak Elementary, working with staff and families to ensure that our students succeed to their highest potential! Each new day at school gives us the chance to help our students to dream, to become, to build, to shape, to grow, and to develop. Our job is to facilitate and encourage them in their journey to becoming their best self.
After 24 years in education, all in Rialto USD at a variety of sites across the entire district, having served as a classroom teacher, Instructional Strategist, Reading Specialist, and for the past few years as a Program Specialist, I can honestly say that I have never worked at a site as exciting as Kordyak, and I am eager to continue building this incredible school community with each of you!
I hope to share my love of reading and painting, of nature (especially wildflowers and birds), of games, and of live theater and music with our students as we explore together this year. Let the adventure begin!
Laurie Hicks
Program Specialist
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________