Administration

WELCOME

Our mission is to provide a quality education through shared responsibility in a safe supportive environment for all students to meet the challenges of a global society.

We are “Committed to Excellence”, and we work hard to make the site a primary source for timely information for all users, and a main gateway for improved communication between parents, teachers, students and other members of our community. Our goal and responsibility is to help each student develop an enthusiasm for learning, a respect for self and others, and the skills to become a creative independent thinker and problem solver.

The Ave Family:

It is with pride and honor that I can introduce myself as your child's new principal here at Apricot Valley. It has been a long time coming, but it feels incredible to be back in my hometown of Patterson after 29 years. I am a native son who attended Northmead, Las Palmas, Patterson Jr. High, and graduated from Patterson High School and I feel honored to be able to give back to the community that started and greatly impacted my educational journey. 

I come to you with 22 years of educational experience, with the last 12 years working as an elementary principal for Hanford Elementary School District. 

Areli Dohner-Chavez is our assistant principal and she too is a native daughter of Patterson as she attended Grayson Elementary, Patterson Jr. High, and graduated from Patterson High School. She comes to us with vast experience in school counseling and having served as a learning director at Orestimba High School in Newman. 

Jennifer Lima is our second Assistant Principal who is split with Walnut Grove Elementary. She was a Learning Director at Sisk Elementary School and has 20 years of experience in the educational field including both teaching and administration.

We strongly feel that as educators and parents, we must all believe in our kids. The power of belief is such an impactful tool. In our journeys as educators, we have been dedicated to creating strong school cultures where students are pushed academically and feel supported along the way. We want to strengthen the collaborative process where our students, teachers, and parents can work together for the betterment of our school. 

Our goal is to get to know each of you and listen to what you feel makes Apricot Valley a special school. We are committed to being visible and approachable leaders who will be present in classrooms, the yard, and school events. We want to continue to build our partnership with you all and work alongside each other with the common goal of each student working to their potential.

WIth Respect, 
Ramiro Flores: Principal, Apricot Valley