Porterville High School staff members go above and beyond in meeting students’ academic, social, and emotional needs because we have amazing teachers and incredible leaders on our administration team who make sure we have everything we need to thrive. Over the last few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing our entire admin team: Mr. Valdez, Mr. Navarro, Mrs. Ramirez, Dr. Alcantar, and Ms. Salas. Here’s a special look at each of our administrators so that you can get to know them better.
Mr. Valdez, Principal
Mr. Valdez, where did you grow up?
“I grew up in a little town by the name of Cutler; it’s about 40-45 miles from here. It’s a little town made up of pretty much agricultural workers and migrants. I went to Orosi High School, a school made up of about 1,000 students in total. I had a great time there.”
What do you enjoy about working here?
“I enjoy trying to make the school better for students and making it better for the staff as well trying to make it so they can do their job more effectively to support all the students and also working with all the different adults on campus to give you guys activities that are going to create lifelong memories for students.”
What is something you do for fun?
“I spend time with my family. I have three boys, and my wife and I enjoy spending time with them. In addition to that, I enjoy playing golf with my friends on the weekends, that has been a fun thing I’ve been doing.”
What is your favorite animal?
“I love all animals; I’m the type of guy that, when they see commercials of those dogs needing food, I get sad. I have two dogs, a Yorkie, and a Shih Tzu. I love them; they are my babies; they’re my fourth and fifth kids.”
What is something interesting people wouldn’t know about you?
“I think people that don’t know me, don’t know how much I enjoy music. I really enjoy all kinds of music; I love 70’s, 80’s, 90’s country, hairbands, Tejano, reggaeton, and música norteña. I really enjoy music a lot more than people probably would understand or know. I bet I can beat most people on music trivia.” (Well, isn’t that an interesting idea for a follow-up story; challenge accepted, Mr. Valdez!)
What is your message for our students this year?
“My message to students is always give your best effort and understand that what you are doing today is going to shape your future and with hard work and sacrifice, anything is possible. If you put in effort and determination, you can become whatever you want to be. My goal for every one of you guys is to dream big and work hard to achieve that.”
What is your Starbucks order?
“I’m not a big Starbucks guy, but when I do go with my kids I get a venti mocha with an extra shot of espresso just to make it a little stronger.”
Since you’re a parent, does that give you an interesting perspective on being a principal?
“It does; it allows me to see from the student’s point of view; when I speak to my son who’s in high school, it helps me understand and has made me more aware of students’ needs and even the needs of the staff.”
If you didn’t have this job, what job would you have?
“I’ve always been told that I talk a lot. I don’t know exactly what that would be, but definitely, a job or career that involves communication, discussing ideas, and such because I enjoy the interaction of a conversion.”
Mr. Navarro, Assistant Principal
Mr. Navarro, what do you enjoy most about being vice principal here at Porterville High School?
“I enjoy everything about our school, I love watching our school games, interacting, and watching students grow.”
How long have you been a vice principal here at Porterville High School?
“I have worked here for 9 years.”
What did you do before working here?
“Before working here I was a principal at an elementary school.”
What is your favorite movie?
“My favorite movie is Dances with Wolves.”
What is your favorite treat?
“My favorite treat is warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream.”
What is your favorite hobby?
“My favorite hobby is riding horses.”
Where did you go to college?
“UC Davis.”
What are the challenges of being a vice principal here at Porterville High School?
“Dealing with students who break certain rules and they feel like we’re picking on them, it’s one of the hardest things to do, We try to get their mindsets to change to where they’re not blaming me for something I didn’t do but blaming themselves for something they did wrong.”
Mrs. Ramirez, Assistant Principal
What did you do before becoming an administrator at PHS?
“I worked at Monte Vista for 16 years, and primarily taught 3rd graders. I also worked at Granite Hills for 11 years as a special project coordinator, and also as an assistant principal. From there, I became the assistant principal at PHS.”
What do you like about being an administrator?
“I love meeting new kids, and I especially love guiding people around.”
What schools did you go to?
“I went to Westfield Elementary School, Bartlett Middle School, and then Monache High School.”
What is your favorite Starbucks order?
“I typically only drink coffee in the mornings, but when I do get Starbucks, it’s usually a venti sweetened black iced tea or a venti pink drink.”
What’s your favorite thing about being a panther?
“I love the culture and legacy that this school has. There’s a lot of pride and honor when it comes to school spirit.”
What are your hobbies?
“My husband and I own horses, and we enjoy horseback riding. I also like playing pickleball, working out, and watching Netflix.”
What is your favorite sport?
“I like almost all sports, but my favorite would probably be basketball. I’ve been rooting for the Dallas Mavericks for a while.”
Do you have a message for students for the 2024-2025 school year?
“I’d say just be kind to each other, and also, from an administrator’s perspective, be on time for your classes.”
What do you think is the most challenging thing about your job?
“I think the most challenging thing about my job is when a student or even a parent is upset about something, but they don’t allow me to work out the issue or situation.”
If you weren’t an administrator, what would you be?
“I would definitely work in fashion, I’ve always been into fashion. When I retire, I really want to travel around and watch fashion runway shows. My daughter is pursuing fashion and I’m kind of envious of her!” (And truthfully, as an Orange & Green staff, we’d have to say we LOVE her style!)
Dr. Alcantar, Assistant Principal
What is your position on the admin team?
“I’m one of the assistant principals. I oversee the 11th graders, so any 11th-grade issues go to me. I also work with the math department, social studies, and health academy.”
What plans do you have for this year?
“For this year, because I’m new, my plan is to get to know the students and staff [and build relationships]. [I also would like to] just get to know the campus and the culture. My number one goal is to help in whatever way I can and to get to know staff and students.”
How long have you been a teacher?
“I was a teacher for 11 years.”
So you have a doctorate?
“Yes. I got my doctorate in educational leadership from Fresno State [in May of this year]. And that’s my dissertation, (points to booklet). So, part of your doctorate, you have to write a dissertation. That was a three-year process. So that’s my dissertation.” (It looks really cool, Panthers–if you see Dr. Alcantar around campus, ask him about it!)
How are you liking PHS so far?
“All around, it’s been good. I like it, everyone’s been really friendly and helpful. We have great teachers, students, and office staff. So everyone I’ve encountered so far has been welcoming and making me feel welcome. The culture I get the hype. The hype is real.”
You were at Harmony last year, right?
“Yes, so I taught math for the juniors and seniors. And I taught pre-calculus and AP Calculus. I’ve taught all levels of math, and I was the leader of the engineering pathway [at Harmony].”
What schools have you served as an administrator?
“So PHS is the first school where I’ve been an admin. So, this is my first assistant principal position. It’s a good place to start.”
Do you have anything else you’d like to add?
“I’m looking forward to a really great year, and it has already been off to a good start and just building on that momentum. I’m excited to continue to get to know everyone and learn more about the campus.”
Mrs. Salas, Dean of Counseling
What is your educational background?
“After high school, I went to Porterville College for my master’s degree in counseling, then I went to graduate school at CSUB for my bachelor’s degree in science.”
What motivates you to come to work?
“It lies within my career choice. I love what I do.”
What do you enjoy about being an admin?
“I love being able to help students in positive ways to be successful.’’
What’s your go-to Starbucks order?
“Chocolate cookie crumble with extra whipped cream.”
What message would you give to the students for the 2024-2025 school year?
“Try hard, always do your best and if you need help, seek assistance. Also, be a self advocate because it’s important in life.”
What’s your favorite color?
“My favorite color is purple.”
When you see our admin team, please say hello and introduce yourself! They are happy to help you and get to know you. Because of leaders like them, it’s GREAT to be a Panther!
