It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year at Bixby Elementary School. As I begin my second year as Principal of Bixby and a proud member of the Bogota School District, I am filled with gratitude for the relationships built, the lessons learned, and the accomplishments we’ve achieved together over the past year.

My journey in education began in the classroom, teaching students from preschool through fourth grade. My teaching career allowed me to utilize my flexibility to provide special education, intervention, and multilingual support to students. I consider myself a lifelong learner and I was inspired to pursue my Masters in Educational Leadership to assist other educators in helping students succeed. After receiving my principal certification, I became an Assistant Principal of a preschool through 8th grade building. Within this role, I wore many hats which allowed me to effectively lead staff to create a positive school climate where all students can grow. I was also able to utilize my organization and communication skills to provide transparency and build positive relationships with key stakeholders. These roles allowed me to see the importance of collaborating with other educators to meet the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students.

Although I have always loved being in the classroom, I find deep fulfillment in my role as an administrator. This past year at Bixby has reaffirmed my belief that when educators, families, and the community unite with a shared purpose, incredible things happen.I remain committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where every child is valued, challenged, and supported. One of my ongoing goals is to strengthen communication and collaboration with families, empower our staff, and ensure that Bixby is a place where students are excited to learn and grow each day.My experiences have shown me the importance of building meaningful connections with all families and encouraging active community involvement. I also recognize that our staff deserves strong support, and I am dedicated to bringing our team together to work toward shared success. As Rita Pierson once said, “Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” I am confident that each student will find a champion among the dedicated and caring staff at Bixby Elementary School.

I truly believe that all students can be successful in the Bogota District and beyond. It is my goal to work collaboratively with you all to ensure that our students continue to receive a quality education in an environment that is safe and nurturing. By keeping students the primary focus of our work, we will be able to achieve great things. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions at portiz@bogotaboe.com. I look forward to another school year together, learning and growing with our amazing students!

Sincerely, 

Priscilla Ortiz 

Principal