Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,

I am both excited and honored to introduce myself as the new Principal of James Monroe Middle School. It is with great enthusiasm that I join your school community, and I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside each of you to continue building an environment where students thrive and achieve their full potential.

I have spent the last 18 years serving the La Cueva High School community. I wore many hats while at La Cueva- Teacher, Coach, SAT/504 Chair, English Department Chair, IC Chair, Assistant Principal of Security and Attendance, and Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction. During my time at La Cueva, I learned that successful leadership comes from the experience of past successes and mentorship of great leaders. I also learned that all stakeholder groups of a school community perform at their best when they feel supported and see their leader getting in the trenches with them. 

I believe that education is not just about academic success, but also about developing well-rounded, resilient, and empathetic individuals who are ready to take on the challenges they face every day. I am committed to ensuring that every student at James Monroe receives the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to grow, both as learners and as people.

Collaboration between students, staff, families, and the community is at the heart of any successful school. As we move forward, I invite you to be an active partner in our journey. Whether through participating in school events, volunteering, or sharing your thoughts and ideas, your involvement is invaluable. Together, we can create a safe, engaging, and inspiring environment for all our students.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting with many of you, whether through informal chats, school events, community nights, or parent-teacher conferences. My door is always open, and I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas on how we can work together to make James Monroe Middle School an even better place for our students to learn and grow.

I am truly excited to be a part of this wonderful community, and look forward to continuing and growing the habits of excellence James Monroe is known for.

Warm Regards,

Ashley Keilbarth
Principal James Monroe Middle School
keilbarth@aps.edu