A Message from the Principal

A Message from the Principal

Welcome to Korematsu Discovery Academy (or KDA, as we say around here)! I am so proud to serve the KDA Rocket community for a 9th consecutive year. We are a collaborative staff that values supporting each other and being our best selves for our students. Every week, our teachers meet to talk about student learning and plan next steps for instruction and engagement. At KDA, the Rockets are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and their community, and this has resulted in student-led projects that have had a direct impact on our neighborhood. The KDA Rockets have done a beautification project on E Street to discourage illegal dumping that was presented to the County as an example of community outreach, and we have also been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an Ocean Guardian School through work on microplastics and ocean pollution through our school’s drain system. We value restorative practices to build community, support students in repairing harm/resolving conflict, and provide individual support for students. Our day staff and expanded learning staff work collaboratively to support students both academically and social-emotionally by aligning our practices. We’d love to have you join our community - Together, we have the power to reach for the stars! ✨

- Mrs. Akuma, Principal

Office Staff

  • Derek Pirner

    Community Schools Manager

  • Isela Sanchez-Soto

    Administrative Assistant

  • Susy Valencia

    Attendance Specialist

  • Jasmine Swayne

    Expanded Learning Coordinator

2024-2025 Teaching Staff

  • Maria Pirner

    Transitional Kindergarten

    Room A1

  • Alex Sanchez

    Kindergarten

    Room A2

  • Andrea Ruiz

    1st Grade

    Room A3

  • Dana Hinchliffe

    2nd Grade

    Room A4

  • Dorian Laird

    K-2 Mild Moderate SCP

    Room A5

  • Open

    Deaf & Hard of Hearing

    Room A6

  • Enjolie Loudd

    3rd-5th Mild/Moderate SCP

    Room P5

  • Dora Rodriguez

    3rd Grade

    Room P7

  • Jesse Beed

    4th Grade

    Room P8

  • Cruz Wyatt

    5th Grade

    Room P11

  • Dan Vernon

    Physical Education

  • Rachel Palacios

    Art

  • Lisa Samudio

    Garden Educator

  • Tania Martinez

    Teacher on Special Assignment

Student Support Staff

  • Alvaro Martinez-Torres

    Speech & Language

  • Brittani Venard

    Resource Specialist

  • Denise Cleveland-Jordan

    Math Boost Tutor

  • Edson Nunes Da Silva

    School Nurse

  • Elizabeth Montes

    Lincoln Clinician

  • Elizabeth Oghogho

    RSP Paraeducator

  • Esther (Ada) Gomez

    Lincoln Interventionist

  • Lijia Gonzalez

    Noon Supervisor

  • Linda Randell

    Paraeducator

  • Mariel Paul

    School Social Worker

  • Michaela Scott

    Librarian

  • Miyatah McCoy

    Early Literacy Tutor

  • Omar Arid

    Occupational Therapist

  • Raquel Striplin

    Early Literacy Tutor

  • Ronald Sylvester

    Head Custodian

  • Sasha Price

    RJ Facilitator

  • Sergio Flores

    3rd-5th Literacy Tutor

  • Suzanne Ludlum

    Garden Steward

  • Sylvia Fong

    Cafeteria Manager

  • Travel Psych

    School Psychologist