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