Welcome to the home of the Eagles! For those of you who knew us as the Gauchos, we are still the same amazing elementary school here in Lake Forest, just updated with a new logo and mascot! This new mascot/logo was created to help our school introduce PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions Support) here on campus. We will continue with looking for positive ways to encourage great behavior choices here on campus.

I am very fortunate and excited to continue to be a part of the Rancho Cañada Elementary School community as your principal. I have enjoyed every minute of my 23 years of being in the education field. I started my journey in the Fountain Valley School District, ranging from an elementary educator to an Assistant Principal. Recently, my family and I moved to Southern Orange County which brought about the amazing opportunity to be here with Saddleback Valley Unified School District. I had the pleasure of being the principal at Cordillera Elementary School for 2 years before moving here to Rancho Cañada.

I am an Orange County native and graduated from Chapman University. If it’s the weekend, then I am probably with my husband and 2 sons biking or hiking around town or playing at the park with our dog Finn. I am passionate about my own children’s education, just as I will be about yours.

Thank you for trusting in us to make your child’s school experience a positive one as we want them to start off on the right foot and foster a love of learning. We believe in ALL kids and we believe ALL kids will be successful!

The way we do our best work is to provide best first instruction, make student driven decisions based on data, and support the whole child, from academic support to social emotional support, which will be at an all-time high after all we have endured these last several years.  There are many things that rapidly change and evolve in education, however one thing that will always remain true is that our students are our #1 priority! They will be valued, supported, safe and challenged. Every decision we make will be based upon what is best for all students.

My door is always open if you want to stop by to meet me and say hello or if you are looking for an ear to listen. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know your story. I encourage you to be involved in your child’s education, whether it be volunteering, reading nightly together, or attending school events.

Go Eagles! 

Mrs. Jennifer Kajdasz (“K-dish”)
Proud Principal of Rancho Cañada Elementary School