Le Mot de la Directrice

Bonjour et Bienvenue!

 

I am Mme Tabitha Thigpen, proud principal of Richland Avenue Elementary, home of a vibrant French Dual Language Immersion (TK–5) community. For over 30 years, I have served Los Angeles students as a teacher and leader, beginning as a high school French teacher at King/Drew Magnet. That experience grounded my belief, supported by decades of research, that dual language education strengthens cognition, biliteracy, and long-term academic outcomes for all learners.

At Richland, we pair warm relationships with rigorous, data-informed instruction. Our staff is committed to equity, small-group teaching, targeted supports for English Learners, rich science and math experiences, and social-emotional learning. We regularly review academic and well-being data to ensure every child is seen, challenged, and supported.

Families are our partners. Your lived experiences, languages, and cultures shape our classrooms and our decision-making. Together, we set high expectations, celebrate growth, and create joyful opportunities for students to explore, inquire, and lead.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. We are excited for the year ahead and the many ways our Tigers will learn, create, and thrive—en français et en anglais.

 

In solidarity and joy,

Mme Thigpen
Principal, Richland Avenue Elementary