• Principal’s Message

    Spring 2023

    Dear Nighthawk Families,

    You are amazing! (Yes, you.) Our school community is strong and our teachers continue to innovate, making learning fun, challenging, and awesome! I had a blast watching the 8th grade mock trial of The Telltale Heart, where students crafted cogent arguments based on the text. Our color run was on par with the most fun I’ve ever had at school. The brain dissections were gross and totally cool. Our acts of service to the community have made an impact. And it’s all because of our terrific staff, our supportive families, and our wonderful, wonderful students!

    This year’s theme is “DO HARD THINGS.” Our former makerspace wizard Mr. Rafael finished his trek of hiking the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, and he was our example!! Despite wildfires closing large sections of trail and >100 degree heat, he persevered and never gave up! It was SO FUN to talk with Mr. Rafael about the trials, the trails, and the lessons he took from deciding to challenge himself. What a huge accomplishment, walking from Mexico to Canada!

    PCT

    Arturo started a coat drive, and because of your support he collected 108 items! Mariah wanted to do a Christmas toy drive, and she was a blessing to dozens and dozens of children on Christmas morning because of your support. What is your hard thing?

    Our core values are: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. So let’s also think about how, as we work hard, we can uplift and support others. Service might be a kind word said at the right time, a simple act of kindness, or it might be something HUGE. Let’s continue to serve one another this year. And great things will happen as we do.

    All the best,

    Dr. Glatfelter

    F117

    I suppose a little biographical background might be interesting to share:

    Mission Viejo High School, IB full diploma.

    B.A., The Master’s University.  Biblical Studies major with an emphasis in Missions and Biblical Languages.

    M.A., CSU Bakersfield. Master’s in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, core emphasis in educational technology.

    Ed.D., UCLA. Doctorate in Educational Leadership. 

    Certificate in School Management and Leadership, Harvard University. 

    Experience:

    Antelope Valley Christian School. 5th Grade. 1999-2000.

    Desert View Elementary. 4th Grade. 2000-2006.

    Assistant Principal. Piute Middle School. 2006-2009.

    Principal. Piute Middle School. 2009-2011.

    Principal. Discovery School. 2011-2016. First principal.

    Principal. Fulton & Alsbury Academy. 2016-present. First principal.

    I'm a lecturer for California State University, Bakersfield in the Advanced Educational Studies department. 

    Other interesting things:

    I ran five marathons in 2021. Although I'm not a runner, I had a lot of fun testing my limits. 

    I’ve climbed Mt. Whitney three times, once with my brother-in-law, once with my wife, and once with the Piute staff. 

    I was an honorary commander at Edwards AFB for two years, assigned to the Electronic Warfare Group.

    I rode my bicycle for 138 miles, from Seaport Village in San Diego to the Santa Monica Pier, in a day.  I have a goal to ride from Death Valley to the Whitney Portal, which would be 135 miles and an elevation gain of over 14,000 feet.

    My mother’s cousin’s husband’s great-uncle is Ernest Hemmingway.  True story.

    I moved the "Immovable Ladder" at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 1997. A video that includes my prank has over 7 million views on YouTube. 

    I once had a conversation with Yo-Yo Ma, the greatest living cellist. I said, "Hello, Mr. Ma." and he said, "Hi."

    I’m known to run outside when I hear the rumble of unusual aircraft. 

    And I’ve never been to Boston in the fall.

     Head_Banana