Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! It is an honor to continue serving as the principal of Camino Real Elementary. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead the school where I spent so many years teaching. Camino has truly become my second home, and I look forward to another great year with our students, families, and staff.
This year marks my ninth year in educational leadership and my fourth year as principal of Camino Real. Before becoming principal, I was fortunate to serve as Camino Real's Assistant Principal for a year and a half after spending four years as the Elementary Director at a K–8 school in Orange County.
Although my role has changed over the years, my heart has always been in the classroom. I taught elementary school for 17 years, and that experience continues to shape every decision I make as a principal. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership roles that have strengthened my commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families. No matter the role, I will always be a teacher at heart.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with an emphasis in Elementary Education and Counseling, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton, a Master of Education from National University, and a Master's in Educational Administration from the University of California, Irvine. These experiences strengthened my belief that learning never ends. I hope to encourage our children to stay curious, work hard, embrace new challenges, and continue growing throughout their lives.
My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and we are proud parents of three children. This August marked a new chapter for our family as both Michael and Mia moved out of our home and into their own place in Orange County. Mia transferred from Chico State to California State University, Fullerton, where she is completing her undergraduate degree, and while I am grateful, she is now closer to home. It also means she and her brother have begun lives of their own. Michael made the move to further his career and gain new experiences. Like many parents, my heart is filled with both pride and a little sadness as I watch them spread their wings. Our youngest daughter, Brooke, is a junior in high school and keeps our family busy with both sideline and competitive cheer. I also enjoy serving on the cheer booster board at Brooke's high school, where I have the opportunity to support students, families, and our school community in a different role.
As both a parent and an educator, I want the same things for your children as I do my own, to work hard, do their best, learn from mistakes, and treat others with kindness. At Camino Real, we are committed to helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally while providing a safe and welcoming place to learn.
One of the things I value most is the partnership between home and school. I encourage you to get involved in whatever way works best for your family and schedule. Whether it's joining PTA, School Site Council (SSC), or ELAC, volunteering in the classroom, chaperoning a field trip, attending school events, or supporting learning from home, your involvement makes a difference and helps strengthen our school community.
Communication is another key part of a successful partnership. If you have questions about your child's classroom, assignments, or daily routines, I encourage you to reach out to your child's teacher first. They are the best resource for classroom information and are always happy to help. If you have questions about school programs, procedures, or anything else, our office staff and I are always here to support you.
Thank you for trusting us with your children. It is a privilege to partner with your family, and I look forward to another year of learning, growth, and celebrating the many successes of our students. Together, I know we'll make this a wonderful year for our children.
Welcome to another amazing school year!
Warmly,
Lynette Bowen
Principal
