Dear Garrison-Jones Family,

It is my honor and pleasure to continue serving as the principal of Garrison-Jones Elementary School. Professionally, I have been in education for over 20 years.  During that time, I have served as a bilingual program teacher, literacy specialist, professional development coordinator, assistant principal, principal, and director of teaching and learning.  I am passionate about leading through a lens of equity that puts students at the center of all our decisions as a school community.  I hold a Masters in Educational Leadership, Masters in Literacy Education, an endorsement in English as a Second Language, and pride myself on being a lifelong learner. 

Along with the staff, students, and community partnerships, I will work hard to continue the legacy of the success of the school by building strong relationships, ensuring all students have equal opportunity and access to engaging and rigorous learning, striving for academic excellence, and having fun along the way. 

Our school is proud to be a nationally recognized Magnet School of Distinction, recognized by Magnet Schools of America, for our Dual Language Immersion Program.  Garrison Jones Dual Language Immersion Program’s goals and objectives focus on bilingualism, biliteracy, global awareness, and cognitive gains. We want our students to be orally proficient in two languages; to read and write in two languages; to raise global awareness, empathy, appreciation; and to increase their mental flexibility, engagement, and academic performance.  

It is an honor to be a part of the Garrison-Jones school community, where we are always #growinggreatness.  Please know my door is always open.  I can be reached by email tapiaj@pcsb.org or by phone at (727) 469-5716. 

Your fellow Pioneer,

Jen Tapia, Principal