Principal's Message
Dear Herrera Families and Students,
Welcome to Olivia Nieto Herrera Elementary School! My name is Ms. Allison Kargas and I’m thrilled to be the Principal here at Herrera Elementary. I started out as Herrera’s Assistant Principal in 2021 and transitioned to the Principalship in the 22-23 school year. I was previously the Principal at St. Anthony Elementary School in Downtown Long Beach, and before that I was a teacher in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. I love working with the Herrera students, staff, and teachers, and there is a true family feeling that surrounds you the moment you step onto our campus. Many of our teachers have taught at Herrera for more than 15 years and some of them even attended Herrera as students when it was formerly Lee Elementary! Herrera teachers and staff care about every single student and we want each child to feel safe and respected when they are at school.
I am passionate about excellence and equity in education and I firmly believe in developing the unique gifts and talents of each individual student. We have many new and exciting opportunities at Herrera including expanded after school programming, increased access to the arts, and a renewed emphasis on quality core instruction. Some of our signature programs at Herrera include STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) studies for all students K-5, our Ground Ed garden program, 2nd Grade swim lessons with the YMCA, and the EXHALT performing arts program. It’s a very exciting time to be a Husky Scholar!
Families and caregivers are vital participants in your child’s academic success and we encourage you to join PTO, attend the School Site Council meetings, and get involved. Please make sure your email and telephone numbers are up to date in Parent Vue so that you always have access to the most current information. We can’t wait to see you at our community activities and we are so excited to have you join our Herrera Husky Family.
Goooooooo Huskies!
Your Principal,
Ms. Allison Kargas
Proud Principal
Nieto Herrera Elementary