Fallbrook native Lily Perez now runs Live Oak Elementary

Joy illuminates Lily Perez’ face when she talks about her love of kids. For this new principal of Live Oak Elementary School, her job is a natural extension of that affection, for she now oversees the education of 773 students – 14 more than expected transferred from St. Peter’s, St. Stephen and Zion.

To hear her tell it, she loves them all. Before taking this job in August, she served as assistant principal under Tom Rhine, who moved on to Iowa Street School. Prior to that, she was a lead teacher at Maie Ellis, so Perez has been involved in these students’ lives almost as long as they have been in school.

Except for six months teaching in Chula Vista, she has been part of the Fallbrook school system since she became a teacher at age 22; she’s been here ever since. “I was hired on the spot when I applied,” she says, enthusiastic about the opportunity to pursue her career in her hometown.

Teaching in Fallbrook is a natural extension of her affection for the community. She was born and raised here. For years her dad’s business, Roger’s Barbershop, was a thriving fixture in town.

Although Perez is comfortable with the staff and surroundings at Live Oak, she bubbles with excitement as she describes new programs for children this year. The school is restoring its arts program, in part with the help of the PTA.

“Spotlight on Music” teaches children to dance. It’s a program that involves music specialists and teachers who alternate each week instructing students in simple choreography that combines exercise and music. The teachers learn the techniques from the music specialists; therefore, implementing the program is seamless.

At Live Oak music is important. Students also participate in the band program taught by Mr. Kirby, who also teaches at La Paloma and Potter Junior High, and choral music taught by Mrs. Munoz.

The PTA brought to students the art program “Abrakadoodle,” which combines art elements with students’ social sciences studies. Each art project is aligned with a lesson, says Perez. For example, if a class is studying the rainforest in Ecuador they might create bird collages, or a study of Greece might result in sculpting Grecian urns.

In addition to these two programs that benefit all students, those enrolled in the GATE program will be offered after-school classes in Spanish and Oral Language Skills.

Finally, and maybe most important for its future impact, all students will participate in “AVID Elementary,” a program that teaches organizational skills along with lessons. The program includes learning how to take notes and maintaining lesson planners in which students keep track of their homework due dates and upcoming tests.

AVID Elementary is a student/teacher/parent collaborative learning method that requires parental participation for its success. “We are the first district in the state to do this,” Perez says.

The AVID program has been highly successful at the high school level, reaching students with potential who may not otherwise prevail.

Lily Perez beams after explaining the upcoming opportunities for her students. “It’s a lot like school was when I grew up,” she says. “It’s just the best!”