Dear Students and Families,

I am thrilled to have the honor of serving as your Principal. For those of you new to the Triton family I would like to welcome you to our school and take a moment to introduce myself, let you know what is important to me and what I will need from you.

I have been an educational leader for more than 20 years. My quick life story is that I grew up in Ventura, California. I went to college at the University of Southern California on an ROTC Scholarship. Upon graduation, I was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. As a young 22 year old I faced my first great challenge in the Gulf War.  After serving my country for five years, I decided that I did not want to make the Marine Corps my life’s total focus. I did, however, want to have a career that was centered on teamwork, trust and mutual accountability. I am passionate about learning and have always enjoyed studying people who overcame adversities and achieved great things. I went back to school to become a history teacher and was able to stay active in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.

I loved teaching, but I have to admit, it was the hardest job I ever had.  I have taught in large urban schools and in a small school on a tiny little island. I have been successful throughout my career because I always put students first. Students had my respect the moment that they entered my classroom. Building positive relationships with students enabled me to become an effective administrator. While sometimes I have to make difficult decisions, I rarely make them in isolation; students, parents and teachers always know that I have their best interests in mind.

Before coming to San Clemente I was a principal for nine years in Massachusetts. Working closely with students, teachers and parents, we helped make our school one of the highest ranked schools in the state.

Working closely with the San Clemente High School staff and student leaders we have done an outstanding job of building on the strengths of our school. San Clemente has an inclusive and vibrant school culture that allows every student to excel to their full potential. More than 70% of our student body is actively engaged in our award winning sports, music, arts, and dance programs. Additionally, we have nearly 80 student lead clubs that allow every Triton to pursue their true passions and make new friends. Our academic focus on curriculum instruction has lead to our school being recognized by US News and World Report as one of America’s Top High Schools 10 years in a row.

As your principal I will set and model high expectations for the quality of content, effort, and student work school wide. I strongly believe that learning must be active, relevant, and varied. I know that students will work hard to reach our shared goals when our guidelines and expectations are clear and when they know how much we care.

Mr. Halt