Welcome Maple Mustangs!  It is an absolute privilege to begin serving this amazing community.  As I begin my 27th year in education, I am thrilled to take on this new role as your principal and consider it an honor!

          I believe in the power of teamwork and it is my desire to partner with you throughout the year. The Maple family is genuinely committed to your student’s educational journey and so am I.  It is my hope that the teamwork of parents, teachers, and the community will continue to foster our students' emotional and academic growth. I will strive to lead and encourage our students to do their best and be their very best.   

          A little about me… I am a mom to three great adult kids who are 22, 20, and 20.  My son lives on his own and is in the IT world and my twin daughters are students at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. I did manage to get them all home at the same time this summer, and I included a picture of our beach trip.  I began my career in 1996 teaching second grade at Rockford School in Porterville.  I moved to Bakersfield and continued to teach second grade in McFarland.  I moved to the Fruitvale School District, where I taught fourth and fifth grade for many years.  After having children, I stayed at home for a bit and then returned to teaching middle school for BCSD.  I later joined my own children in the Norris School District where I taught fifth and sixth grade for seven years.  Here I was a mentor teacher, enjoyed running ASB, served on a variety of curriculum committees, and caught the dream of becoming an administrator!  In 2021, I joined the Standard Middle School staff as a vice principal.  I have enjoyed my two years at SMS and am thankful for everything I have learned.

          I am delighted to join the Maple Mustang community and work alongside such a dedicated and committed staff.  My door is always open and I look forward to an outstanding school year!

Respectfully,

Mrs. Herstad

cherstad@mapleschool.org