Meet the Assistant Principal

Dear Stallion Families,

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer filled with rest, joy, and special moments with those you love. As we prepare to begin another exciting school year, I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am to be part of the Chestnut family and how excited I am for what lies ahead.

This year holds special meaning for me as I begin my fifth year serving as Assistant Principal at Chestnut Elementary School for Science and Engineering. It is hard to believe how quickly time has passed. Chestnut has always held a special place in my heart because it is where my educational journey in Florida began. Years ago, I walked through these doors as a Math and Science teacher, eager to make a difference in the lives of students. Since then, I have had the privilege of serving this community in different roles, and each experience has strengthened my connection to this incredible school.

Because of that history, Chestnut feels like home.

As we launch the 2026-2027 school year, I am especially excited about our theme: "We Are on A Mission to Excellence!"

This theme is more than a slogan; it is a mindset. It reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and our belief that excellence is achieved through consistent effort. One concept that truly resonates with me is the idea of being a One Percenter. If each of us commits to becoming just 1% better every day, those small improvements compound over time and lead to extraordinary growth. Whether we are students, teachers, staff members, or families, we all have opportunities to learn, improve, and take one step closer to excellence each day.

As a school, we have much to celebrate. Through hard work, dedication, and teamwork, we have made tremendous progress. Yet our mission continues. This year, we are focused on taking the next step in our journey as we work together to move Chestnut to an A school. While earning an A is certainly an important goal, what excites me most is the work that will get us there, the collaboration, commitment, perseverance, and belief in one another that will make it possible.

I have complete confidence in our students, staff, and families. I know what this community is capable of accomplishing when we unite around a common purpose. Together, we will embrace challenges, celebrate growth, and remain focused on providing every student with the opportunities they need to thrive.

The mission is clear. The excitement is real. And our crew is ready.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I am honored to continue this journey alongside each of you and look forward to an incredible year filled with growth, achievement, and Stallion pride.

One Crew. One Mission. One A.

With gratitude and Stallion Pride,

Michelli Morales Reyes, M.Ed.
Assistant Principal
Chestnut Elementary School for Science and Engineering