Dear Mark Twain Elementary Community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am excited and honored to introduce myself as the new principal of Mark Twain Elementary. It is both a privilege and a joy to join a community that values every teacher, every leader, and every child\u2014every day\u2014and that strives for excellence while ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and cared for as part of our school family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m eager to work alongside a team of educators, staff, families, and community members to support our students and help them reach their fullest potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hold a bachelor\u2019s degree in education with a major in biology and a master\u2019s in educational leadership and policy studies. My commitment to lifelong learning has also led me to pursue doctoral studies at Southern Methodist University, where I am working on my dissertation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My passion for education began over twenty years ago in Puerto Rico, where I started my career teaching high school biology. Fifteen years ago, I moved to Dallas and have since served in various roles\u2014including teacher, instructional coach, curriculum writer, and, most recently, assistant principal at a bilingual campus for the past seven years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Nelson Mandela once said, \u201cEducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.\u201d <\/em>I truly believe that students are the heart of everything we do\u2014they are our “why.” I am committed to growing alongside our kids and staff, dreaming big, and creating a learning environment full of endless possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Richardson ISD has always felt like a home away from home. Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I have three children who inspire me every day: my son, who works as a teacher assistant in RISD; my eight-year-old, who attends Carolyn Bukhair Elementary; and my daughter, a high school senior who recently earned a scholarship to compete in collegiate wrestling. As a family, we love cooking, dancing, attending wrestling tournaments, and hiking together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I look forward to getting to know each of you and partnering with our families and community to continue making a positive impact. My door is always open, and I value your voice. I am here to serve you and our students every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, we will make Mark Twain Elementary a school that cultivates, inspires, and empowers individuals to thrive, honoring our traditions and building a lasting legacy for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warmly, <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mercy Nazario Cruz<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Please read the message from the new 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