Principal

Dear Litel Parents and Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! As I begin my second year as Principal of Gerald F. Litel Elementary School, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Last year, I had the privilege of getting to know our amazing students, dedicated staff, supportive families, and community members. The kindness, commitment, and school pride that make Litel such a special place were evident from my very first day, and I am honored to continue serving this wonderful school community. 

This year marks my 29th year in the Chino Valley Unified School District. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and each role has strengthened my belief that strong relationships between home and school are essential to student success. I remain committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, challenged, and supported as they learn and grow.

As many of you know, I love being an educator and school leader. Helping students discover their strengths, celebrating their accomplishments, and partnering with families are among the most rewarding parts of my work. I continue to be passionate about literacy and can often be found sharing books and encouraging a love of reading with our students.

For those who may not know me well, I'd like to share a few personal details. I am the proud mother of three adult children and a very grateful grandmother. My family recently welcomed a second granddaughter, and I treasure every opportunity to spend time with them. When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading, hiking, walking, visiting the beach, and spending time with my beloved dog, Finn. 

As we begin this new school year, I look forward to building on the successes of last year and creating even more opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we can ensure that every child has an exceptional educational experience at Litel Elementary.

I look forward to seeing you at our Meet the Teacher event and throughout the school year. Let's make 2026-2027 a year filled with learning, growth, connection, and success!

Warmest Regards,

Samantha Han