Michael G. Wickman Elementary

Dear Wickman Families,

I hope your summer was filled with rest, joy, and quality time with loved ones. We are thrilled to welcome both returning and new families to the Wickman community. Wickman is a truly special place where students are at the heart of everything we do.

At Wickman, we are fortunate to have a highly involved and supportive community. Together, families, staff, and students, create an environment where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow both academically and personally.

Our dedicated team of highly qualified teachers and support staff go above and beyond to ensure our students thrive. This past year, Wickman was proudly recognized as a 2024 Honor Roll School, and earned Platinum Recognition for its work in Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our commitment to supporting and ensuring every child learns grade level essential standards has earned us the distinction of being named a Professional Learning Community (PLC) Model School.

It’s important for you to know that every decision made is grounded in what is best for our students. Our students’ overall well-being and success in learning always guide our work.

When we all work together, we strengthen the foundation of safety, trust, and excellence that makes Wickman such an incredible place to learn.

Let’s make this school year one filled with growth, connection, and joy. I look forward to partnering with you and watching our students shine.

With Gratitude,

Emily Lao

Principal, Wickman Elementary School

Dear Wildcats,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! My name is Nadine Smith, and I am both honored and humbled to serve as your new Assistant Principal here at Michael G. Wickman Elementary School. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and dynamic community, and I am eager to begin working alongside our students, staff, and families. As a proud alumni of the Chino Valley Unified School District, I look forward to continue serving the community that served and molded me into the educator and lifelong learner that I am today.

As we embark on this new school year, it is my mission to lead with respect, compassion, and commitment to keeping our students safe and learning at high quality levels. We all have a role in growing the “whole child”, and I look forward to collaborating with every educational partner to ensure each child’s academic success and growth. It is incredibly important to me to create and maintain a school environment where students feel valued, heard, supported, and challenged to grow in a variety of different ways, both academically and personally.

As a parent myself, I can greatly appreciate the trust and confidence that parents place in schools to love their child as much as they do, and I extend my gratitude in advance for entrusting Wickman Elementary with your most precious possessions. I look forward to meeting and collaborating with each of you throughout the school year.

Warmest Regards,

Nadine E. Smith, M.Ed