Mrs. Martinez, McClatchy’s new Vice Principal, has had an adventurous life leading up to her current position at McClatchy. She was born in Japan, where she lived for a year, then moved to America and was raised in Georgia, North Carolina. She also lived in Mexico for a few years, then came to Sacramento in the 80s and was surprised by how much she liked it here. One thing that shocked her about Sacramento was how short our street names are, commenting, “An L? What’s an L Street?”
Mrs. Martinez has attended numerous colleges, from Georgia State University to the University of Valencia in Spain, even a university in Mexico. She also takes math classes at Sacramento City College whenever she can. Mrs. Martinez stated that she always has been good at math, but didn’t realize her full potential because she had a different way of solving problems and seeing things than others. She expanded that issue to students saying, “People have their own set of problem solving skills, and when we sort of cut them off from their own skills, by telling them that it’s not the right way just because it’s a different way, then we cut off their learning access.” On the issue of education and change at McClatchy, she said she wants students to challenge themselves and persevere, whether it’s in a class or on a sports team. “If it’s hard, it’s good,” Mrs. Martinez says, “it’s not something to be afraid of.”
Mrs. Martinez has a deep respect for the culture at McClatchy, and how authentically welcoming we are. She is in awe of the diverse array of students at the school, coming from all different kinds of backgrounds, speaking different languages, and with many different aspirations. She thinks McClatchy embodies the perfect high school experience. Mrs. Martinez hopes that everyone will find his or her calling at our school. She is most excited to get to know more students by name, go to school events, be in classrooms, and work with students to make the most of their high school experience.
One more fun fact about Mrs. Martinez: her favorite things to do in her free time are ride horses and surf.