DPWC Hosts RH Dana Principal at "Boo-tiful" October Meeting

Dana Point Woman’s Club (DPWC) members donned their Halloween fashions to enjoy a boo-tiful luncheon and general meeting held October 13th at Community House in Dana Point. Featured speaker, Kristen Nelson, Principal of RH Dana Elementary engaged members with a very interesting PowerPoint presentation on the many recent successes enjoyed by the local campus.

Enrollment has almost doubled to 295 student under Principal Nelson’s leadership, and the student body is thriving. RH Dana Elementary has served as a neighborhood school with a beautiful view since 1966. While the school has always had a science focus, today’s curriculum emphasizes environmental science, and Principal Nelson is working with Dana Hills High School to provide a comprehensive K through 12 marine biology program. The school now offers a popular dual language immersion program, and school demographics have transitioned to 58% hispanic and 42% non-hispanic students, with a wait list for the language immersion program. Like its namesake and founder of Dana Point, Richard Henry Dana, the school emphasizes social consciousness, environmental sensitivity and a global perspective. Elementary students share the campus with an exceptional needs facility, and educationally challenged students visit the campus daily during lunch and recess. RH Dana requires mandatory uniforms to “send a message of academic seriousness and promote safety and friendship” according to Ms. Nelson.

Principal Nelson emphasized her appreciation for community partners like DPWC, and thanked members for their recent donation of over 250 books to enrich the school library and classrooms. Jill Moreno Ikari, President of the “reimagined” Booster Club emphasized the importance of community support for the school and its students.

Also in attendance was Sandy Tessier, President of the Orange District, California Federation of Women’s Clubs, who provided a brief presentation on District activities.

Members enjoyed a delicious lunch, raffles and pumpkin centerpieces - presented to members with the closest birthdays to Halloween. For more information on Dana Point Woman’s Club, contact DPWC via email or website.